He caught her by the waist before she could retreat, his hands settling gently against her back. ‘I don’t think you’re insane,’ he said quietly. ‘I think you’re a warm, affectionate person with a lot of love in your heart. And if sometimes that needs a physical outlet, there’s nothing wrong with that.’
‘You really think that?’ Her voice was small, uncertain.
‘Yes,’ he whispered. ‘I do. I really do. And I… I want this too.’
Her lips parted in a nervous smile. ‘And we’re doing this just as friends.’
‘Yeah, nothing fake,’ he murmured. ‘We’ll just be friends who—’
‘Fuck,’ she said with a giggle.
He huffed out a laugh, brushing his thumb along her cheek. ‘You’re definitely not a sweary person.’
‘Just wait until we get between the sheets.’
His heart thudded hard. ‘I’m not sure I can.’
‘Me neither.’
She rose onto her toes, and he bent without thinking. Their lips met softly at first, tentative, almost unsure. But within seconds, the restraint broke. The kiss deepened, slow and hungry, stealing his breath. Her hands slid up, fingers curling against his jaw, and everything else – the chill, the dark, the whole world – fell away.
They broke apart, breathless, both laughing softly.
‘We’re actually doing this,’ Clara whispered, her forehead resting against his.
‘Absolutely,’ Sam said. ‘And I can’t remember the last time something felt this fun.’
She took his hand, their fingers lacing together, and they started up the track. The air was cool, the sky dusky purple. Every few steps, one of them stopped just long enough for another kiss until a laugh broke through.
When they reached the cottage door, they were both breathless again, caught somewhere between laughter and wonder. Sam fumbled for the key, his fingers shaking as Clara leaned against him, her head tipped back, smiling.
The door swung open with a soft creak. For a heartbeat, they stood just inside, neither speaking nor bothering to put on the light. Then Clara reached up, sliding her hands over his shoulders, and he dipped his head until their lips met again – slower this time, deeper.
By the time they got into the bedroom, most of their clothes had been discarded somewhere on the way. Sam climbed onto the bed, holding his breath as Clara straddled him. How beautiful was she? Even in the dark, he could see enough. Hecoiled his arms around her waist and pulled her back to him, holding her tightly and returning her kiss with interest. The sound that escaped her as he did so sent lust pummelling to his groin. She was so hot for this she had him pinned beneath her like she meant business. If he wanted, he could easily move her; she was so slight. But the position was very pleasurable, so he stayed put. All he wanted was to keep kissing her.
She seemed to want the same, and they kissed long and deep for some time. Their hands moved over each other, but not yet reaching for anywhere too intimate, though the feel of her naked body in his arms was driving him crazy.
‘You have amazing lips.’ Clara pulled back to breathe, tracing her fingertip over his mouth. ‘So beautiful and expert.’
‘You think?’
Her hair fell forward as she leaned over him, and he reached up and tucked a strand of it behind her ear.
‘I really do. I love the way your beard tickles me. It’s so hot. And I love what you’re doing with your lips and where you’re putting them.’
‘I’ll put them anywhere you like.’ His voice was always a little raspy, but now it was so hoarse and low he wasn’t sure she’d heard him.
‘Anywhere? I can think of a few choice places.’
‘Then let me.’ He shifted under her, taking hold of her and flipping her over so she was on her back, laid bare, and so perfect. He moved on top of her. ‘And you’re sure you want this?’
‘Very sure.’
She trailed her fingertips over his abs down to the waistband of his boxer briefs – the only clothes he’d left on. ‘Wait.’ He covered her wandering hands with one of his own to prevent her from pulling down his briefs. With his other hand, he cupped her face, dipping in to kiss her softly. She sighed into the kiss,breaking her hands free and reaching up to cling around his neck.
‘Come here.’ He drew her close, and her nipples rubbed against his skin. He stroked along her sides, and down her back, his fingers tracing her waist, feeling her soft skin against the rough hairs on his chest. His slightly hesitant fingers swept further down to her backside, and she ground against him as if he had pulled her in with groping hands.
She broke their kiss with a gasp, breathing, ‘Please, Sam,’ against his lips, reaching once more to remove his briefs. This time, he let her tug them down, then shuffled around to kick them off. Before he could return to her, she shifted, so she was sitting on the edge of the bed, and she ran her hand up his thigh, perilously close to touching him where she really couldn’t. Not yet. If she put her hands on him now, he wasn’t sure what might happen. If she used her mouth, it would be all over. The thought thrilled and terrified him in equal measure.
