He seemed to hold his breath as she rolled on the condom, then he shifted himself over her, stroking back her hair. ‘Me on top this time, huh? Girl’s got the range.’
She let out a laugh. ‘Watch it, or it’ll be you on your back.’
He positioned himself above her, his eyes locked with hers as he slowly entered her. Clara gasped, her body arching to meet him. They paused for a moment, savouring the connection, before he began to move. His thrusts were gentle yet firm, each one sending pulses of energy through her body.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. Their lips met in a hot kiss, muffling their shared moans. His hand caressed her face, then trailed down her neck and over her breast, his thumb circling her nipple.
‘Sam,’ Clara breathed, her nails digging into his shoulders. ‘Oh, Sam…’
He quickened his pace slightly, seemingly encouraged by her reactions. She met each thrust with a moan.
Sam slipped a hand between their bodies, his fingers finding exactly the place she needed him. She cried out at the added stimulation, her entire body trembling.
The tension built within Clara, a coiling heat that threatened to consume her. Sam’s movements became more erratic, his breathing more laboured. Their eyes met, a wordless communication passing between them.
With a final, deep thrust, Clara’s body arched off the bed. A current of electricity coursed through her, and she shuddered at the overwhelming pleasure. Sam buried his face in her neck, groaning her name as he found his own release.
They held each other tightly as they came down from their shared high, bodies trembling and hearts pounding. He pressed soft kisses on her face and neck. She ran her fingers through his hair, struggling to comprehend the intensity of their connection.
After they’d cleaned up, she lay awake in Sam’s arms, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. His chest rose and fell against her skin.
‘Sleep tight.’ His words landed close to her ear, and she curled into him.
‘You too, my lovely.’ Her fingers absently stroked his chest. The strength of his arms around her was comforting, anchoring her in this moment that seemed to exist outside of time.
She thought back to their day at Winterbury Abbey, replaying the moments in her mind like a well-loved film. Such a beautifulday, and what a way to end it. It all seemed to fit together like pieces of a puzzle she hadn’t even known she was trying to solve.
Clara had grown so used to her independence, had learned to find contentment in her solitary life. But now she couldn’t help imagining a future with Sam. Her dreams of a life with Kerr had come to nothing. He was younger than her – someone who possibly wanted kids. But Sam already had a family. Maybe her situation wouldn’t be a big deal for him. Of course, there was the possibility of him moving away, but if she loved him enough, couldn’t she go too?
Or was she jumping too far ahead, too fast?
Maybe she should forget all that and just enjoy what they had as friends – with a sprinkling of benefits – and none of them fake.
As the first light of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, Clara and Sam reluctantly untangled themselves from each other’s arms. They packed the last of their belongings and tidied up. Clara stole glances at Sam every now and then. He seemed quiet but not in a huffy way. More like he was a little tired. She couldn’t blame him. Her body and soul wanted to be back in bed, still cuddled up.
They loaded their bags into Sam’s car as the surrounding countryside was coming to life, birds chirping joyful spring songs and dew glistening on the grass.
As they set off on the long drive home, a powerful concoction of emotions swirled inside her. The anticipation of seeing Skye again made her heart leap, but a bittersweet sadness tempered it. She’d miss Moira and Sam’s family. She’d even miss Sam.Of course, she’d see him again, but it wouldn’t be the same as having him with her all day and all night.
Eventually, they reached the motorway and joined what seemed like an endless queue of cars, lorries, coaches, and vans.
‘I can’t wait to see Skye,’ Clara said. ‘Though my sister messaged me to say that Molly – my niece – just loves having her around.’
‘I’m sure Skye will be over the moon to see you, even if she’s having the time of her life.’
Clara smiled at the image, then turned to Sam, studying his profile as he focused on the road. ‘What about you? Are you missing your boys?’
Sam’s head twitched a little, like he was trying to knock off a fly or something. ‘Yeah, I am. It’ll be good to see them again. They’re with me all next week.’
Clara wasn’t sure why, but she thought that a strange look passed over his face. What was it? But then it was gone, replaced by his usual warm smile.
‘Is everything ok?’ she asked.
He glanced at her for a fraction of a second, then nodded. ‘Just thinking about getting back to reality.’
‘But we’ll still see each other, right?’ Did she sound ridiculously panicky?
‘Absolutely. I’ll miss seeing my fake date.’ He shifted his hand over hers and held it for a moment, holding his other firmly on the wheel. ‘And whatever happens, we’ll always be friends.’
