‘I appreciate the apology and I’m sorry too.’ He reached across and took her hand. ‘I’m not used to someone telling me exactly how it is.’
‘I can be a little bossy sometimes. Maybe I need to work on that.’
‘Alittlebossy?’
Verity playfully swiped him before standing up and wandering back to the van. She soon returned holding a blanket. ‘It’s getting a little chilly.’ Moving her chair closer to his, she laid the blanket across both of them. She felt a tiny thrill when Sam unexpectedly slipped his hand under the blanket and rested it on her knee. He stretched out, his legs brushing against hers, and she felt a flush of warmth. Verity had never been swept off her feet before, but this was beginning to feel like the start of something significant.
They stared at each other in a contemplative silence, both smiling, until he leaned forward and hooked a stray strand of hair behind her ear like it was the most natural thing in the world. She knew the connection between them was strong in this moment and she took the chance to ask a question that had been bugging her.
‘Just remind me again why you’re choosing the single life? I saw everyone falling all over you in the pub. You could have your pick of any of those girls.’
‘I just don’t think you need to be in a relationship to be happy. I live in each moment, just like now, and enjoy things for what they are. Are you feeling happy now?’
‘Yes.’
‘That’s my point. The beginning of the night wasn’t the best but sitting here with you, I’m happy. What more do I need than that?’
Ava had said the same thing to her in the past.Just enjoy the time you spend with someone without wondering what it will turn into or whether you’ll see them again.But Verity had never experienced such a carefree life before. Every time she found someone attractive, she knew where she stood right from the beginning and the other person always wanted what she did. To her, just going with the flow had always been like wasting time.
But given that her previous relationships had never worked out, although each one had been mapped out in the hope that they would be happy ever after, maybe it was time to adopt a different approach and live in the moment.
‘And what is this?’
Sam looked at her. His gaze warmed her body all over, and anticipation of his answer ignited her hormones. She saw him swallow as lust pulsed through her veins. Their fingers were entwined. Sam studied her face, the gleam in his eyes telling her he liked her as much as she liked him.
He gave her a sultry smile and at last replied. ‘Two people enjoying each other’s company.’
His eyes didn’t leave hers. The intensity between them was increasing and Verity’s gaze dropped to his lips.
‘What if the right girl came along and changed everything?’
Sam didn’t answer so Verity did what she had wanted to do since the moment she first saw him outside the greasy spoon – she kissed him. She was torn: she wasn’t sure that a one-night stand would be enough, but she wanted this moment with Sam all the same. She pulled away from the kiss slowly, but Sam cupped his hands around her face and pulled her back in.
His kiss was tender, leaving her wanting so much more, and Verity suddenly realised that if this was going with the flow then it didn’t feel too bad. Her whole body was electrified by his touch.
‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ she murmured.
‘Yes, you were,’ he whispered.
Risking another future broken heart, Verity stood up, taking both of his hands in hers and pulling him towards her. The moon shining on them was the perfect romantic backdrop and she was ready to take control.
‘I don’t want to overstep the mark,’ murmured Sam as Verity began slowly kissing him again.
‘I’m an adult, I know what I’m doing,’ she replied, her body alive to the thrill of never having done anything like this before. With her hands clasped around his neck, he put his hands around her waist, then slowly slid to her bare skin. His lips skimmed hers and then he deepened the kiss. Verity let out a small sigh as his tongue teased her, setting off every nerve ending in her body. Still kissing, they side-stepped to the van. Sliding the door open with her foot, she backed towards the bed.
‘It’s quite cosy in here.’
‘Isn’t it? Can I…say something?’
Sam stopped kissing her for a second and looked at her with adoration.
‘I’ve never had sex with a man who is wearing fluffy pink socks.’
‘Well, prepare yourself, because I’m keeping them on. It’s cold in here!’ He grinned foolishly at her.
She threw back her head and laughed as Sam lifted her off her feet, laid her down on the bed and lowered himself onto the mattress. Turning him on his back, Verity straddled him, all her worries about a future broken heart evaporating as her hands slid under his shirt. She gave a tiny groan as her hands traced the contours of his body. She began to unbutton his shirt slowly, already imagining the feel of his chest against her naked skin. Sam quickly whipped off the shirt as she lowered her lips to his chest and began kissing his body. Soon her hands were raking through his hair as he flipped her onto her back.
She gave another tiny gasp as Sam ran his fingers under her top then skimmed the waistband of her jeans, pulling her in close. She squirmed with pleasure as he raised her top, kissing her breasts through the soft fabric of her bra. With one swift move he unclasped it and lowered his mouth to her nipple. She shivered, her back arching as his kisses moved down her body, one hand still stroking her breast. He gently tugged at her jeans and without hesitation she wriggled out of them, leaving Sam skimming the top of her pants before she pressed herself against him, willing him to peel the knickers from her body.
