‘It is, I suppose, as universities go.’
Cassie didn’t want the day to end, but dusk was setting in as they approached the Inn at Lilacwell.
It had been magical spending time with Rory, but now a sad, empty sensation overcame her. He was going back to London in the morning. Then what? Tears stung her eyes and she bit her bottom lip in an attempt to stay composed. Rory sensed the shift in mood. He too was feeling low. He didn’t want to leave her, especially given the experience she’d had with that dickhead Justin. After several minutes silence, he spoke.
‘Listen, Cassie, I’ll be back. I just need to concentrate on work at the moment.’ He winced, regretting his choice of words, however true.
‘I know,’ she replied quietly.
‘Once this business with the protesters is over, I’ll have more time—’ he stopped, cursing himself. He swallowed, then tried again, ‘What I mean is, I don’t want to distance myself.’
Cassie smiled weakly; well, he wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know, was he?
‘I don’t want you at a distance, Rory.’ She saw him grip the steering wheel.
‘Cassie, I’m going to make us work,’ he stated with force, ‘whatever it takes.’ His jaw was set in determination.
And there it was; the promise she so wanted to believe. But could she?
Rory and Cassie entered the Inn hand in hand, causing a few raised eyebrows from a number of staff who’d seen them. Cassie was beyond caring. She went directly to the bar and ordered drinks, then they both sat at the table which Rory had reserved. Although they wanted to be together, there was a slight tension which was only natural given the circumstances. Both felt the same, they simply didn’t want to part. Waves of misery kept surfacing, threatening to break the time they had left.
‘Feels like the last supper,’ Cassie attempted to lighten the atmosphere. It didn’t.
‘Don’t say that, Cass.’ Rory rubbed his eyes, emotionally drained.
‘Are you hungry?’ she asked.
‘Not really.’
‘Come on then, let’s go up to my room. I can order sandwiches later.’
Once sat down on the settee, they automatically cuddled up together. ‘I’ll miss this,’ she whispered.
‘It’s only for a short while.’ His voice was thick. He kissed the top of her head.
‘Promise?’ her voice cracked.
‘Oh, Cassie.’ He nudged her to face him. ‘I meant what I said. I’m going to make this work.’
‘But how?’ she croaked, tears on the verge of spilling. He inhaled a shaky sigh.
‘Just trust me, Cass.’ Her eyes searched his face, questioning him, but he gave nothing away. He reached under her chin and gently brought her face closer to his, then kissed her tenderly. She wrapped her arms round him tighter, wanting the warmth of his body against hers. They knew where this was inevitably leading, moving to her bed as one, both frantically undressing, each hungry for the other. Cassie stared at his broad chest, flat stomach and muscular thighs. His eyes blazed with passion, desperate to touch her smooth skin, dusted with freckles. He yearned to kiss every single one and taste her. Their mouths met in a frenzy, urgently kissing, as they explored one another’s bodies. Cassie became aware of a faint buzzing sound in the background.
‘W… what’s that?’ she gasped.
‘Ignore it,’ he grunted, as his tongue flicked her earlobe, sending her body into a jolt. The noise wouldn’t stop. Rory lifted his head and looked to the floor, where his phone had fallen out of his jeans pocket. It lay there lit up, buzzing furiously. He saw the caller. Shit. He stopped still. Cassie opened her eyes to see him reach out to pick it up. ‘Sorry, Cassie.’ He looked at her, full of regret, then answered. ‘Yes?’ His face dropped. ‘When?’ He closed his eyes. ‘I’m on my way. Say nothing to the press. Absolutely nothing. Bye.’
Cassie stared. ‘What’s happened?’
‘The tunnel’s collapsed. One of the activists has been taken to hospital.’
‘Oh no!’ she cried. ‘What about the others?’
‘They escaped in time. Heavy rainfall caused it.’ He ran his hands through his hair. ‘I… I’ve got to go, Cass.’ He started to get dressed.
‘Of course,’ she quickly got up and reached for her clothes. She saw how pale his face was and started to panic. ‘Rory, please drive safely, won’t you?’
‘Yeah, I’ll pack, then set off.’ He made for his room and Cassie soon followed. He quickly shoved all his clothes and toiletries into his suitcase, all the time his mind was whirling. He knew what lay ahead of him in London and was trying to keep calm. Now more than ever he needed a clear head. He zipped up the case and picked it up off the bed. ‘Right, I’m going, Cassie.’
