‘You’re going first on this one,’ Matthew deflected.
Sarah propped herself up on her knees and let out a pensive exhale. ‘I would have to say it’s a combination of two things. The first, when my partner’s hands are all over me. Insatiable. Passionate. Touching, caressing, teasing. Pulling at my clothes. There’s nothing sexier than feeling desired, right?’ Matthew audibly swallowed. ‘And second . . .’ She took a moment to choose her words carefully. ‘Well, it’s not so much a dothisto mything,kind of situation, but when he steals passionate kisses. Spontaneous and in the moment. Hot. Frantic. Hands everywhere. Lips grazing. It’s about connection and passion.’ Her gaze returned to Matthew next to her on the drop sheet.
He wore a dishevelled mix of arousal and surprise. ‘Christ. I’m learning lots here,’ he panted. ‘This is a crash-course in giving female pleasureandhow to have sex with you.’
She threw her hands in the air. ‘That’s the point, though! Did you want me to lie?’
‘No, no. Ok, hands, kisses. Got it,’ he said, trying to regain his composure.
‘Ok. Your turn.’
‘Do I have to give you two as well?’
‘Well, it’s only fair.’
Matthew gave her a playful glare of disapproval. He sucked in a short breath to refocus his attention, but nervous laughter was all that he could muster. ‘I . . . I can’t look at you for this.’
‘You’re a lawyer andthisis your poker face?’
‘In my defence, I haven’t ever had to stand there and outline my sexual preferences before the Board of Trustees of a huge multinational corporation.’
‘Ok, I’ll pay that one. I’ll just turn around so you don’t have to look at me.’ She pivoted to face the olive trees. ‘Ok. Go.’
‘I’ll be a gentleman and give you two, in keeping with the quality control and equity standards I’m sure Dr Stefania would have me uphold.’ Sarah laughed, and Matthew snapped his eyes shut, delivering his examples through a wince. ‘I love it when my partner runs her fingers down my back during sex. Nails too. Not too rough, just . . . carnal. It’s so sexy. And the second . . . inthe moment, when it’s all . . .happening, I like to watch her.’ He dropped his shoulders and shook his head. ‘God that sounds so creepy, but I really enjoy watching her experience the moment. I like to know she’s enjoyed herself.’
‘You mean, when she’s having an orgasm?’
Matthew nodded. ‘Yes.’
Sarah exhaled. ‘Did it just get really hot out here?’ She tugged at her top.
‘Feels it.’ He opened his eyes and took a mouthful of prosecco. ‘There’s every chance the wine’s not helping either,’ he added, passing her the bottle.
‘Should we finish our dinner before we continue?’
‘Great idea.’
Sarah opened her box and withdrew a slice. With a now practised hand, she folded it and took a bite.
‘Brava.’
‘I have a great teacher.’
‘Nah. Mine’s better.’ He gestured to the cards lying between them. ‘Thank you, Sarah, for everything. I’m sorry again about today’s eruption.’
‘You’re ok.’ She reached out and caressed his arm. From behind her slice she dared to ask, ‘So, where did we land on the penis length stats?’
‘Not a chance in Dante’s hell.’
sedici
After many long weeks of intense physical labour, Matthew and Sarah decided to get an early night, sending Petunia, the men and Angelo home early. They relished the stillness of the building, in contrast to the chaos, noise and constant commotion of the past weeks.
Then there was the privacy.
It was the first time since Petunia’s arrival that they had committed themselves to bed before midnight; eight o’clock felt like a complete luxury.
A freshly showered Matthew winced as he joined Sarah in bed. He rolled his right shoulder and felt a pinch which had bothered him since the morning.
