Taking the wine glass off her, he took her hands in his. ‘You haven’t. I don’t think you’ve got a glib bone in your body.’ He paused, his mouth working. ‘One of the things I talked about with my parents this morning is seeking out some counselling, therapy orsomething.So I can work through the stuff that’s followed me home.’
‘Sounds an excellent idea. Remember I said I don’t believe in bottling things up? Talking with someone properly qualified may make a huge difference. Some kind of psychotherapy, perhaps. CBT, maybe.’
‘Yes, perhaps.’ He stared down at their joined hands. ‘I don’t think my parents understood how much it’s all affected me. At Inigo’s christening party one of the waiters dropped a tray. It went off like a rocket. I thought itwasa rocket. Jumped afoot. Dad looked at me as if I was mad. I’ve also developed claustrophobia.’ He flicked her a glance. ‘Can’t bear small spaces. I can’t be in a room without knowing where the escape route is. Have a window or door open if I can. Queues get to me too and sometimes I can’t deal with crowds. Bit weird.’
‘Not weird at all,’ Callie replied robustly. ‘It all sounds a completely understandable response to the things I imagine you’ve been through. And it can be worked on. You were okay atTwelfth Night,though?’
He shrugged. ‘I can control it some of the time. It’s unpredictable. Being out in the open air helped then. Exhausts me though.’
‘It must do. But I think it’s a really positive thing, to have decided to seek help.’
‘Hope so. This morning I finally had a long talk with my parents, explained it all, or tried to.’
‘How did they react?’
‘Surprisingly well. Jess was there, supporting me. Mum even googled some therapists.’ A smile twitched. ‘Likes to do something, does Mum. Be practical. I thought they might see it as weakness but I think, if anything, it’s brought us closer.’
Johnny was still holding her hands. His vulnerability made him even more attractive.It’s not up to you to save him,she reminded herself but she couldn’t help it; she was falling for him, for the whole man and if that included his issues then so be it.
She lifted his hands to her mouth and kissed them tenderly. ‘I’m so pleased you’ve talked things through with your parents. Admitting your difficulties must have been hard but I’m glad it’s brought you closer to them. And I know your life has brought you all this pain, but it’s taken you to places I can only dream of. Think of the things you’ve achieved. You make me feel so ordinary in comparison. I mean, what have I done with my life?’
‘Don’t say that, Calliope,’ he replied urgently, looking deep into her eyes. ‘Don’t ever say that. You’ve done the most wonderful things. Your body has grown a child. You’ve raised that child on your own, become the best role model that little girl could have, built your career, kept a home going. You’re a hero.’
‘I’m no hero,’ she answered stoutly.
‘Oh yes you are. Calliope, muse of all poetry.’ Reaching in he kissed her lightly on the lips. ‘Calliope.’ Her name was uttered on a long breath. ‘Tell me if I’ve got the wrong impression here but there’s something happening between us, isn’t there?’
‘Not yet,’ she breathed, too affected by the feel of his firm mouth on hers, to answer coherently. It had been so long since anyone had kissed her like this. Every nerve and sense was aflame. She forgot she was a woman of a certain age whose only fitness regime was walking to work, she forgot the marks childbearing had left as a legacy on her body, the threads of silver emerging in her hair. All she could focus on was how good this felt and her decision of earlier; if Johnny made a move she’d go with it.
‘Not yet?’ He looked taken aback. ‘I’m so sorry, Ihavemisinterpreted this.’ Releasing their hands he held his up in apology. ‘I’m so sorry. So very sorry. I’ve overstepped the mark. Let’s call this a night and forget this ever happened.’
‘Don’t be sorry. I’m not.’ She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him nearer. Was she too out of practice for this? ‘I only meant nothing has happenedyet.’
‘But?’ His mouth hovered close again.
‘But I’d like it to.’ Pulling him in, she whispered, ‘I’d very much like it to,’ and kissed him hard.
He thrust a hand through her hair and pushed her back against the sofa. At the feel of his hard body against hers, at the weight of it over her, she let out a moan of arousal and stopped thinking altogether.
It was delicious. Kissing Johnny was delicious. His mouth tasted of red wine and desire. His body was taut and muscled and exciting. And his mouth, when it found her breasts was hot and demanding. An urgent beat set up inside. If she didn’t have him now, she’d explode. She guided his hand to between her legs, bucking against him.
‘Calliope,’ he murmured, the sound coming in short breaths. ‘God, you’re driving me wild.’ He fastened his mouth onto her neck, nipping and sucking. ‘Are you sure?’
In answer, she reached down and unfastened his belt. It fell away, an erotic slither of leather. She began unbuttoning his fly, the feel of him thrilled her beyond belief. She felt reinvented, a world away from her life as teacher and mother.
A shudder rippled through him. ‘I feel about fifteen again,’ he panted. ‘Heavy petting.’ It made her giggle and he joined in. Resting his forehead against hers, he said, ‘Shall we go upstairs? I mean, I’m very fond of a sofa but it might be more comfortable.’
Clasping his face between her hands she gazed into his vivid grey eyes, made hot with desire. ‘Yes.’ Then she pulled him in for another kiss and all thought of her comfortable king-size bed was forgotten.
Someone thumped on the front door. Vinny shot into the hall, his paws scrabbling and sliding on the tiles, and threw himself against the door, barking furiously.
‘What the f–?’ Johnny came up for air.
‘Leave it.’ She pulled him back. ‘Kiss me.’
The knocking came again, a fist against the door hammering impatiently. Vinny let loose another volley of barks.
Johnny stopped. ‘They’re not going to go away. And Vinny isn’t going to shut up. It might be Grace I suppose,’ he sighed. Putting a hand through his hair and brushing it off his face, he flung himself off her.
