My arms wrap around his shoulders, the back of his head against my stomach. The shine of the lights highlights the beautiful strands. He stiffens at first, as if afraid of what the others in the room might think, but then he leans in, turns his gaze to me. I kiss him, friendly at first, at the top of his head.
It might be wrong to do so, but it happens before I even know what I’m doing.
Breaking away, I avoid everyone’s eyes, instead looking at the painting in front of me.
Sam turns to me, reaching for my face. Time slows, but my heart rate quickens. I meet him halfway, because staying still isn’t an option. His lips are upon mine, and I can feel thesoftness of him against me, his hand grazing the side of my face, his knees now touching mine as he swivels to face me.
My eyes close, despite surprise welling within me.
With every kiss, my breath gets lighter.
I could let it go on longer.
I’m desperate to.
When we break away, we meet with a distinct look.
‘I think we should leave these boys to it,’ Jemima says.
I excuse myself.
After all, all I have on is a flimsy robe, and I’m certain something is about to pop out, and that would not be respectful.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
WILL
Day Ten
We let Jill drive home without us. We’re only a short walk away, and something tells me sitting in silence in Jill’s car would be an awkward experience.
Sam and I need to talk.
‘I guess the whole fake boyfriends thing went a little far then, didn’t it?’ Sam asks.
‘At least you can say you’ve seen me naked now.’
‘For when we’re quizzed on it?’
‘When we’re quizzed on it.’
With Sam, it’s easy.
‘Sam. I don’t know why we kissed,’ I say. ‘Just now, like that. But I know I liked it.’
Sam stops. Cast in the orange glow of a street lamp, he looks like a hazy dream, one I can’t grasp.
I check that we’re alone as he steps closer to me.
‘I liked it, too.’
‘But are you ready for this?’
Sam’s forehead rests against mine. ‘I’m ready.’
We reach for each other, as if by not touching, we’d lose one another. His arms are strong under my grip. His body finds mine.
My breath catches.
