Page 50 of Crashing Into You

It buzzes again and I falter in my rhythm. Claire pushes back against me and I find it once more, my orgasm building like a tidal wave. She comes first, her head going back, crying my name. I reach around and play with her clit again, prolonging the pleasure for her. She’s so fucking hot and wet, trembling against me. I start thrusting again, faster, and she meets me all the way, as hard as I can give it. I grip her harder as the orgasm hits, washing through me, overwhelming me like the heaviest surf. This woman. What is she doing to me? I finish and pull out of her. She drops onto her front, panting. I get rid of the condom, adding it to the small pile next to the bed, then flop down next to her. She turns her head, one sleepy blue eye glancing at me.

“I am wrecked,” she says. “But in the best way. Thank you.”

“Thank you?” No one has ever thanked me for sex before.

“You were right about the bed. Much more comfortable than the table.” Her words are slightly slurred, her whole body soft with relaxation.

“No splinters in that gorgeous arse of yours, either,” I say, smoothing my hand over it.

She huffs out a small laugh. Her eyes are already closing. I brush the hair back from her brow, then put my arm over her, pulling her close. She is loose, soft, as she tumbles against me, her head coming to rest on my chest.

I wrap my arms around her, letting my breathing slow with hers. Her head becomes heavier. When I’m sure she’s asleep I pick up my phone.

The texts aren’t from Matt. I tense, my good feelings sliding away.

They’re from Mum.

I think she’s gone back to him.

You need to come home.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Bryce

Idon’t want to leave Claire, but I have to. Mum and Millie need me.

I feel sick, though, as I gently disentangle myself from her. It’s starting to get dark outside, and there’s nothing I’d rather do other than stay in bed with her, holding her while she sleeps. There is peace, here, like I’ve felt nowhere else.

She mumbles sleepily as I pull my arm from under her head.

“Claire.” I drop a kiss on her shoulder. “I have to go.”

“What?” She opens one eye, frowning.

“I’m so sorry,” I say. “I have a family thing. Believe me, Idon’t want to go.”

“Nooo.” She reaches for me, pulling me back to her. I give in, wanting the feel of her body against mine once more, kissing her soft lips. “Don’t leave me.”

“I have to,” I say. “But I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.” I kiss her once more, my chest aching, bittersweet.

“Promise?” she murmurs, already going back to sleep again. I pull the sheet and blanket over her, stroking her smooth hair. It’s physically hurting me to leave her. I’ve never felt anything like it– it’s like a wrench deep inside me.

I walk out of the room before the temptation to stay with her becomes too much. My clothes are on the floor, next to the dining table. I pull them on. There’s another magnificent sunset outside. I slide open the huge glass doors and step out onto the balcony. My heart aches, my eyes sore. I lean on the balcony and take in deep breaths. I’m worried about Millie, but this is something more. This place, and Claire, have a hold on me.

I think I’m falling in love with her.

I guess that’s what this feeling is, anyway. I’ve certainly never experienced it with any other woman. The intensity of it, the speed with which it’s happening, has taken me by surprise. But then everything with Claire, since the moment I met her, has been unexpected. I stare at the gleaming ocean, trying to get a handle on these strange new emotions.

Monogamy has never been my thing. But I’ve also never felt about anyone the way I feel about Claire. As though we’re connected in some fundamental way. As though this place, her home, is also my home. As though I don’t want anyone else. Only her. It fucking terrifies me, if I’m honest. But it’s the kind of terror you feel when the waves get too big, the swell too rough. It’s mixed with exhilaration, and the knowledge that it could be one of the most amazing experiences you’ve ever had, as long as you keep your head and keep riding.

Claire is not the kind of girl to mess around with. She’s fragile, still, despite how strong she seems. She’s had so much loss, had her trust broken. I don’t want to hurt her in any way whatsoever. I hope, maybe, that she might be falling for me in the same way I’m falling for her. If I could stay tonight I’d ask her about it. But I have to go.

My heart a mixture of heavy and light, I head back inside. There’s a pad of paper and a pen on the huge granite island; I grab it to write Claire a note. I’m not sure she’s awake enough to have heard what I said, and I don’t want her to wake up alone and think I’ve ditched her.

Claire,

I’m so sorry. I have to go to Melbourne, family emergency. Otherwise there’s no way I’d be leaving you, believe me. I’ll be back tomorrow, will meet you at the shop after work. If that changes I’ll let you know, I promise.