Her body tensed when Harry asked if she was on the pill. It hadn’t occurred to her. The birth control insert that she had implanted long ago had passed its expiration. Thankfully, Harry was prepared. She didn’t question why he carried a condom. At the moment her only reaction was relief. When they finally united, they were both hot with carnal longing.
Her dreams seemed real and exciting. But reality was magic. The undercurrent pulled her into Harry’s rhythm as her body moved in sync with his. In time the current became a wave. Starting at her toes and moving north until it titillated the hairs of her scalp. She reached for his shoulders, arched her back, and unknowingly uttered a deep primal moan. The tidal wave took them all the way to a deserted exotic shore where he spoke the same primitive language.
Once the aftershocks calmed, she collapsed against Harry’s chest. It seemed almost incomprehensible to Claire, that after such a stressful evening she could feel so relaxed and content. Her eyes closed as the sound of his heart lulled her tranquil body toward sleep. Encircling her shoulder he squeezed, momentarily waking her. She buried her face into his soft chest hairs and murmured, “I don’t know what this means for the future.” Enjoying his embrace, she added, “I really don’t know what I want this to mean. I’m not looking for forever, but thank you for tonight.”
He wrapped both arms around her, securing her gently to his chest. His voice made his chest vibrate against her cheek. “I don’t know about the future either.” He kissed her hair. “However, I don’t think I can look at you the same way in Amber’s kitchen wearing those shorts you wear.” Claire lifted her eyes, sighing at his shy smile as he continued, “I mean, now that I know exactly what’s under the shorts and t-shirt.”
Claire shook her head, “Oh my, I hadn’t thought of that.” She let her hand trail over his pectoral muscles and down toward his waist. “I might just need to blush myself, knowing what’s hidden by those delicious ripped jeans you like to wear.”
“Delicious?”
“Hmm – mm,” she murmured, hearing his laugh.
Stroking her hair, his voice became more serious. “Honestly, I’m not looking for forever, either. But if we’re giving out thank yous, you should be on the receiving end.”
“I think I was.”
He chuckled, and went on, “I confess, I’ve been thinking about this since you bought your first cell phone.”
Claire lifted her head. This new position gave her visual access to his soft blue eyes. “What? My cellphone, why?”
Harry grinned, remembering the scene. “I didn’t know your story or even much about you. It just struck me as odd – you were so excited about a phone. I mean everyone has phones. Yet, you were almost giddy. I remember you looked like a kid at Christmas. At that moment, I fell head over heels for your excitement, enthusiasm, and innocence.”
Claire lowered her head to his chest, “Harry, don’t be deluded. I’m hardly innocent.”
He lifted her chin and kissed her lips. “I’m not deluding myself. Innocence refers to lack of guilt and pretense. While often reserved, you fit that description. You’re also very honest and naively trusting.” He rubbed his thumb over her chin and stared into her clouding eyes. “Those, too, are admirable qualities. Besides, I think you’ve given me a pretty complete bio. You deserve the same.” Claire tried to subdue a yawn, it was almost dawn, “And I’ll give it, another time. Right now, let me enjoy the moment.”
Claire nodded as she nestled her head once again upon his chest. “I’m rather enjoying it myself.” His arm tightened around her soft bare shoulder. For the first time in weeks, she fell into a sound dreamless sleep.
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel.
He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.
- Mark Twain
Chapter 25
Summer 1985...