Page 32 of Irish Getaway

With a final, smoldering look, Evelyn turned and walked away, leavingClaire standing there, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched until Evelyn was out of sight, then let out a long breath. She hadn’t realized how afraid she’d actually been of Evelyn leaving with Arianna, or shortly after her, but hearing Evelyn say that she wasn’t was the highlight of her day. They still didn’t have much time. A little over three months. But a part of her, as delusional as it was, hoped that the more time they spent together, that maybe, maybe Evelyn wouldn’t want to leave.

Claire leaned back against the stall door. It was a crazy thought. One she hadn’t dared think until this point, but seeing the way Evelyn looked at her just now, with so much desire in her eyes, she knew Evelyn felt this too. That this was more than lust. That there was something real here.

27

Evelyn leaned back against the plush cushions of the couch, savoring the lingering taste of the wine still on her lips. Clairenestled her head on Evelyn’s shoulder, her soft black hair brushing against Evelyn’s cheek.

Evelyn’s heart swelled with a mix of contentment and an undercurrent of anxiety she couldn’t quite shake. She gently tucked a wayward strand ofClaire’s hair behind her ear, her fingers lingering onClaire’s skin.Claireturned her head slightly, and their eyes met. Claire’s lips curved into a smile, and she leaned in closer. Their kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration that quickly grew deeper. Evelyn felt her heart beating faster as she parted her lips

As their kiss intensified, Evelyn’s mind raced, and she couldn’t ignore the pang of guilt in her chest. How much longer could she go without telling Claire about the movie and the fact that she would be leaving two months earlier than she’d planned? The thought was like a dark cloud hanging over her.

Claire pulled back slightly, her blue eyes searching Evelyn’s, but if she noticed any apprehension in her eyes, Claire didn’t say anything. She tilted her head, finding Evelyn’s lips again.

Evelyn’s thoughts drifted into the background as she kissed Claire back, sliding her hand into her hair. She tried not to think about what Claire’s reaction would be when Evelyn finally told her. She had to hope that Claire wouldn’t hate her, that she wouldn’t end things then and there.

Evelyn forgot about all of that as Claire’s hand slid over her shoulder and up her neck, her thumb swiping along her jaw as they deepened the kiss. Evelyn moaned, a wave of desire hitting her as Claire’s other hand left her hip and moved down, over her shorts until her warm palm was caressing her thigh.

It had only been a week since Claire had dropped off her food delivery, and Evelyn had led her down the hall into the smaller living area with one thing on her mind.

Evelyn smiled into the kiss, and Claire pulled back to meet her eyes.

“What?” Claire asked, her cheeks slightly flushed, her black hair a little disheveled.

“I was just thinking about last week. When you delivered the food.”

Claire smiled. “I spent all week thinking about that. And you in that robe.”

“And I was just thinking about how I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.” Evelyn’s hand slipped underneath Claire’s shirt, sliding over her ribs and around to her back.

Claire’s lips slid into a smile as she climbed on top of Evelyn, straddling her waist. “I know exactly what you mean,” she murmured as she dipped her head, capturing Evelyn’s lips once again.

Evelyn moaned into the kiss, a warmth spreading through her entire body as Claire’s hips gently started to rock. Evelyn’s hands fell to her backside, her fingers splayed over her navy shorts, adding to the pressure as they continued to kiss.

Soon Claire’s moans mixed with her own, and Evelyn’s body was on fire. Despite the guilt looming over her, Evelyn found herself lost in the moment. Claire’s hands started to roam, one palming Evelyn’s breast through her shirt, the other on her neck. Claire’s touch was electrifying, and she couldn’t get enough of it, arching into her, wanting more.

When they stopped to catch their breath, Evelyn nearly told her. It was right on the tip of her tongue. She opened her mouth, but Claire’s eyes were raking over her, her hand sliding up into Evelyn’s hair as she pulled her into a heart-stopping kiss.

And Evelyn almost said it as she led Claire into her bedroom. She’d stood beside Claire, her hands on her cheeks, searching her eyes, trying to find the words, but she couldn’t do it.

Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to tell Claire the truth.

28

Claire parked her quad and hopped off, lifting the crate and carrying it to Evelyn’s back door. Claire smiled when Evelyn appeared in the kitchen. It was late, coming up to ten o’clock, but she’d been out having dinner with her family, and this was the soonest Claire could get here.

When Evelyn opened the door, however,Claire’s smile faltered. Evelyn’s usually vibrant eyes were dull and red-rimmed, her skin pale except for the feverish flush on her cheeks. She coughed into the sleeve of her hoody, the sound harsh and painful, and offeredClairea weak smile.

“Just leave it there,Claire,” Evelyn said, her voice rough and strained as she took a step back. “I don’t want you to catch this.”

ButClairewas already coming inside, her concern overriding any thought of self-preservation. Claireset the crate down on the counter and started unpacking it, knowing where everything went at this point.

“Go sit down,” she said firmly, her hand lingering on Evelyn’s arm. “I’m making you a hot whiskey.”

Claire filled the kettle and set it to boil. The whiskey was easy to find, and she rummaged through the cabinets, searching for the cloves and lemon she needed. As she searched, her eyes fell on what looked like a script pushed into the corner of the counter, the crisp white pages stark against the dark wood. Curiosity itched at the back of her mind, but she resolutely turned her attention back to the task at hand. The kettle whistled, and she poured the steaming water into a mug, the scent of whiskey and lemon rising up to meet her.

She carried the mug over to Evelyn, who had curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The sight tugged at something deep inClaire’s chest, but she pushed it down. She couldn’t keep feeling like this. She wasn’t in a relationship with Evelyn no matter how much it felt like she was.

“Here you go,” she said softly, handing the warm mug into Evelyn’s hands. “This should help.”

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