Page 102 of Heart of The Night

‘Hi,’ I replied, stepping inside.

A faint smile played on his lips as he took my bag from my shoulder, ever the gentleman. I stared at those lips, mustering up the courage to close the distance and kiss him. We’d shared so few of them lately that the act felt foreign, almost forbidden. The space I had demanded loomed like a barrier between us, making every touch, every display of affection, feel awkward and clumsy. I realised then, with a pang of regret, that I had built this wall, and now I was desperate to tear it down.

As William shifted slightly, looking like he was about to move away, I acted on impulse; I gripped his shirt and kissed him. He stiffened, caught by surprise, but then he softened, a sigh escaping his lips as he brought his arm around me, drawing me flush against his chest. His fingers traced a gentle path along my spine, as if relearning the contours of my body. I melted into him, my hands clutching the fabric of his shirt, holding on like he was my lifeline. I kissed him harder, a wordless apology.

When we finally pulled apart, his eyes searched mine, the shadow of uncertainty still lingering but now mingled with relief. ‘Cara,’ he murmured, his voice a soft caress. ‘You have no idea how much I needed that.’

I nodded, unable to find the words to express my feelings. Instead, I let my actions speak, pressing another kiss to his lips, this one softer, more tender. It was a start – a tentative step toward mending what had been broken.

He groaned against my mouth, his smile interfering. ‘I was beginning to wonder if I’d imagined how good this feels.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I said, kissing him over and over.

‘Don’t be. Your kisses are worth the wait.’

I eased back and cupped his jaw, staring at him with remorse.

‘You could melt an iceberg with that look,’ he said, smiling crookedly.

‘Well, you do bring out my warmer side.’

‘Oh, I know – it brings quite the blaze now and then,’ he replied, poking my nose. ‘Can I get you anything? Tea? Wine? A bucket of ice to cool down?’

I chuckled. ‘I’ll have a glass of wine if you will.’

He nodded, glancing away as he raised my bag slightly. ‘I’ll just put this in my wardrobe.’

‘Thanks.’

He vanished into his bedroom, leaving me alone with the memories that crowded the room. The conversation I’d had with Francesca whispered at the back of my mind, a spectre I had no desire to face. I clenched my teeth, a silent vow echoing in my mind. I wouldn’t let her shadow darken this moment.

William reappeared briefly, striding toward his kitchen and then disappearing inside. He returned with two glasses of red, offering me one with a winsome smile. ‘Should we head upstairs?’

‘Sure.’ I accepted the glass, feeling the warmth of his hand as I wrapped my free one around his. He tightened his grip, his smile widening a fraction.

As we made our way up the stairs, my lips parted at the sight that greeted us. The lamps weren’t lit, allowing the city lights to pour in like liquid silver, bathing the room in a soft, almost magical glow. London’s skyline stretched out before us, a sprawling tapestry of glittering and shadowed silhouettes. It was as if we had stepped into another world, one where the chaos of reality faded away, making the moment feel all the more intimate and infinitely precious.

William gently guided me further into the room, his features illuminated by the ambient glow. Every detail of his face was clear – the strong contours of his jaw, the graceful arch of his cheekbones, the straight bridge of his nose. In this light, he looked ethereal, like a figure out of a dream. The sheer view of him right then sent a pulse of electric heat through my body.

‘Could we turn the lights off downstairs?’ I asked, glancing back at the staircase. ‘The ambient light is really nice.’

William smiled softly, letting go of my hand and reaching into his pocket for his phone. A few taps later, the light downstairs dimmed and vanished, leaving us in the serene embrace of the city’s luminescence.

‘Perfect,’ I said, a grin spreading across my face as I looked back at him.

He gestured toward a light-grey, modern chaise longue facing the floor-to-ceiling windows. It had a wide cushioned seat, seemingly designed for a couple to lounge on comfortably. Small black tables stood on either side, perfect for placing our wine. We reclined onto it together, the city’s lights reflecting in our glasses.

‘What do you say to some music?’ he asked.

‘Sure. Something soothing, though.’

He pulled out his phone again, fingers moving swiftly across the screen until Lana Del Rey’s velvety voice reached my ears. The sound drifted from hidden speakers around us, her song weaving through the air like a gentle lullaby.

‘Excellent choice,’ I said, releasing a contented sigh.

William tucked his phone away and wrapped his arm over my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. The warmth of his body seeped into mine, spreading through me like a soothing balm. I snuggled even closer, inhaling the heady mix of his cologne and natural scent, a combination that felt like home. How I had missed this – the intimacy, the effortless way we fit together, the comfort of his touch. Now that it was here, I never wanted to let go.

We surrendered to a tranquil silence, my eyes wandering over the breathtaking cityscape.

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