My questing fingers slip between us through slick pussy lips to my swelling bud, so stretched and tight, and so, so sensitive. My mouth flies open as I find just the right spot.

I love how his taut belly feels against the back of my hand, pressing us together.

Love the feel of his cock stroking all the places inside me that feel like they were waiting for him to find them.

Most of all, I love the expression on his face when I look up at him. His tight, determined expression gives way to something like joy like the sun breaking through storm clouds.

I move my fingers. My pussy tightens. Warmth spreads through my body.

Luke keeps going, pumping his hips. I keep doing it and suddenly I’m floating. The tide has come in and I’m drifting on rolling waves of pleasure over and over, until I spread out like the stars in the sky above us.

Luke grunts. His expression is absolutely pained. I realise he’s still waiting for me and I force myself to find breath for words. “I’m cumming. Luke, I’m—”

“Thank fuck.” He plants trembling arms on either side of me and growls. Then he slams his body into mine once, twice, and with a final thrust he comes. I might not have ever done this before, but it’s unmistakable. His head dips forward. His mouth parts. Then his gaze flicks to mine and I’m caught there, hanging between his orgasm and mine. The moment stretches. I forget about the waves lapping at the rocks outside the cave. I forget about the wet seeping through the back of my dress.I forget everything except the way he looks at me right then. Like he’s never coming up for air.

Suddenly his expression changes. Goes from bliss to horror. He withdraws quickly. “Oh shit. Mia, I’m sorry. I have to go.”

He doesn’t even stop to do up his pants. Before I can sit, he’s dashed out of the cave, looking incredibly unsteady. It’s getting dark out. The light is fading. Will he even be able to see where he’s going?

I stand quickly, adjusting my dress and hurrying to the mouth of the cave. But when I look out onto the beach, I can’t find any sign of Luke. His footprints leave the cave and trail off where the water laps at the rocks. I call his name, but hear no response.

Eventually I walk back up to the part of the beach where his brothers and his friends are still sitting and drinking.

“Everything OK?” I can’t make out the face of the man who speaks to me, but I think it’s Luke’s older brother—Jake? Jack?

I nod. “Yeah, it’s just. Have you seen Luke? He disappeared and I’m worried.”

“Oh!” Jack rubs at his face. “Yeah. He uh—he had to go home. It was a bit of a last minute thing. Sorry. He said to let you know.”

“Oh.” Something about this seems strange.

“Want me to drive you home?” Luke’s brother asks.

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I borrowed my parents’ car. Hey, if you see him would you tell him...” I pause. Tell him what?

That he’s amazing. That I wish we had longer.

The truth is I’ll probably never see him again, but that feels far too sad to think about right now. “Tell him I hope I see him around.”

As I climb into my parents’ car and turn on the ignition, I squeeze my legs together, smiling as the memories of heated caresses and stolen kisses surge through my mind. I might not ever get to see Luke again, but I already know I’m going to remember him for the rest of my life.

ONE

Ten Years Later

Mia

“What now?” Oliver rolls his eyes, fumbling for his phone on the centre console of the car. He’s driving, so I pick it up.

“Just pass it to me.” His tone is harsher than expected and I’m taken aback. “Sorry.”

Oliver sighs. “You know I hate being late.” Bringing the phone to his ear, he barks, “Yes!”

I feel bad for whoever is calling him. I wince when Oliver swerves around a red Toyota. We’re late for lunch with some important clients of my father’s. I wish he wouldn’t speed,though. Not when traffic in the middle of Sydney can come to a grinding halt without warning at any time of day.

“What do you mean they haven’t got the ones we chose? We ordered them months ago.”

I can’t hear the response, but I can see from Oliver’s reaction he’s not happy.