Page 91 of Pillow Talk
No. This was how it should always have been. Because in this moment, as their bodies moved in perfect harmony, he didn’t have to pretend.Theydidn’t have to pretend. There was no need to hold back, no need to guard what they felt. Everything was out in the open…raw, real and finally theirs.
Their rhythm built, breath after breath, heartbeat matching heartbeat.
She cried out his name and he held her closer, his face buried in her neck, his body shaking with release.
Just before he collapsed on the bed next to her, he caughta glimpse of his nightstand: Shona’s bangles, a headband, her open handbag spilling some of its contents, and her phone.
He smiled. Shona Shah. Why did it have to be her? Yet he wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘Happy birthday, Senthil Aiyer!’ Sam called out, his voice loud and full of cheer. He lifted his glass of beer high and everyone around the table at Scotty’s quickly followed suit. Glasses clinked, laughter rang out and the air buzzed with celebration.
‘I don’t get why we’re at Scotty’s when it’s soick,’ Anni whispered in Shona’s ear.
‘Sen felt bad about hiding our relationship from Sam so he let him choose the place for his birthday and it turns out your husband loves Scotty’s,’ she replied.
Anni tried to lift her foot off the floor but her heel was glued to the sticky surface.
Shona giggled and gave her a little push to unstick her. Anni lifted her foot and shook it.
‘Sam owes me a new pair of shoes,’ she said.
Kaavi leaned in. ‘I think we’re way overdressed.’
The trio were in skinny jeans and slinky black tops suitable for a night out on the town. The different styles and their choice of stilettos expressed their individuality. Anni’s top was a halter-neck and her shoes were an elegant, deep red, Kaavi had paired her strapless top with peep-toe heels and Shona’s look comprised a flattering deep cowl neck and timeless stilettos with a broad strap across the top of her foot. Sen and Sam were wearing jeans and cotton, button-up shirts. Everyone else at Scotty’s was in dirty jeans and crumpled T-shirts.
‘I’m having serious doubts about Sam right now,’ Anni giggled.
The man in question was patting Sen on his back and laughing about something.
As if he sensed his wife was watching him, Sam turned his attention to Anni.
‘Having fun?’ he asked.
Before Shona could hear her friend’s response, Sen draped his arm around her and walked her to a dark corner in the bar.
He leaned down and sniffed her neck.
‘Sen!’
‘Sorry. But my real birthday present is you and you can’t blame me for being impatient to unwrap it,’ he said.
She gently pushed him away.
‘Did you see that?’
Shona looked around.
‘What?’
‘Sam just yawned,’ he replied, looking at his smartwatch. ‘It’s not yet 9.30 – and I don’t even mind. Follow my lead,’ he said, pulling Shona along.
‘Sam, want to call it a night?’
He shook his head and started to answer but yawned instead.
‘Older men…’ Anni teased.
‘Hey! I’m only a year older than you,’ he protested.
