Page 19 of When Sinners Fall
I empty the glass of whisky and lean against the window ledge. My fingers slide up the window before they find my neck and roll down to the button trapping my breasts behind the fabric. My nipples pebble at the prospect that he can see me, and I catch my breath as my pulse quickens. He might have started this by seeking to cause fear, but I’m way past that now. Excitement mixes with a desire that I don’t quite understand. It makes me feel bold.
Daring.
My hand trails south, and I slide my trousers over my hips. He won’t be able to see that entirely because of the window's height, but that doesn’t matter.
As I dip my finger between my thighs, I stand and watch him – imagine his eyes on me – as I slide through my folds. My breathing picks up as I play out my fantasy. I rub my clit and play with myself while keeping my eyes firmly set on where I saw that orange spark. I’ve never been animated during sex before. Paul was hardly the Casanova of the bedroom, but the pull to this anonymous man makes me feel a powerful heat.
My mouth opens and I moan around my pleasure as I get lost in my own desire. My head falls back, and my hips move, desperate for me to pick up my pace.
To touch deeper. Harder.
As the muscles in my legs quiver in need, I brace my free hand on the window and call out as my orgasm crests and washes over me. My eyes might remain closed, as I bask in the rush, but I make sure to smile out into the dark before turning away and switching off the light. Whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it for both of us - for the rush that's happening.
~
“This is a nice place,” I encourage Bethan, as she brings our drinks back to the table.
“It’s cute, sure.”
We admire the small wine bar we’re meeting in. I’ve not seen Bethan for years, but since coming back to the area, I took the opportunity to look up a few old friends who stayed local.
“So,” I begin. “What are you doing nowadays?”
“Nothing’s changed much, I’m still a nurse over at St Luke’s. What about you? I can’t remember what you left to go and do?”
“Wedding planning. I work for Louisa Sage.”
“Seriously?” Her face lights up like so many others at the mention of the W word.
“Umm huh,” I confirm, drinking a gulp of the crisp white.
“Oh, I’d absolutely love a wedding planned by her team. I mean, did you see the photos in the chronicle?” Her voice goes all dreamy and distant like she’s already imagining her special day.
“Are you engaged?” I ask her, putting on my happy ‘work’ smile.
She thrusts her hand out to me, and I see a small but pretty diamond on her ring finger. “Congratulations. Have you set a date?” I take another gulp of wine, mentally preparing for the tilt of the conversation focusing on this for the rest of my night.
“No, not yet. We’re saving up. You must know how expensive weddings are.” It’s like someone popped all of her excitable bubbles, and she deflates in front of me.
“You know, there are plenty of ways to do a wedding on a budget. It just depends on what you’re after and what’s important to you.”
“Really?”
“For sure. I’d be happy to send you a few ideas if you’re on a budget.” While I’m happy to be paid the salary I make, I also understand how many vendors take advantage of people wanting to book their special day. Not enough people realise you can make plenty of amendments and still have a fairy-tale day if that’s what you want.
“Oh, Wren. That would be amazing.” She squeezes my hand.
“Anyway, what about you? How come you’re back in town then?”
“Ah, well. Work.” I keep it short.
“What about a boyfriend?” Her eyes light up again at the prospect of gossip, just like they did back in school.
“Nope. An ex, who’s the very definition of a dirtbag. And nobody right now.” My eyes flick to the drink, and I drain the glass.
“Well, it sounds like there’s a story there. Let me grab us another round. On me. It’s the least I can do for your kind offer.”
We spend the next hour visiting, but even the conversation can’t keep my mind from wandering. We’re in a good part of town. It would be easy to grab a cab home. That would be the right thing to do. Especially after what happened the other night,but I don’t want easy. I don’t want safe, either.
