Page 110 of Barging In

Clem placed her other hand over Victoria’s. “In that case, how can I refuse?”

At that moment, Clem’s parents appeared beside them with Helen and Graham, whom Jasper had introduced her to that morning.

“We’re all heading to the pub for something to eat if you’d both like to join us?” Clem’s mum offered. “Max and Jasper are joining us, too.”

Victoria glanced at Clem, hoping she’d decline. She desperately wanted to get her home and kiss her again.

“No, thanks,” Clem said. “We’re done in. I’ll grab a lift back with Victoria; work stuff to discuss, you know.”

“We know,” Tom said with a cheeky wink.

“I can’t thank you all enough for helping out today,” Victoria cut in quickly, sparing Clem the need to acknowledge or reply to what her dad had said.

With murmurs of ‘you’re welcome’, the four of them wandered across the courtyard to the bridge.

Victoria nudged her shoulder into Clem’s. “See? They survived. And even made new friends, by the looks of it.”

“I hope so. I need them kept occupied.”

Victoria stood and held her hand out to Clem. “Shall we head back? Emma’s locking up the site for me.”

Clem took her hand, and Victoria pulled her to her feet.

“I need a shower,” Clem said, wafting her T-shirt out from her sticky body.

“Me too. I need to wash the remnants of chocolate brownie off my face.”

“Brownie?”

“I think when we kissed, there must have been a transfer,” Victoria said, as they walked around to the car park. “Jasper noticed it.”

“Oh.” Clem smirked. “We haven’t been very subtle, have we?”

“No.”

“How was your mum about it?”

“She was Mum.” Clem shrugged.

“At least that’s a known quantity.”

Clem nodded. “A very well-known quantity.”

Ten minutes later, after discussing the finer points of how the day had gone, they pulled up on Victoria’s driveway.

“Why don’t you freshen up first and then come over?”Victoria suggested as they got out of the car. “Spaghetti bolognese suit you?”

“Yes, thanks. I’m starving,” Clem replied eagerly, backing away down the drive. “See you soon.”

Victoria rushed inside, realising she should have set a time. She had no idea how long she’d have to shower and change, quickly freshen up the house, prep dinner, and pour a glass of wine to help settle her nerves.

CHAPTER 24

Clem rang the doorbell, her pulse quickening as she eagerly waited. She hoped she’d given Victoria enough time to shower. Impatience had won out, though, and she ultimately couldn’t stay away longer than thirty minutes to see her again. A quick glance down at her tight chinos and baggy T-shirt made her wonder if going braless had been wise. Either way, it was too late, and nothing could persuade Clem to put one on right after her shower.

When Victoria opened the door, Clem’s gaze dropped instantly to the navy-blue, ribbed vest top, which left no doubt she’d made the same choice. Her nipples strained against the fabric like ripe berries, making Clem’s mouth water at the thought of seeing them bare.

“Hellooo.” Victoria tilted her head with a knowing smile, pulling Clem’s gaze to her eyes.