Page 112 of Barging In

“It has, but a genius idea of yours, despite all the work.”

Once they’d eaten, they moved to the sitting room, where the large windows welcomed the last of the evening light. Clem sat in what had become her usual spot on the sofa in the spacious room. The teal décor was bold but created a cosy feeling, as did the yellow cushions and throws. A sleek, modern cast-iron stove sat neatly in the brickwork of the original hearth, more for style than for warmth in the summer months. Victoria settled in beside her. This time, thankfully, there was no laptop or spreadsheets to review.

“You didn’t say earlier how you felt about your parents showing up like they did,” Clem said, taking a sip of wine before placing her glass down on the coffee table.

Victoria shrugged, tucking her legs beneath her. “I suppose I’m glad they came and explained, but it doesn’treally heal the wound, does it? Parents should support you. If they couldn’t, then I understand why they distanced themselves from me. If they’d carried on as they were, I’d have done the same to them. I think I was beginning to.”

“Maybe they sensed you were,” Clem offered.

“Perhaps. We’ll see how things develop.”

Clem smiled softly. “You’ve got a way with broken things. Giving them a new life.”

Victoria arched an eyebrow. “Yes. Buildings.”

Clem shrugged and stroked the back of Victoria’s hand. “You apply your skills in other areas, too. Take my body, for example; it’s very broken after today.”

“Then you should rest it,” Victoria suggested, with a teasing glint in her eye. “Or… do you need fixing?”

“Well, if you know a way to revive it…”

“I do actually. You’re drinking it.”

“Hmm,” Clem hummed, “it’s helped a little.”

“In that case, maybe I should try another tactic,” Victoria said, shuffling closer and cupping Clem’s cheek.

She met Victoria halfway, kissing her first. She would never tire of her lips, the feel of her insistent tongue against hers.

“Does that help?” Victoria asked, pulling back.

“Yes. It’s definitely making me feel something,” Clem answered, finding the room spinning a little.

“Same,” Victoria purred.

Her mouth was suddenly eager again, stoking heat low in Clem’s body. Their hands roamed freely as they shed every last inhibition — tugging, pressing, stroking.

Clem sank back into the corner of the sofa, steered there as Victoria straddled her. She was smouldering, alive after what must have been years being dormant. Clem couldn’t believe how lucky she was to be the onereceiving the affections of this coiled spring as it sprang open.

“I thought we were going to talk,” Clem said, suddenly concerned they might have missed a step. Things were heating up a little more than she had expected — not that she was complaining.

Victoria pulled back and looked her in the eye. “Do you prefer to talk?”

Clem pretended to give the question some thought. “Nope.”

“Good. My lips… are showing you… everything… I wanted… to say,” Victoria muttered between kisses along Clem’s neck. “In short, that I want you.”

“I want you, too, Vic. You’re so beautiful, in every way.”

Her words seemed to light a fresh fire under Victoria, who scrabbled under Clem’s T-shirt. Clem pulled it over her head, revealing her bare breasts as Victoria mirrored her. They sat for a moment, taking in each other’s flesh before Victoria leaned in to stroke and caress breasts. Being eyed so hungrily and touched so lovingly made her body tingle.

“Shall we take this upstairs?” Victoria suggested, her tone tinged with hesitation.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Clem replied, hoping to reassure her she wanted this just as much.

Victoria climbed off Clem and took her hand, leading her to the bedroom. She paused as they entered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.

“Are you okay?” Clem asked, stepping closer.