Page 171 of Wife After Wife

“Promise?” He turned her hand over and stroked her palm.

“How about we give Wordsworth’s cottage a miss,” she said.

•••

Harry lowered himself into a steaming hot bath. He hadn’t let on to Clare how much his leg had been hurting by the time they’d made itback. All frisky thoughts had been pushed aside by the need to lie down and do nothing for a while. He sighed in contentment as the hot water worked its magic, soothing his aching limbs.

There was a knock on the door, and Clare asked, “Do you want a beer, Harry? Or a wine?”

“If I’m allowed. Beer, please.”

“Oh, you are allowed. You did great today.”

A minute or so later she came in carrying two glasses. She was wearing a black satin robe. Harry sat up and pulled up his knees.

“Harry, don’t be silly. I’m a nurse. I see naked men all the time. I thought you might like a back rub.” She squirted something from a bottle onto her palms, perched on the edge of the bath, and began massaging his shoulders. It felt so good. He closed his eyes.

“Clare, you’re a goddess.”

She dropped a kiss onto his head.

When her hands stopped, he didn’t open his eyes.

Then he felt her lips on his. They were so soft.

Still he didn’t open his eyes.

Another kiss, and this time she lingered. It was a long, gentle kiss, as if they were both experimenting, seeing if they felt anything.

When her lips went away again, Harry felt their absence. But still he kept his eyes closed, not wanting to break the spell, hoping they’d come back.

They did, and this time the kiss was deep, sensuous.

She finally pulled away, and now he opened his eyes.

“I could get in with you,” she said, “but—”

“Bit of a tight squeeze?”

“Maybe the shower would be more fun.”

Before he could reply, she kissed him again, this time with... yes, he’d call that passion.

She turned her back to him, undid the belt on her robe, and the black satin slid to the floor.

As Harry stepped out of the bath, he couldn’t help thinking abouthis last time, two years ago, with Caitlyn. In spite of finding her irresistible, he’d still needed that little blue pill. Now, he had no little blue pills.

It was as if she’d read his mind. “It’s been a while for you, Harry?”

“It has. I don’t know if...”

“I’d imagine it was all the drugs you were on. Your body wouldn’t have known if it was coming or going.”

“No pun intended?”

“Come on, I’m getting cold. And just another kiss will do. Let’s take things slowly.”

She held out her hand and led him into the shower. Hot water coursed over them, and he felt himself come back to life as their kiss grew increasingly passionate.