Page 73 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye
What? Why isn’t THAT in my life? “No, I haven’t! But it makes sense. Climbing terminology is strangely sexual.”
“Like?”
“Finger-jamming, spreading, nuts, trust the rubber…jugs.”
“Jugs!” Leia snickered. “That sounds like a teenage boy’s wet dream.”
“You have no idea.” He leaned in for a kiss then teased her lips with his tongue. Leia welcomed him in, tilting her head and taking him deeper.
Oblivious to late-night tourists and a raucous herd of drunk office workers jeering as they passed by, they kissed slow and tender, barely pausing for breath. Leia’s hands owned the back of Tarquin’s coat collar while he squeezed her ass and stroked her back, the hardness inside his boxer briefs aching, longing for a release. I’m so horny. Thank fuck we’re near my flat.
Leia pulled away, her eyes sweeping up to Tower Bridge. A quiet sigh fell from her lips.
What’s she thinking? About our last few hours together? Or is work troubling her? She didn’t finish her gown. Tarquin gazed at her, hoping for a sign. I wish I knew what was going through her mind.
She grinned and loosened her hug. “Tonight’s been so much fun, and I love my cute keychain. I’ll probably blush every time I look at it.”
Bugger. She’s not about to do a Cinderella on me, is she? Hail a cab and disappear? “Hey, the night is still young and so are we! Last I checked.”
Taking a step back, Leia giggled. “There’s so much I want to do—I wish I had more time. I’ve only seen Somerset House and the Hayward Gallery.”
“The Hayward is awesome. Did you see the Among the Trees exhibit?”
“I did! Loved it. The thicket carved out of cardboard and the virtual forest”—she laid a hand over her heart—“incredible. I’d love to go back. I’d love to do so many things. I missed out on afternoon tea, seeing the Palace. Oh! The wax museum.”
Tarquin scoffed. “Waxy celebs? That’s a must-see?”
She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “I know it’s tacky and cheesy, but it’s fun.”
“Creepy, more like!” He laughed.
“Fine, party pooper! I’ll check out that bridge instead!” She stuck out her tongue and took off toward the stairs.
Tarquin set off after her and caught up, joining her climb step by step. “You’ll just have to come back, then.”
“Yeah, one day,” she said, voice a little breathy as the soles of her flats met the top step. “This trip is my one last hurrah before I settle down with Frill-Seekers.”
She’s not coming back. A heaviness pinched Tarquin’s heart. This is goodbye. For real.
The day’s non-stop frenzy of selfie-snapping tourists on Tower Bridge was long gone and only a few vehicles revved past, crossing the river. They strolled along the walkway, and Leia leaned over the west side’s parapet, gazing down at the murky Thames. “Jeez, that looks cold.”
Not cold enough to make my hard-on go away… Tarquin reached into his coat and tugged at his trousers, discreetly adjusting himself.
She glanced over her shoulder, catching Tarquin’s hand fleeing from his coat. A giggle left her lips. “I saw that!” Her eyebrow rose.
“That, young lady, is your fault.”
“Hmm.” Eyes narrowing, Leia took off her gloves and stashed them in her pocket. She stole a sneaky glance to her left, then her right, and pulled him in. “There’s no one here, only a few cars. Maybe we should do something about that…” She slipped a hand between the buttons of his coat, rubbing the firm bulge in his trousers.
Ooh! Is she serious? A sneaky hand job?! Tarquin matched her devilish grin. “Maybe we should.”
Her fingers curved around him.
Fuck yes! Staring into her eyes, Tarquin sucked in a slow breath, his focus fuzzy, heavy with want.
Leia leaned in, her whisper so close its warmth teased his parted lips. “Want to do me here?”
Whoa! A chuckle of surprise slipped from Tarquin’s throat, his arousal tight and throbbing within her grasp. I didn’t expect that! “You really want—here? Now?” He tilted his head back toward the eastern side of the bridge. “You know, my flat is right there…”
