When Lucy returned home from school, Josh’s SUV was in the driveway and a light shone in her cottage. As usual, she had worked overtime. There was so much to do and so little time left to do it. She concentrated on her students and the upcoming concert. After hours, she crafted extra worksheets and exercises for remedial students for next year in case a replacement was not found. It was the best way to ignore the shit-storm playing out on social media and the unwanted interest in her personal life.
At school, Lena had called a special staff meeting and laid down the law. Lucy would be leaving at the end of the school year, but the controversy surrounding her had nothing to do with her talents as a teacher and was to be left alone. Lucy was thankful her work colleagues had obliged.
“Well, this certainly beats setting the kitchen on fire!” Lucy said, entering the cottage. Josh had a dish towel over one shoulder, waiter-style.
“Karoo lamb, madam, medium rare, with seasonal steamed vegetables and potatoes au gratin.”
“You made potatoes au gratin?”
“Well, okay, Nelly made them, but I have a damn fine touch with a microwave.” Josh poured two generous glasses of Shiraz. “Take a seat.” He pulled out Lucy’s chair for her. “So how are the rehearsals coming on?”
“Oh, we’re getting there. We’ve put Mikey in a starring role and you won’t believe what it’s doing for his confidence. We’ve adapted The Wizard of Oz and he is incredible as the cowardly Lion.”
“What made you decide on The Wizard of Oz? We are one hell of a long way from Kansas.”
“Yeah, I know,” said Lucy. “It was my mother’s favorite and we’ve really adapted it. Chosen current hits that the kids love, and I can’t wait until you see the flash mob we’ve assembled for the dances.”
He smiled. “Do you know what I love about you, Lucy? The way your eyes sparkle when you talk about your students. Even with everything that’s going on. All the lies that are being spread about you, all the internet trolls trying to take you down. But you keep your focus on what’s important. That’s an amazing quality.”
It was at moments like these that Lucy realized just how special her connection with Josh really was. With Jason, it had all been about adrenaline, the whirlwind of excitement and glittering promises. Now, in the presence of the real thing, she realized it had been nothing but smoke and mirrors, a clever con.
Lucy and Josh ate their meal, chatting easily, ignoring the virtual death sentence hanging over their relationship. When they had finished their meal and cleared away the dishes, Josh took a single candle and took it to the bathroom where he ran a deep bubble bath. Lying in the sweetly scented water, she relaxed against his body, lying upon his chest. She wanted to hold the moment forever.
“Do you know what I’m going to miss the most when I leave here? This,” she said, holding his large soapy hand in hers.
“Lucy, it’s not too late to change your mind. If you decide to stay, I’m still prepared to fight this thing.”
“I don’t want you to have to fight. Not on account of me.”
“It would be on account of us actually. And are you telling me that if I decide to pay you a visit in six months’ time that the Palmers will know about it?”
“Josh, I underestimated the Palmers once before and I’m not going to make that mistake again. The only reason Jack Palmer ran successfully for the US Senate three times is because with the help of Victoria, he buried every opponent he had in an avalanche of intimidation and bullshit.”
“Please,” she begged him. “Once I’m gone, I want you to move on. Your place is here, on this beautiful farm, in the heart of your family and friends.”
“Move on?” He sounded incredulous. “That’s ridiculous. This is the only time in my life that I can say I’ve truly been in love. I’ve never wanted to commit to anyone until now. Sure, before you there was fun and lust and even fondness. But it was never love, not like this.”
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. The Palmers have taken so much from me, from us. We have only a few weeks left together and I plan to make the most of it.”
He stayed silent for the moment, and as they lay together on her bed, their bodies still warm from the bath, they fell into their familiar rhythm.
“Love me, Josh. Love me so hard that I can forget everything else. I want all of this to go away. Make me forget, just for a while.”
In the soft light of a single candle, he traced every inch of her with his lips, his tongue. As always, her body responded to him as if it had a life of its own. With Josh at the helm, she wasn’t in control. His tongue flickered over her wet center and she arched her back in response.
Would anything ever feel this sweet again? Her longing for him was soul-deep and primal. His mouth found a taut breast and he nibbled and then sucked hard. Then his body was on top of hers, heavy and warm.
Her body reacted, and it was as if her mind couldn’t process just how achingly good he felt.
“Inside me, now!” Her voice was raspy, but he disobeyed her and continued to tease, his mouth and hands probing her, her breath coming in gasps. “Now!” she begged.
He held off for a few precious moments and then drove his length into her. Never in her life had anyone claimed her so forcefully or completely.
Overcome with the most delicious sense of surrender, she moved with him, accommodating his rhythm, the penetration brutal and beautiful. For a moment, he paused and looked deep into her eyes now drowsy with desire.
“I’m not going to let you go. Do you know that? Wherever you go, I will find you.” His voice was low and hoarse.
“Shhh.” She put a finger to his lips. “All we have is now. Make me forget. Please.”
He thrust into her hard and deep, and still, she wanted more of him. She coasted waves of pleasure, and it was such bittersweet torture. When she crested, it was as if she shattered into a million marvelous pieces.