That explains the sweat on his body. Plus, the weather is hot today, really hot. It seems ten times hotter now than it did earlier, but maybe that's just me.
“Where are you moving to?”
“Sydney.”
I pinch my eyebrows. “I haven’t heard of Sydney. Where’s that? Is it a village near your work?”
He clears his throat. “Australia.”
“What?” I flinch my head back, but I heard him. My entire body heard him as a numbness creeps up my spine and spreads over my skin like ice, freezing everything in its wake.
“My girls have moved back there with their mother. Priya’s father’s dying. He has about a year to live, so she’s gone to take care of him and her mother. I’m moving back there to be with my girls.”
I can’t speak, everything rushes through my mind, and I can’t form a sentence. Willing my tears at bay, I stare blankly into his eyes, wondering if he’s back with his ex.
He steps close. “Why did you come here?”
“I…I… don't know.” What’s the point in telling him now? He’s moving to the other side of the world. My chest crushes that this really is the last time I will see him.
“Steph.” One simple word, but the way he says it as a gravelly whisper, encompasses all the love he has for me. He places his hand on my arm, and I close my eyes, soaking his touch into my memory. I take in a deep breath and sigh before opening my eyes to find his lips inches away. His other hand brushes my cheek, and I lean my face into his palm.
“I had to see you. I hope it's okay.”
He bites his lip, inching closer to my face. I lift my head to meet his lips as they hover over mine. His fingers wrap around the back of my neck while his other hand presses against my back, thrusting into my body with his.
I suck in a breath, feeling his erection dig into my belly. “Is this what you came for?”
I gulp. Is it? My lips brush against his, hoping I can entice him to part his mouth, but he stands still and doesn't falter.
"I can't kiss you, Steph. I fucking want to believe me, but a kiss isn't enough. If I kiss you, I won't be able to stop myself.”
“Then don't.”
He pulls away, letting me go as he takes a step back. The phoenix on his chest sinks as his shoulders curl inwards.
I step forward with him, resting my hands on his bare chest. “I mean, don't stop.”
His eyes meet mine, and he inches closer once more. His heart beats faster against my palms and the phoenix comes alive beneath my touch. I push on my toes to meet his lips, and he hesitates again.
“Cal, please, I need you.” My words come out like a breathy whisper. If this is the last time I’ll see him, I need to feel him, just once more.
Our noses kiss and our lips brush. His tongue runs along the seam of my mouth, the signature move I’ve missed so much. Our lips lock as our tongues entwine with a promise. He pulls me into him so I can feel his erection again, and I’m breathless. My skin tingles where his hands roam like flames licking my skin. The heat rises from my core and spreads over my chest and up my neck, painting my cheeks.
He tugs at my top, pulling it out of my skirt so he can run his hands underneath the fabric, against the bare skin around my back. Pulling away, he unbuttons my shirt while looking into my eyes. The only sound is our heavy breathing as his intense brown eyes peer into my soul.
My shirt falls to the floor, and he wraps his arms around me, kissing my neck and the top of my breasts. I run my fingers through his hair, pulling out the black elastic band. His hair falls, tickling my skin as he nibbles at my chest.
Coming back to my neck, he takes my hand and leads me out of the kitchen. “I’m not fucking you on the tiles again.”
I laugh. “At least it would cool us down this time.”
He opens the door to the living room. “I told you I didn't want to see you again unless you were leaving him. You’ve just come to torment me, haven’t you?”
My teeth bite down on my bottom lip. I can’t tell him I’m leaving Justin now. I won’t make him choose.
“You know what happens to naughty girls, Steph.” With rough hands, he hikes my skirt up and cocks an eyebrow. “No tights, too. You came prepared.”
When he speaks to me in that deep tone, my ovaries explode.