When Love Knocks Twice (A Contemporary Love Story) by G I Tulloch Page B

increasingly aware of the difficulties arising from
their physical closeness and their emotional separation. What was he
going to do about it? It was only a week, and after that things would
return to normal, wouldn't they? Pondering these questions his mind
drifted back to sleep, acutely aware of the naked woman lying beside
him.

Wednesday

    Tom
woke to the bright sunlight forcing its way through the curtains,
creating shafts of light that bounced around the walls. He was lying
on his back, unusual for him. He was glad that he was only wearing
boxers, considering how hot the night had been. As he came to, he
realised that Gail was lying against him, her breast moulded to his
arm. He was reminded that she had taken off her nightdress,
presumably due to the heat, and he could trace the shape of her lower
body through the thin sheet that they had compromised on.
    She
shifted her position, rolling over, her arm lying over him now, her
breast against his chest. He tentatively put his hand on her breast,
intending to ease his body out from under her, but his touch caused
her to push more firmly against him, trapping his hand under her
breast. He moved his hand, then suddenly realised that she was awake,
a dreamy smile on her face, eyelids still heavy. She moved her hand
downwards from his chest and found his boxers, her eyes growing wide.
He raised an eyebrow and began to stroke her breast.
    “ You're
wicked,” she murmured, before leaning over and planting her
lips on his. They stayed there for what seemed like ever before she
moved on top of him, while they explored each inch of each other's
body, gently probing, caressing, until the movement became more
urgent. They made love slowly, experimenting, giving permissions as
they went.
    When
they lay, complete, watching the light play on the ceiling, Tom felt
he had to apologise.
    “ I'm
sorry if I provoked something that you didn't intend,” he said.
    “ I
take it as a huge compliment that you wanted to. I've been wanting
you to do it since we met,” Gail replied.
    “ Wow.
If it's all right with you, can I compliment you again, because I've
also been wanting to do it since we met?”
    “ It
would be my pleasure.”
    And
with that they both went back to sleep.

    Tom
delivered toast, marmalade and coffee to the bedroom, and they ate a
leisurely breakfast sitting in bed.
    “ Such
decadence,” sighed Gail.
    “ We're
on holiday. We deserve it,” mumbled Tom, through a mouthful of
toast.
    “ So,
what are we doing today?” quizzed Gail.
    “ The
guide book talks about a walk in the Cuillin hills, up a series of
cascades. The pictures look good.”
    “ Let's
do it then,” declared Gail, jumping out of bed in a burst of
energy. “I claim first go in the shower.”

    Gail
waited by the car while Tom went off to a stall at the edge of the
car park to buy a map. She could see him laughing at something the
stall holder had said. She smiled at the sight, and suddenly realised
how much lighter she felt today, as if a weight had been lifted off
her shoulders. Why was that? Was it feeling relieved of the
responsibility of living alone, of making all the decisions herself
with no one to discuss things with? Goodness, was it the sex? That
thought startled her, but no it couldn't have been the sex because
she had felt it before they had made love. As she watched Tom she
suddenly realised how quickly she was becoming attached to him,
attracted to him. But it had only been five days. How was that
possible?
    And
then an inner voice reminded her of what she had done, how she had
imposed herself on him, forced her way into his holiday, and she felt
appalled at the thought. Was it selfish? Yes it was. Did she regret
it? No she didn't. But how could he be putting up with her? Oh God,
she realised, she had just had sex with someone she hardly knew, let
alone was married to. Her mother's voice came back to her in stern
tones.
    He
noticed her watching him, and he grinned and waved to her as