My hair rubs against the pillows as my whole body shifts with every thrust.

  I’ve never felt this alive before.

  The frame of the bed squeaks in rhythm with his deep thrusts.

  How will I ever move on from him? He bends down and plants a kiss on my lips before straightening up. He lifts a hand to my mouth and plunges two fingers between my lips.

  “Suck them, baby,” he rasps. I suck them as hard as I can, getting them nice and wet. I moan my disapproval as he removes them, but I’m soon rewarded when they tap on my swollen, needy clit. He massages me with just the right amount of pressure, like he already knows my body off by heart. “I want you to come for me, Mel.”

  He’s usually got a wonderfully dirty mouth on him, but tonight, it’s like he owns me, mind, body and soul. Right at this moment, I would crawl across burning coals for this man. And so when his fingers make another loop and press together to gently squeeze my clit, I detonate. The orgasm arrives at great speed. My whole body shakes violently and I can’t hold in the long, low groan that leaves my lips. My whole body tenses, and there’s a rush of wetness as I explode all over him.

  I’m panting, completely discombobulated, and not even on this planet as he follows me over the edge, pumping his hips several more times, spearing me deeper than I thought possible as he spills his seed with a roar.

  Chapter twenty-eight

  Alex

  It’s like my soul has left my body. I’ve just poured every drop of my essence into the woman currently underneath me. Fuck, that was incredible. The sex with her has always been explosive, but we really took it up a notch. I ease back so that I can lower her legs down to the bed, giving her hamstrings a rub as I do so, knowing they will probably be tight after she’s spent a while in that position.

  I ease out of her with a wince and grab a tissue from the box next to the bed, wrapping it around the condom and throwing it into the bin. Mel tugs me closer, opening her legs up so I can lie nestled between them.

  “Hmm, that’s nice,” she whispers softly as her arms squeeze me tight. She’s cuddly tonight, which seems unusual. I was half expecting her to be up and out the door before I even remembered my name following that out-of-body experience.

  I lay there as our heartbeats pound in synchronisation. I nuzzle her cheek and plant kisses over her face until she giggles. It’s the most magical fucking sound I’ve ever heard. She sounds light and happy and I know right here, in this moment, that I would do anything to make her feel like this.

  “You okay?” I ask as I reach a hand up to stroke over her hair.

  “Yes, that was incredible.” There’s a sense of wonder and amazement in her voice. And I’m really fucking smug to have caused it.

  “Don’t let this be the end. We can make this work.”

  “Alex, don’t.” She draws in a sorrowful sigh.

  “Come on, Mel,” I ease back to look her in the eye, “we’ve got such a good thing going here. Don’t let it go. We can figure everything else out. Our future doesn’t have to be textbook. We can find a way forward that’s unique to us.” She closes her eyes tight, like she’s trying to block me out.

  I really hoped this sense of ease between us would help my cause. Abby and Cassidy suggested that, if given the chance, I take control and show Mel how amazing we can be together. I’ve tried that, but I’m not sure it’s worked.

  She leans up and kisses me on the lips.

  “We can’t, Alex. But I want you to know that I’m never going to forget this. This time I’ve spent with you, the things we’ve done together, they’re going to stay with me forever.”

  I think, up until those words left her mouth, I genuinely thought I’d be able to win her over. But it’s not to be. She’s completely set on this. I draw in a shaky breath. She squeezes me tight again and I know it’s her goodbye.

  “I have to go.”

  I can’t speak. I don’t know where to begin with all the things I want to say to her, so I keep my lips closed and nod. I sit up, holding my hand out to help her up.

  It doesn’t take long to get dressed. She shoves her feet into running shoes I hadn’t even noticed by the door before turning to look at me. Her mouth opens and then closes again, but she ends up only giving me a sad smile before she turns to the door and leaves.

  I’m left standing there, naked and broken.

  For the next few days I’m simply going through the motions. I work as many hours as possible, increasing the time I spend at the pottery studio. I’ve made more vases in the last three days than I have in the last three months. But keeping myself busy seems to be the only way through this. Tom and Abby were so impressed with the job I did in the cellar that they found me other jobs to do until my black eye healed enough to get back behind the bar.

  I stand in front of Tom late on Friday afternoon, and he gives me a nod. “You’ve done great work this week. Abby and I have both been impressed with your work ethic. We want you permanently on staff with set shifts and an option for overtime if you want them. How does that sound?”

  “That sounds great, thank you. I really appreciate it.” It’s what I’ve been hoping for, a steady part-time job that allows me to carry on with my ceramic work. But, like everything else this week, I feel flat.

  “You okay? You get everything sorted out after the black eye?” Tom asks.

  “Not really, no. But I’ll figure it out at some point.”

  He claps me on the shoulder. “Work and keeping busy can help. But as someone that always used to do that, sometimes you need to actually talk to people and feel stuff too.” It’s the most talkative Tom’s ever been. I’m shocked at his openness in discussing emotions. He shrugs. “I’m not particularly good at it though, so maybe cry on Abby’s shoulder if need be, yeah?” He smirks and I huff out a laugh.

  “Sure thing, boss.”

  Abby has been surprisingly quiet these last few days. I was convinced that she and Cassidy would be trying to get some kind of live updates about my love life, but she hasn’t mentioned it at all. It’s weird. After the two of them being so pushy before, I thought they’d be gagging for information. Unless Mel has had a word with them and forbade it.

  I haven’t seen Mel all week. I’ve been staying away from the house as much as possible. I can’t help but glance up to her window every night when I roll the bike to a park but it’s been in darkness since she ended things and by the time I’ve got up each day, her car has been gone from the driveway. Looks like she’s avoiding me as much as I’m avoiding her.

  Another couple of weeks go by and we’re still avoiding each other. And I’ve not seen Zack since he hit me. It’s like I’m an unwelcome guest in the garage apartment now. I’ve started viewing other places in the hope I can move out soon and leave Mel in peace. It saddens me that it's come to this. I’ve lost both my friend and the woman I want to be with.

  I get a shock on Saturday when I leave the apartment and head down the stairs. The kitchen door opens as I reach the bottom of the steps as if someone was waiting for me. I look over, expecting Mel, and get an even bigger shock when Zack steps out. He gives me a nod. There’s no smile on his face, but I don’t think he’s going to hit me.

  “Hey, man. Everything okay?” I ask with a frown, wondering what he wants.

  “Yeah, just popped over for some stuff. How are you?”

  “Doing okay.” I keep my answer short and sweet, not having a clue what’s happening here.

  “There’s a group of us staying over at my mate Rich’s place tonight to game. I wanted to check if you wanted to come.”

  “Ummm.” I’m speechless. I have no idea how to play this. “I can’t tonight, I’m working at the bar.” Saturdays have become one of my regular shifts.

  “Ah, no worries. Just thought I’d ask.” He turns as if to go back in.

  “Zack,” I call out softly. He stops, looking over his shoulder. “Are we okay, then?”

  He heaves a big sigh, frowning. “It was a dick move, sleeping with my mum. But other than that, you’re a decent guy. Don’t make me regret giving you a second chance.”

  “Yeah, no, thanks, I appreciate it. What made you change your mind?”

  “One of my other mates had a friend who died in a car accident the other day. It made me think. He was only a few years older than me, probably the same age as you. Life’s too short to be pissed off with everyone. I spoke with Mum about it too.”

  “Fuck, that’s awful. I’m sorry.”

  “I didn’t really know him, but my mate is really cut up about it.”

  “I bet. I’m sorry I can’t come tonight. But maybe we can get together on my next night off?” I offer, hopefully.

  “Sounds good. When’s that?”

  I reach a hand up to grip the back of my neck. “I’m waiting for them to confirm next week’s shifts, but probably Tuesday or Wednesday.”

  “Okay, text me when you know.”

  “Will do.”

  It’s a busy night in the pub. Even Cassidy’s in and sitting up at the bar, throwing Tom smiles and winks every few minutes. I spot her and Abby chatting a couple of times and looking over at me, but they’ve both been suspiciously quiet since they accosted me in the cellar. They’ve been friendly, but there’s been no mention of Mel whatsoever.

  I think she must have given them a hard word not to approach me or talk about her because, quite frankly, it’s disturbing how un-nosy they’re being about the whole thing. When I catch them chatting and looking my way for a third time, during a little lull in the bar orders, I head over.

  “Anything I can help you ladies with?” I ask with a raised brow.

  “All good, thanks Alex,” Abby responds softly. Is that pity I can see in her eyes?

  “Actually,” Cassidy starts and Abby throws a furious stare her way, “Abby’s scared of overstepping as your colleague, but I don’t know why I’m keeping my mouth shut.”

  “Maybe because we both promised Mel?” Abby points out.

  “Well, she isn’t here to stop me, is she? Even though she was invited.” Cassidy raises her brows at Abby, as if waiting for her next argument. Abby gives a shrug, which Cassidy seems to take as approval to continue. “What happened, Alex? Did you do what we suggested?”

  I look around to check no-one is listening. “Yeah, I did. But she got scared, and told me she didn’t want me. We hooked up one last time and she said goodbye.”

  “Dammit, Mel,” Cassidy curses even though she’s not here to hear it. “Why can’t she just accept she deserves nice things?” She gestures a hand up and down in front of me. “Have you tried again?”

  “Hey, anyone serving here?” a guy calls out, having just this second approached the bar.

  “Coming,” I shout down to him.

  I don’t speak to Cassidy and Abby anymore because it’s manic with another rush of customers. Cassidy stays once the pub is closed but her and Tom disappear out the back, while the rest of us all work together on clean-up. Abby brings me my share of the tip jar in an envelope, clapping me on the shoulder.

  “You doing okay?”

  I nod. “Yeah, still looking for somewhere else to live, though. I don’t think it’s the best idea to hang around where I’m not wanted.”

  “Oh, babe, she might come round.”

  I shake my head. “She won’t. She’s stubborn.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t rush to move out. As much as I’ve been forbidden to speak to you about it, she hasn’t mentioned that she wants you gone. We were hoping she’d come in tonight. We dared her to prove that she was over you.”

  I take in what Abby has just said, trying to work out what it means. “Maybe she just wasn’t up for a night out?” I suggest.

  “Yeah, could be that, I know she’s been busy with work lately.”

  “Is there anything else you need from me or can I head off?”

  “All done. You’re a free man.”

  “Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I’ve got an afternoon and early evening shift as there’s a big football game on and we’re expecting a crowd.

  “Okay, don’t rush into moving out. We don’t want you to end up in a dive,” Abby tells me. I give her a smile and head out to the back. As I step towards the staff room, Cassidy and Tom come out of his office. Cassidy looks smug and Tom appears to be doing up his fly.

  “Hey, Alex.” Cassidy gives me a wink and a cheeky smile as she walks past. I watch Tom stare after Cassidy with a look on his face I’ve never seen before. It looks almost dreamy.

  I pull up near Mel’s house and kill my bike engine as usual, rolling it onto the driveway. There are lights on downstairs, which is unusual for this time of night. Just as the security light on the garage kicks on, the rest of the house plunges into darkness. A scream rings out from inside and my blood turns to ice as I realise that the sound is coming from Mel.

  Chapter twenty-nine

  Mel

  Cassidy and Abby have been hounding me to go out with them. They tried to convince me I should front up at the bar during one of Alex’s shifts to prove that I was over him. What a stupid idea. I don’t need to prove anything. It’s put me in an antsy mood and I haven’t been able to settle on anything all evening. Zack’s still staying at his dad’s, but we have been talking, which gives me hope.

  Tonight, it’s just me rattling around the house. I tried reading but couldn’t get into it, so in the end, I put the telly on and scrolled through the streaming services until I found a movie to watch. I’m not in the mood for comedy or romance, so I went with a psychological thriller. Not the best choice. I usually love true crime but this movie is creeping me out. It’s nearing the end, where we start to realise how fucking creepy the stalker guy is and all the things he’s been doing.

  I’m sitting in the lounge with all the lights blaring because I’m a chicken-shit and can’t watch stuff like this in low light.

  I watch as he spies on his victim. She’s just got home from the gym and is getting undressed for a shower as he creeps on her from the bushes in her garden.

  “Shut the fucking curtains!” I can’t help but shout advice. Not that it will do her any good.

  Suddenly, everything goes off at once, the lights, the television… the room is plunged into darkness without any warning and I can’t hold in my scream. My heart races, my breathing is erratic.

  Then comes a banging at the door and I shriek again, convinced it’s my very own stalker come to murder me.

  “Mel, open up.” I creep to the hallway, trying not to make any noise. “Come on, Mel.”

  The relief washes over me when I realise it’s Alex. I undo the security chain and the lock and fling the door open.

  He stands on the doorstep, chest heaving. “Are you okay?” His hands come up to my shoulders as he stares at me through the darkness. “I heard you scream. What’s wrong?”

  “All the lights went off. The TV too.”

  “I saw it go dark and then heard you scream. Had no idea what was going on.” Worry floods his voice.

  I step to the side, gesturing for him to come in.

  “I was in the middle of watching something scary. I genuinely thought someone was out to get me. You’re not here to murder me, are you?” My voice is shaky from the shock.

  “Of course not.” He’s stepped inside but looking out towards the street. “The streetlights are still on, but there are a few houses that look completely dark. It looks like it might be a power cut.”

  “Oh, okay.” I draw in a deep breath, my heart still trying to recover from the fright.

  “If you hop online you can see if a fault has been reported.”

  “Oh, yeah.” He’s so level-headed. How does he even know this stuff? “My phone’s in the lounge.”

  “You come to the door without having your phone to ring for help if I was a murderer?”

  “Shit, yeah, I did.” I wince, watching as he shakes his head. He closes the front door, turning the lock and redoing the security chain. He places his hand on my lower back and eases me forward.

  “Let’s go find your phone and check.”

  As much as I want to tell him to go and that I can deal with it by myself, I’m still shaky and grateful for his company.

  “Is that you just getting home from work?” I ask, trying to act normal while my pulse still beats like a crazy drum.

  “Yeah. I think Abby and Cassidy were expecting you.”

  “Did they talk to you?” I try to look at the expression on his face but in the dark, it’s hard to see. He steers me into the lounge and I carefully make my way to the coffee table where I left my phone.

  “Not really, just mentioned you might be in when I checked if they were okay.”

  “Why wouldn’t they be okay?” I frown.

  “They kept looking at me and talking. I’m surprised they didn’t accost me and bundle me down to the cellar for an interrogation. Did you hear about that?”

  “Uh, no, but I did ask them to leave you alone and not talk about me. I got the impression they were trying to meddle.” I open up the browser on my phone, grateful for my mobile data with the wifi out, and search for power outages in my area. Alex stands just behind me, looking over my shoulder. It’s comforting having his steady presence behind me. He makes me feel safe.

  “They’ve not been talking to me, Mel. Not since you ended things.” I wince at the hurt in his voice. Although I am glad they stopped meddling.

  “I didn’t want them to bother you, not when I was the one to end things...” I try to explain myself.

  “It’s okay.” He brushes a hand on my bicep as if to soothe me. “The page is open.” He points out.

  When I put in the postal code on the power company’s website it comes up with an emergency outage. “Four hours. They’re saying it’s going to be at least that before it comes back on.”

  “Have you got another torch to save your phone battery? Some candles?”

  “I think there’s a torch in the laundry. And candles too. How do you know all this stuff?” I can’t hold the question in.