Chapter 27

Evelyn leaned back against the plush cushions of the couch, savoring the lingering taste of the wine still on her lips. Clairenestled her head on Evelyn's shoulder, her soft black hair brushing against Evelyn's cheek.

Evelyn's heart swelled with a mix of contentment and an undercurrent of anxiety she couldn't quite shake. She gently tucked a wayward strand ofClaire's hair behind her ear, her fingers lingering onClaire's skin.Claireturned her head slightly, and their eyes met. Claire's lips curved into a smile, and she leaned in closer. Their kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration that quickly grew deeper. Evelyn felt her heart beating faster as she parted her lips

As their kiss intensified, Evelyn's mind raced, and she couldn't ignore the pang of guilt in her chest. How much longer could she go without telling Claire about the movie and the fact that she would be leaving two months earlier than she'd planned? The thought was like a dark cloud hanging over her.

Claire pulled back slightly, her blue eyes searching Evelyn's, but if she noticed any apprehension in her eyes, Claire didn't say anything. She tilted her head, finding Evelyn's lips again.

Evelyn's thoughts drifted into the background as she kissed Claire back, sliding her hand into her hair. She tried not to think about what Claire's reaction would be when Evelyn finally told her. She had to hope that Claire wouldn't hate her, that she wouldn't end things then and there.

Evelyn forgot about all of that as Claire's hand slid over her shoulder and up her neck, her thumb swiping along her jaw as they deepened the kiss. Evelyn moaned, a wave of desire hitting her as Claire's other hand left her hip and moved down, over her shorts until her warm palm was caressing her thigh.

It had only been a week since Claire had dropped off her food delivery, and Evelyn had led her down the hall into the smaller living area with one thing on her mind.

Evelyn smiled into the kiss, and Claire pulled back to meet her eyes.

"What?" Claire asked, her cheeks slightly flushed, her black hair a little disheveled.

"I was just thinking about last week. When you delivered the food."

Claire smiled. "I spent all week thinking about that. And you in that robe."

"And I was just thinking about how I can't seem to keep my hands off you." Evelyn's hand slipped underneath Claire's shirt, sliding over her ribs and around to her back.

Claire's lips slid into a smile as she climbed on top of Evelyn, straddling her waist. "I know exactly what you mean," she murmured as she dipped her head, capturing Evelyn's lips once again.

Evelyn moaned into the kiss, a warmth spreading through her entire body as Claire's hips gently started to rock. Evelyn's hands fell to her backside, her fingers splayed over her navy shorts, adding to the pressure as they continued to kiss.

Soon Claire's moans mixed with her own, and Evelyn's body was on fire. Despite the guilt looming over her, Evelyn found herself lost in the moment. Claire's hands started to roam, one palming Evelyn's breast through her shirt, the other on her neck. Claire's touch was electrifying, and she couldn't get enough of it, arching into her, wanting more.

When they stopped to catch their breath, Evelyn nearly told her. It was right on the tip of her tongue. She opened her mouth, but Claire's eyes were raking over her, her hand sliding up into Evelyn's hair as she pulled her into a heart-stopping kiss.

And Evelyn almost said it as she led Claire into her bedroom. She'd stood beside Claire, her hands on her cheeks, searching her eyes, trying to find the words, but she couldn't do it.

Evelyn couldn't bring herself to tell Claire the truth.