Page 24 of Saving You Losing Me

Now I can see what I’m expecting her to lose, I don’t feel so good about myself.

“It’s a lot to ask of someone.”

“Not really.”

She sets her mug down and crooks her finger and as I settle between her legs and push her soft curls away from her face, she says softly, “What we have is worth the risk because I want to live my life, Atom, not merely exist and play a part in somebody else’s dream. So what if they cut me off? None of that matters. We are together now and even if we don’t go the distance, we have each other and that is worth more to me than anything.”

My heart is physically bursting as I kiss her long and slow. If life works out for us, there is the rest of our lives to enjoy together. If our circumstances change, it won’t be because of me. I’m sure of that because from the moment I first saw this woman, I knew she was made for me.

CHAPTER 13

CLARA

As soon as Atom drops me home, I prepare for battle because we made no secret of the fact I arrived home on a motorbike. However, it’s only Vikki who’s home and her eyes are wide as she greets me at the door.

“Is that?”

“My boyfriend?” I grin. “Yes.”

The horror on her face makes me laugh out loud.

“Your parents will–”

I shrug. “Who cares? Let’s say I’m entering my rebellious phase and leave it at that. They’ll come around.”

I notice a huge bouquet on the hall table with a note attached.

“What are these?”

I’ve had several deliveries due to my birthday, and she shrugs. “They just arrived addressed to you.”

I rip open the card.

Happy birthday, gorgeous lady. I’m looking forward to our ‘date’ tomorrow.

Michael.

Fuck!I completely forgot about that and what does he mean ‘date’ even if it is in inverted commas?

“Problem, ma’am.”

“It’s Clara, remember, and yes, this is a definite problem.”

I stare at her in horror.

“My mom’s preferred choice is collecting me in the morning to show him around town. What am I going to do?”

“Show him around town.” Vikki laughs. “And talk about your boyfriend the entire time. He’ll get the message and back off, and your parents won’t discover why.”

“You’re a cunning woman Vikki and I like that quality in a person.”

We giggle and when I hear the key in the front door, I sigh.

“Mom’s home.”

There is no time to bolt to my room before she enters with an armful of designer shopping bags.

“Ah, Vikki. Be an angel and take these to my closet and after fix me a coffee. I’m exhausted.”

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