Page 87 of Closer than Ever

“And you are highly entertaining to me.”

Anna raised an eyebrow.

Hayley continued. “We get on just like before, if not better now.” Hayley leant over and kissed her softly with her eyes closed. It was so sweet. She opened her eyes and pulled back slightly. “It’s the best thing that could ever have happened on so many levels. I’m so glad I came back. I’m absolutely flying here. How about you?”

Anna just sat there, quietly absorbing the impact of Hayley’s words. The waves lapped gently at the shore as the tide continued to drift away. She undid the zip on her backpack, turning away from Hayley to do so, and felt around for the bottle of whisky she’d bought at the distillery today. She fished it out and offered Hayley a sip. She declined with a slight shake of her head. Anna put the bottle to her lips and let the fiery liquid warm her up. She was careful not to spill a drop, much like her feelings. The whisky offered some fleeting relief to her inner turmoil at hearing Hayley say such incredible things despite Anna’s endless doubts and anxieties. She took her time in replying, trying desperately to make sense of her thoughts and feelings. No such clarity came, but one thing was for sure. She loved Hayley and she was happy they got to share this experience together, even if she had no idea where they were headed.

Anna found Hayley’s eyes, which were trained on her. “I’m happy too. So happy that I might just be able to overlook the tea comment.”

Hayley grinned and exhaled, as if in relief. “You must be, if that’s the case! I know not to mess with you Brits and your tea.” Hayley laughed. “No, seriously. I’m so happy that you’re happy about us. You’re amazing, Anna. I’ve never met anyone like you. You are so sweet and kind. You’re fucking awesome!”

“Oh stop it. These lines are awful.”

“I don’t want to. And they’re true.”

“Really hadn’t pegged you as such a sap.”

“Like I said, you do things to me, Anna.”

“Like what?”

Hayley gulped. It took her ages to say anything.

Anna waited, patiently.

“I think I just said.”

“True.”

Hayley’s shoulders relaxed. “I’ve changed my mind. Can I have some, please?” She reached for the bottle and Anna passed it to her, their fingers brushing. Anna got tingles. Her whole body came alive around Hayley. It was that simple.

“I’m glad we checked in about this, Anna.”

Anna was still holding back so many of her fears. She didn’t want to spoil the moment or ruin their vibe. “I’m glad too.” Anna put her hand on Hayley’s upper thigh, near the crease with her hips, unable to hide the slight tremble in her voice. It wasn’t just her body that came alive around Hayley; their connection transformed something in Anna from the inside out.

Hayley gazed into her eyes. “Can I kiss you?”

Anna nodded. Thrilled. Contemplating her doubts about what came next made her want to forget about it as soon as possible. Kissing would help.

Hayley leaned towards her and kissed her gently. She put her hand on Anna’s neck and tentatively kissed her lips, as if this was their first time again.

Anna was getting emotional. Thank goodness it was dark and she could hide her feelings. Lust replaced or added to whatever it was she was feeling, the longer and deeper they kissed.

Hayley lay down and pulled Anna down beside her with such care. She lay on her side, resting her head on one arm and putting the other around Anna’s waist.

Anna mirrored her. They moved closer, legs entwining, bodies pressing together. They were in no rush. Holding each other protected them from the cool air settling in for the evening on the exposed beach. It was warm. Immediate. Intimate.

Hayley pulled her closer in the cuddle, shoring up the remaining distance, as if claiming her. Would she ever, though? The fire between them stabilised and softened into the most comfortable embrace. It felt like home. How was Anna going to live without this? She pushed that painful thought away and nuzzled into Hayley’s neck. The soft rise and fall of Hayley’s chest brought her back to where she wanted to be. Right here. Right now. Wrapped up in Hayley’s arms.

Anna lost track of time. In the quiet hum of their embrace, the connection between them became even more intense. Hayley’s breathing became deeper. Anna ran hot with heat and want.

Hayley found Anna’s lips and kissed her. They picked right back up where they left off, as if they had been kissing this whole time.

Hayley ran her hand over Anna’s body possessively, feeling under Anna’s clothes, stroking the skin along her hips on the lower part of her tummy, where her tattoo was. Anna squeezed her abs, instinctively. The sensation made her feel powerful and sexy. She wanted Hayley inside her. The idea of it alone sent her wild with hot desire.

Hayley undid Anna’s button and zip while still kissing her and pushed Anna’s trousers down to her knees. She was inside Anna so quickly, invited in by the wetness between Anna’s legs. Anna felt like an open book. Her feelings were clearly coming out in places she couldn’t control. Man, she had it so bad for Hayley and there was nowhere to hide.

When Hayley sank her fingers knuckle deep and back out again, Anna moaned.

---