Harkett's Haven Read Online Free PDF Page A

at his lovemaking.
    Unable to contain her climax any longer, she callonter, sheed his name softly and shuddered, rippling around him.
    He moved on to her, spurting into her, stopping his movements as she climaxed, waiting for her surg e to subside before finishing himself off by moving slowly in her.
    He remained in her and held her close, kissing her, pressing her close to him, joined as one.
    ‘I’m sorry that was rushed Rachel..... I would’ve liked to have taken my time,’ He smiled at her and kissed her jawline, placing his hand over her breast.
    ‘ I needed that Eric.....you can’t know how much I needed that,’ Rachel sighed contentedly and rolled over to kiss him, ‘but I have to go now.’
    ‘Stay.’
    ‘I can’t Eric. I’ve stayed here far longer than I should’ve......Could I borrow a pair of joggers or something please?’ She pulled the sheet over her body and stood up, emphasizing her intention to leave.
    ‘Only if yo u promise to see me again.’ He smiled his charming smile and Rachel was almost tempted to say OK.
    ‘I’m sorry Eric. This was a......a..... moment of weakness....I’m sorry....... and as great as it was, it was a one-off. For a whole lot of reasons, I can’t see you again.’ She turned from him.
    He sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath, staring determinedly out the window.
    ‘What if I said I can’t leave this.... you.?’
    ‘I’ve gone as far as I want to go Eric. This was.... wonderful for me but I don’t want anything more .’  She found herself disturbed by the brittleness in her voice. ‘Look please Eric. I have to get home. Please can I borrow some clothes?’
    He didn’t say a word but stood up and crossed to the bank of built in wardrobes on the wall opposite, opened up a door and pulled a pair of joggers and a t-shirt for her from the shelves. He put them on the bed, took a robe, put it on and left the room.
    Rachel sighed miserably. Eric was charming and handsome. His daughter was a delight and he and Esme, like her, had been through some personal trauma. She didn’t mean to treat him like a meaningless one-off fuck but in the end, that’s what he was. As Claire and others before her had been to Eric. She didn’t want it to be anything else. Maybe if she had met him some other time things could’ve been different....
    She pulled on the clothes, baggy and oversized as they were and checked her reflection in the mirror.
    She had that after-sex glow, her hair slightly dishevelled and her face flushed. She left her hair down, took a deep breath, opened the bedroom door and headed down the stairs.
    Esme was playing with Jack in front of the TV still and hadn’t seemed to notice their absence.
    ‘Hey Esme.’
    ‘Hi Rachel.’
    Rachel sat down on the huge cream linen covered sofas. Esme scurried up to sit beside her, nestling into the crook of her arm, head against her chest.
    ‘Are those my dad’s trousers?’
    The girl looked quizzically at her.
    ‘Yes. I had to borrow some clothes from your dad ; mine need a wash, dry and a mend after our adventure yesterday.’
    Esme smiled at her.
    ‘I’m so glad you’re staying.’
    Rachel sighed softly.
    ‘Oh Esme... I’m sorry. I’m just about to leave.’
    The little girl turned her head away but Rachel could see her eyes glisten.
    ‘Listen. I’ ve a job to do and I need to get back home to do it. As much as I’ve enjoyed being here with you and your Dad..... I just can’t stay any longer.’
    ‘What’s you r job?’
    ‘I’m a marine biologist and I think it’s just about the best job in the world.’
    Esme brightened up, interested.
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Well...a marine biologist studies life in the oceans. Plants and animals. My job is  to come here and write a report on intertidal organisms. Do you know what that means?’
    Esme shook her head, hanging on Rachel’s every word.
    ‘It means that I get to go down to the beach every day to look in the rock pools. I get paid for doi ng that.