Chapter 1: Introduction
The door jingled, and the theatrically cozy low lighting swallowed Sarah whole as she stepped inside, shrouding her alluring physique in a rich, ambient glow. Sarah's colorful waves of hair cascaded past her shoulders, catching the light and casting a theatrical spotlight on her stunning face. Her cerulean gaze flitted around the intimate bar atmosphere, where whiskey-lovers reveled in a perfect symphony of smoke and mellow laughter.
Claire immediately started second-guessing her decision to meet Sarah here.
The dimly-lit and clandestine space seemed to heighten Sarah’s allure, as a soft aura enveloped her every feature. Sarah's azure eyes locked onto Claire’s before she scanned the rest of the bar. Claire tugged nervously at her cardigan, acutely aware of the lustful stares following Sarah's every move. Obviously, some of the men in the bar were captivated by her beauty—and Sarah, appreciating their admiration, knowingly brushed her hair back and smiled.
Claire cleared her throat, reminding herself to focus on their discussion and not on the raw sexuality oozing through every pore of her gorgeous friend.
“How’s the home front?” Sarah asked, a playful glint in her eye.
She tugged off her leather jacket and draped it over the back of the chair, settling in as she awaited Claire's response.
Claire took a deep breath, trying to shake off the mounting tension building between her legs. She fumbled with the clasp on her purse, contemplating how to answer Sarah's seemingly innocent question.
"It's fine. The kids are good. Michael's been busy with work. I haven't seen too much of him, but I guess that's okay for now.
You know how the spark can kind of fade after so many years, right?” Claire raised her glass, taking a generous sip of her chardonnay.
Still, Sarah’s smoldering stare never left Claire. “I suppose so. It’s a shame, though. You honestly deserve to be worshipped, Claire.”
Sarah’s words struck a chord deep within Claire. The notion of a renewed intimacy and desire had haunted her dreams for months, ever since Sarah made her intentions clear.