“This has been quite a weekend, hasn’t it, baby?” Claire had gone back to her old habit of calling me baby with such ease, as if we’d never broken up. “It’s a pity we can’t stay longer.” I nodded. A big part of me − the foolish part − wanted to stay locked in the hotel room and chained to the bed, Claire on top of me, forever. But I hadn’t suffered through years of infidelity, albeit condoned, for nothing. Memories may fade but the heart does not forget. I knew Claire and I knew she was building up to a big declaration of undying love. I would listen, but it would end there. She was smart though, because as long as we were on the train I had no means of escape.
“It was great. Thanks for inviting me. Now back to the harsh realities of London.”
“I’m excited about settling in a new city.” She put her hand on my knee and leaned a little closer to my face, so close I could feel her breath warm up my skin. “Paris is romantic and beautiful but London is so energising and thrilling.” She reached for the hand that was resting in my lap. “And you live there.” I couldn’t help it, the slightest touch of her skin sent an electrifying jolt through my bones. I had caught a bad case of the Claires again. In order to save myself, and my fragile heart, I needed to get away from her as quickly as possible. Even though all I wanted was to stay with her forever − or until she cheated on me again. I faced her and I smiled. I felt it again then, the futile resistance of my heart as her deep red lips stretched wide into a reciprocating smile. I needed to say something to break the spell, to protect myself.
“So many new people to bang. It sure must be exhilarating for someone like you.” She didn’t lose the smile, she didn’t even bat an eye-lash. That’s what made me most crazy about her, that unabridged, all-shattering confidence. It made me moist. It made me shiver. It made me want to kiss her for days.
“I told you once before and I will tell you again. If you give me another chance I will be the most faithful woman you’ve ever been with, baby.” She gazed deep into my eyes − I almost had to look away.
“I wouldn’t want to carry the burden of that responsibility. I wouldn’t want to be the one to change your famous ways. And I surely wouldn’t want to change you, Claire.”
“You already have.”
“That’s what you think. I’m not that easily convinced.”
“And I completely understand that. So why don’t you let me prove it to you?”
“How are you going to that? Only a couple of days ago you were fucking a stranger in your hotel room.”
“True, but that had nothing to do with you.”
“What do you want, Claire? We had our fun. Yes, I wanted to sleep with you again. We’ve done that−”
“I want you back.” She didn’t wait for my response. She kissed me, first a soft playful peck right next to my lips, followed by a more serious one on my mouth until her tongue slipped deep inside. “But no pressure.” She licked her lips as she said it. “It’s your call.” She let her mouth float over mine for an instant before kissing me again. “But you can’t blame a lady for trying.” I had to laugh. I had no choice. I would say no later.

To be continued…