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Claire sat at her desk, exhaustion etched across her face after a particularly demanding day at the hospital. Neil, perceptive to her exhaustion, entered her office with a gentle smile. “Rough day?” he asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.She nodded, sighing. “Nearly lost a 9 year old today. We didn’t, but then it came out she was being abused by her older brother.” She gave a long sigh and warily pushed her paperwork away from her. “Sometimes it’s not easy.”Without saying a word, Neil moved behind her, his skilled hands massaging her tense shoulders. She leaned into his touch, appreciating the comfort he always seemed to provide. “I hate seeing you like this,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’re amazing you know that.”“You may have told me once or twice.”Their relationship had evolved since she became an attending. After Neil's near-death experience, they faced challenges. Pushing each other away, question whether all the sneaking around was worth it, but now, three months into her attending role, they were openly together, no longer hiding. However, an unspoken agreement lingered – open in private, discreet in public. Audrey was the only one they had told about this, not because they needed permission anymore. He wasn’t in a position of power over her, but they both decided that they wanted her to know to take the weight off a little. As for everyone else Neil seemed hesitant. They were together though and that’s all that mattered she guessed.Claire turned to meet his lips in a lingering kiss, seeking solace in his embrace. After a moment, he pulled away, suggesting, "How about you come over later? I can cook, we can talk about today or not talk at all. I've got plenty more massages to give."“Maybe,” Claire smiled back.“Or we could go out. Get dinner?”“Actually Lea invited me, Alex and Morgan out for drinks tonight with her and Shaun.”“Really?”“There’s a new bar downtown they want to check out. Styles or something like that.”“Well you enjoy it. Come back to mine afterwards.”“I actually thought you might want to come.” Claire threw the idea out there despite already knowing what the answer would be.Neil stepped back and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I wasn’t invited so probably best not to.”“Come on Neil, you know nobody would mind.”“And I have a lot to get on with.”Claire rolled her eyes. “Just a moment ago you was trying to get me to come over or go out.”“Plus it feels weird hanging with you guys.”She raised an eyebrow, unamused. “Neil, they're not your residents anymore. I’m not your resident anymore. And besides, it's just this once I’ve had a long day and it would be nice for you to join.”“Claire,” Neil hesitated, searching for any excuse. “I’m sorry. I won’t be coming tonight.”“You realise things are different now,” she countered. “We're not in that awkward resident-attending phase anymore. We are allowed to be seen together and I’m not trying to shout it from the rooftops, but I don’t want to hide it away.”“I’m not trying to hide away, I just don’t want to go this evening.”“We can act like friends in front of everyone, just like we always have.”He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Claire, I don't think it's a good idea. I'd rather avoid these kinds of situations.”Claire felt a spark of frustration. “Neil, it's just a night out. Why are you so resistant? It's like you're avoiding being seen with me.”His eyes flashed with defensiveness. “Claire, it's not about avoiding you. I don’t want to go and I just don't think it's necessary for me to be there. You don't need me.”She shot up from her seat, anger bubbling to the surface. “It's not about need, Neil. It's about wanting you there. Is it too much to ask for you to join us for one night?”Claire waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. He just stood there frowning and finally with her frustration reaching a breaking point her emotions a mixture of anger and hurt. “Neil, what's the point of being together if every time there's something social with people from work, you turn it into a battle? Getting here was already hard enough, and I don't want to keep fighting just to be with you.”“And you think that I do?”She shook her head, her voice tinged with disappointment. “I can't keep second-guessing every social situation just because you have issues you won’t properly discuss. I thought being together meant facing challenges as a team, not constantly having to question or defend our relationship.”Neil's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. “Claire, I'm not asking you to defend anything. I just want to avoid unnecessary complications.”Claire took a deep breath, her tone measured. “This is becoming a pattern. I can't keep fighting just to have a normal night out with our friends. I need someone who's willing to stand by me, not someone who makes me question whether I should be in this relationship.”Neil's eyes flashed with a mix of sadness and anger. “Are you serious? You want to break up over this? After everything we’ve been through you want to throw it away over a night out?”“I’m not breaking up with you right now, but I don’t want to have this conversation right now either. I’m already exhausted.” Claire frowned. “I want to have a good night and tomorrow I need reevaluate things. It’s much more than just a night out; I need someone who can compromise, who can meet me halfway and at the moment that doesn’t feel like it’s you.”“Fine, I’m going to go,” Neil sighed. His words a lot softer now. “Have a nice evening, stay safe and message me if you need anything.”“Thanks Neil.”He gave her a half smile before leaving the office. The door closed, leaving her alone in the quiet space. She slumped back into the chair and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness as she contemplated what had happened. She wanted nothing more than to make this work, but right now she didn’t have much confidence in that happening.•••Neil sat on the couch in his apartment, nursing a beer, with Audrey across from him. It was a quiet evening which he imagined was quite the opposite to the evening Claire was having right now. He’d text her an hour earlier to ask how her night was going but no reply yet, not even a read receipt.“So, how's everything with Claire?” Audrey asked with a smile, as if she knew what he was thinking.Despite their current situation Neil’s face still lit up. “Being with her is amazing. These past few years have been a lot, but finally having something this good makes it all worth it.”“Damn Melendez,” Audrey teased, “you’ve got it bad.”Neil felt his cheeks go red and he just shrugged. “I can’t help it. Everything just feels right with her.”“Sounds like our little Neil is in love.”Neil chuckled, “I can’t deny that.”“Have you told her?”“She knows, the night of the earthquake when we thought I was going to die I told her.”“Seriously? That long ago?” Audrey laughed. “I’m sure your amazing relationship will be even more amazing if you tell her again perhaps this decade.”Neil just smiled and glanced at his phone on the coffee table which didn’t go unnoticed.“So your super perfect girlfriend that you love, who I know finished work two hours ago isn’t with you on a Friday night and you’re spending it drinking cheap beers with your ex.” Audrey raised an eyebrow. “Spill.”Neil sat back and sighed, the events of the evening replaying in his mind. "We had an argument. Claire invited me out, but I declined. Now, she's upset."“That doesn’t seem like a reason to have an argument.”“It was with Lea, Shaun, Alex and Morgan. It’s just not my vibe. She doesn’t need me to go.”“Neil, it doesn’t matter what your vibe is. You’re an idiot. Everyone else is coupled up did you not think about that? She’s had a horrendous day, she wants to have a nice evening going and she wants the man she loves with her.” Audrey raised an eyebrow. “But that man’s not going to go because of vibes? Yeah I’d be pissed too.”“I am an idiot aren’t I?” Neil looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. He hadn’t thought about it like that.“Not only that.”“There’s more?”“You’ve been pretty open about all your previous relationships remember when you kissed me in the ER when we didn’t have to hide it anymore. Must be a kick in the face to for her.”“You kissed me.”“I mean you’re wrong,” Audrey chuckled, “but it doesn’t really matter.”“Can I be honest with you?”“Can you be honest with yourself?”Neil took a sip of his beer and thought for a moment. “It’s stupid, but with me and Claire and everything we’ve been through I just wanted to keep this relationship to myself. So many things have gone wrong for me, for us and currently we’re in a good place, we’ll I thought we were. I feel like blurring the lines between our professional and personal lives is just adding to the potential lists of things that could go wrong.” Neil paused, letting out a sigh as he picked absently at the label on his bottle. “And I really don’t want this to go wrong.”The way Audrey was looking at him he thought he was going to get another telling off, but then her features softened and she leaned forward to squeeze his knee. “I get it Neil, I do. And maybe if you explained to Claire she’d get it too.”“You’re right. Again.”“I know,” Audrey grinned. “Neil, don't sabotage something good out of fear. You love her, you fought for this and you both deserve to be happy.”“I’ll speak to her this weekend and apologise.”“Why not do it now? No time like the present.”“She won’t even read my texts. I doubt she wants a phone call from me right now.”“Do you know where they’re going?”“Some new bar or club thingy called Styles?”“Never heard of it.” Audrey jumped up and held out her hand. “You go make yourself look presentable, google the directions and I’ll drive.”“You’re crazy,” Neil gently swatted her hand away. “I’m not just going to turn up.”“Oh yes you are.” Audrey wasn’t taking no for an answer and grabbed his wrist to pull him up. “I will drag you out this apartment if I have to.”“Fine,” Neil rolled his eyes. “You’re coming with though right?”“I will drop you off, but clubbing with former residents on a Friday night? I’m good.”“But you just said—““I’m not sleeping with any of them.” Audrey gently pushed him in the direction of the staircase. “Now go, get ready.”“Yes boss!”•••Claire sat in the dimly lit booth, nursing her drink as her thoughts swirled in annoyance. The pulsating music seemed distant as she replayed the argument with Neil in her mind. She couldn't shake the frustration, the constant battles over seemingly simple things, like joining her and friends for a night out.Lea, sensing Claire's preoccupation, nudged her. “Hey, you good? You've been miles away.”Claire sighed, attempting a smile. “Yeah, just work stuff on my mind.”“Sounds like more tequila shots are in order.” Lea announced.“More tequila is always good.” Shaun said making the others laugh.As Claire attempted to shake off the irritations, Lea nudged her again. “Is that Melendez?” She asked loud enough to get everyone’s attention. Claire instantly looked to where she was pointing, confirming it was indeed Neil.“Yo! Over here.” Alex called out, beckoning him over.Claire's annoyance flared up again. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, wondering why he decided to show up after declining her invitation earlier.Neil made his way up to the booth a small smile on his face. “Mind if I join the party?”“Hell yeah,” Lea said. She moved up in her seat so Claire could move up, giving Neil space to sit down.“Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. What changed your mind?” Morgan asked.Neil's knocked his knee against Claire’s and she instantly pulled away making him frown slightly. “Change of heart I suppose. Anyway looks like I have some catching up to do so first few rounds on me. What’s everyone having?”“Lots of tequila shots,” Shaun said. “And one Bud Light for me and one Coors Banquet for Lea.”Alex and Morgan asked for beers too and when he turned to Claire he didn’t bother asking.“And a corona for you.” He said sweetly, but Claire just rolled her eyes.“Glass of white please. A large one.”“Okay then,” Neil’s smile faded slightly. “Beers, one glass of wine, tequila shots for everyone and a bottle of champagne.”“No one asked for champagne.” Shaun interrupted.“Shut up Murphy,” Morgan glared at him
Through gritted teeth.“I know,” Neil grinned and made his way towards the bar.“Well he can definitely come out more often,” Lea said.Claire just sighed.As the night progressed Claire, still holding onto her frustrations, observed Neil's attempts to lighten the mood. He engaged in animated conversations, buying rounds and sharing anecdotes, fully immersing himself in the dynamics of the group. They’d gone for drinks together a couple of times in celebration when they were residents under him, but he’d always kept it professional. Of course when they were alone she saw this side of him, but she’d never imagined it with these guys. She wondered if he was being genuine or just trying hard to impress her.Lea, with a dangerous look in her eye grinned at Claire. “Melendez is a dark horse isn’t he. Never knew he had it in him.”Claire shot her a half-hearted glare, but a small smile played on her lips. Neil, catching the exchange, grinned. “I'm always up for a good time.” He took one look at the tequila shot Shaun had put in front of him and downed it effortlessly.As the others eventually migrated to the dance floor when Shaun excitedly exclaimed he loved the Nicki Minaj song that was playing Neil stayed behind and asked Claire too as well. Telling the others he just needed a moment after all the tequila.Once they were paying them no attention Neil slid closer to Claire so their legs were touching and under the table put his hand on her thigh. There was a look of sincerity and vulnerability in his eyes. “I messed up, Claire. I should have been here with you from the start tonight. I'm sorry.”She met his gaze, the walls around her heart momentarily faltering. “I’m glad you came to your senses, but it’s not enough. I felt like I was being an idiot asking you to come earlier.”He acknowledged her frustration, “I’m sorry for making you feel that way. It’s not about you. I just... I didn’t want to complicate things and I should’ve told you before. It just feels so stupid on my part.”Claire couldn't help but still feel frustrated with his words. “Complicate? Neil, we're past that. We have the green light to be together and we went through so much to get to here.”His hesitation spoke volumes, and Claire realized the depth of Neil's fears. “I guess I'm just scared of losing what we have. Surviving that earthquake was one thing, but the recovery mentally as well as physically I would’ve never survived that it it wasn’t for you.”“Neil…”“I’ve lost a lot these past few years including a relationship because of work. I know the situation is different with us, but my thought process admittedly wasn’t rational. I wanted to protect us from a non existent issue. I can’t lose you.”“You’re not going to lose me,” Claire smiled softly. Her hand went under the table to squeeze his, letting him know without words that she appreciated his honesty. “Like we have been any issues we face I want to face them together. Even small things like this, you have to talk to me okay.”“I know that.” Neil looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “I’m a massive idiot in love.”Claire rolled her eyes. “I love you too, idiot,” she said. “We don’t have to shout it from the rooftops by the way. I just like having you here next to me. It’s nice.”“You’re not wrong.”The two of them stayed in the booth talking about everything and anything and laughing at their friend’s dance moves for a bit. And then Neil jumped up when Old Town Road came on.“Really?” Claire raised and eyebrow at the hand he held out for her. “You do not look like a Lil Nas X fan.”“I don’t know who that is, but I do know that I never skip this song on my workout playlist.”“Of course.” Claire have an exaggerated sigh and took his hand. He pulled her across the dance floor to where the others were. They all looked surprised to see him and even more surprised when he started rapping along perfectly with every word whilst pulling out the cheesiest dance moves to go with it.Shaun was loving it jumping up and down next to him and trying to copy the moves that Neil demonstrated for him. It was cute to see. And it didn’t stop after that song; Neil proved he had a lot more dance moves in him.At one point Shaun and Lea went to the bar and when the song changed to ‘Body’ by Loud Luxury Alex grabbed Morgan and they were in their own little world dancing. Claire was about to excuse herself and to take a seat and rest for a moment when Neil grabbed her hand and held it above her head for her to do a spin and when she did and was facing him he pulled her close.She expected him to let go, but he didn’t. He put his arms round her waist and done a two step to the song he clearly didn’t know the words to, but that didn’t stop him trying to mouth along to the chorus.“You know everyone can see us right.”“Don’t care.” Neil grinned and then without warning he cupped her cheek and leaned down to kiss her. And it wasn’t just a chaste kiss of any sorts it was a full on go for it drunken make out on the dance floor type of kiss. The type that gave Claire butterflies and made her drunken head spin, feeling like she was a teenager with fake ID again living her best life on a night out.It wasn’t until she heard a shriek over the music they broke apart. She spun round, still in his arms and flush against him as he swayed them side to side. Lea, the source of the shriek was standing there looking like she was about to combust, Shaun’s expression was a bit harder to read and Morgan was picking Alex’s jaw up from the far telling him that she told him so and he owed her fifty bucks.“Is this a proper thing?” Lea eventually asked. “Or a too much tequila and champagne may or may not regret in the morning kinda thing?”Claire heard Neil chuckle. “It’s a proper thing.” He said pressing a soft kiss on her cheek.“I’m so happy for you guys.” Lea took Claire’s hand and pulled her from Neil’s embrace. “Smoking area now. You too Morgan.”“None of you smoke,” Shaun pointed out.Alex laughed. “It means she’s going to grill Claire within an inch of her life to find out all the gossip.”“I need all the details.” Lea said enthusiastically as she led them outside.“I knew something was up; you two are much happier when you’re getting laid on the regular.” Morgan shrugged.Claire rolled her eyes and laughed. She could tell it was going to be a long night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neil’s apartment echoed with laughter, the lingering joy from their night out infusing the air. Claire leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping on a glass of wine, her gaze fixed on Neil, who was enthusiastically dancing around the living room, using a beer bottle as his makeshift microphone. His current drunken antics contradicted his earlier complaints in the cab about being worn out, claiming his partying days were behind him.The unfamiliar pop song blared from Neil's workout playlist, featuring a Spanish artist. Claire found herself drawn to the allure of his flawless singing in another language, a subtle turn-on that she suspected Neil was well aware of. As the song concluded, Neil took her wine glass, placing it aside, and pulled her into a kiss."Tu sonrisa ilumina mi mundo," Neil murmured against her lips, a compliment delivered in smooth Spanish.Claire blushed, her broken Spanish stumbling out in response. "Gracias, tú también… um, iluminas mi mundo." She’d been putting in extra effort to learn since they’d started dating. Even having Shaun tutor her some lunchtimes.Neil chuckled, clearly amused by her attempt, and smoothly lifted her onto the kitchen island. "Cuidado," she warned, holding onto her wine to prevent any spills.Unfazed, Neil lifted one of her legs over his shoulder, kissing along to her knee. "I haven't finished making it up to you," he declared, his voice laced with a promise."Really?" Claire grinned, anticipation building."Hmm…" Neil continued his exploration, kissing down her leg, reaching the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. "I'm going to make you come at least three times this evening.""Bold words.""I'm a confident guy," Neil grinned, his playful confidence sending a shiver down Claire's spine. "And I know exactly what you like."In a swift motion, Neil pulled Claire forward, to the edge of the kitchen island. He pushed up her dress and removed her panties, then effortlessly lifted both her legs over his shoulders. His lips traced a path back up her thighs, and a mischievous chuckle vibrated against her skin.Claire couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through her as Neil's tongue worked its magic. He approached intimacy like a surgeon in the operating room, with skill, precision, and a willingness to take risks for the best outcome. Tonight, there was a difference Neil wasn't in the mood for teasing, and Claire welcomed the change.She emitted a long groan as Neil's tongue continued its exploration. His pride in turning her on was evident, and he took pleasure in both teasing and pleasing her. Tonight, however, there was an urgency in his actions, a raw desire that mirrored Claire's own."Mmm…" Neil looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of adoration and hunger. "You're always so wet for me, mi dulce."Blushing, Claire ran her hand through Neil's hair, then urged him back down, a silent plea for him to continue. Neil understood, his tongue circling her clit with a steady pace. The familiarity of his touch and the genuine connection they shared heightened the intensity of the moment."Neil…" she gasped, her hand tightening in his hair. "Neil…" she repeated, the word barely escaping as she moaned, finally pushed over the edge. She held onto him, guiding him through the waves of pleasure until she leaned back, breathless, and composed herself.Neil pressed more kisses into the inside of her thighs, gently lifting her legs from his shoulders. With a wide smile, he asked, "You okay?"Claire opened her eyes, looking down at him. "More than.""Perfect." Neil retrieved his beer bottle. "You go and make yourself comfortable in the bedroom, and I'll be up in a moment." He helped her down, giving her a kiss before she headed to the bedroom."Don't take too long.""I won't," he assured with a smile.•••Neil swiftly tidied the living room, erasing any traces of his drinks with Lim earlier. He couldn't help but smile at the newfound order, a far cry from his younger, less responsible days. He picked up Claire's underwear from the floor, a playful memento, and pocketed it before grabbing two glasses of water.Entering the bedroom, he found Claire waiting for him, wearing one of his old Stanford shirts. "Hey," she greeted with a sweet smile as he handed her a glass.Neil didn't reply immediately, merely reciprocating the smile. As he began to unbutton his shirt, he felt Claire's eyes on him, appreciative and hungry. The teasing continued, with Neil purposefully playing to her desires. He knew he had a good body he didn’t spend hours in the gym most days to not recognise that and if he happened to ever forget she always made sure to remind him. His shirt fell to the floor, followed by the deliberate slow unbuckling of his belt. Claire's eyes scanned him up and down as his trousers dropped, and he climbed onto the bed, her hands instantly seeking him in a passionate kiss.Like a well rehearsed routine, her hands explored him, mapping the familiar terrain of his body; down his spine, across his obliques to his bellybutton then following the light trail of hair disappearing under his boxer shorts. Her fingers feathered over his hardness and Neil reveled in her touch but shifted down out of her grasp, wanting to prolong the experience. He kissed down her neck, lifting the shirt to expose her breasts.Claire, beautiful in every way whether naked, fully clothed, wearing scrubs or dressed to the nines drew him in with an intensity that Neil never grew tired of. He marveled at the idea that this incredible woman had chosen him and he felt like an idiot that before tonight he wasn’t proudly screaming that from the rooftops. She was most definitely the best part about him.He couldn't help but express his feelings, knowing he might come off as soft. "I love you, Claire," he whispered, half-expecting a playfully annoyed rebuke. “So much.”"Neil…" Claire rolled her eyes but smiled, gently stroking the back of his neck. "I love you too."The sincerity in Claire's words led Neil to silently thank her before he covered her right breast with his mouth. Her nipple, already hardened, invited his playful tongue, and the little gasps escaping her fueled his desire. His hands multitasked, one giving attention to her neglected breast while the other found its place between her legs, gently parting them to explore her renewed wetness. Neil reveled in her responsiveness, feeling her shudder beneath him as his fingers traced random patterns against her clit."Want me to fuck you, baby?" he inquired, grazing his teeth over her nipple."Mmm..." Claire's hand tightened around his neck."What was that?""Neil..." Claire gasped as his fingers continued their ministrations. "Yes.""Yes what?""Yes, sir," Claire barely managed to utter. "Fuck me, please."Neil emitted a low groan, her words resonating like music to his ears. Perhaps it was his inherent arrogance, but Claire addressing him as ‘sir’ in the bedroom had a profound effect on him. "Good girl," he praised, and without warning, he slid his index finger inside her effortlessly.His mouth continued its attention on her breasts as he pleasured her with his hand. Though he suspected minimal effort from him was needed certain that if he stilled, she'd ride his finger, Neil wanted to be the one in control as he still had making up to do. Adding his middle finger, she accommodated him perfectly, and with every pump, he skillfully curled his fingers, hitting the spot that sent her pleasure soaring."I want you to come for me," Neil said, lifting his head from her chest and pressing a kiss to her cheek. Her eyes were shut tight, lips parted to release little moans and gasps. "I want you to come around my fingers like I know you want to," he continued."Neil...""You look so hot like this." He softly bit down where her neck met her shoulder. "All for me, you're mine. You feel so good. Can't wait to fuck you properly, feel you properly."Claire's fingernails dug into his back, and she tightened around his fingers, hips lifting off the bed as she reached her climax. Neil allowed her a moment before removing his hand and sitting back on his knees, watching her completely undone before him. It took a moment for her breathing to compose, and then she looked up at him with those gorgeous green eyes.Mischievously, he brought his hand up to his mouth, pushing his index finger past his lips for another taste of her tonight. It was then he realized just how aroused he was. Glancing down, he noticed his boxer briefs did nothing to conceal that fact, but with such a beautiful woman in his bed, it was to be expected."Want to continue?" he asked.Claire nodded eagerly and then smirked. "At least three times, remember.""I mean, I could just lie back, and you could sit on my face until you get bored," Neil shrugged. He had made it clear from the beginning that going down on a woman was one of his favorite things to do, and it satisfied him as much as the recipient."Or you could fuck me properly."Neil didn't need to be told twice. He got up to remove his boxers, and without him asking, Claire turned around and got on her knees, back arched, her head on the pillow. Neil's arousal twitched in anticipation, and he gave himself a few strokes as he got back on the bed behind her. He playfully slapped her ass, a gesture he couldn't resist, and heard her giggle. Comfortable and in position, he teasingly dragged the tip of his cock across her clit before lining it up with her entrance. Running his hand down her back, he gathered up her soft curls in his fist, and in one swift movement, he entered her.He started slow, mindful of her having already reached her second climax in quick succession. With the hand not in her hair, he traced random patterns into the small of her back. Though tempted to whisper compliments in both English and Spanish, he refrained, deeming them cheesy. When she began pushing back against him in a faster rhythm, he took the hint to pick up the pace."Eager," he muttered with a smirk. Gripping her hip and pulling on her hair — a preference he had learned she liked — he was rewarded when her hand slipped underneath her. She played with her clit, and he wished he could see because he loved watching her touch herself. Then again, he was spoiled because he loved everything about her.It wasn't long before she was shouting his name into the pillow, mixed with some incomprehensible swear words, as she came for the third time, just like he promised. That was enough to trigger his own climax, and he came hard, pulling her close against him by the waist as his orgasm took over."I love you," he couldn't help but say it again as he let go of her, and she flopped down on the bed. "Te amo más de lo que las palabras pueden expresar," he said breathlessly, laying down next to her."Love you too, Neil," she smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his lips then there was silence for a minute before she spoke again. "Do you want to shower first?""I want to cuddle.""You say that now until I hear you complain about how messy the bedsheets are because you wanted to wait.""Urgh," Neil mockingly expressed annoyance. "You're right. You shower first." He grinned. "Or we could shower together.""Ooh," Claire said thoughtfully and filled out of bed, grabbing the robe that Neil had brought for her when she stayed over. "You did say at least three times, right? I'll happily go for a fourth.""You're on," Neil smiled and followed her to the bathroom.•••Claire stirred awake with Neil pressed against her back. As she shifted to reach for the glass of water on the bedside table, she felt his morning arousal graze against her. He stirred slightly, turning onto his back. Smirking to herself, she had some water, and when she turned back, she observed him sleeping peacefully.Last nights endeavours had more than made up for any previous annoyance, especially when he had kissed her in the club in front of everyone. It solidified that he was as invested in this relationship as she was, a comforting realisation after all it took for them to get together. Plus, despite the argument, the making up part was undeniably the best, and Neil had certainly put in the effort to make it up; four times exactly, without expecting anything in return.Leaning down, she gave him a soft, lingering kiss on the lips. He stirred some more, and his hand weaved through his hair, pulling her into a longer kiss.“Morning,” he said with a tired smile.“Buenos días, guapo.” Her reply made him smile even more. She enjoyed being the recipient of his genuine smile, where his eyes lit up, and the dimple in his cheek was prominent.He moved in for another kiss, but she was too which for him. Maneuvering herself on top of him, straddling his hips, he didn't question anything but propped himself up on his elbow. Running a finger down her cheek and then down her neck, he reached a certain spot, and she flinched, remembering him biting her there yesterday. She made a mental note to later kill him if he'd given her a hickey.Her hand traced across the tattoo on his chest which was a feature she hadn't quite warmed up to, but in the grand scheme of things, especially how hot he was, it was a minor detail. She ran her fingers down the scar from his pecs down to his belly button. A reminder of the time she’d nearly lost him and the pain he’d gone through to get here. He used to shy away at first when she touched the scar, it was obvious that despite the jokes about it matching his tattoo that he was self conscious about it. She didn’t know if it was a physical thing, to do with how he looked, or a mental thing and a reminder of that awful day as she didn’t want to question him. Instead she’d let him know just how gorgeous he was to her and eventually a time came where he didn’t seemed so bothered.Pushing the covers off the bed, she lowered herself to leave a trail of kisses down his torso, passing over the scar and below his belly button."Claire," he said breathlessly as she kissed the top of his thigh."Yes, Neil," she looked up at him with an innocent smile, and he chuckled."You don't have—""—to give my extremely hot, extremely turned-on boyfriend a blowjob on this fine Sunday morning?""Yeah, that.""Noted," she winked before taking the tip of him into her mouth. She heard his head hit the pillow, and she couldn't help but laugh. Teasing swirls with her tongue preceded her taking him fully into her mouth. She skilfully and slowly bobbed her head, paying attention to the sensitive spot just below the head, knowing it drove him wild.His hands gently settled into her hair, and he released quiet, content moans, savoring the moment."God, you drive me crazy, hermosa," he said as she added her hand into the mix, synchronising with the rhythm of her mouth.Soon, he was thrusting his hips, his grip tightening in her hair before he climaxed in her mouth. Without hesitation, she swallowed, continuing to suck, mirroring the way he had rode out all her orgasms with her last night. When his hands dropped onto the mattress, she released him and moving back up to him."What did I do to deserve that?" he asked."You don't have to do anything," Claire kissed him. "I do it because I love you."He just smiled and she settled back into his arms escaping reality with him for just a little while longer.