Read Driving Me to Christmas (London Loves Book 5) for Free Online Page A

as her body dissolved into the surroundings and her mind filled with only joy.
    She slowly came back to earth again, and she opened her eyes and giggled. Verlaine was gazing at her as if she was magical.
    “That was amazing,” she whispered, realising she sounded stoned.
    He kissed her tenderly on the nose. “You’re so beautiful. I love to watch you come.”
    Sam collapsed forward and draped her arms around his shoulders. “I love you.”
    He turned his head and they gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes. Sam had never understood why sex had such a sordid and sinful reputation, when it was the most magnificent feeling which bonded her with her beloved.
    Sam ran her fingers through his hair. “I’d better finish making the dinner! Shall we stay in tonight; I can’t be bothered to go down the pub.”
    “Good idea. We can stay in and watch the game.”
    Laughter burst out of Sam. She eased herself off Verlaine’s lap and ruffled up his hair. “No, we’re not watching the game! Not when we can make our own entertainment and play our own games. How does that sound?”
    Verlaine grinned. “Sounds much better than football! Come on, let’s make the dinner together.”

Chapter Five
     
    Sam pulled her coat around herself and gazed out the window as Verlaine drove them through the country lanes of Essex. She loved the seaside but she’d never been here in December before, and it was startling – like seeing through the illusion of Christmas and realising that goodwill to all humanity only applied to a lucky few. The scenery outside was dull, lifeless, and desolate today. The brilliant blue sky contrasted starkly with the bare spiky trees, giving a sense of foreboding in the weak winter sunshine. Sam craved to see the green leaves of springtime, which always filled her heart with hope.
    It was cold in this old car. And it bumped uncomfortably along the road because of the 1950s suspension, giving her a headache. Or perhaps the bumpy ride was because the roads around here were so bad. Sam knew she ought to be used to bouncing around in crappy ancient cars by now, because whenever Verlaine finished restoring a car, Gemma always encouraged him to take it for a test drive. Today it was the turn of the Ford Thunderbird. It was like sitting inside a 1950s American diner – it was all red and shiny, with big leather seats and kitsch chrome fittings. It felt luxurious and powerful; stylish and muscular. And it certainly lived up to its ostentatious name. It cried out for attention like an insecure supermodel – the engine was loud and intrusive. Sam was sure everyone could hear them coming for miles around. Not that there was anyone around on this deserted coastal road.
    Sam watched as Verlaine’s gorgeous fingers gripped the steering wheel. It was arousing watching him drive. She had visions of them pulling over and making love in the huge back seats. She chuckled as she imagined Verlaine halfway through the business saying, “Don’t forget, honey, the upholstery in here’s real leather, not vinyl.”
    “What’s funny?” he asked.
    “Oh, nothing. I’ve never driven a left-hand drive before – is it easy?”
    “Sure. You wanna give it a go?”
    “Not on this steep cliff!”
    “Okay, maybe on the way back down, huh?”
    “Hmm, maybe not.”
    Sam rubbed her hands together, trying to keep warm.
    “You alright, honey?” Verlaine asked.
    “Yeah. Just cold.”
    He grinned. “I’ll warm you up later.”
    She smiled. “I’m looking forward to going to the party tonight.”
    He threw her dubious look. “I’m still not sure about that.”
    “Verlaine! You said you’d go!”
    “I know, but isn’t it impolite to leave my parents when they’ve only just arrived?”
    “We’re gonna spend the whole day with them today. And Christmas. Please, Verlaine. I’ve wanted to go to one of these parties for ages. Please? You don’t wanna miss out on Santa’s knee, do you?”
    He sighed, then chuckled. “Alright,