Then December 28, 1973
Then
Suddenly a quiet voice calls Monica’s name, then the door of the staff bar opens and Sean is standing there. Her eyes widen. What is he doing here?
Before she can ask, he steps forward and draws her to him, pulls her into the room where staff gatherings are held once a week.
Today it is empty and in darkness, with not a soul in sight.
Sean quickly closes the door behind them and turns the key in the lock. Then he pushes Monica up against the grand piano. His mouth seeks hers, his tongue forces its way between her lips, and he kisses her so hard that she can’t breathe.
It feels unfamiliar, strange, forbidden. But also . . . wonderful.
“Oh . . .” she murmurs, letting herself be swept along.
Sean tastes of cigarette smoke and tobacco. It is like a dream as he presses himself against her. The kisses stop, and he takes a step back, breathing heavily.
“You drive me crazy,” he groans. “I can’t bear it, I have to have you.”
Monica isn’t quite sure what he means, but she doesn’t want this moment to end. It’s just like in the books she’s read. She still can’t believe she is capable of evoking such strong desire in such a handsome man.
“What are you doing to me, little girl?” Sean says hoarsely. He cups his hands around her cheeks, studies her face as if he wants to imprint it on his memory forever. “You’ve cast a spell on me, you know that?”
Then he kisses her roughly. One hand finds its way under her blouse, inside her bra. Monica stiffens, but Sean doesn’t notice.
There is a sound from the corridor. She pushes him away. She absolutely must not be caught with a guest—she would lose her job.
“I have to go,” she whispers. “Someone might come.”
Sean looks so upset that her heart melts with love. This has all happened so fast, but now she understands the situation.
She loves him.
They love each other.
Fate has brought them together. They are meant to be a couple, even though he is married with children.
“I have to see you again,” he says quietly. “Soon. I’ll come up with something.”
Monica nods, adjusts her clothing, and slips out of the room with her heart in her mouth.