Games Lovers Play by June Tate Page B

loins as he kissed and caressed her.
    Sam slowly undressed her and led her to the bed. He was a considerate lover, making sure she was enjoying every move, whispering words of love in her ear as he explored her body endlessly with fingers that caressed and probed until she thought she’d die with longing, and when he eventually entered her, she was ready for him.
    At last they lay exhausted in each other’s arms. Replete, content. He held her close, stroking her face, kissing her. Running his fingers through her hair.
    Connie lay beside him, marvelling at the warmth of his body. This wasn’t like the sex she’d had with John Baker. This was different. There was a tenderness about it, a meaning. It wasn’t just sex for sex’s sake, and she realized how she’d let herself be used before. But with Sam she’d felt special. Cosseted … loved, even. She gazed up at him and thought how lucky she was.
    He looked back at her with affection, but there was something else she couldn’t fathom. Puzzlement? Then the realization came. Had he guessed after all that she wasn’t the virgin he’d imagined her to be? She didn’t dare put her fears into words, but waited to see if he said anything. But the moment passed, and he said nothing. She breathed a sigh of relief.
    â€˜Come on,’ he said. ‘Let’s get dressed and go down to the bar for a drink. Are you hungry?’
    â€˜Not really after such a big lunch, just peckish.’
    â€˜Me too, we’ll order some sandwiches.’
    The bar was busy, and they knew from the conversation that there were some spectators from the race meeting there. They were discussing the accident. Sam and Connie sat quietly and listened.
    â€˜That Jake Barton is a madman,’ said one. ‘I’ve seen him race before, he has no consideration for other drivers, he’s just hell-bent on winning.’
    â€˜Well, he won’t be doing that for a while,’ said another. ‘I heard the committee has banned him for six months.’
    â€˜And so they should! People were injured out there today, all because of him.’
    Connie looked quickly at Sam, who put his finger to his lips. He hoped no one would recognize him in the crowded bar.
    â€˜Damned shame!’ remarked another man. ‘That Sam Knight had the race in the palm of his hand, as far as I’m concerned. I reckon he’d have won but for Barton.’
    They all agreed. ‘I also heard that Barton has a bee in his bonnet about Knight. He thinks he’s the better driver and he was trying to catch him when he crashed.’
    â€˜He’s not in the same class as Sam Knight,’ said the first man. ‘Now there is a good driver!’
    Connie was thrilled to hear this. After all she was with Sam and he’d just made love to her. She swelled with pride, but Sam turned away so the men couldn’t see his face. The last thing he wanted was to be involved in this conversation and was relieved when the men left the bar together and he could relax.
    â€˜So Barton’s been given a six-month ban. He’s lucky not to be banned altogether,’ he remarked. ‘To be honest I’m not surprised, and racing will be that much safer without him.’
    â€˜From what you and the boys have said, he won’t be happy about that, will he?’ asked Connie.
    â€˜Oh, no! I expect he’ll appeal. But I doubt he’ll win. He’s been pushing his luck for a very long time. He’s been warned before now.’
    Connie didn’t say any more but the whole scenario worried her. She’d seen Jake Barton at the track and thought he looked a nasty piece of work.
    The next morning Connie and Sam made love again, then reluctantly left their room to have breakfast before driving home. She’d loved every moment with him and told him so.
    â€˜I’m glad,’ he said. ‘My way of life doesn’t suit everyone, but