The Mill House by Susan Lewis

being almost the same age now as Julia was when her father left. On a subconscious level she could be reacting to the fear that you're going to do the same thing.'
    'With no justification,' he said tightly. 'I mean,
    what have I ever done to make her think I'm going to abandon her, for God's sake? And if she knows what she's doing, why the hell doesn't she stop?'
    'I believe she's trying, but it's not easy, and being impatient with her doesn't help.'
    'Nor do holidays, surprises, constant reassurance or seventeen years of total fucking fidelity.'
    Letting that pass, Sylvia sauntered over to one of the sofas and sank luxuriously into it. 'It's interesting, this call from her father,' she said, picking up an abandoned pot of cream and spreading what was left on her breasts.
    'It might be if he'd said anything,' he responded, keeping his back turned as he pulled on his trousers.
    'Yes, but why now, after all these years of silence, when he might have been dead for all anyone knew?'
    'I guess only he knows the answer to that.'
    'I suppose it was him who called,' she said, casting him a look from beneath her lashes.
    He barely caught the question as he combed his hair in the mirror and wondered if it would dry by the time he got home. If it didn't, and Julia was there, he'd say he'd snatched a quick fifteen minutes at the gym.
    'Do you think it was him?' Sylvia prompted.
    He shrugged. 'I don't see what anyone would gain from pretending to be,' he replied, grabbing up his jacket. 'Speaking personally, I hope it was, and I hope he calls again, because God knows I'm prepared to grasp at any straw that might bring back the woman I married.'
    She looked up at him as he came to stand over
    her. 'And what if she doesn't exist any more?' she asked.
    Since that wasn't a prospect he was prepared even to consider he dismissed it, and let his eyes drop to the join of her legs. 'That was sensational,' he murmured.
    Still watching him she rotated a finger around one of her nipples, then lifted it to her lips to lick away the cream.
    Taking his cue he stooped to pull first one, then the other nipple into his mouth, while she let her head fall back against the sofa to enjoy the sensations.
    When finally he drew away she looked up at him with maliciously teasing eyes. 'Is it as good as this with Julia?' she murmured.
    Because she'd asked him that before, he was prepared for it, and knowing it would be less than gallant to tell her that what they had didn't even come close to what he'd shared with Julia, he simply said, 'You're different.'
    She smiled at that, then laughed softly.
    'This has to be the last time,' he told her, looking into her eyes.
    'Of course,' she responded, and continued to smile as he checked he had his wallet and house keys before stooping to kiss her goodbye.
    'I'm sorry to leave like this,' he said, glancing at his watch, 'but I have to get home for Dan. I'll settle up on my way out.'
    She gave him a little wave, and watched him go, only remembering after the door had closed behind him that she'd forgotten to mention the harp-shaped vase Julia had admired earlier. But it
    didn't matter, she could always bring it up the next time she saw him, for as much as he might tell himself it wouldn't happen again, she knew as well as he did that it would - and because he'd seemed so delighted with her naked pussy, she decided she might not let it grow back again just yet, for she had to confess she rather liked it too.
     
    It was early on Sunday morning. A languid sunlight was seeping through the curtains, while the street outside was quiet with just a few birds singing and an occasional car passing. Julia was lying beside Josh in their king-size bed listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, and mulling over the chat they'd had last night about finding her father. She wasn't particularly convinced that her problems were connected to his disappearance, but she'd agreed to consider it, mainly for Josh, and because a part of her