Page 81 of Hold a Candle

Pauley chuckled and took a sip from her drink, then ran her tongue over her luscious lips in a knowing gesture. “I might have spotted ye now and then, walking along the riverfront and such.” She tilted her head sideways and studied his smile. “I believe ye are right about recognizing things we want, or might want. I do remember thinking more than once that ye were a right braw figure of a man, and that ye kept yerself in good shape. That was impressive.”

“My health is important to me,” he agreed, “but I also have a healthy metabolism to thank for part of that.”

“I’ll drink to that,” she giggled.

It was good to hear the girlish giggle after the tense days they’d spent together. Jamie smiled down at her thinking how very beautiful she was, and how quickly he was falling in love. Desire tickled his tadger and he wished they were alone. Was she ready to take the next step in their relationship? He certainly was.

“Let’s go home,” he rasped. “Unless ye have any objections, I know where we can continue this exploration of each other, mentally and physically.” He traced a finger down her cheek and along the soft bare skin of her shoulder until he met the spaghetti strap of her little black dress. He pushed beneath it and slid it off her shoulder, enjoying the feel of her warm, silky flesh.

“Why, Mr. MacNamara, are ye trying to seduce me?” she taunted softly, running her palm inside his dinner jacket and between the buttons on his white shirt.

“Is it working?” His skin prickled at the touch of her fingers on the bare skin of his chest. His breathing deepened.

She leaned forward and nibbled on his ear. Her breath was warm on his skin and he could feel the tip of her tongue lathe his earlobe. “Oh, aye, it’s working.”

He quickly slipped her strap into place on her dress and turned away from her to get out his wallet and throw some notes on the table. It would more than cover their bill, and the waitress should be very pleased. He didn’t want any change, he just wanted to get Pauley home as fast as he could.

“Let’s go, I can see ye are in need of correction yet again,” he replied, his heart in his throat.

Pauley laughed and allowed him to tuck her into his side as he urged her forward and out of the restaurant. She’d given him a cue and he didn’t intend to waste a second collecting on it.

Mr. MacNamara always kept his promises.

***

TO SAY SHE WAS DISAPPOINTEDto see Mica’s big figure under the porchlight at the door of Jamie’s home was an understatement. He was glaring down at the lighted phone in his hand. The text notification on her phone lit up and she glanced down to see it was from Mica asking where she was. She rolled her eyes when he looked up as the sound Jamie’s tires on the concrete gave him the answer.

“Ye have got to be kidding,” Jamie groaned as he pulled in and put the car in park. “What is Mica doing here?” He glanced wryly at her. “It looks like our timing is off yet again.”

Pauley sighed. “Ye might as well get used to it. It’s a cop’s standard issue when it comes to relationships.” She reached instinctively for the door, then waited when he shot her a warning side eye.

She stayed put, the thought that she might have unleashed a monster that could get in her way racing through her mind for a few seconds. Then again, this particular monster had always been there in Jamie; it was a part of who he was. Playing games was one thing, but he still had certain expectations, and she could genuinely land her butt in serious punishment if she stepped over them. Daydreaming about submitting to a dominant spanking male, and reality, were two different things. Was she really ready for that?

The car door opened and his large hand engulfed hers, making her feel small and protected as he helped her out of the car. The touch of his fingers wrapped around hers sent her pulse zinging, and all she wanted to do was wish Mica away and resume their original plans. He drew her up close to his body, his dark gaze gleaming with sensual hunger as he stared down into her face.

Cripes! She was more than ready.

“Ye two coming in or what?” Mica complained loudly, his voice half amused and half impatient.

“More likeor what,” Jamie growled as he led Pauley around the car and up the sidewalk. “Yer timing could sure use some polishing.”

Mica whistled in admiration. “Where have ye been all dressed up like that? Did I miss something?” He stepped back so Jamie could unlock the door.

“It’s a private party,” Jamie snapped back.

“Sorry to intrude, but I needed to catch my partner up on what’s been happening,” Mica replied cheerfully, ignoring Jamie’s attitude.

“I’ll put on some tea,” Jamie grumbled, leading the way to the kitchen after taking off his and Pauley’s jackets and hanging them on the coat rack inside the door.

“I bet ye have been to The Castle Kitchen,” Mica guessed, following them down the hallway and into the kitchen. “It’s the poshest spot in Inverness. I love that place, but I have to put it in my budget for a once a year visit just to take Miley there.”

“It is expensive,” Pauley agreed, taking some mugs off the mug rack and setting them on the table for the three of them.

“But delicious, and all ye can eat,” Mica replied, his eyes twinkling. When Pauley’s diamond flashed in the kitchen light, Mica reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “Ye are engaged,” he exclaimed in delight. “Well done, Jamie. The Castle is the perfect place for a proposal. Congratulations, ye two.”

Pauley’s gaze caught Jamie’s where he stood by the teapot taking his black tie off. “Pauley has agreed to wear my promise ring,” he corrected. “Engaged is on the table and up to her.”

Mica’s eyebrows shot up. “Promise ring? Isn’t that a bit juvenile?”

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