Page 48 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
“I’ll pour us a drink,” I said, heading toward the cupboard where I kept my chestnut brew.
“I’ve been craving your chestnut ale all day,” Tansy said with a laugh.She turned back to Marvelle, tilting her head to study him.“Let me see that leg.Better?”
I glanced over my shoulder, watching her inspect the squirrel.Her tenderness warmed something deep inside me.I wasn’t the only one who had formed a bond here—it seemed Marvelle had found his place with her too.
Returning to Tansy, I handed her a mug.
She gestured for me to pause, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.
“Should we toast?”she asked, tilting her head in that endearing way she often did.
I inclined my head.
“It seems too easy to say ‘to the future’ or ‘to us,’” she said thoughtfully, her gaze steady on mine.
I nodded slowly, a smile tugging at my lips.Then, after a moment, I said, “To moss and moonshine.”
Her eyes brightened as she considered my words, and then her smile blossomed.“To moss and moonshine,” she said softly.
We clicked our mugs together and drank.But the moment the mugs were set aside, it was as though an unspoken barrier dissolved.We turned to each other at once, meeting in a fierce embrace.
Our passion, so carefully held back all this time, surged to the surface.Every moment of separation, every doubt and unanswered question, melted away.The uncertainty—the not knowing if she had a lover, a family, a life that didn’t include me—had been unbearable.But now, there were no barriers, no unanswered questions.We were free, finally, to be one.
Her arms wrapped around my neck as mine encircled her waist, pulling her close.Her breath was warm against my cheek, her heartbeat a steady rhythm against my chest.I buried my face in her hair, inhaling the faint scent of lilac, and whispered against her ear, “I’ve wanted this since the moment I saw you.”
Her reply was a soft, breathless whisper, her words carrying the same raw emotion I felt.“I’ve wanted you too.”
In that moment, nothing else existed.The world outside the cabin faded, leaving only the warmth of her touch, the strength of our connection, and the undeniable certainty that we had found something worth holding on to forever.
CHAPTER24
TANSY
Our kisses deepened as moonlight streamed through the cabin windows, casting everything in a silvery glow.I couldn’t resist reaching up to touch his horns, those beautiful branch-like protrusions that marked him as something wild and otherworldly.My fingers traced up his neck, through his dark hair, until they found the rough texture where bark met skin.The moment I touched them, he shivered against me.
“You’re trembling,” I whispered against his lips, amazed I could affect this powerful creature so deeply.
“They’re sensitive,” he breathed, his voice rough with desire.“And your every touch makes me feel…more.Just more.You are filling my life, Tansy.”
My heart swelled.I pressed closer, needing to feel more of him.His strong arms tightened around me.Each kiss grew more urgent, heat building between us.His hands slipped down my back, making me arch against his broad chest.My fingers found the laces of his vest, desperate to feel his skin against mine.
“I want you,” I breathed, working at the knots with trembling fingers.
He helped me, shrugging off the leather, and then pulling his tunic over his head.Gods, he was beautiful, all muscle and smooth skin.I ran my hands over his chest, reveling in the way he shuddered at my touch.
His hands shook as he began undoing the ties of my gown.The reverence in his touch made me ache with need as he pulled the fabric from my shoulders, exposing my breasts to the cool night air.My nipples hardened instantly, and his sharp intake of breath made heat pool between my legs.Each brush of his fingers against my skin sent sparks of pleasure through me.I gasped when his lips found my neck, trailing hot kisses across my collarbone.
My fingers threaded through his hair.“Kellen,” I sighed.
My dress slipped away in waves of green velvet and silk, leaving me bare in the moonlight.The way he looked at me, like I was some precious thing, made me burn with desire.His fingers skimmed my sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake as he drew me toward the bed.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against my neck.
I inhaled deeply, taking in his scent of leather and earth.I pulled him down with me onto the soft furs, watching as he carefully positioned himself above me, mindful of his horns.
“Kellen,” I moaned, pulling him closer, needing to feel his weight against me.“Kellen… I’ve dreamed of this.”
“Tell me what you dream of,” he breathed against my skin, his lips trailing down my throat to my breasts.His hot mouth closed around my nipple, tongue swirling as he sucked gently.His hand cupped my other breast, his thumb brushing across the hardened peak.I arched off the bed, waves of pleasure washing through me.His cock hardened against my thigh as I writhed beneath him.“Is this what you wanted?”he asked, his voice rough with desire.
