Page 27 of My Highland Fling
Ramsay shook himself free of his dreams to focus on the here and now.“What do you think of the tart?”
Gabrielle swallowed and licked her bottom lip with a slow sweep of her tongue.That erotic, suggestive humming started again.“Delicious.Anything citrus is my favorite, but chocolate comes a close second.”
Ramsay didn’t restrain his groan.His skin sizzled, and every sense worked overtime, flinging smells and sights and sounds at him.He strained to hear every sound she made, and the pads of his fingers transmitted the details of her skin, telling him how silky it was.
“You’re not eating.Why don’t you try some of the caramel and chocolate slice?”
“I’m having too much fun watching you enjoy the sweet treats,” he confessed and cleared his throat.“I’m also imagining getting you in private.My first chore will be to kiss you senseless and run my hands over your body.Then I’ll strip off your clothes until you’re wearing nothing but a sexy smile.”He caressed her cheek and skimmed his palm over the silky strands of her hair.“Last time wasn’t enough.I doubt tonight will quench my hunger for you.”
“It was difficult leaving you in that hotel bed, and you stayed in my mind.You’re still there.I didn’t expect to miss you.I thought I’d sleep with you and walk away.”Gabrielle crinkled her nose at him.“I guess I’m not capable of a fling without my emotions engaging.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”Ramsay could’ve added more and given her the truth, but it was too soon.Gabrielle’s royal position might bring danger to his friends and adopted family.It didn’t matter they were mates.He’d forgo the chance of happiness if a relationship meant putting those in the Middlemarch community in danger.
“Have some dessert.”Gabrielle spooned up part of the slice along with a little whipped cream.She held it in front of his mouth.
Ramsay accepted the offering without breaking their gaze.He’d dated women he liked, human and shifter, but the strength of his feelings for Gabrielle scared him.God, she was spectacular and tempted him more than any woman in his past.The intensity and simply knowing she was his one and perfect for him had fear and wonder pulsing through him.
“You make my stomach flutter,” she whispered.
“Eat more dessert.”He smiled, and the pleasure in him must’ve broadcast on his face because she blushed.He noticed even though the natural light had faded to darkness and artificial lanterns lit the beer garden.
“I thought we were sharing.You need to eat more.”She spooned up chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis without waiting for his answer.“This was tasty.What is in the recipe?”
“Raspberries.Dark chocolate—the good stuff.Cream.Eggs.A little sugar.I’ve made something similar at the restaurant.”He accepted the bite and, after tasting it, nodded.“Yep, that’s everything.”
“The citrus tart is still my favorite, but that one comes close.”
They finished the rest, taking turns until nothing remained.
“How far away is your cottage?”
“I walked to the pub, and it took about half an hour because I ambled and stopped and started a lot.The return walk shouldn’t take long.”
Ramsay didn’t care.If he was with Gabrielle, he was happy.He clasped her hand in his, and they strolled along the quiet streets.The streetlamps lit the sidewalk, and two cars drove past.An owl hooted from the nearby forest.
Gabrielle showed Ramsay into the cottage.He locked the door and reached past her to flick on the light when she fumbled to locate the switch.
“You are so beautiful.”Ramsay wasn’t one for flowery compliments, so he went with his gut.He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her using tenderness.While he couldn’t speak the truth now, he could show her with actions.She sighed against his mouth and clutched his shoulders.
Ramsay lifted her into his arms.“Which way is the bedroom?”
“Through that doorway.”
With his superior eyesight, he edged past Gabrielle’s open suitcase and strode to the bed.He set her on her feet and kissed her again, sipping at her mouth and taking his time.Her lips were soft.Sweet.Addictive.
Ramsay tugged her closer and pressed his face against her neck.Her scent thrilled him, his feline.He licked across her marking site, and a full body shudder swept him.He wanted to bite in the worst possible way.Instead, he swallowed hard and pushed away from her, but the temptation didn’t lessen.“Clothes off,” he said.
“I can’t wait to make love again.Until spending the night with you, I never understood what I was missing.”She blew him a kiss and unfastened her blouse.She whipped it off, not making a show but efficiently disrobing.Ramsay stared for long seconds before jerking back to himself.
“Aren’t you going to undress?”Gabrielle was down to her underwear.
“Yes,” he said and whipped his T-shirt over his head.His jeans were next, but he still watched Gabrielle.By the time he’d removed his boxers, Gabrielle was naked.He took her in his arms and kissed her.Not enough.Seconds later, he parted their mouths and scooped her off her feet.He placed her on the bed and followed her down.Taste.Touch.He wanted to wallow in her and ravage her beautiful mouth before reaching the serious stuff.As long as his feline didn’t push him, he’d maintain control over his form.His canines ached, shoving into prominence.A quick glance at his fingernails showed shadowed claws and told the truth.His impatient feline craved his mate.
Ramsay pushed the golden hair from her face and offered a faint smile.Displaying his sharp teeth right now wasn’t a fantastic idea.“I’m in a hurry.”An understatement.
“What about condoms?I didn’t think to bring any.”
Ramsay frowned, recalling the broken condom from last time.His conscience prodded him.Tell her the truth.He would, but he’d go crazy—his feline—if he stopped.“I have two condoms in my wallet, so we’ll need to get creative until we can buy more tomorrow.”
