Page 7 of My Highland Fling
“We can’t go there.”
“My place isn’t ideal either, but no problem.Why don’t I book something in town before we leave here?”
“We can do that?”
He smiled, a dazzling smile that echoed in his eyes and features.A genuine one that made Gabrielle realize how phony smiles abounded at the palace.He had a delightful laugh too and a friendly personality.She’d heard him speaking with the staff when she’d approached the bar.
“Let me check with the bartender.She might recommend a place for the night.Are you certain?”
“Yes.”Gabrielle didn’t hesitate.And in a fit of bravery, she stretched on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.A soft groan escaped him—a sound of need.
He pulled back, his gaze on hers.“Tease.”
Gabrielle beamed.Her weight had always been a sore point, but Ramsay didn’t appear to have problems with her size.She was always on her best behavior at home, but her parents still chided her for not conforming to their high standards.
Ramsay was also efficient, a quality she decided she loved.They left the dancefloor hand in hand.Five minutes later, Ramsay had booked a boutique hotel room for the night.
“Are you ready to go?”he asked.
“Yes.”Gabrielle didn’t hesitate, instinct telling her she’d be a fool to let him walk away.While she was no match for her parents, and she’d end up married to the arrogant Swedish prince, she wasn’t about to miss this unexpected treat.This was a reward for herself—a memory to hold close on trying days.
“Let’s collect your bag and leave.”Ramsay kept hold of her hand.
When they arrived at his friends’ table, they stood.
“We were about to hunt you down,” Liam said.“Scott and I are walking back to the castle.”
“I’ll see you there,” Ramsay said, taking possession of Gabrielle’s bag of clothes.He tugged Gabrielle to a seat and shunted her drink toward her.
They waved goodbye, and Ramsay grinned.
“They made it easy.We don’t have to give explanations.Do you need to call anyone to let them know where you’ll be?”
Considerate too.The more Gabrielle learned about this man, the more she liked him.“I’m fine,” she said, making a mental note to contact the maid who’d helped her.
This was the craziest thing she’d ever done—leaving with a stranger—but everything about Ramsay thrilled her.She didn’t have a single worry.She trusted him.
“Let’s go then.”He leaned closer and whispered in her ear.“You’re so pretty.I can’t wait to remove your clothes and run my lips over your silky skin.
Gabrielle huffed out a breath, every part of her tingling.Wow!“Is that a promise?”
“Count on it.”His gaze grew darker, his eyes a weird stormy green.
Gabrielle’s heart beat faster.She waited for fear, for common sense, for sanity, and when none of the three showed up, she ran her fingers over his cheek.“Let’s party.”
Chapter 4
Seclusion
Herhandfittedhisgrasp perfectly.Ramsay’s pulse beat faster, and he wanted to urge her to haste.He hated to fall on her like an animal and scare her because she bore an innocent air.While they hadn’t discussed sexual history, as was sensible in these times, he didn’t care.From today, she belonged with him, which was all he and his feline needed.
“Here’s the hotel.”
“It’s lovely.”
“Yeah, the bartender’s auntie owns it.It’s recently opened and is still quiet.”Ramsay slid a sideways glance at Gabrielle.She was nibbling on her bottom lip.“Second thoughts?”
He didn’t know what he’d do if she changed her mind.This sucked big time.The woman attracted him on every level.His mate.And she was only here for a night.Perhaps he could grab her phone number.Her email.Maybe they could sex it up via a private internet meeting.
