She chose a tight-fitting shirt in baby blue. It bore flowers on the front and the name of the beach underneath. Dallas paid for the coffee while she purchased her T-shirt, using the new debit card she’d received when she set up an account at a different bank to the one the rest of her family used. A petty sense of satisfaction filled her as she tapped in her pin number to complete the transaction. Independence was a heady thing.
Back at the lodge, they stripped off their clothes and climbed into their private spa bath, which was big enough for two. Laura tipped a scoop of bath salts into the water and soon bubbles covered their skin and the scent of lavender and mint filled the air.
“If I venture into theO’Gradykitchens, one of your brothers might see me.” Laura kept her eyes on his face. Beneath the water, she skimmed a hand up his calf and ran a finger over the back of his knee.
“Yes, that could happen.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“I don’t like hiding. It cheapens our relationship.”
His words thrilled her, and she found herself nodding. “So we’re agreed. I can visit you while you’re working and if your cook agrees, I get to learn new things in the kitchen.”
“If that works for you.”
“It does. Do you want to kiss to seal the deal?” She sidled closer to him, sliding her hands over his naked shoulders.
Dallas lifted his hands to cup her face. He stared deep into her eyes, silent for so long anxiety rippled to life in her. “I love you.”
Laura released her breath in a slow puff of air. She replayed his words. Yeah, he’d said them. “An O’Grady loves a Drummond?”
His happy expression blanked, giving her a quick flicker of hurt before he reached impassive. “Yeah.” He pulled away from her and went to climb out of the bath.
“No.” Panic cleared her mind. “Don’t go. You took me by surprise. Please.”
Dallas sank into the water again, tension evident in his stiff shoulders. Laura swallowed, aware of the need for caution.
“We haven’t known each other for long,” she said. “I care for you. I enjoy your company, and when we’re apart, my thoughts are with you. The thing is we’re fine when we’re alone, but what happens when our families find out? I…I worry they’ll make life difficult for us, and we’ll crack under the pressure.”
“We have options, Laura. If things become too difficult, we leave Napier and start fresh elsewhere. All you have to do is believe in us as much as I do.”
Laura felt a smile struggle for freedom. “Oh, I want this, Dallas. You’re the one I want, but what about your family? You love your brothers, and your business is here.”
Dallas lifted her onto his lap and pressed her against his chest, holding her in a manner that screamed safety. Security. “I know. But remember this. There are always different ways to approach our problem. Remember that if the situation becomes nasty. We have each other.” The certainty in his voice fueled her determination. He was right.
“Thanks for the pep talk. I’ve already started to change things in my life.”
“They’re things you were planning to do anyway.”
A sigh whispered from her. “True. The real test is still in front of us.”
“What say we forget about everything and enjoy our time together? I intend to tease you until you’re screaming for release. Then I’m going to dry every inch of your trembling body.” His hand brushed over her ear, his husky voice seducing her with little trouble.
She pulled back to stare at him.When did she get so lucky?“And then what?”
“And then I’m going to fuck you blind.”
Their gazes connected. Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lower lip and his eyes tracked the movement.
“What do you think about that?” he asked in the same tone he might use when inquiring about the weather.
“Yes.”
His brows rose. “Yes? I’m going to take what I need, demand everything.”
“Yes,” she repeated.
“Well, good.” And his lips crashed down on hers. Dominant and using every bit of experience he’d gathered over the years, he kissed her until she wanted to purr. He nibbled her bottom lip, giving a hint of pain. The sweep of his tongue soothed the sting, and she gripped his shoulders, clung, enjoying the ride.
