Fraser’s smile is knowing as he hands my phone back. “Need a hand? Don’t know much about taking pictures, but it’s gotta be easier than doing it yourself.”
I perk up. “Would you mind?” Then I remember. “Wait. You must have something you need to be doing. Alec will be annoyed if I distract you.”
He huffs. “Alec’s always annoyed. And I’d much rather skive than go back to the fields.” He slaps his knees, stands, and offers me a hand up. “C’mon, London. Where d’you want me?”
I look around. A few metres down the orchard is a tall pear tree with a ladder propped against its side. “Can you take some pictures of me up on that ladder?”
He grins at me. “Nae problem. Lead the way.”
It turns out, Fraser is right. Itisa lot easier to take pictures with him handling the phone. I balance a few steps up the ladder, striking poses as he clicks away.
“Lift your chin a bit,” he calls. “And uncross your legs… There you go.” He checks the screen. “Aw, you look so bonnie.”
The compliment hits me like a shot of whisky, warming me up all over. I reach up into the branches, and he suddenly goes silent.
“Is this a good angle?” I call to him.
“Aye. Gorgeous,” he says, voice rough. I look over my shoulder. His gaze is fixed on my legs. Heat pools in me as his eyes meet mine slowly.
Then, out of nowhere, there’s a rustle in the branches overhead, and something warm and furry jumps onto my chest.
I scream, letting go of the ladder as the fluffy thing lands heavily on my boobs. I get a brief impression of bright black eyes and a fluffy tail, then the ladder jerks underneath me. My arms windmill as I feel it topple slowly away from the tree trunk.
“Oh shit!” I hear Fraser yell. I close my eyes, bracing for impact?—
And I’m caught. Grabbed in two muscled arms and pulled tightly into a warm, solid chest. I open my eyes to see Fraser holding me, shock all over his face.
“Christ,” he chokes out. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I say, catching my breath. “Woo, that was a close one!” In my periphery, a giant grey squirrel scampers off in the grass. “That squirrel touched my boobs.”
“You could’ve broken your neck,” he growls. “You’ve got enough pictures for the day, I think. You ain’t dying for a blogpost.” He squeezes me tighter to him. “You sure you’re okay, sunshine?”
Sunshine. The word strokes over my skin. Our faces are so close together I can feel his breath on my cheek. He smells like fresh air and apples. I feel warm all over.
His lips twist. “I mean,” he says softly, “you’re looking at me like you’re feeling okay.”
Without thinking, I open my mouth. “Are you ever actually gonna kiss me?” I blurt out.
TWELVE
FRASER
I’m in shock for a moment. Then I start to laugh. Shit. Whoisthis girl?
Summer claps a hand to her mouth. “Ohmygod!” she says. “I’m sorry, my brain disconnects from my mouth when I’m, er…” She trails off.
“When you’re what?” I prompt, trying not to smile.
She wriggles uncomfortably in my grip, and I’m suddenly very aware of her soft breasts pressing up against my chest. “Just. You know.”
She’s adorable. “I’m afraid I don’t,” I tell her. “Sorry. You gotta finish that sentence for me.” I resettle her in my grip, closing my hand around her pillowy thigh. Her plush lips part. “Your brain disconnects from your mouth when you’re…”
She looks like she wants to die. I shouldn’t be enjoying this as much as I am. “When I’m…er, you know…attracted. To someone,” she grits out. “My filter disappears.”
It feels a bit like there’s a sunbeam in my chest. I like this girl alot.
I gasp dramatically. “Me? A pretty lass like you’s got a soft spot for little ol’ me?”
