"Gretchen Carver," I begin, clasping her hand."I've been half in love with ye since the moment ye walked into The Loch Fairbairn café and gave me that sassy American attitude.I've been fully in love with ye since ye stayed by my side through Operation Tartan Glory without flinching.And now I cannae imagine ever spending another day of my life without ye."
Her eyes glisten with almost tears, and I suddenly realize my eyes have become a wee bit, ah...watery.No, it's not tears.Bloody hell, I'm turning into a sap.So what?A man can get emotional now and then.
"Gretchen, you are the love of my life."I go down on one knee."Will ye do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes," she whispers, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks."A thousand times yes."
I leap to my feet and pull her into my arms, lifting her clean off the ground and spinning her round and round.Gretchen's laughter echoes through the kitchen, and I've never heard a sweeter sound in my life.When I finally set her down, I cup her face in my hands.
"Dinnae have a ring yet," I admit, suddenly feeling like I've botched the whole proposal."This wasnae how I planned to do it.I wanted to take ye somewhere special first, then ask ye properly."
Gretchen shakes her head, sniffling."This was perfect, Kirk.It was real and honest and completely us."
"I still need to get ye a ring.And I still need to take ye to that special place today.I want to show ye something that's precious to me."
She kisses me softly, her lips tasting."I'm all yours, Mr.Stuntman man.Take me anywhere."
An hour later, we're in my Porsche, winding along narrow Highland roads.Gretchen keeps stealing glances at me, and a secret smile plays on her lips every time our eyes meet.I still can't believe she said yes.This incredible woman wants to spend her life with me.
"Are you going to give me any hints about where we're headed?"she asks, tracing patterns on my thigh.
"Patience,mo ghaol," I tease."We're nearly there."
The road narrows further as we climb higher into the hills.Heather stretches across the fields in purple waves, and the morning mist clings to the valleys below us.I'm eager to share this place with my soon-to-be wife.The thought alone makes my chest swell with pride.
Aye, this woman will soon be mine---forever.
Chapter Forty-Six
Gretchen
After the thrilling and unbelievable operation a week ago, I've had a hard time coming down from that high.Kirk and I have enjoyed mind-blowing sex in the meantime, but things do seem to have settled down.I almost wish they wouldn't.What if our relationship was based solely on excitement and danger?But no, I don't believe that.
This morning, I wake up with a sexy Scot beside me, as usual.Kirk is still asleep, so I close my eyes and reminisce about how drastically my life has transformed.No more virtual assistant.I'm now the CEO of Kirk's stunt man business, which leaves him with more time to create insane stunts that will awe and terrify the populace.
The man himself stirs and rolls on top of me while still half asleep.
I nip his nose playfully."Time to rise and shine, Mr.Balfour."
Kirk flips us both over so I'm now beneath him."I love a good morning fuck."
"You're insatiable."My body's already responding to his hardening dick pressed against me."And crude too.Not that I mind."
"Oh aye, ye love my filthy mouth," he growls against my neck, his stubble scratching deliciously on my sensitive skin.His Scottish brogue is often thicker in the morning, before he's fully awake.And he loves to spout Gaelic just as he's waking.
I thread my fingers through his silky hair, tugging just enough to make him groan."Absolutely I do love your dirty talk."
Kirk slides his calloused hands down my sides, making he shiver in the best way."Let's get filthy together,gràidh."
The weight of his muscular body pins me to the mattress.It's still surreal sometimes---waking up with this man, in our swanky flat, with my life completely transformed.A few months ago, I was taking notes and scheduling meetings for people I never met in person.
Kirk pushes his hand between my folds to caress me intimately.Yes, we now always sleep naked---together.While he uses one finger to tweak my clit, I grow wet so quickly it's almost criminal.
"Oh God yes," I moan, wriggling my hips."Devour me, Kirk.Eat up every last bit of my cream and---oh shit baby, whatever you're doing, please keep it up."
He's just about to thrust his dick between my folds when a loud fist bangs on the front door.He sits up and groans."Mhac na galla.Who the bloody hell would knock on our door at this hour?"
I shrug."Let's go find out."
