The area where the cave was located was breathtaking. Sitting high in the rocks, surrounded by the dark blue sea, the waves cresting, but never reaching the opening of the cave afore they crashed below. Even during high tide, the water line was below the cave’s entrance. She could tell because the line of the water had left a salty line of sediment where it reached.
That had to bode well for whatever the cave hid inside. It meant that any items inside would hopefully not be ruined by the salty water.Behind the rock cropping, a mountain peak was just visible, covered with trees and mounds of rocks. Just as the illustrations showed.
“Shall we?” she asked, turning to Errol who was standing off to the side, looking over the water, his jaw clenched tight. He looked as if he were fighting a war within himself.
“Ye need to stay close to my side. I’ll be damned if ye fall to yer death in the sea whilst climbing to the cave.”
Moira rolled her eyes. At least he had spoken two full sentences to her. Little did Errol ken she spent many years climbing trees and rocks and running across the land, much to her mother’s chagrin. More than once, she’d been told her actions were very unladylike. Mayhap, but being outdoors was much more exciting than accompanying her mother in her sitting room learning how to stitch. Although, if she had learned how to stitch, she might have done a better job dealing with Errol’s wound. She still felt guilty that his arm would heal with a jagged scar consisting of her uneven stitches.
They made their way down the bank to where the waves lapped the rocks and moved to the left, where rocks piled onto each other, creating an uneven slope.
“Take care, Moira. The rocks are slippery.” He stepped up and turned to her, offering his hand.
Darting her tongue out to wet her lips, she looked at his outstretched hand and then met his eyes. He pulsed his hand forward, urging her to accept it.
“Come, Moira. ’Twill be easier now whilst the tide is low.”
Suddenly nervous, she took a deep breath, and grasped his hand, trying to ignore the bolt of warmth that shot up her arm. With ease, he pulled her up so that she was on the same level as he. They continued on, repeating the same move over and over until soon the mouth of the cave was almost eye level.
“Just a few more steps and we will be able to climb in.”
She smiled. They’d made it. Just then Moira made the mistake oflooking down. Not realizing how high they had climbed, her heart jumped into her throat as her sight turned blurry. Her hand loosened in Errol’s grasp, and she felt herself slipping.
“Moira!” Errol called, snapping her back to attention.
She sucked in a breath as she felt herself begin to fall. With both hands, she grappled to take a steady hold of Errol.
Strong arms wrapped around her, keeping her steady. And safe.
He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving as his eyes searched her face. “Are ye well?”
She nodded, her chin tipped up to look at him, her breath caught in her throat.
His warm body, so close to hers, emanated heat, warming her skin.
She should step away, the opening of the cave was to her right. But for some unknown reason, she found that she couldn’t. She was very much enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her. She felt safe. Protected.
Errol didn’t step away either. Nor did he loosen his hold. Instead, his eyes bored into hers before dropping his gaze to her lips.
Her breath hitched. He looked as if he wanted to kiss her. Did he? Would he?
She wanted to find out.
She tilted her head up, giving him the access to do just that if he wanted.
He bit his lower lip. His eyes tracking her tongue as once again she wet her lips. Her mouth was suddenly so dry.
And then he closed the distance, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. He held her tighter as his tongue sought entry and she allowed it on a sigh. Opening her lips for him, she sank deeper into his hold, looping her arms around his neck.
His kiss was all-consuming, and it stole her breath.
She’d never felt any sensation such as what was being awakened inher body. Her nipples tingled and she couldn’t stop herself from pressing into Errol’s body, trying to create friction between them that would ease the prickling excitement.
His hands dropped to her buttocks, pulling her closer, and she could feel his hard length against her belly.
She groaned and at the sound, Errol suddenly broke the kiss, pulling away from her. He put as much distance betwixt them as he could whilst still keeping her safe.
Errol cleared his throat. He looked like he was going to say something, but instead, he snapped his mouth shut and lifted her into the opening of the cave, then climbed in behind her.
