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“Well, if you’re sure.” He pulls his sweaty T-shirt up and over his head then tosses it aside. His muscled chest and arms glisten. “I’m going to grab a shower.”

“Before that, come here. I want to pat those lovely abs.”

He laughs and wags a finger at me. “No! I need to get ready so I can help with breakfast. I don’t have time for your mischief this morning. You can have this, though, if you like.” He places a steaming mug of coffee on the bedside table. “It’s the good stuff from downstairs. I’ve already had a few sips, but the rest is yours, if you want it.”

The coffee’s aroma tantalises my nose.

“Mmm . . . that smells good.” I reach out a hand—not for the coffee, but for Ally. “I really want to pat your abs, though.”

He dances out of reach. “You’ll just have to wait until tonight.” With a wink, he heads into the en suite.

Soon, the sound of running water reaches me. Just the thought of him in there, naked and wet, does all sorts of things to my body.

I’ve half a mind to slip in with him, but I don’t yet have the energy for the sort of vigorous activities two people get up to when they share a shower. Coffee—I’ll start with coffee.

With considerable effort, I sit up in bed, yawn, then take my first sip.

Despite being hungover, I slept well. Maybe it’s the sweetness of the air up here, or maybe it’s all the wonderful sex I’ve been having with Ally. Who knows?

I’ve felt content these last couple of weeks, but . . . sometimes doubt has crept in, like yesterday, when Grace was making it clear she doesn’t think I’m ready for a relationship. Yes, I just reassured Ally it was nothing to worry about, but what if Grace has a point? What if I am on the rebound? Could this romantic bubble burst?

I take another long sip of coffee.

I don’t feel like I’m on the rebound. I’m not pining after Harry at all. Thoughts and memories of him still flash into my mind unbidden, but it’s only been two weeks since he jilted me, so that’s not surprising. And anyway, what I feel for Ally is . . . different. Everything is easy with him, like we fit together.

I gaze around his room. I’ve been in here before, of course, but normally we’ve only got one thing on our minds. I’ve never paid his furnishings much attention.

He keeps his stuff neat and organised—I like that. Unlike the guest rooms, Ally’s room is free of wallpaper and is painted in neutral colours, and while the carpet isn’t new, it’s not fussy like the one in my room. Family photos adorn his walls, which I find sweet. I spot his parents, who I remember from my last visit, and his little sister, who’s studying in Glasgow.

My mouth curves into a smile when I notice his bookshelf. As a kid, he told me he liked to read in the secret den, away from his siblings. It’s nice that books are still a part of his life, even though he probably doesn’t have much time to read.

The bathroom door opens, and Ally comes out, a towel wrapped around his waist, drops of water trickling down his muscular, naked chest.

I allow any doubt to float away. Despite Grace’s concerns, I’ve no regrets. This man is irresistible.

“Really?” I nod at the towel. “It’s just me.”

“Ah, but if you see what’s under here, you won’t be able to resist,” he says with a cocky smirk. “And I’ve got work to do.”

“No time for a little fun?”

“Nope.”

“But how can you say no to me?”

Slowly and seductively, I slide down the covers, revealing my bare breasts. Ally looks—can’t help himself—but then turns away.

“I’m putting my back to you, for both our sakes. Lass, as much as I’d love to have my way with you, the other guests will be getting up soon, and they’ll be expecting breakfast.”

“Spoilsport!” I tease.

With his back still to me, he drops his towel.

“And a prude! Face me—go on!”

He doesn’t, although he does flash a grin at me as he grabs a pair of boxer briefs from a drawer.

“Ally!” I complain.