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“Grace! I—”

I can’t hold it back—I surrender to the waves of euphoria. It’s a struggle even to remain upright, but Grace stays with me, riding it out. Only once it’s over, and I’m left panting heavily, the pleasure slowly ebbing away, does she remove her lips from around me.

She rises from her knees, wipes a hand across her mouth, and smiles smugly. “That was very . . . quick. Haven’t you slept with hundreds of women? No offence, but I thought you’d have lasted a little longer.”

I’m all for a bit of light-hearted teasing—I’m usually the one dishing it out—but in the vulnerable moments following orgasm, I’d rather not be the butt of the joke.

Trying to catch my breath, I say, “Jesus, lass! I’ve been denying myself for weeks, and besides, it’s you, and I’ve wanted you so badly. Take it as a compliment.”

“I’m flattered.” Grace’s lips twitch with amusement. “Oh dear, Aidan. I fear this will change your reputation around Bannock.”

“Oh, aye? And who’s going to hear about it?”

“Well, I tell Emily everything, and she’ll definitely tell Ally, who’ll almost certainly tell his brothers, and then before you know it, half the town will have heard.”

She’s enjoying this way too much.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I grin. “All right, how about a deal? If I can turn things around, you keep what happened to yourself.”

“And how do you plan to turn things around?”

Smirking, I take her hand and lead her into the spare room then draw her to me and press my mouth to hers. Our kiss is deep and intoxicating, our lips moving together in a passionate rhythm. I can taste myself on her, a slight salty tang, but it’s not a turn-off. Our tongues dance freely and without inhibition.

I slide my hands over Grace’s warm winter clothes then stop. Clothes? No, that’s not right. I’m still stark-bollock naked, while she’s fully dressed. I’ll have to fix that.

I tug up the hem of her sweater, and we pause our kiss to get it up and over her head before pressing our lips back together. I remove Grace’s clothing in stages, our lips finding each other again after each item is discarded. By the time she’s down to her bra and panties, my cock is back at full mast.

“Just two more things to come off,” I say huskily.

Our mouths rejoin, and I reach around her, unclasping her bra and releasing her wonderful tits. As my tongue continues to play with hers, I shimmy her panties over her arse and let them drop down her legs.

I break away from her and step back, admiring her openly. Despite the clear desire in her gaze, there’s self-consciousness too.

I let out a soft chuckle. “Why are you pretending to be shy? I’ve already explored you with my fingers and my mouth, or have you forgotten?”

“I’ve not forgotten, and I’m not pretending to be shy. But you’re looking at me so . . . hungrily.”

“Aye, well, I am hungry for you.” I reach out and trail a finger along her slit.

She gasps.

“And you’re wet for me, Grace.”

Gently I lay her on the bed and take another opportunity to drink in her beauty. In the soft lighting of the bedroom, her skin is lustrous, and her full breasts are mouthwatering.

I guide her onto her side then settle myself behind her. “For the record, I’m clean, but if you want me to use a condom, then—”

“Why? You can hardly get me pregnant again.” She wiggles her arse against me. “Just get on with it!”

Laughing, I nibble at her earlobe, then I lift one of her legs, line up my shaft, and enter her. We both groan at the same time. She feels incredible, like heated silk wrapping itself around me. I move slowly, savouring every inch of her, as well as each shudder that goes through her. My hips find a gentle rhythm.

“Oh!” Grace moans. “It was good at the engagement party, but was it this good?”

“We were rushing then. Now we’re taking our time.”

“Mmm . . . we are.”

I reach around and cup one of her voluptuous breasts, stroking the nipple with my thumb, drawing small gasps from her. Our pace gradually increasing, I slide my hand to rest on her raised hip, and I pull her closer with every thrust, her pleas spurring me on.