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“And can I say that you look properly hot this evening?” Lottie spoke conspiratorially in Hannah’s ear. “I love that suit.” She drew her forefinger across Hannah’s collar.

Hannah briefly lost the ability to breath. “Thank you,” she squeaked, not used to being so out of her depth in any situation.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

LOTTIE

Lottie stood in the hall opposite Hannah. There were people surrounding them and she knew she was supposed to be welcoming them and being professional. But right now, there was only one other person she had any interest in.

Zack and Freya were right. This was the time to make a decision that put herself first. Zack had his life in Manchester, and Tom. Freya had a plan, albeit one Lottie hadn’t expected. It was time Lottie had a plan of her own. She needed to think about what she wanted next. She loved McLennon Castle and the people in it. She loved working there, but she knew she needed a new challenge of some kind. She didn’t know what it was, but she reasoned to herself that having a conversation with Anne-Marie couldn’t hurt.

And here was Hannah. Delivered to her doorstep. Practically wrapped up with a bow. Lottie didn’t know what Hannah wanted. But today it had become clear to her that she knew what she herself wanted. She wanted to see where this relationship might go. She wanted to give it a chance.

“I wonder if I might be able to throw myself on your mercy.” Hannah’s voice was low, and Lottie’s eyes glittered.

“Oh yes?” said Lottie with a raised eyebrow.

“My window clasp has broken again,” said Hannah, “and the rain’s getting in.”

“I bet you say that to all the girls,” whispered Lottie.

“As euphemisms go, it’s pretty original,” said Hannah, “but genuinely, if you’re able to sort it out at least temporarily, I won’t come back to a flooded room.”

“Well,” said Lottie, “let me grab my screwdriver and a few bits and I’ll meet you upstairs.”

Lottie grinned. The seductive undertones of their conversation made her very pleased they would be alone together, even if just for a short while.

Hannah took her mulled wine and nibbles upstairs with her, followed by Lottie. She knew she looked incongruous with a small toolbox accessorising that beautiful dress. She was so pleased she’d opted to wear it again.

“I hate to drag you away from the party,” said Hannah, although her face said otherwise.

“I’m not sure I believe you,” said Lottie, a hand on her hip.

Lottie put down her tools, walked up to Hannah and kissed her. Lottie felt all the excitement of the night before re-awaken in her. Hannah ran her hands through Lottie’s hair and explored her mouth with her tongue.

Hannah sighed. “I’ve been thinking about you all day,” she said between kisses.

“Me, too,” said Lottie. She unbuttoned Hannah’s jacket and slipped her hand inside to caress Hannah’s breasts.

Hannah gasped and let Lottie back her up onto the bed. Hannah lay back as Lottie kissed her neck and fumbled with her belt and trouser buttons, seeking permission with her eyes.

“Yes,” whispered Hannah.

Lottie’s eyes widened and she slipped her hand into Hannah’s underwear, finding out for herself how turned on she was.

Hannah sighed in satisfaction as Lottie slid first one finger in and then another. She slowly pulled out and then pushed in, and Hannah closed her eyes, seemingly lost in the moment. She moved beneath Lottie, and between them they built up to a frenzied rhythm.

But it seemed that Hannah wanted to feel Lottie, too. She pulled up Lottie’s dress and slipped a hand between her legs. Lottie let out a gentle sigh in response, luxuriating in Hannah’s touch.

They moved together, Lottie trying to remember every sensation, every moment.

“I didn’t know it could be like this,” breathed Hannah. Her orgasm came on quickly, closely followed by Lottie’s.

They lay in a tangle of clothes and limbs, just breathing for a minute. Hannah was right, it was intoxicating.

Eventually Hannah spoke. “I can’t believe it’s still raining inside my room. I really must talk to someone about the service in this hotel.”

Lottie smiled down at her, blowing an errant hair off her forehead. “Yeah, I’d definitely speak to the staff about that.” She rolled over, so she was lying beside Hannah on the bed. “Give me a minute to recover and I’ll get my tool box.”