“Really dead and divorced before you’re even married.”
“Damn,” he said, raising both eyebrows. “Guess these are just for us.”
“Nell,” I called as they went to the far end of the grand room. No less than six chandeliers hung from the ceiling and tall windows made the most of the view of the acres of land.
Shit, what do I want her for?
She walked towards me with a content smile. Her green eyes softened the closer she got. Logan made himself scarce and headed over to Chloe. “Yeah?”
When she reached me she stepped into my embrace and looked up.
“I’m bored,” I said.
“You called me over to tell me you’re bored?”
No, I called her over to have her over.
“Yes.”
Rolling her eyes she stood taller and kissed me. I felt everything, every brush of her lips, every time she dug her nails into my back and pulled me closer a fraction, and every lick of her tongue.
Moaning, I curled my fingers into her hair and deepened the kiss. If we weren’t in public I would’ve pushed her against the wall and slid my hand up her top.
Clamping my arms around her back, I pinned her body against mine and sucked her bottom lip into my mouth. I couldn’t get enough. Nell gasped and slid her tongue against mine, massaging slowly and clawing at my back.
I loved her. I fucking love her!
“Nell,” I moaned.
Her heart pounded against my chest at the same insane rate as my own. How could she not see we belonged together? No matter what we had to go through to get there it would be worth it. I needed her to realise that soon.
“Err, guys,” Logan said in amusement.
Scowling, I parted from Nell and glared up at them. “What?” I snapped.
“I think we’re done here if you want to…you know,” Chloe said, winking.
Nell turned in my arms but kept her body plastered to mine. “Go shopping! Absolutely, I need to get gifts for my parents.”
“Sorry?” I said, my arms tightening around her. Let that be a joke, please.
“Good luck, Damon,” Logan said, laughing. “We’re off to meet with the wedding planner, catch ya later.”
“You honestly want to shop right now?”
She nodded. “I thought tomorrow we could chill so I want to get it over with today.”
“Ah, like the walk around with the happy couple?”
“Yep. I have plans for you tomorrow.”
“I like the sound of that. Let’s get this over with then,” I replied, letting go, taking her hand and pulling her out of the room.
We walked up a steep hill, following the directions Nell insisted on getting from the hotel staff. I continued to hold her hand, never knowing how that was going to go down. She didn’t look at me as I threaded my fingers between hers but she did look on, smiling so peacefully it made me ache.
There was always something she held back, a part of herself that she would never truly open. Even when she laughed so much she could barely breathe she was still holding back. But now, fuck me, now she was free and I wanted to stay here forever if this was what being away did for her.
“Do you know what you want to get them?” I asked.
“Nope, something tacky that says Scotland on it. Maybe a crap fridge magnet or that dog they all seem to love.”
“Alright, looks like there are a couple souvenir shops ahead, I’m sure we’ll find tacky there.”
“Cool, then you can buy me a KFC, I starving.”
I pulled her hand, making her step closer and kissed the top of her head. I was in love with the perfect woman and I was determined to enjoy the next day with her – in bed.
Nell
Holding my paper bag filled with tacky Scotland gifts for my parents, I let myself into their house. We’d all made it home on the flimsy little plane safely and I’d promised my parents I’d visit the day I got back.
Chloe and Logan had jumped in and booked their wedding after falling in love with the hotel. I was really pleased they had because the place now held amazing memories for me. I felt so close to Damon it hurt. I told myself over and over it was because we were away, kind of like a holiday romance.
Things were back to normal now and the distance was painful. It wasn’t supposed to bloody hurt. I ached to be that close to him again. I wanted to lie in his arms and just kiss for ages. I wanted to hold his hand that fraction tighter than usual.
Taking a deep breath, I swallowed the hollow feeling in my heart and called, “Mum, Dad!”
“Living room, Nell,” Mum replied.
I turned the old-fashioned silver ball door handle and almost dropped the bag on the floor. Mum was curled up on the sofa with mascara running down her face. I froze. “Mum, what happened? Where’s Dad?”
“He left.”
“What? Where did he go? Tell me what happened.”
I put the bag on the coffee table as I walked past and sat down in front of her, tucking my legs under.
“He lost his job again.”
“Another one? What went wrong this time?”