Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his voice barely above a whisper. “You okay?”
I nodded, sighing against his skin. “More than okay.”
His arms tightened around me, his breath warm against my temple. “Sleep, darlin’.”
And with my body tangled with his, I did.
CHAPTER 17
Fiona
A gentle, featherlight touch along the bare skin of my back pulled me out of a deep sleep. I sighed, pressing my cheek against Tommy’s chest. His arms were banded around me and I’d never felt more secure in my life. Not only protected, but cherished in a way I didn’t know was possible.
“Fi.” His voice was a low whisper, lips brushing against the top of my head. “You need to go, darlin’.”
I murmured a protest, shifting against him. I’d become a woman tonight and I wanted to lie here, our naked bodies entwined and just be his. The world outside was still dark and cold, and it couldn’t reach me if I stayed right here. “Just a few more minutes,” I groaned, snuggling against him.
Tommy chuckled softly, arms squeezing me. “I know,” he murmured, pressing another gentle kiss to my head. “Believe me, I don’t want you to go either. But it’s past four, and you’ve gotta get back before someone realizes you’re missing.”
Reality crashed over me like an icy wave from the Irish Sea and I actually shivered from it despite how warm I was pressed against my lover. He was right, of course. I had snuck out of my house to be with him and if I didn’t sneak back before first light, I risked being caught. Another shudder ripped through me at the thought as I couldn’t even begin to imagine how angry my da would be with me. I’m confident it would warrant a black-and-blue beating. And after the way I shunned Brian at the festival, that wasn’t a risk I could take. I had to be low-key with Tommy for both our sakes.
I exhaled, shifting to look up at him. His dark hair was mussed, his blue eyes still heavy with sleep, but he was watching me with an intensity that tightened my belly and flushed my skin.
“Any regrets?” he murmured.
I shook my head, smiling at him. “Not a single one.”
His lips curved, brushing against mine in the faintest kiss. “Good.”
My fingers traced down his bare chest and I marveled at the feel of him. I never would have thought about touching a naked man before but now that he’s mine, I want hours just to explore. “When can I see ye later?”
Tommy caught my hand and brought it to his lips. “You tell me, darlin’.”
Another shiver—a combination of lust and what I believed to be love. I hesitated for only a second. “Midday,” I whispered. “I’ll bring a picnic. Just us.”
His grin widened, dimples flashing, and the sight of it made my heart swell. “I’ll go in extra early today so I can take the time off.”
I loved that about him. His work ethic and his loyalty to those who earned it. So many things about Tommy that had my heart in a vise, and that was just but one. He shocked me by rolling on top of me, his body warm and solid against mine. His mouth found mine again, slow and lingering, hands exploring in a way that made me start to ache in places that I just discovered could ache.
“Tommy,” I sighed between kisses, “I have to go.”
“Mmm,” he murmured against my skin. “I think you should stay.”
I laughed as my fingers curled into his hair. “Yer not making this easy.”
“Not supposed to,” he said smugly, pressing another kiss to my collarbone before finally pulling back. “But I suppose I should be a gentleman and let you get dressed.”
I huffed playfully, rolling out from under him before I lost my nerve entirely. I found my clothes scattered around the room and quickly pulled them on, aware he was watching my every move. I should’ve been embarrassed but the light was dim, only the faintest sliver from the barn lights peeking through the linen curtains.
When I bent to slip on my shoes, he groaned. “Come back to bed, Fi. Just for a little longer.”
I shot him a smirk over my shoulder. “And risk getting caught? Yer the one who told me I should go, and ye weren’t wrong.”
Tommy sat up, resting his weight on one elbow, and God, did he look so sexy with the sheets draped over his lean waist. “One more kiss, then.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile as I leaned down, pressing my mouth to his. He kissed me so thoroughly that he stole my breath, and I was okay if I never breathed again.
“I should probably walk with you,” he said as I pulled away. “It’s dark.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s safe here and there’s enough lighting to find my way. Besides, if I do get caught, I can just play it off as some wanderlust and a midnight bike ride. If yer with me, Da is likely to get the shillelagh.”