Chapter 55

55

I feel the same pang I always do as Henry and I leave Lorna's to head home. We only live thirty minutes apart, but with each of us having our own lives, we don't get to see each other as often as I would like. After practically begging, I finally convinced her to get a babysitter and come to the masquerade party next weekend. I'm excited to watch her let loose and relax for a change.

I can't help but be in awe of what she showed us on the farm. In addition to all of the animals, she's been hybridizing dahlias. She had fields and fields of new colors and types in development, the buds just starting to bloom in a gorgeous display. Her dream has always been to be able to make a living off the farm, and this year, she'll finally be able to do that. Instead of selling the flowers like most people would, she's focusing on selling the tubers, which she said provide an exact clone of the plant, so the customer will know exactly what type of flower they're buying. It’s also much less labor-intensive since she doesn't have to worry about cross-pollinating. I'm incredibly proud of her, but I worry that so much time spent on the farm means she won't be putting herself out there to meet someone. She deserves a guy that who will take care of her and appreciate what an amazing woman she is .

It's late afternoon by the time Henry and I get home, and I can sense the nervous energy flowing through him. He's jumpy, his muscles rippling every time I touch him, his cock permanently tenting the front of his pants. It's not just him, either. My body feels like a live wire, electricity crackling through me every time I think about what's happening tonight. My heartbeat has taken residence between my legs, creating an ache that only one thing will fix.

"What are the plans for tonight?" I ask, sliding off the motorcycle and setting the helmet on the seat. "Because I'd be more than happy if you throw me over your shoulder, take me to the cottage, and have your way with me right this very second."

"Do you really think I waited all this time not to have this planned out down to the tiniest detail?" he asks, holding the door for me.

"No." I pout, sticking out my lip.

"Pack for two nights while I go and run an errand. We'll be alone, so bring whatever you'll be comfortable wearing. And a swimsuit unless you want to swim naked."

"Can you give me a little clue?" I beg. I need some idea so I know what to pack.

"We'll be on a sailboat."

"You know how to sail?" I ask, surprised.

"Not exactly." He winks, then leaves me wondering what the heck he means by that. Eventually, I give up trying to puzzle through it and pack some comfy clothes and a swimsuit. I take a quick body-only shower, throw on a sundress, and grab a sweater to ward off the chill. Glancing in the mirror, I fuss with my hair for a couple of seconds before giving up and clipping it back in a messy bun. By the time I’m heading back downstairs, my overnight bag in hand, Henry is just coming back, entering through the front door looking windswept. All rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes.

"Ready?" he asks, giving me an appreciative look from head to toe.

"I don't think I've ever been more ready for anything in my life," I confess, stretching on my tiptoes to give him a kiss before walking out the door. He stows our bags in the trunk and jogs around the car to the passenger side just as I'm reaching to open it. He swats my hand away and cages me against the car, the little growl in his throat setting me on fire.

"If you do that again, I’ll have to punish you. I want to take care of you, Isla. Let me."

"Yes, sir," I say, covering my mouth to hide my smile. I melt as his fingers circle my wrist, tugging my hand down.

"Say it again," he commands.

"Yes, sir." My breath catches in my lungs as heat pools low in my belly. He rolls his hips against mine, groaning as I reach up to rake my nails through his hair.

"Get the fuck in," he rasps, wrenching open the door. My pussy quivers at the command in his voice, and I plop into my seat, anxious to get wherever we're going so I can impale myself on his cock and ride him until I forget my name.

We haven't even been on the road for ten minutes before Henry turns down a gravel road. Fields of heather spread out on either side of us, painting everything with a romantic lavender haze. The lane ends abruptly, butting right into the water, a narrow wooden dock and a gorgeous sailboat the only things in sight.

"Whose boat is it?" I ask, taking in the sleek lines.

"Someone owed Lach a favor."

"So now you owe Lach a favor?" I ask, laughing.

"Pretty much." He takes our bags from the back, grabs my hand, and leads me onto the dock. I gasp as we turn toward the boat, and the part of the dock hidden by the boat comes into view. Rose petals are scattered across the weathered boards, leading to a small round table covered in a white tablecloth and glowing candles. A few pizza boxes sit on the edge of the table, along with two cans of Irn-Bru and a bottle of champagne.

"I was planning on cooking a fancy dinner, but meeting your sister was more important than me looking like an absolute stud tonight, so I hope pizza is okay," he says, nervously raking his hand through his dark hair .

"The fact that you changed your plans and went with me means more to me than you'll ever know, Henry. Much better than a fancy meal." I turn to face him, standing toe to toe, and slide my fingers over his five-o'clock shadow, cupping his face. And then I look at him, taking in his sun-kissed skin, the brilliant blue of his eyes, the dark curl of hair falling over his forehead. Taking in this moment. This incredible life. I don't blink fast enough, and a tear drops from my eye, sliding down my cheek. He catches it with his thumb, licking it from his fingertip before pressing his lips to mine.

"Your eyes are the most stunning shade of green when you cry," he murmurs, lifting my hand to his lips before drawing me toward the boat. "Would you like a tour of our home for the next two nights?"

"Yes, please."

"Like I told you before, I don't know how to sail, so we're going to stay tied to the dock the whole time."

"May I ask why you chose a sailboat?" I ask, laughing.

"Because there's nobody around to hear you screaming my name."

Fuuuuck. My legs immediately turn to Jell-O, and I swear to everything holy that I would push him down right here on the dock and have my way with him if he'd let me. He's so goddamned thoughtful.

"Watch your step." I take his hand, willing my legs to work as I step on board. I wasn't sure what to expect before we arrived, but this wasn't even on my radar. Sleek, gleaming wood nearly blinds me as he shows me around the deck. The mast is so tall that I get dizzy when I look up at it. I follow him inside and down a short flight of stairs to find what may as well be a house. It has a large open living area, a galley kitchen, a bathroom, and sleeping quarters big enough for a king-sized bed. Rose petals are scattered across the bed, electric candles covering every flat surface, lending soft, romantic glow to the space.

"You've thought of everything, haven't you?" I squeeze his hand, blinking back more tears.

"Do you like it?"

"Like it? It's perfect. "

"Should we take advantage of the rest of the daylight? Swim, eat dinner, make some dessert?" He presses a finger over my lips when I start to protest. "I know you would rather go straight to the bedroom, Isla, but this day is so important to me. I want to draw it out as long as possible. I want to have fun with you. Make memories." He squats down and rummages through his bag. "Speaking of memories–" He holds up a Polaroid camera. "Smile!"

I grin at him and flash my tits just as the shutter clicks. This is going to be one hell of a night.