Chapter 16

Katie

There was something exciting and naughty about sneaking out at night even though nobody would've thought twice about me leaving through the front door. Despite still living at the farmhouse I grew up in, it wasn't like Grandpa or Oliver kept tabs on where I was going and who I was with. And even if they did, they weren't really going to think anything of me going to spend time with Brew.

Banjo followed me to the door with an expectant look on his face.

"Not tonight," I told my familiar. I gave him a good scratch and directed him back to his bed by the hearth.

He gave me a confused look but flopped down. It wasn't like he never stayed home alone, he was just trying his luck at a late-night walk. My heart ached at the sight. It was hard to leave him behind, even if I knew he was capable of it, but I wanted some alone time with Brew, and some of what I hoped was going to happen wasn't suitable for Banjo's eyes.

"I'll be back soon," I promised.

He whined, but finally let me go. I was going to have to get him a good bone from the butcher tomorrow to make up for leaving him.

A cold breeze blew around me as I walked through the fields, but there was no doubt it was a beautiful night. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and all the stars were on full display, shining in the sky like gems.

With every step, I could feel the excitement in me grow. I was going on a date with Rooibos Brewster. I had no idea what we were doing but I had some hopes, and I was looking forward to it no matter what.

I arrived at the gate where Brew was already waiting for me. His hair was flattened again and he was carrying a big basket with him. A smile sprung to his face when he saw me and he let out a breath of white air. How had I never noticed how handsome he was? Or how happy I always was to see him?

"Hey." I pressed my lips on his cheek.

He hugged me with one arm. "Hi. You made it."

"I wasn't going to miss it."

"No Banjo?"

I shook my head. "I left him at home. I didn't want him to get in the way if..." Heat rushed up to my face and I pointed at the basket, eager to change the subject. "What's this?"

"I heard there's supposed to be some falling stars this week, I thought we could have a picnic and see if we could spot any," he said as he opened the gate for me. "They say that it's good luck to see them with someone."

I smiled at the thought. "That sounds really nice. Cold, but nice."

"I brought tea. And lots of blankets," he said, gesturing to the spot he had prepared.

True to his word, there were blankets stacked on top of pallets. He even brought some pillows in a wheelbarrow and extra scarves.

"You thought of everything," I said, already melting inside. This was the most effort anyone had put into a date before it had even started.

Brew held out his hand and we sat down on the pallet. I tucked myself under the blankets, making sure there was enough room for Brew to slide in. He handed me a cup of hot tea that warmed me from the first sip. It was cosy, intimate, and perfect.

I leaned my head against his shoulder as we looked up at the stars. "Do you know any of them?" I asked.

"Not really," he admitted. "I did go to the library to see if there was a book I could borrow, but that place is a mess, I'd be surprised if there even is one."

"Mmm, maybe we should hire someone to actually look after it," I said. "Maybe an ink mage?"

"Maybe. But we're not supposed to talk about family business while we're on a date," he said.

"That's a good rule," I agreed. "But one thing before we do. Oliver."

"Ah, yes. I talked to him earlier. I thought he was going to set Howie on me for a moment, but he understood."

I let out a relieved sigh. "That's good." I shuffled closer to him and put a hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall as he breathed.

It was strangely comfortable to be here with him. Or maybe it wasn't strange at all. I'd known Brew for years, and that included knowing that he was a good guy, even if he did charm everyone.

"I have another question," I said cautiously.

"Mmm?"

"The people you flirt with..."

"I'm not really flirting with them," he pointed out. "They flirt with me, I'm polite back. Believe me, I only have eyes for one person."

I swallowed hard. "Good. Because I don't think I'd be able to deal with it otherwise."

"Jealous, Katie?"

"Yes and no."

He chuckled. "You've no need to be," he promised. "You're everything I need."

My breath caught in my throat. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Absolutely."

"I can tell." I touched the blanket lying over us. "This is the perfect date."

He looked at me, his face silver from the moonlight. "I wanted to make sure we had a great time."

"I am. You're so sweet." I touched the side of his face. "You know you don't have to keep flattening your hair for me? I love the way your curls look." I ran my hand through his hair, teasing the strands and enjoying how close it made me feel to him.

"You do?" He grimaced. "I always thought they looked messy."

"They're carefree, like you. And I happen to really like you." I leaned in to give him a gentle kiss, delighted by how warm his mouth was. He tasted of tea and honey and promise.

His hand touched my hip. "I really like you too."

I pulled him closer to me but it wasn't for warmth this time. I wanted to feel him, wanted to know if his heartbeat was going as fast as mine. He locked eyes with me and touched my cheek before capturing me in a deep kiss.

I returned it instantly, showing him that I wanted this just as much as he did. The blanket fell away but I didn't feel cold anymore. There was a burning heat in my lower belly that was spreading through my whole body.

"Katie. Oh, Katie." He nipped at my bottom lip. "You're driving me crazy."

I placed my hand on his thigh and moved it upwards. "Good, that's what I want."

He groaned and twitched from my touch, even with layers of fabric between us. A tingle of excitement travelled through my body and ignited something within me that wouldn't be easy to quell. The only thing that could satisfy me was Brew.

He kissed my neck and my wrists, worshipping every bit of exposed skin. I wrestled out of my coat, desperate to feel his lips in other places. He realised what I was doing and shifted so that he could move my coat away, his own joining it.

I sat up, taking the opportunity to straddle him, pressing my body against his and searching for more of the connection between us. I captured his lips with mine and kissed him with barely restrained passion. I wanted him more than I'd ever wanted anyone before, and I didn't care if he knew it.

In fact, I wanted him to know it, because only he'd be able to satisfy me.

I moaned into his mouth as his hands slid under my shirt and touched the sensitive skin of my stomach. His fingers were cold, slightly rough to the touch, and set my body on fire. I shivered as he grazed my nipple and ground against his lap.

His throaty moan made me quiver and I moved again, pleased when it evoked the same reaction. I was quickly becoming breathless and I wanted him to feel the same way. I reached between us and fumbled with his buttons until I could touch him.

He gasped and grew even harder. The look on his face was adorable, so dazed and yet present. He kissed me passionately while I teased him until he pulled my hand away.

"Pause or it's going to be over soon." He kissed my lips hungrily. "I'm not done with you yet."

His hand snuck between my legs and he pressed it exactly where I was aching for him. A groan escaped me and I muffled it in his neck, which made him breathe harder. His fingers moved at a steady rhythm until I couldn't take it anymore. I got up from his lap and undid my belt with shaky hands. The cold wind only made my body more reactive as I stripped off my clothes.

Brew's eyes widened and a small smile quirked his lips up as he admired me. He practically threw off his shirt and pulled me back onto him with desperation. I guided him into me, moaning in delight when he thrust upwards.

I didn't know if this was all chance or if we'd been inevitable from the start but it was exactly right. Brew and me, me and Brew. I hoped this would never end.

I kissed him with all my might, grateful that the universe had brought us together and planning to make the most of every moment.