He pushes open the front door, and his huge body fills the frame. I love the fact he doesn’t knock anymore. He just walks in like he belongs here. It should terrify me, but it doesn’t.
Then the annoying part of my brain kicks in.
He’s not yours to keep. This is a fling, nothing more.It has an expiration date.
But can a fling last for months? And include romantic breaks away?
I shove the thoughts aside. I can worry about my feelings later. Preferably never.
He strides into the room and sweeps me into his arms. He lifts and spins me like I weigh nothing. I’m not a small woman. My ex never let me forget it, always ready with a dig. Lance makes me feel… respected, loved, and very female.
“Are you ready to have an amazing new year?” he whispers in my ear, teeth grazing my jaw. Goosebumps scatter over my skin as arousal pops like champagne bubbles.
“Yes, and we’re celebrating.”
He raises an eyebrow in question. “Oh, yeah?”
“I got a publishing offer.”
“Katie! That’s incredible,” he yells, crushing me in a bear hug. “I’m going to congratulate you all night long.” He pulls back, eyes shining. “You can tell me all about it in the car. Let’s go. I can’t wait to get you to the hotel room. If we stay here any longer, we’ll end up delayed. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
He gives me a cheeky wink, grabs my hand, and tows me toward the door. My hot-pink suitcase sits on the porch, and he scoops it up with the other hand.
Both the suitcase and I are piled into the car.
“Who’s looking after all the animals?” he asks, as if he’s just remembered they need feeding.
I giggle. He’s become unexpectedly attached to a few members of Eden House Zoo.
“Don’t worry. You remember Harold? The scary driver?” He nods. “Turns out he’s not too bad. Last time he popped in, he gave me his number.”
Darkness flashes across his face.
“In case of an emergency,” I finish, giggling at the flicker of jealousy. “Anyway, I told him about our trip. He offered to oversee things here. Plus, he cleared it with the Edens. He has some work to catch up on in the main house anyway.” I shiver. “I still have no idea what is going on in that dusty old place. The whole thing gives me the creeps.”
Lance grunts, eyes fixed on the road. “I’m just glad I have you all to myself for a few days. Let’s forget about everything Aviemore.”
***
Edinburgh Castle sits proudly on the volcanic rock, watching over the city like it has for centuries.
Our hotel room has a wall of glass looking out over the city’s rooftops. Lights twinkle, and there’s excitement in the air. Tomorrow we’re attending the huge Hogmanay—Scottish New Year’s Eve—street party. It promises to be an amazing night.
Tonight, though, is for wining and dining in a fancy restaurant nearby. Lance has promised to give me a tour of the main attractions that are open in the city too.
My outfit is laid out across the gigantic four-poster bed, swathed in red satin sheets and a ridiculous number of cushions. I pick up the fitted purple dress for the hundredth time.
Why did I think this would look good on me? I’ll be mutton dressed as lamb.
I sigh with defeat, then bite the bullet and get ready. My confidence in my appearance ebbs away as I smooth the dress again, a pathetic attempt to push away the years on my skin. Theblazing sign that I’m older. And he shouldn’t be with me. What we have isn’t forever; he’s not who I should want.
Lance has escaped to the bar. He looked incredible when he left—dark jeans and a fitted black shirt. Sharp, gorgeous, one hundred percent male and in his prime.
I, on the other hand, apply another layer of foundation to my face. As the years pass, my make-up routine is becoming more like a jigsaw, filling in the lines and painting over the cracks to create the finished picture. Sadly, I never end up looking like a Van Gogh. The mark always seems missed.
When I’m done, strong lines define my eyes, and ruby red lips complete the look. My reflection looks good. Acceptable at least.
Also, undeniably late-forties. Older than him.