Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, page 36
Leia moaned quietly in their kiss, oblivious to several rubbernecking Orcadians. Nudging each other subtly, their approving grins suggested Tarquin was right—his love life would be the talk of the islands by teatime.
I’m so glad she’s here. Tarquin broke away, resting his forehead against Leia’s. “Welcome to the Orkney Islands,” he whispered, and her soft body curved into him, feeling like home.
“That snog was definitely worth four hours of travel!” She kissed him again, chastely this time before gazing into his green eyes like he was the love of her life.
“You’ve seen nothing yet!” Tarquin gave her a squeeze and let go, offering her the bouquet. “Betcha didn’t know primroses grow wild here.”
“They’re beautiful! And so tiny and purple!” She leaned in for a sniff. “I love them. Thank you!”
Tarquin smiled smugly. “So, what do you think so far? Kirkwall’s airport is wee, eh? No bigger than your average storage depot.”
Looking around, she studied the open plan terminal, basically one large room with two small check-in areas, an information desk, a tiny souvenir shop, and a cozy seating area hugging the café’s counter. “It really is. The plane was teeny, too—only thirty seats.” She hugged her flowers and rescued her midsized backpack from slipping off her shoulder.
“We should fly up to Westray,” said Tarquin, extending the handle of Leia’s suitcase. “The plane is an eight-seater, and the airport is a small waiting room and a toilet!”
“So, how many different islands have you been to?”
“Seventeen or so.” Tarquin held Leia’s hand as they walked toward the exit, passing tall glass cases displaying Orkney silver jewelry.
“And there are seventy in total?”
“Yep, but most of them are skerries.” He caught her furrowed brow. “Small rocky islands, completely uninhabitable…unless you’re a puffin.”
“Riley begged me to bring her back some puffin souvenirs.”
“Just wait to till we go shopping in town.” Tarquin swung her hand as they stepped outside. “Puffin-palooza!”
Striding through the small parking lot, a heavy mist dampened Leia’s parka, but not her enthusiasm. Taking everything in, she glanced back at the airport as Tarquin stowed her backpack and luggage in the black Land Rover. “Oh, check that out!” She pointed, her long hair dancing in the blustery Orkney wind. “Viking runes! Above the entrance. What does it say?”
Tarquin closed the tailgate and raced to the passenger side, opening Leia’s door. “Krimsitir, which in English translates to Grimsetter. During World War II, the airport was a Royal Airforce Fighter station known as RAF Grimsetter.”
Leia climbed in the car and gazed at her bouquet. Taming her messy mane, she smiled the entire time, like a little kid embarking on a big adventure.
Someone is thrilled to bits. I hope Mum doesn’t change that. Tarquin hopped behind the steering wheel and shivered, yanking his door closed. “There’s plenty of wartime history here, along with all the Viking and Neolithic stuff.”
“So much to see!” said Leia, clicking her seatbelt. “A week won’t be enough.”
“We’ll pack a lot in. I’ll make sure you see all the Orkney highlights: Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar.”
“Balfour?”
“Yes?” Tarquin started the car’s engine and pulled his seatbelt across his body.
“No, silly.” Leia giggled. “I don’t mean you. I mean the village of Balfour on Shapinsay. Is it true your family owned the entire island at one point?”
“Someone’s been researching on Google.” Tarquin cranked up the heat as the wipers did a waving swoop across the windshield. “Only the village name remains. We don’t even own Balfour Castle anymore.”
“But hello, Balfour Hospital! Your last name is synonymous with the islands. And you’re descended from lairds!”
“Yeah. Balfours have been tied to Orkney for hundreds of years.” Tarquin checked the Land Rover’s mirrors and pulled out of the parking space. “They came from Fife in Scotland originally—”
“—and changed the course of farming on Shapinsay in the mid-1800s! I’ve been doing my homework! So, is that where Rupert’s farm is located?”
“No, he’s in the parish of Stenness on the West Mainland, where we’re headed now, you big swot.” He laughed, taking a right. The two-lane road sliced through a panorama of never-ending farmland dotted with grazing sheep. “Good news, though: we’ve got some free time before you’ll be overrun by Balfours tonight. Fiona’s taking Ava to Poppy’s four-month checkup, and Rupert is meeting with the agricultural society.”
“I love that photo you texted this morning of you and Ava wearing unicorn onesies.”
“The hood makes it, right? With the glittery horn?”
Leia clasped his hand across the center console, giving it a squeeze. “No wonder you’re her favorite uncle.”
“Well, Nick tries, bless him, but he’s never been big on kids, even when he was a sprog himself. Mum says Nico bawled his eyes out when Rupert was born and demanded she send him back! By the time I arrived, he knew Mum loved him most, so I didn’t get it in the neck.”
“Your mum plays favorites?”
“Shamelessly. Nick is—and I quote—‘Kiki’s number-one son’. And not just by birth either. His childhood acting, his preference for city living, his looks…they’re similar in many ways. Farm-loving Rupert, on the other hand, is the oddball, and I’m the troublemaker.”
Leia winced. “That must be hard, feeling second best.”
He shook his head. “Not really. After twenty-seven years, I’m used to it.”
“How’s Ava been with baby Poppy?”
“Really good. She even gave her sister her teddy.”
“That’s love, that is.” Leia’s gaze followed a flock of sheep lumbering along a rock fence. “If Ava is teddy-less, she won’t be for long. I bought her a Paddington Bear.”
Paddington? Alex had one, I think. Tarquin smiled into a nod. “Aw, Leia! Ava will love him.”
“I also found her a Tessa Virtue Barbie.”
“There’s a doll?!”
“Yeah. Dad couriered her over from Canada last week.”
I couldn’t adore you more. Tarquin’s eyes darted from the road, taking in her soft lips turned up in a grin. “You are amazing, Leia Scott! Ava will be doing cartwheels.” He lifted her hand, giving her knuckles a sweet kiss. “So, what would Ava’s new bestie like to do this afternoon? We could go into town, grab lunch, or go exploring before the sun goes down—your call.”
“How early does the sun set?”
“It’ll be dark around half three. Today we get only seven hours of light.”
“Wow. We are north!”
“Yeah, the joys of an Orkney winter. The summers make up for it, though. During the solstice, it doesn’t get dark at all. You could sit outside at midnight and read, go for a hike, play golf.”
Leia gaped. “That must be so weird.”
“It takes some getting used to. That’s why everyone has blackout curtains! But it’s really beautiful with the sky all fiery oranges and stunning pinks and purples. There’s nothing like it.”
“I’ll have to come back.”
Or never leave. He grinned. “The standing stones aren’t too far from the farm if you fancy it?”
She gave Tarquin a flirty smile. “Oh, I fancy it, all right—but I fancy you more! Our FaceTime sex this week was epic.”
It was. He grinned, remembering how hard he came when Leia writhed and gasped his name, falling apart as she climaxed. So hot! It’s now my go-to for wanking. Heat rushed south of his belt buckle. Who needs porn when I’ve got Leia?
“But it felt like a cruel tease. Look, engage, but don’t touch. And I love touching you, tasting you…feeling you deep inside me.” Her hand broke away from his, traveling up his thigh. “Ten hard months, Tarquin.” She stroked the hot tightness bulging the crotch of his jeans. “I’m so wet for you.”
Christ! Tarquin groaned and floored the gas pedal. “I’ll have us there in fifteen.”
The warm glow of the wood crackling in the stone fireplace highlighted the trail of discarded jeans, Leia’s sweatshirt, and Tarquin’s sweater scattered across the hardwood floor. The master bedroom took up a third of the old barn’s top floor but felt welcoming and cozy with its woven wool throw rugs, traditional high-backed Orkney chairs, and framed photos of the islands’ rugged shores. Leia’s flowers, a symphony of wild purple blooms in a blown-glass vase, lent an extra homey touch.
Waiting for Leia to emerge from the bathroom, Tarquin left a bottle of lube on the bedside table and eased back into a mountain of pillows. He tore open a condom, the anticipatory ache of finally being together eclipsing all thoughts of sightseeing, family obligations, and the future. All that mattered was reuniting with Leia, body and soul.
A week apart felt like a fucking eternity, and sex over video chat only intensified my hunger for her. I’m craving the sweet indulgence of her mouth, the softness of her curves, her moans feathered against my skin. I want to worship her, cherish her… love her. Forever.
The water taps stilled and Leia reappeared in her black panties, her smile muted as she gripped her small purse.
This isn’t the same Leia I was snogging mere minutes ago. Tarquin sat up. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” She pressed her lips together and left her purse on a chair. “I just got my period.” Letting out a sharp exhale, she dropped down on the bed, tucking her feet beneath her bum. “It’s early. I wasn’t supposed to get it for a few days, but I guess the air travel messed up my cycle. It happens sometimes.”
Is she in pain? “Can I get you anything? A hot water bottle, ibuprofen…your favorite chocolate?”
“Chocolate.” She half-chuckled. “Thanks, I’ll definitely have some later. I just took a pain reliever.” Spying the condom in his hand, Leia gave a weak smile. “Sorry, Tarquin.”
“About what?”
Her eyes slid wantonly to his lonely erection, sprung, loaded, and insanely hard. “Getting you all hot for reunion sex and now having to bail.”
We’ve never talked about having sex when she has her period. I guess she abstains? He left the condom on its wrapper and moved closer, embracing her in a reassuring hug. “Leia, we haven’t had sex for ten months—we can wait a few more days.”
“It’ll be four more days. That’s how long it usually lasts.” She bit her bottom lip. “But I could give you a blow job right now? Do that thing you like with my tongue?”
“You could, but I’d rather come when I can pleasure you as well.”
“Right.” Leia sagged in his arms and withdrew. “Of course.”
Shit! She thinks I’m one of those blokes who recoil at the sight of period blood. No, no, no. That is NOT me. Tarquin’s fingers skated up her thigh. “But if you did want to fool around, you wouldn’t hear any complaints from me.”
She flashed him a Yeah, right look, her gaze falling to the pulled back duvet.
“Leia, I love all kinds of sex. When it’s during a woman’s period, yeah, it’s different, but not in a bad way. It feels extra warm, super wet and slick. It’s fucking amazing, actually.” His penis throbbed. Yeah, not that I have to tell you that, mister! Tarquin bent his neck, seeking her doubtful eyes. “But regardless of how I feel about it, how do you?”
“I enjoy it—well, I did.” She sat up. “Tyler and I only did it once. After that, he wouldn’t touch me when I was on my period.”
Tyler? That’s his name? Every Tyler I’ve known has been a complete wanker. “Well, it’s not everyone’s cuppa.”
Leia tugged at the band of her panties. “No, I mean, he hated it. Tyler’s actual words were, ‘I’m not sticking my dick in there again. It’s disgusting.’”
Anger swelled in Tarquin’s chest. “The cheek of him! Any guy who makes his partner feel embarrassed or unclean because her body is doing what it’s biologically meant to do should fuck right off! Seriously, like ejaculate isn’t messy?! Sex is messy. And sticky and weird and…wonderful!” He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her tight. “I’m glad you got rid because Tyler is a daft prick!”
“I won’t argue with that.” She huffed. “His reaction upset me at first, but ultimately, he lost out on having tons of sex with his horny wife. I get super aroused when I’m on my period. I reach orgasm faster, and they’re longer and way more intense.”
“Cor, I like the sound of that!”
“I’d leave him with his beers and video games and indulge in some me time in the bath.” Leia smirked. “The showerhead always made me come harder than Tyler ever did.”
“Now there’s an image.” Tarquin pressed a lingering kiss on her temple. “I’m so sorry he let you down, Leia.”
“Thanks,” she said quietly. “Have you slept with many women during?”
“A few, not many. It’s always felt quite vulnerable—for them and me—which made sleeping together incredibly intense and intimate. It’s not something you do with just anyone, you know?”
Leia nodded.
“That’s why Tyler’s overreaction baffles me. A husband, of all people, should be loving and understanding, not rudely dismissive or disrespectful. He had one job: to worship his wife.”
“Well, to be fair, he was great when we first got together, but…” She shrugged and trailed off into a heavy exhale.
Tarquin brushed her hair away from her eyes. “It must’ve been tough, having him rebuff your desire for deeper intimacy. You deserve better, Leia.”
She caressed his cheek. “That’s why I’m with you.” Leaning in, she kissed him tenderly. No tongue, no sucks or flirty bites, just a soft, sweet kiss of gratitude and respect.
And maybe even love?
Tarquin’s heart galloped ahead, but Leia’s words over cake and coffee a week earlier tugged the reins as he kissed her back: “We have to take it slow.”
She’s right. I can’t fast-forward or allow my expectations to run riot like I usually do. He vowed he’d let Leia lead. And you, Balfour? Follow her and enjoy the incredible view. Her sexy butt wiggle? Totally worth it.
Leia pulled away, a playful glint frolicking in her blue eyes. “Remember I said I get extra horny…”
“Remember? My dick can’t forget!” He motioned downward, his erection growing harder by the second. “So, whatcha fancy, Ginger? I can put towels down on the bed, or we could shower together…”
“I’d prefer here. Cowgirl—me on top—if that’s okay? It’ll let me control how deep you go.”
“It’s more than okay!”
She smiled. “And you won’t hurt your poor elbow, propping yourself up.”
Always thinking of others. “Well, in that scenario, the discomfort would be worth it!” Tarquin kissed her quick. “Just gimme a…” He climbed off the bed and raided the en suite’s linen closet, pulling out several large towels.
“But…do you have a washing machine here, or would we use Fiona’s?” Leia’s worried gaze followed him back to the bed. “For the towels…after.”
“I’ve got one.” He smoothed the dark towels over the fitted sheet. “We’re all set. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Tarquin, are you really sure? Sometimes girl on top increases, you know…the flow.”
He settled beside her and kissed her temple, his mouth brushing her ear. “The wetter, the better, right?” he whispered, erasing Leia’s furrowed brow.
Pressing his lips tenderly down her neck and along her collarbone, his fingers curled under the band of her panties but went no farther, waiting for Leia’s okay. He didn’t have to wait long.
She pulled the fabric from her hips and edged onto her side, yanking the panties down her legs. Folding the cotton material over her pad, she left her underwear on top of her jeans splayed on a chair.
Thanks to that asshole Tyler, I know she’ll feel vulnerable about this no matter what I say. Tarquin’s heart ached. But I’ll do all I can to help her feel beautiful, comfortable, and safe. He smiled as she picked up the lube and climbed back on the bed. “C’mere, gorgeous.” He kissed her tenderly on the lips. “How do you want me? Slow and gentle? Hard and fast?”
“Hard and fast.” Straddling his thighs, she nudged his shoulders back onto the stack of plump pillows. Her chest rose and fell, her determination undeniable. “I want you so bad it’s obscene.” She dropped the bottle of lube on the crumpled blankets. “I won’t last long.”
“Nor me.” Tarquin’s heavy gaze snagged on her breasts, her nipples erect and begging to be sucked. I’ve fantasized about this so much over the past ten months, it’s surprising I haven’t worn out my dick. He cupped her breasts and gently squeezed, their soft curves, luscious weight…all his and no one else’s. But memory-fueled wanking is nothing compared to her silky fullness in my hands, the grind of her hips against mine, or the intoxicating heat of her, wet and tight, riding me.
He glanced up, meeting her eyes, dark and primal as she lurched forward, crushing his mouth with hers. Tarquin clutched her waist and greedily drew her into his chest, the desperate caress of her tongue, her sweet taste arousing moans of joyful pleasure and erasing the angst of months spent apart. He kissed her deeper, faster, shifting slightly so the press of his erection gave her no doubt he was ready, leaving it up to her to call the shots.
She drew back, her pouty lips parting in a giggle as Tarquin’s hand threaded through her hair, its softness between his fingers, its scent arousing memories of snooker tables and macarons, Tower Bridge and cozy moments holding her in his arms.
“It’s good we’re not in Rupert’s house.” She grabbed the lube and squeezed it twice into her palm. “Might get loud!” She snapped the lid closed.
“Bring the noise, Ginger.” Tarquin chuckled and leaned forward, leaving a curve of open-mouthed kisses along her jaw as Leia’s hand skipped past his abs, her fingers taking ownership of his hot, hard cock. Her confident, slick strokes up and down urged a loud moan free from Tarquin’s mouth. “Your hands…ahh, I’ve missed them. I’ve missed you,” he gasped, the ache of anticipation building as she shifted back and bowed her head, her mouth joining in.
