by Karen Ferry
I kick the blankets away, still with a sense of urgency running through my veins, and I finally realise why I woke up.
The throbbing between my legs is difficult to ignore. I run my right hand across my hardened nipples over my night shirt, gasping as my touch sends a shock wave through my body at the friction.
“Crap,” I whisper. Feeling a blush creeping up my neck, I turn around to lie flat on my stomach.
I don’t need this right now. I glance at the alarm clock on my nightstand, groaning when I realise it’s only three a.m. I have to be up in three hours.
Sighing, I roll back to lie flat on my back and close my eyes, willing myself to fall asleep again.
My body ignores my demand.
“Kiss me.”
Moaning at the memory, the throbbing intensifies, and I rub my thighs against each other, trying to alleviate the building tension. It’s no use, and, almost in anger, I shove my right hand up to fondle my breast while my left finds its way into my knickers.
I gasp as my index finger finds my clit, and I pinch my nipple hard.
“Oh, crap,” I whimper as more wetness gathers in my pussy. I can’t stop now. I rub my clit, sighing as I imagine Kristian’s head between my legs, going down on me. When I think about his full, firm lips, I picture them sucking on my clit.
With a wild urgency I can’t remember having felt in so long, I release my breast and turn to rummage through my drawer. My breath comes out in shallow beats, urging me to keep the pressure on my pussy, but I resist.
I find the bullet quickly, hoping I’ve remembered to change the batteries. A small smile of victory forms on my lips when I turn on the switch and the low, buzzing sound fills the silence in my bedroom. I bite my lower lip as I lie back down on the bed, widening my legs. I bend my knees, and slowly, I put the bullet on my clit. A low moan escapes my lips as pleasure shoots through my over sensitised skin.
I apply more pressure on my clit and push two fingers inside my pussy, all the while my imagination runs wild with images of Kristian worshipping my body with his mouth, his teeth, his tongue.
As the pressure builds, I finger fuck my pussy, and at last, tingles radiate all over my body, and the orgasm explodes through me. I have to turn my head and bite my pillow to prevent myself from calling out his name as I come, riding my fingers, drawing out the very last ripples of the pleasure wave.
“Bollocks,” I whisper as I come down from my high. It’s been a really long time since I’ve woken up in the middle of the night, completely turned on and yearning for the touch of a man.
When you go without sex for a long time, you bury the needs you used to have. I haven’t missed them until now. But, bam, here they are, back in full force. Awakened because some stupid, arrogant, tattooed guy asked me to kiss him.
“It won’t happen.”
Saying the words out loud feels good, but a small thought niggles in my head, taunting and teasing me, because somehow, I’m not so sure I believe it anymore.
I look at my alarm clock again, sighing as my eyelids start to grow heavy. Turning to lie on my stomach, I pull the blankets up to cover my body, and as sleep overtakes me, I smile slowly.
I forgot how good it felt to give in to my urges, but maybe I shouldn’t hold them back again.
With happy tears misting my eyes, I watch Ailith thank the judge when he puts puts the blue ribbon on Lady’s harness.
“I’m so proud,” Mum murmurs beside me.
I nod as I take a shaky breath.
“Me, too. A second place in this class is more than she’d hoped for.”
I touch Mum’s hand as she places it on my shoulder and smile at her when she winks.
“I best find an outfit to wear into town. Got to keep my promise to her.”
My smile grows as I look back at the arena and my beautiful girl. She’s leant over her saddle, her arms wrapped around Lady’s neck, and I laugh when I see Ailith chattering to her pony. Her smile is so big I’m surprised it doesn’t crack her cheeks.
“Will you be okay tonight when we go out?”
Mum’s question makes me turn my head and I raise my eyes at her.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She shrugs as worry replaces the warmth in her eyes.
“I just think you should get out more, Laura. Live a little.”
Sighing, I look away from her.
“Don’t start, please. I’m perfectly happy at home. It gives me an excuse to be lazy for once. To put my feet up and get some uninterrupted reading time.”
“Laura, a woman your age shouldn’t stay home every weekend. She should…”
“Mum, please. Don’t. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve actually made plans to go out with Trish tonight, instead of staying in.”
Mum beams at me, and I just barely suppress rolling my eyes at her.
“Oh, how lovely. Do you need me to drive you into town?”
I shake my head and clap as all the contestants walk their horses around in a circle, waving at the audience.
“No, she’s coming by to pick me up. We’re going to Oran Mor after we’ve had some dinner, and then we’ll see what happens. I won’t be home late, though.”
“Ah, don’t worry about that,” Mum waves off my reassurances. “You’re a big girl. I know you can take care of yourself.”
I nod slowly at her words.
Yeah. I can definitely do that.
“You need a new haircut,” Mum interrupts my thoughts as I wipe long strands of hair from my eyes.
I shrug lightly.
“Yeah, you’re right. It’s getting a bit too much to handle, isn’t it?”
She purses her lips and tilts her head at me.
“Just a bit.”
I roll my lips between my teeth, wondering for the umpteenth time if a drastic change like cutting my hair is exactly what I need in order to take another step forward and away from my past.
I release my lips from my teeth and smile at her, already feeling a bit excited at the prospect of a change.
“I’ll ask Trish to give me the number of her stylist.”
Mum nods resolutely at me. The relief in her eyes warms my insides and I give her shoulder a mild squeeze, letting her know I’m okay. Then I turn my head back to the contestants.
I wave at Ailith as she passes us and blow her a kiss. The utter joy in her eyes as she puffs out her chest in pride sings to my soul. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt such happiness, but I hope it won’t be long until I feel it again.
As the riders turn around to trot out of the jumping arena, Mum takes my hand.
“That man who came yesterday,” she starts, as we walk to the small paddock where Ailith is heading.
I tense, but keep my answer light.
“What about him?”
“Ailith told me you’d met him before, at Waterstones in Glasgow. That’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it?”
I bite my lip, nodding carefully.
“Yes, I guess so. Actually, I also bumped into him when I went to the bank a couple of days ago. Funny, isn’t it?”
Mum tilts her head at me, a small smile grazing her lips.
“That it is. Three meetings in three days...hmm.”
This time, I do turn my eyes to the heavens. I already know where this is going, and I’m not amused.
“Don’t hmm me, Mum. It’s just a funny coincidence, but that’s it.”
“If you say so, my dear. But don’t forget where we are.” She stops, releases my hand and turns in a slow circle. “In the land of the Scots, where magic still lives in every little thing.”
Groaning, I put a hand over my eyes.
“Not this again,” I mumble. Sighing, I lift my head and look hard into her soft eyes. “Magic doesn’t exist. The end.”
Mum starts walking again, but casts a teasing look in my direction when I don’t follow her at once.
“Just wait and see, Laura. You might be surprised.”
I look to the s
ky, inclined to stomp my foot at her like a child, but then I let it go when I hear the sound of Ailith shouting my name. She jumps down from Lady and almost forgets to keep her hands on the reins as she removes her helmet. I’m not worried the old pony will wander off, though—she never leaves Ailith’s side when they’re together.
Ignoring Mum and her tendency to lose her head in ancient superstitious drivel, I beam at her and pick up my pace to meet her.
“Look, Mummy, look!” Ailith is almost jumping on the spot, and when Mum takes Lady’s reins, I pick up my girl and hug her tightly, spinning us around and around in a circle.
Her joyful laugh fills my cold heart with warmth and I kiss her soundly on her cheek.
“So, so, so proud of you, sweetie,” I whisper. My lips tremble with pent-up emotions.
“Thank you,” she whispers back. “This is the best day ever.”
Mum laughs as she runs a hand down Lady’s neck. Her laughing eyes meet mine briefly, making me grin.
“Mine, too,” I tell Ailith before I place her on her feet. “I think an ice cream to celebrate is in order, don’t you?” I ask as I run my hand down her cheek.
She throws her small fists in the air, making me laugh harder.
“Yes!”
“I’ll take Lady over to the trailer and meet you there,” Mum says as she hands me her wallet. I shake my head at her and refuse to take it.
“Not this time,” I tell her as I take Ailith’s hand in mine. “This round is on me. Let’s go.”
9
Kristian
The pub is fucking crowded tonight, and I almost regret coming out with Alex. But when we’re not working—the tattoo shop is closed every weekend—it can be a bit lonely to hang around at home all the time. I don’t do that well with silence. I prefer the company and sound of people around me instead.
Silence can roar louder when you’re alone than when you’re surrounded by people.
Silence makes you remember the things you’d rather forget.
When he texted me earlier, asking if I wanted to join him again tonight, I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, I wanted to get away from Lise for a while as she kept going on and on about her new horse, Daffodil. I’m happy for her, but when she mentioned the farm, I started to think about Laura again—about her mouth, and what it must feel like to kiss her—and that’s not good for my peace of mind, that’s for sure.
As I sit at the bar, still waiting for Alex, I can’t help but grin at the young fools currently singing along with the folk band on the small stage. You have to hand it to the Scots. They know how to let down their hair and have a good time.
I turn in my seat and jerk my chin at the girl manning the bar tonight. I think her name is Hannah, but I’m not too sure.
“One more, please.” I swallow the last of my beer and hand her my empty glass.
She gives me a flirtatious smile and nods.
“You’ve got it. Waiting for your date to turn up?”
I grin at her. I like her wild, red curls and the way small tendrils escape her ponytail, dancing across her collarbone. Her black T-shirt fits her small frame perfectly.
“I’m just waiting for a friend to arrive.”
She wets her lips as she hands me the new beer. She rests her arms on the bar, and my eyes can’t help but fall down to her tits as they’re pushed together.
Damn. Those are quite a handful.
“I get off at one,” she says. “Will you still be around then?” The flirtatious glint in her eyes is hard to dismiss.
And yet, I hesitate.
“It’s Hannah, isn’t it?” I ask instead, avoiding her question. When she nods, her eyes warm, I try not to feel bad about turning her down.
“Look,” I start, scratching at the old wooden bar. “I’m sort of interested in someone else at the moment, but if that ends up not going anywhere, I’d like to ask you out some other time. You good with that?”
She tilts her head at me. “Well, that’s bad luck for me, but I understand. And yes, I’m good with that. Just let me know.”
“Thanks.”
I blow out a relieved breath when she’s interrupted by another customer at the other end of the bar. Relieved and satisfied with the decision I came to last night—taking it easy on hooking up with anyone for a while—I relax in my seat. I don’t have to wait long before Alex appears next to me.
He claps my shoulder. “Sorry I’m late. I had to help my dad.”
I nod, understanding. “No problem.”
Regret seeps into my bones when I think about Alex’s dad. He suffers from MS and is confined to a wheelchair, but he refuses to leave his home and relies a lot on my friend. It can’t be easy, but every time I’ve asked Alex if he needs any help, he shuts me down. I don’t know why, but I don’t push. We don’t have that kind of relationship yet.
“Aaah, finally,” Alex mutters as he takes the beer from another barmaid. He winks at her, and I chuckle at the fact that he didn’t even have to tell her what draught to get him. “Time to find some pussy and fuck her brains out.”
I laugh. “I see you’ve got your game on tonight, my friend.”
He waggles his eyebrows at me. “That is true. I need to forget what a shitty week it’s been.”
I frown at him and open my mouth to ask him what’s wrong, when he looks over my shoulder, whistling under his breath.
“Well, bloody hell. The object of my desires just walked through the fucking door,” he breathes.
Confused, I turn in my seat, and I can’t help but admire the view and the attractive blonde who just entered the pub. I shuffle in my seat and raise my eyes back at my friend.
“You know her?”
Alex nods slowly.
“Yeah. I did her tattoo a while back, and I can’t get her out of my mind. Her name’s Trish, and I’ve never seen a creature as gorgeous as her before.”
I snort as he rubs his fist over his heart.
“Aren’t you a bit dramatic?” I grin at him, but then turn my head to look at her more closely. I can’t say I’m surprised Alex is taken with her. She’s wearing a cute, black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, and lots of silvery bracelets on her wrists. But my smile freezes when the woman behind her comes into clear view.
“Fuck me,” Alex curses.
“You can say that again,” I mutter.
Shit, it’s Laura. Again. This is getting too bizarre. She’s wearing black skinny jeans that make her legs seem to go on for-fucking-ever despite her short frame and some kind of halter-neck top that looks as green as moss. Her hair is piled high on top of her head again, making my fingers itch to feel whether it’s as soft to the touch as it looks. As she takes off her black jacket, she scans the bar, and my pulse skips when her gaze lands on me. Her movements jerk to a stop as her eyes widen in surprise, and her mouth pops open.
I smile slowly at her, thrilled I seem to have the same effect on her as she has on me.
“Alex, do you believe in fate?” I ask, keeping my eyes locked on Laura as she scowls at me.
Fuck. Now she’s cute, too.
“Hell, no, but I think I’m about to,” he grumbles.
I glance at him briefly as he stands up and I grin before I look back at the women. Laura raises her head, the scowl still marring her lips. Despite the distance between us, I can still see the stubborn glint in her eyes.
Challenge fucking accepted.
“Me, too, my friend. Me, too.”
Laura turns to say something to her friend, and I brace, prepared to run after them if they decide to leave the pub. To my surprise, her friend begins to laugh as she shakes her head, and she latches on to Laura’s left hand, dragging her behind her. I watch as they go to find a table at the other end of the pub, turning in my seat so I don’t lose sight of them.
This is going to be an interesting night.
Laura
“Trish,” I hiss loudly as she drags me behind her. Her fingers feel like talons on my wrist,
preventing me from running in the other direction. “Let me go. We’ll go to another pub.”
“No way, babe.” She turns her head and I roll my eyes at the wink she gives me. “I want a nice gin & tonic, and then you can tell me why that piece of delicious man candy freaks you out so much.”
We come to a stop at a small table for two and I finally find myself free of her grasp. She nudges me in my back and points at the wide, black armchair against the wall. It overlooks the pub, giving me the perfect view of Kristian and his friend.
Frowning, I shake my head.
“You take that seat, and I’ll sit here.”
“Nope.”
Another nudge, this time more persistent, and I have to wedge myself between the small tables to prevent myself from falling flat on my arse.
“You’re so annoying,” I grumble as I sit down, huffing with annoyance. “Besides, there’s nothing to tell.”
Trish takes her wallet and then hands me her clutch. I place it underneath my jacket, half sitting on it.
“No, I’m not,” she trills at me, her eyes dancing with mirth. “Now, wait here, and I’ll go get us our drinks. Don’t move.”
Sighing, I nod, keeping my eyes downcast. I daren’t look up, giving Kristian the satisfaction of seeing how much he’s rattled me. I cross my legs, my feet screaming to be let out of the death traps I’ve squeezed them into. The black, pointy suede boots are cute, and an early birthday present from Trish when she showed up at the farm earlier in the evening. I knew I shouldn’t have worn them out tonight, but I didn’t have the heart to tell her no when she asked me to keep them on.
Guess I’ll just have to sit down all evening.
Crap.
A gin & tonic is placed before me. I swallow the thank you I’m about to say when I notice the masculine, tattooed, and very big hand on the glass.
