Love on the Menu

by Ellen March

  Jago’s hand shot out and grasped her arm, holding her firmly. His eyes twinkled at her sullen face. “Well, that’s a shame, because I was planning on an afternoon out. Just the two of us.” He grinned at the instant change in her expression. “Which is why I offered them the pool. If you agree, we won’t be here.”

  “Oh Jago, where?” she asked excitedly. She bounced up and down in front of him, although she was still tempted to hit him for his naughty prank.

  “Llyn Fan Fawr. It’s a glacier lake at the bottom of Fan Brycheiniog.” He flashed her a wicked wink. “And it’s very remote, so we should find ourselves all alone.”

  They’d both forgotten Tom looking on in amusement until he spoke. “Nice place that. You’ll enjoy it, lass!” He gave them his best toothless smile and made his way back inside, where Emily was busy making a pile of sandwiches.

  Eve glared at them, feeling physically sick at their display of affection. She stormed off the patio, needing time alone to work out another way of splitting them up. This time she would not fail.

  * * *

  As they rode out over the moors, Riley kept glancing over at Jago. Unable to keep quiet any longer, she asked, “So, why this trip?” After a few seconds, she added, “You’re not making up for anything you’re not telling me about, are you?”

  “No, Riley, I just thought it would be nice to spend some time together. Apart from bed.” With a grin, he added, “As a couple.”

  Riley nodded her head in approval, loving the sound of the word ‘couple.’ “So how far is it?” she asked curiously.

  “Not that far. We’ll head up to the ridge of the mountain. From there, you can look down onto the lake.” He carefully guided his horse through the strewn rocks interspersed with purple heather and pale yellow stalks of bunched reeds.

  “There aren’t any snakes up here, are there?” She peered warily down at the sodden ground.

  “You’ll be fine. Follow me through here; it’s a bit boggy.” His horse squelched through the black mire. Sinking up to his fetlocks, the stallion pushed through, eventually emerging back onto solid ground.

  “Smells a bit.” She wrinkled her nose and glanced around. “Pretty flowers, though.”

  “Meadow Saffron,” supplied Jago. “You can thank the wild ponies for that. They eat the rest of the vegetation. That gives the saffron room to survive.”

  “Hmmm, really?” nodded Riley, impressed at his knowledge.

  “Yeah. On the cliffs you can see the Arctic Alpines, including purple Saxifrage,” he said, continuing his talk on the local flora.

  “Trust me, I won’t be seeing them. I don’t do cliffs.” She prayed that the place he was taking her wasn’t high up. She didn’t want to admit to having vertigo, or how bad it was.

  They continued climbing past outcrops of rocks and boulders. The sky remained clear, and the air was fresh and invigorating. Eventually they reached the summit. The horses’ flanks were damp from exertion, and their nostrils flared. The last part was a bracken fern-lined path cleared away to bare ground.

  With the wind ruffling his hair, Jago sat astride his horse, gazing out at the view. Unaware of the fear registering on Riley’s face, he pointed at the ocean and said, “Over there you can just make out the Bristol Channel.” He turned in the saddle. “And there’s Snowdonia. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” His face glowed, alive with the pleasure he took in the impressive panorama.

  “Look, Riley, Llyn y Fan.” He pointed to the lake glittering at the base of the mountain.

  “I feel sick,” she muttered, pulling back from the ledge. Determined to avoid looking at the bar straight ahead, she closed her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” Jago noted the pallor of her skin, a sickly yellowish white.

  “I can’t stand heights,” she whispered, covering her eyes with her hands.

  “Oh,” he said, surprised. “I never thought of that. Well, we’ll be going down from here, so that should make you feel better.” His words, meant to comfort, had the opposite effect.

  “No way am I going down there,” she insisted, her voice breaking. She shook her head adamantly.

  “It’ll be fine. We’ll do it gradually. I won’t let you be scared; I promise.” He hated to see her upset. He’d never thought to ask about heights.

  Shadowing her with his big black, he prayed that Farley would behave himself. They began their meandering path down the mountain, slowly but surely. Jago led Farley, whilst Riley sat stiff in the saddle, her eyes scrunched tightly closed.

  “You okay now?” Lines of worry creased his forehead, but he purposely kept his body relaxed and his voice soothing.

  “We’re not going back that way, are we?” She tried to keep the fear out of her voice now that she knew how high it was. Riley spared a peep back at the escarpment and groaned.

  “No, we’ll go back through the lowlands. I only took you that route for the views.” He shook his head. “Guess I should have asked how you felt about heights first.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “You weren’t to know.” She stared at the lake sparkling in the afternoon sun. “It’s beautiful, Jago,” she breathed wistfully, at last able to enjoy a view.

  Jumping off, he led his horse to the edge for a drink before tethering him. Then, stripping him of his saddle and bridle, he gave the stallion a nose bag and he munched contentedly. Riley followed suit, removing Farley’s tack as well. Jago pulled out two sleeping bags and rolled them out on the floor.

  “You’ve come prepared,” she observed with a giggle. Glancing around, she saw that the area was deserted. The sun and the breeze were their only company, along with the squawks of red kites circling overhead.

  His face became serious. “Speaking of being prepared, you know I’ve not been using protection.” He needed to fetch the subject up. “I didn’t think of asking if you were on the pill.”

  Riley shot him a quizzical glance. They’d been going at it like rabbits and now he as asking? Talk about bolting the stable door too late. She shook her head. “Why would I? Think it’s like taking a headache tablet when you haven’t got one.” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “So, when is your next period?” he asked, trying to sound unconcerned. Sitting down on the joined up bags, he patted the place next to him, inviting her to join him.

  “No idea,” she said, “but don’t let that worry you. I’m not regular.” Riley wished he’d change the subject. This was supposed to be a romantic getaway, not a biology lesson. “What will be will be. Now, come here.” She snagged him down, her lips taking his in a deeply intoxicating kiss. Following an urge to feel the fresh air on her skin, she snatched at his clothes.

  Jago tried to pull the side of the sleeping bag over them, but she wanted none of it.

  “I want to have you as nature intended.” Jumping to her feet, she started to strip off her own clothes.

  Jago laughed. His stomach burned with a sizzle of naked lust. He felt himself harden, and dragging his top off, undid the buckle of his belt and slid his jeans down. This time he wore no pants. “Come here, honey.”

  She swayed towards him, totally naked and at ease, embracing the breeze that caressed her body and loving Jago with all her heart. She walked straight into his arms, and they sank to the ground, entwined. Lips travelled feverishly across bare skin. They couldn’t get enough of each other, and their bodies writhed, coming together with an urgent desperation. Their skin was slick with sweat, and they moved by instinct, fuelled by an oh-so-heady dollop of pure carnal desire.

  “Oh, dear God, Jago,” she groaned as he entered her with aching slowness. Inch by mouth-watering, succulent inch, his erection disappeared inside her. His tongue skipped along her lips, nipping and sucking, then driving forwards where she welcomed him. Her nails grazed his back, marking it, racing up and down. She urged him on, faster and faster. Holding her hips, he rocketed into her writhing body until at last she arched back.

  The sweet pressure was building, and her stomach cu
rled and scrunched as the glorious, all-consuming sensations blasted through her. She fought against it, wanting to prolong it. But her body had a will of its own as it strove to reach the ecstasy it had achieved with him before. She pushed hard against him, welcoming him even deeper inside her, knowing that he owned her, body and soul. She whimpered and mewled as the explosion wrenched her apart.

  Jago held her tightly, determined that this time she would come first. As he moved against her, he also held back, fetching her forward with each delicious, burning thrust. His tongue circled her ear, and he nibbled at her nipple, sucking on it hungrily.

  Riley was trembling, her head thrown back, as she screamed his name. Her passion echoed around the barren landscape.

  “I love you, Jago,” she whispered at last in his ear, tears trickling down her face. Finally she’d said it. She waited in vain for a response. She felt a stab of pain at the clear message expressed in his silence.

  Jago heard her. Still holding tight, he tried to organize his thoughts. He was stunned at her revelation, confused and unsure of his own feelings.

  And so he stayed quiet.

  He couldn’t understand what he was feeling and until he did, he couldn’t explain it to her. Instead he hugged her to him and showed her with his body. No words were necessary then.

  The sun hung low in the sky when they finally lay naked, comfortably entwined on the quilt.

  “Come on, honey,” he said. “I’m afraid it’s time to move.” He dropped a kiss lightly on her nose. “I promise we’ll come back. Next time we’ll go the lowland route.” He rose and pulled her towards him, giving a quick squeeze. “If we don’t go now, it will be dark.”

  “Okay,” she said, “you’re the boss.” She glanced one last time around the mountain and the lake. A pall of doom had descended. It had been a magical afternoon, so why did she have the sense that it was going to be their last?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rob stared at his phone.

  Eighteen missed calls, and he knew who from. He’d thought he’d masterminded the perfect theft, but obviously not. Chewing on his chipped nails, he wondered what to do. He was feeling sick with disgust that he’d broken down and given up Riley’s address. Now he had to warn Riley that Mick was on the way.

  He sent her a text:

  Sorry, need to let u know Mick is coming, he knows about the drugs in ur case, get out of there.

  He pressed the button and stared worriedly at the blank screen. Somehow he’d got into one hell of a mess and had dragged his sister in with him.

  * * *

  Eve glanced at the clock. It was early evening and they hadn’t returned yet. Emily had left and so that meant Eve had to wait for Jago to return. Ambling upstairs to Riley’s bedroom, she peered around in disgust at the mess. And wondered what the hell he found in her. The word ‘slut’ came to mind.

  Riley’s mobile vibrated on the bedside cabinet, and picking it up, Eve unashamedly read the message. Her eyes widened. At last she had the means to get rid of her. It gleamed like a beacon.

  Glancing round the room, she spotted a case, virtually empty. Socks spilled out of it, and she soon realized no drugs would be in that. Then she saw a holdall leaning against the wall, still closed. She walked slowly towards it and opened it up, staring at the stash of bags and shoes.

  Pulling them out, she felt a layer of cardboard. She peeled it back and stared at the packets of cocaine hidden there. Taking one out, she held it, then covered it back up. She would bide her time, but not for long.

  * * *

  It was almost dark when Jago and Riley rode into the yard; they unsaddled the horses, and hand in hand, made their way up to the house. A note was stuck to the door.

  Waited as long as I could, hope you enjoyed see you tomorrow.

  —Eve

  “That’s very thoughtful,” mused Riley suspiciously and headed towards the kitchen.

  “Hungry?” He laughed, loving her hearty appetite as she rooted through the kitchen seeking out food.

  “Of course, aren’t you?”

  “Yep, but can we hurry? I’m looking at what I want to eat.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  She picked up an apple from the fruit bowl and threw it at him. “Aren’t you ever satisfied?”

  Catching it easily, he bit into it, the juice running down his chin. “With you, never.”

  Riley grinned. “Sod food! Come on, let’s go to bed.” She ran towards him and leapt into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, she bent her head, licking and nibbling at his ear and whispering, “Come on, big boy, show me what you’ve got.”

  “Any time, honey, any time.” Flicking the light off, he trod upstairs with her legs still wrapped around his waist. Dotting her neck with a myriad of tiny kisses, Jago thought, I could definitely get used to this.

  It was the crazy early hours of the morning that hovered between night and day when Jago woke up. Riley’s head lay on his chest, her arm flung across his waist. She slept, burrowed contentedly into his side.

  His thoughts returned to the lake and Riley’s declaration. He hadn’t known what to do when she’d told him she loved him. He had not expected that revelation and felt guilty and unsure what to do about it. For Christ’s sake, he thought angrily, I’ve never even had a relationship. Now, all of a sudden, he was falling for her. But was it love or infatuation?

  Cautious to the end, he wouldn’t say until he knew for certain how he felt.

  What he did know was that his emotions were in turmoil. He was jealous, possessive, and couldn’t stop thinking about her. Did that make it love? She meant the world to him, but was it enough? His eyes drooping, he rested his chin on her head and drifted back to sleep.

  * * *

  Riley turned over in bed and snuggled under the quilt, automatically reaching out for Jago. His side of the bed was cold. She flickered her eyes groggily and peered at the time.

  “Oh shit! He’s going to kill me,” she groaned aloud, staring at the clock. The hands pointed to eleven thirty.

  “No, he’s not.” Jago, who’d been leaning against the doorway, moved to stand beside her bed. “Thought you needed your sleep. You had a busy night.” He bent and kissed her. His hand lingered on her breast, gently stroking it.

  Noticing he wasn’t in his usual jeans, she did a double take. Dressed in a shirt, tie, and suit, he looked stunning. Sliding the tip of her tongue over her lips, she pulled his head down to hers. “You’re looking too handsome for your own good,” she said. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  Grinning at her compliment, he reluctantly untangled himself and stood up. He was only too aware that another few seconds of that, and he’d be back in bed with her. “Sorry, honey. I’ve got a meeting with the bank manager. Bit of a pain, but it’s got to be done.”

  “Nothing wrong, is there?” she asked, her eyes narrowed with worry.

  “No, so stop looking so concerned. It’s just the usual.” She reminded him of a Greek statue of a nymph or goddess. With only a sheet draped over her, all her assets on view. He still couldn’t believe her enthusiasm and lack of inhibitions. Whatever he suggested, she’d try, and he adored it. “I’ll be back late afternoon, so why not make the most of it and relax?”

  “Can’t I come with you?” The sense of impending doom was so strong she could almost taste it. It became essential to stay with him, safe in his protection. She knelt on the bed, gazing up at him. “Please say yes,” she begged.

  Jago hesitated. The way she stared back—her beautiful, deep-blue eyes pleading—he couldn’t say no. “You won’t be able to sit in on the meeting, though.”

  “I can live with that.”

  “Come on then. But you’ve got five minutes, so shift your ass.” He laughed at the expression of relief on her face. “And Riley?”

  She paused and looked up at him.

  “Can you do me a favour and just this once wear something a little, well … less sexy?”
>
  “Why?” She was already trying to think of what she had that could be classed as ‘normal’ in her wardrobe. Or, she rephrased, scattered on the floor.

  “Because I don’t like other men looking at you,” he replied honestly.

  She stared through him, trying to work out his reasoning and if he was telling the truth. Finally satisfied, she nodded. “I’ll see what I can find.”

  Standing at the bottom of the stairs, Jago drummed his fingers on the banister. Glancing at his Rolex, he knew he was going to be late and shouted, “Riley, will you hurry up?”

  “Keep your knickers on! I’m on my way.”

  Jago shook his head at yet another of her colourful expressions. Then he stared, open mouthed, as she walked sedately down the stairs. He couldn’t take his eyes off her till she reached the bottom. Standing in front of him, she executed a twirl.

  “Will this do?” she asked nervously. She felt completely removed from her comfort zone. “Just lucky I put it in. It’s my interview outfit.”

  “How many interviews have you had?”

  “Actually, none. This is the first time I’ve worn it.” She looked up at him hesitantly. “You sure it’s okay?”

  Jago nodded his head, unable to speak. She looked sexier now than he’d ever seen her.

  The plain black dress moulded to her body, stopping just above her knees. The neckline revealed a slight V, and the sleeves were capped. She wore no jewellery apart from a plain silver ring he’d noticed before. The black shoes had tiny kitten heels, not the towering stilettos she preferred.

  Regretfully he wished he hadn’t offered his advice. Because this ‘conservative’ outfit only served to emphasise her curvy frame, flat stomach, and huge chest, which stood out temptingly.