Highland Fling (13 page)

“I do, don’t I?” Ted grinned and slid a—crap, another one?—cider her way.

“The energy in this pub is incredible. These locals are so friendly.”

“It’s no so different than yours, aye?” Ted asked Aleck.

“They have their similarities,” Aleck agreed. “We’re a bit more unforgiving on the no dogs rule.”

“You guys have the best job in the world—owning a pub. I can’t wait until I can say the same.”

“You want to open a pub?” Ted asked.

She froze, realizing what she’d said. She’d never mentioned her dream to Aleck, but the cat was out of the bag and she saw no use in hiding it now.

“Yes,” she admitted hesitantly. “I mean, someday.”

There was silence to her right, and she snuck a glance over to find Aleck’s brows drawn together.

“You’ll open a pub of your own?” Aleck repeated.

“Pub or bar. Something of the sorts. I can’t pull off the Scottish thing.” She gave a nervous laugh. He wasn’t smiling. “The McLaughlins pretty much staked that niche market on the island.”

He looked flat-out distressed now. “You’ll be leaving me.”

“Not you, the pub,” she teased gently. Clearly he was just worried about losing his best bartender. “And this isn’t anytime soon, this is a someday thing. It’s one reason I’ve been so careful saving money. I wanted to find a location to lease and get the ball rolling.”

He didn’t look reassured. “Are you not happy working for me?”

“Right then. A customer is waving me down,” Ted said with a forced laugh. “I’ll be back, oh, how about when this awkward little moment is over?”

Alone now, Delonna turned to face Aleck. “I love working for you. I love being a bartender. I’ve told you that.”

His jaw flexed and clearly he was struggling with his temper. “You enjoy working for me, so I fail to see the problem.”

“Well,
there
is the problem,” she tried to explain. “I don’t want to just be an employee anymore, I want to have the place be mine. To have a stake in it. I want more than just saying I work as a bartender at a pub, I want it to be my home away from home.”

“Does it not feel like home? My pub?”

“It does,” she agreed with a small smile. “But that’s just it. It’s not mine to feel that way about. It’s yours. And I’ll just be Delonna, the bartender, easily fired if you get the whim to do so.”

His gaze darkened. “I’d never fire you on a whim, Lana. You know that.”

“I do.” Her heart ached for a moment and she took another swig of cider. “Because I’m your best damn bartender.”

“Aye, you are, but that’s not why. I’m not a complete bastart, luv. You’ll always have a job for as long as you’ll need it.” He sighed and shook his head. “But if your dream is to have your own pub, then I can understand that.”

A bit of relief slid through her. “Can you?”

“Aye. It’s what I wanted as well at your age.”

Your age
. Like she was some damn kid. God it pissed her off when he spoke to her that way.

“It’s why my parents let me take over their pub.” He met her gaze. “You realize it’s a lot of responsibility.”

“I know. I’ve seen how sometimes the weight of it on your shoulders can nearly bring you to your knees some days.”

He smiled faintly and caught her hand. “You keep me on my feet, though.”

“You’re going to be so screwed when I leave.” She’d meant the line to be flippant and cute, but it was somewhat heavy and depressing.

As much as she’d dreamed about opening her own place, she didn’t want to think about leaving McLaughlin’s Pub right now. It symbolized her entire world. It meant leaving Aleck. The idea of that last one stung more than it should’ve.

A lively song came on in the pub and despite the fact that no one was dancing, she grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet.

“What are you about?” he demanded, though he didn’t protest as she dragged him to the small area that might’ve been a dance floor. Or maybe just where live music usually played on the weekends.

“Dance with me.”

“You realize they’re playing this song for you, lass. Having a bit of sport.” He wrinkled his nose. “You’ll not usually hear bagpipes in a pub as background music.”

“Does it matter? I’m doing the Highland Fling. It’s a dance, you know. Kenzie showed it to me.”

Aleck gave a loud, booming laugh. “That is not how I recall the Highland Fling.”

“You kick your legs.” She kicked a leg. “You shake your ass.”

“Fairly certain shaking your arse is
not
part of one of our traditional dances.”

“Maybe not.” She grinned. “But it works. Don’t you think?” She wiggled her butt and then kicked her legs. “Join me, boss boy.”

“It’s a solo dance, luv, but I’m in no mind to let you do it alone right now. You’d probably fall down. I believe you’re drunk.”

Her mouth gaped and she stopped dancing momentarily. “Take that back. I’m not drunk.”

“Shall I have you walk a straight line?”

She pursed her lips, seriously considering it. “I’d rather keep dancing.”

He grimaced. “Be that as it may, I’m no much for dancin’.”

“I’ll dance with you, dear.” The dog owner from earlier joined them on the floor. “And I’ll show you the proper way to do the Highland Fling.”

She glanced at Aleck, certain he might have something to say about the interruption, but despite the slight tightening of his mouth, he made no move to stop them.

Fine. It wasn’t like she could just be rude.

“All right then,” she said and gave the other man a friendly smile. “Show me how it’s done, Jeffrey.

Chapter Fourteen

By the time they stumbled into the flat, it was nearly midnight. While Delonna was singing and laughing her way into the bathroom, he was struggling with a surly temper that had pretty much kicked in when Delonna had become the darling of the pub.

Once good old Jeffrey had danced with her, the men had lined up to take a turn teaching Delonna various forms of Scottish dancing. He’d wanted her to turn them down. Had no right to ask her to turn them down, but he’d wanted her to.

She came out of the bathroom a moment later, her grin even wider.

“I’m not a lightweight, but you were right, Aleck.” She poked a finger in the middle of his chest. “I think I’m a little drunk.”

“A little,” he agreed. She wasn’t completely pissed, but definitely was on the happier side of sober.

“You know what I’d like now, Mr. McLaughlin?” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck.

He had a fair good idea, but asked anyway, “What would you like?”

She stood on her toes and kissed his lips. “I’d veeery much like it if you’d make love to me now.”

“That sounds fantastic, but I wouldn’t want to take advantage, luv.” But he did. He really did. Especially when he was still irritated at the thought of all those bloody wankers dancing with her.

“It’s not like my virtue is in danger,” she teased.

“You’re right.” He lifted her off her feet and she gave a squeal of surprise as he carried her to the bedroom. “All gentlemanly intentions are now cast aside and you should prepare yourself to be thoroughly shagged.”

“So much talk, so little action.” She giggled and touched his stubbly cheek. He hadn’t shaved since they’d flown out yesterday.

“I’ll show you action,” he muttered, depositing her on the bed.

He climbed on next to her, so they were both kneeling on the mattress. After grabbing her sweater, she tugged it up and over her head.

“You were quite popular tonight,” he murmured.

“Your parents seemed to like me.”

“I didn’t mean my parents.” He knew his words had an edge to them, and prayed she hadn’t noticed.

“Oh, the guys at the bar?” She reached out to pull his shirt off in return. “What can I say? I’m a people person.”

“I know. You bring in a shite ton of customers at McLaughlin’s.” He unfastened her bra and tossed it aside.

“Again, I think it’s my tits.”

He groaned, unable to look away. He managed a hoarse, “It could be the tits.”

“Touch them,” she commanded, her lashes fluttering closed.

He reached out to cup the weight of their discussion in his hands, loving the fullness of them and watching the pink tips tighten. He dipped his head, drawing one nipple into his mouth. Her sigh of pleasure turned into a moan when he sucked harder.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered. “It feels so good.”

Stopping hadn’t even crossed his mind, but getting his fingers into her knickers had.

He unfastened her jeans, not about to abandon the sweet nipple in his mouth, and then eased his hand inside. He pushed past the soft cotton and found warm, moist flesh.

She gasped and her legs shifted, opening her body to him. He used the invitation to slide a finger into her heat.

Every man in the pub tonight had watched Delonna. Damn near lining up to chat with her. Dance with her. Be in her presence. Partly, he knew, it was the novelty of having an American lass in a pub that was less touristy, and more locals.

More so, he acknowledged she was just charming as fook. She was young, full of energy and an absolute stunner. She had the curves of a pinup girl, and a sexy laugh and smile that drew the attention of any straight man with a pulse.

But she was here with him now. None of those wankers had taken her home. She was with him. In his arms and crying out
his
name when he reached up to rub her clit.

Before she could come, he pulled his finger from her body and deftly pushed her back onto the mattress. He pulled off the rest of her clothes in record time, tossing them to the side, and then did the same with his.

Soon he was back, burying his face between her legs with the determination to make her forget about any other bloke.

She seemed almost startled by how fiercely he claimed her with his mouth, but her shocked gasp soon turned to moans. She gripped his hair, riding his tongue.

“Aleck,” she whispered. “Oh God.
Yes
.”

He caught her arse in his hands, pulling her snug against his mouth to taste her deeper. To lash at her clit until she was screaming and falling apart in his arms. With her body still shaking from climax, he moved up her body, positioned himself between her legs and drove himself inside her.

She clutched his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hips rose to meet each thrust, her passion equally frenzied.

He took her hard, until she cried out with each thrust deep into her. His mind was only on her and the complete, primal instinct that had taken over.

“Lana,” he rasped. “Look at me.”

She moaned, her eyes still closed, her nails dragging down his back as he continued to move inside her.

“Look at me,” he commanded again, pausing to catch her wrists and pin her arms above her head.

Her lashes fluttered up and the hazel eyes that were glassy and unfocused with passion finally showed a flicker of awareness.

He pushed slow and deep into her, holding her gaze. “You’re mine.”

A shiver racked her body and surprise shone in her eyes now.

“Mine,” he said again, easing out of her tightness. “Say it.”

“Yes.” She didn’t try to free her wrists and her eyes glittered now with comprehension. “Yours. I don’t want anyone else.”

Her words snapped his last shred of control and he moved deep into her with a roar. He rode her fast and hard, until she couldn’t keep up but her body moved only by the force of his thrusts alone.

His body tightened with the anticipation of release. He clasped her wrists harder, using his other arm to hold himself above her.

“Lana.” Her name, fevered and hoarse, spilled from his lips as he came.

His arm gave out and he fell on top of her. Everything was a muddle of sensation and pleasure. Of beating hearts that seemed to be in unison. She kissed his shoulder, smoothing her hand down his back.

“Damn,” he said weakly, trying to get his breath back. To orient himself with reality.

“It’s okay.”

He heard her words, they seemed far away, as if they were from the other end of a tunnel.

“I’m on birth control.”

Birth control. What was she about? He lifted his head and stared down at her, trying to get his gaze and thoughts to focus.

It’s okay
.

Shite. They hadn’t used a condom. How the fook had he allowed himself not to use protection?

“You’re sure?” His words were sluggish, as if he were the one a bit buzzed.

“Yes. I’ve been on it for a year. And I was tested recently and I’m fine. I may have been on the pill, but I made James use a condom.” She gave a self-conscious laugh and rubbed her hand over his neck. “And isn’t this a romantic discussion.”

No, it wasn’t. The last person Aleck wanted to think about at this moment was James.

“I’ve never been without a condom,” he said numbly. Though one had broken before. “I don’t quite know what just happened and how I could’ve forgotten.”

“I do.” Her smile was slow and sensual. “I just had the best sex of my life. And I’m pretty sure you did too.” She arched a brow. “Unless I’m being presumptuous?”

“No. You’re not.” That was the bloody crazy thing about it. She was dead on.

He eased his weight off her and she immediately slid out of the bed.

“Be right back,” she said softly, before making her way to the bathroom.

Aleck rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, trying to dissect all the crazy emotions going on in his head.

When Delonna returned moments later and crawled into bed, she snuggled up against him. He slid his arm around her and pulled her close, realizing he’d missed the warmth of her in just those few moments.

Tonight was no different than any other night they’d had sex, he told himself. Nothing had changed. Nothing would change.

He pulled the blankets over their shoulders, kissed her forehead, and tried not to overthink things.

“Can I get you some more tea, Mr. McLaughlin?”

“Thanks, m’dear, but I’m fine.”

Delonna nodded and joined Rodrick McLaughlin in the living room. The television was on, showing some show that must’ve been a U.K. thing, because she didn’t recognize it.

Brenda had run to the grocery as promised, and Aleck was in the kitchen preparing lunch for his dad.

“You adjusting well to the time change?” Rodrick asked, glancing at her.

“For the most part. I’m a little tired, but I think that’s more from having a late night.”

A late night of spectacular sex. Knowing Aleck’s dad was watching her had her willing her face not to turn red.

Aleck had been surprisingly normal this morning. He hadn’t acknowledged once what had happened during their crazy lovemaking last night.

Crazy intense
.

Her heart beat a little fast just from thinking about how Aleck had been…the things he’d said.

You’re mine
.

She’d agreed. It hadn’t been the alcohol talking. It hadn’t been the passion. She’d looked into his eyes and had realized the truth. It had never been this way with any other guy, and she wasn’t sure she ever wanted it to be again. Right now, she was his.

“How was the pub last night then?” Rodrick asked.

She smiled, grateful for the distraction Aleck’s dad offered. “It was fabulous. Such a fun little place. We had a great time.”

Aleck entered the room with a tray in his hands and she noticed him scowling. At least
she’d
had fun. Maybe Aleck hadn’t enjoyed it as much.

“You McLaughlins seem to have nailed this pub thing. I hope I do half as well when I open one someday.”

“Ah, you want to open a pub, do ya?” Rodrick asked, his expression lighting.

“Someday,” she murmured.

“Your lunch, Da.” Aleck set the food down on the small table near his dad.

“There’s no curry sauce on this chicken?”

“Ma specifically said you’re supposed to have it plain. No salt. No sauce.”

“Bah. She’s no a doctor!”

“Aye, weel your blood pressure is getting a wee bit high, Da. Stop fussin’ and eat the bland bird.”

Delonna’s lips twitched as she fought a smile. There it was again. Aleck’s thickening accent. Good thing they were only here for a bit, or soon she’d lose all ability to understand him. There’d been a couple men at the pub last night where listening to them had been like trying to decipher another language.

“Aye? Well maybe you should have a new hip put in and tell me how your blood pressure is fairin’.”

“Christ, Ma was right. You are an ornery patient,” Aleck grumbled.

“And don’t I know it,” his dad groused in return. He took the tray and sighed. “I’m a complete arse, son, and I’ll own up to it. So please accept me apology and me thanks for all you’ve done. But for fook’s sake, allow a man his dignity to be in a shite mood.”

Aleck laughed. “Have at it. Be as cranky as you’d like, and I’ll no tell Ma.”

Delonna smiled, watching the exchange with open amusement and fascination. What a fun, healthy relationship they had.

“How’s the chicken?” Aleck asked once his father had taken a bite.

“Bland as hell, but I suppose it’ll do.”

“Good. Try your juice, you may find it more to your liking.”

Delonna shot Aleck a suspicious look as Rodrick eagerly reached for his juice and took a sip.

His dad’s face lit up. “Ye’ve put whisky in.”

“Just a splash.”

Delonna smacked Aleck’s shoulder. “Seriously? Your mother said he wasn’t supposed to mix alcohol and meds.”

“It wasn’t even a half a shot. He’ll be fine, and it’s no’ as if he’s drivin’ anywhere.” Aleck grinned, but ducked his head and looked like a guilty schoolboy. “But don’t tell me ma, or she’ll box me upside the head.”

Delonna didn’t doubt it for a moment. When the door to the flat opened a moment later, she had to turn away to hide any guilty expression.

“How are all me lovelies getting on?” Brenda asked, sweeping into the living room.

“Just fine, Ma.” Aleck kissed his mother on the cheek. “How was the supermarket?”

“As relaxin’ as a holiday. I stopped at the pub on the way there and had that pint.”

“Starting early, I see,” Alex teased.

“Can you blame me?” She moved to kiss her husband on the cheek. “Have you been difficult, my luv?”

“No more than usual.” Rodrick grinned and took a sip of juice.

Brenda eyed the barely touched chicken and then glanced at the half-empty juice. She took the glass from her husband’s hand, sniffed it and then took a sip.

She set it back down, turned to Aleck and cuffed him upside the head.

Delonna couldn’t stop her choked laugh.

“I see what you did there with his juice,” Brenda grumbled, but made no move to take the drink from her husband.

“Och, really, Ma?” Aleck winced, but clearly it was more from embarrassment.

“Aye, really.” She waved her hand at him. “Now why don’t you kids go have fun and see the city? I’ve had me break for the day and can take care of your da.”

“Are you sure?” Aleck asked. “We’re here for you.”

“And you’ve already been a tremendous help. Take your girl and have fun.”

It didn’t matter how often Aleck had told them they weren’t a couple, his parents weren’t buying it. Delonna just rolled with it now, and Aleck had stopped denying it. It didn’t even seem to faze him much anymore.

“Have him take you to the castle, lass,” Brenda said turning to her.

“Don’t do the castle,” Rodrick muttered, sipping on his juice. “It’s expensive and glorified. If you look, you’ll find plenty of free things to see about town.”

Brenda made a noise of disbelief. “Ya thrifty little bugger, you’ve seen it before and of course it’s a waste of your money. Let the girl see the castle. They’re not exactly on every corner of America, now are they?”