Her voice was barely more than a whisper. He rested his hands on each of her cheeks. ‘You do?’
Lettie blushed. ‘I said so didn’t I?’
More relieved than he had ever felt before, Brodie pressed his lips against hers in a kiss before taking her tightly in his arms and showing her just how much he loved her.
44
LETTIE
As their kisses deepened, Lettie couldn’t help thinking how nothing she had ever experienced before remotely matched the feelings being with Brodie gave her. Brodie loved her; he had said so and she couldn’t be happier. So much for swearing off men after her catastrophic relationship with Scott.
She realised she hadn’t said the words. ‘I love you too, Brodie.’
Brodie kissed her again. Remembering the dogs, he took her hand in his. ‘Hey, boys. This way.’
‘Look at them,’ Lettie said, enjoying the sensation of his hand around hers and watching his muscular back through his T-shirt before lowering her eyes to the shape of his bottom in his faded jeans as he walked slightly in front of her. She could barely believe he had told her he loved her. Brodie Murray loved her, and she couldn’t be happier.
She slipped her arms around his waist and he stopped, turning to her and kissing her neck. The intensity of his kisses sent tingling sensations through her.
‘I think the boys have had enough exercise for this evening.’
Lettie nudged him. ‘Is that because you’d rather go back to yourcottage now and show me just how much you love me?’ she asked, amused to know she was right.
‘How did you guess?’
Back at the cottage, the dogs were given a treat and settled back in the living room. Brodie led Lettie upstairs to his room, closing the door behind them. She didn’t think she had ever been happier than she was at that moment.
He pulled his T-shirt over his head as she watched for a moment before taking off her own top, then unbuttoning her jeans. She kicked them off and stood facing him in just her bra and knickers.
Brodie pulled her into his arms and the next thing she knew they were somehow naked in his bed and making love.
Later, as she lay in his arms, her right hand resting on his muscular, tanned chest, Lettie couldn’t help wondering where Brodie had learnt to be such an excellent lover. Not that she had much experience, she mused, but the sensations he had caused in her were on a level that she hadn’t ever imagined possible.
‘You OK?’ he asked kissing the top of her head lightly.
‘More than OK.’ She hadn’t meant to say that out loud and cringed inwardly.
‘That makes me very happy.’
She couldn’t mistake the smile in his voice and was glad now that she had been more honest than she had intended. She kissed his chest.
‘Careful, unless you want a repeat performance.’
Surprised, Lettie moved her head back and looked up at him. ‘Already?’
Brodie grinned at her and tilted his head to one side thoughtfully. ‘Maybe give it a few more minutes.’
They laughed and Lettie wondered what she possibly could have done in her life to deserve becoming involved with someoneas perfect as Brodie. Not only was he kind, clever and adored animals as much as she did, but he was handsome and very, very good in bed. She rested her head against his chest again and hoped that what they had would last.
‘Would you be able to stay?’
Lettie wanted to more than anything, but although she had fed and put the animals safely away for the evening, the memory of the storm and the barn fire were still far too fresh in her mind to let her feel relaxed about staying away overnight.
‘I would love to, but I don’t think I should.’
He didn’t respond immediately. ‘Are you worried about the animals?’
She nodded and explained her concerns. Then an idea occurred to her. ‘If you’re happy coming to mine, you’re welcome to stay with me at the farm. I’m sure Derek wouldn’t mind. He seems happy enough there now he and Spud have become better friends.’
