“I think you’re pretty special too, Arran.”
For a couple of seconds, neither of us move, the weight of our whispered words enveloping us as we stare at each other and truly accept whatever this is between us.
A tender smile transforms Audrey’s face as she gives me a small nod, my heart speeding up as I grin broadly back at her, probably looking like a fool with all my teeth showing like this.
Audrey taps my chest. “If I remember correctly, we have some plans for the kitchen today? I’ll meet you there after I clean myself up a little. If that’s okay?”
“Perfect. Anita and I will meet you there.”
Audrey comes downstairs wearing one of my shirts. And nothing else. Just her, barefoot in my kitchen, in my clothes, fulfilling a fantasy I’ve never had until now.
I’m speechless, motionless, as I watch her set about making herself lunch with the few ingredients she had in her room.
Audrey looks over her shoulder at me with a sly smile. “Hope it’s okay that I borrowed your shirt?”
“Aye, lass,” I choke out. “Very okay.”
When I have control of mind and my limbs again, I go up behind Audrey and pull her against my chest. Bending down, I whisper in her ear, “Anything of mine you want, it’s yours. Take without asking.”
Audrey turns around and arches a brow. “Are you saying I get free use of your castle?”
“My castle, my clothes, my body, me.”
“Good to know,” Audrey replies lightly, but the effect of my words are written in the softening of her eyes, the tender press of her lips to mine, and her easy acceptance of the offer.
The rest of our afternoon is spent cleaning the kitchen. But rather than it feeling like a chore, the day is filled with laughter, intentional touches, freely given kisses, and an abundance of questions as we get to know each other better.
I’ve opened all the windows to get rid of the stale air, and seeing the sun light up the room has been so inspiring that I went around the castle and drew back all the curtains to let the sun in and let the castle bake in her warmth.
Watching my home’s transformation from dark to light feels like shattering an invisible boundary that I inadvertently built around myself. And just as the castle welcomes the rivers of golden light to reinvigorate her, so do I welcome whatever my future in the warm light will bring.
Thanks to some smart residents over the years who knew how to invest well, money has never been a big issue for Starry Hill. Despite this fact, I’ve always felt guilty about spending some of the town’s money on myself.
Even though sunscreen has only become available in recent years, buying some for myself felt like a selfish indulgence and guilt wracked me every time I had to use it, thinking those funds could go toward a more worthy cause.
Now though, I foresee myself buying substantial stock of the miracle product as I return to daylight, to my community, and reclaim the parts of myself I’ve hidden for so long.
Throughout the day, Anita has been a good companion to us, making herself scarce at the right times. Like when Audrey’s small touches lead to lingering kisses.
Anita also relocated to the parlor for a nap when I positioned Audrey on the table, shoved the shirt up to her waist and fucked her so hard she shouted my name.
Multipletimes.
Anita returned to us again when our conversation started back up, weaving between our legs and demanding attention with her adorable blue eyes. Audrey then picked Anita up and danced around the room with her while singing songs with some very suggestive lyrics—lyrics which might just serve as inspiration for tonight.
I don’t think a more perfect day has ever existed for me.
Eventually, the kitchen is clean and we start a small fire in the hearth to test it. I take a seat in front of the crackling flames and pull Audrey into my lap.
“Did you always want to become a tax accountant?” I ask her as the setting sun limns her dark hair with a golden band.
Audrey shakes her head and taps my nose with her index finger. “Believe it or not, I wanted to own a cute little bed-and-breakfast where I could take care of people and watch them leave again before they could annoy me.”
“Why didn’t you go that route?” I ask as I trace her collarbones with my fingers, resisting the urge to lean forward and nibble on them.
Shrugging, Audrey answers, “Money. I’m way too pragmatic to get caught up in dreams. I was good at accounting at school and it felt natural to study in that direction and make a decent living out of it. What about you? Did you have a dream job?”
I understand her desire to change the topic and reward her honesty with my own. “I was the heir to my title, so my future as a laird was determined before I was born. Back then, dreaming was a luxury few could afford. Nevertheless, I was very satisfied with my job.”
