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“Well, that was… umm…”
“Exceptional?” Jenn offered, her grin wicked, though her chest still heaved.
“Quite,” he said—before dipping down to kiss her again.
This time it was slower. Familiar. With hunger. Bite. And a good dash of mine.
“If you two lovebirds are quite finished, we’re going to toast Seonaidh…” Màiri’s voice cut in.
They half broke apart, and Jenn glanced up in a daze to see Màiri looking down at them with a mock-stern expression and her hands on her hips.
“Gosh, what time is it?” Jenn asked, sitting up and attempting to right her clothes and hair. Some of her jewels and clips had fallen onto the sand and blankets.
She glanced at Ruairidh, who was also trying to fix himself. He looked very mussed. He met her gaze, clearly a man who had been thoroughly kissed—and proud of it. It would’ve been deliciously sexy if not for the fact he had some of her glitter and gems stuck to his face. Evidence of their misdeeds for the whole party to see.
They laughed goofily at each other as she picked the gems off his face and attempted to wipe the glitter away.
“It’s well after four,” Màiri said, her voice shaking with silent laughter. “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
“Finally come up for air, you two!” Vivi called as she joined Màiri.
“Ahh… sorry about that, guys,” Jenn said, starting to stand.
“Ist!” Màiri waved a hand. “What have you got to be sorry for? It’s about bloody time. Now come on, let’s wrap this party up!” She grabbed Jenn’s hand and pulled her toward the dying embers of the bonfire.
Jenn looked back over her shoulder and gave Ruairidh an indulgent smile. Ally had joined him and was smirking, slapping him on the back. But Ruairidh’s eyes stayed locked on hers. As if he wasn’t done with her yet.
They joined the crowd gathering near the shoreline, where a very drunk and swaying red crayon—Housty—was taking centre stage. He and the rest of the crayons were in a right state—crumpled, sandy, and stained with booze.
“As per tradition at this time of year…” Housty slurred, “we must appease Seonaidh!”
Seonaidh—or Shoney—was said to be a water spirit, or perhaps a sea deity, that lived in the Hebridean seas. Traditionally, islanders made offerings of ale to Seonaidh on 31st of October. These days, it was a more haphazard affair at the end of a party. Like now.
“Duncan is our ale-bearer this year!” Housty declared, gesturing grandly to a drunk, green crayon holding a cup of beer (or maybe ale?) aloft, trying to look solemn.
“Duncan! Proceed!” Housty announced with flair.
Duncan stumbled toward the sea and waded in. Jenn prayed he wouldn’t go too far. He was clearly extremely tipsy—the fact he barely flinched at the freezing water was evidence enough. Thankfully, he stopped when the water reached his knees.
“Seonaidh!” Duncan bellowed. Then he switched to Gaelic. “Please accept our offering of a cup of ale. We ask that you bestow your blessings upon us in the coming year. May our fish be plentiful and our crops grow full and rich!”
He finished by throwing the contents of the cup high into the air, sending the liquid arcing into the deeper water. It wasn’t the most eloquent speech, but with the moon blazing over the horizon and the sudden hush over the party, it felt like someone—or something—might actually be listening.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” Housty boomed. “We now declare this Halloween party closed! Thank you very much—it was lovely to see you, and we hope to see you all again next year!”
There was a cheer, followed by the rustle of people gathering their things and saying goodbye. Lizzie was already on her phone, booking taxis.
“You’re all welcome to stay, you know,” Ruairidh offered, giving Jenn a look that could’ve started a fire.
“We know—and thank you!” Vivi replied with a mischievous smile. “But I am a bear with a hangover and would rather wake up in my own bed. Plus, I want cake for breakfast.”
“I’m sooo jealous,” Lizzie sighed.
“Haha, pop round when you wake up,” Jenn suggested.
“I might just do that, lovely,” Lizzie said, giving her a squeeze and a very knowing look.
“Màiri, do you want us to drop you off?” Ally asked as they arrived at Ruairidh’s.
