Highland Fling (The McLaughlins) Read online

  A pang of guilt hit that her troubles had now spilled over into Aleck’s world.

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

  “You’re supposed to be asleep.”

  “I know. I’m halfway there.” And she was. Being held like this relaxed her to the point that sleep just meant closing her eyes for a few minutes and trying to turn off her mind.

  “You can stop apologizing. You did so both in the pub and the drive home. This isn’t your fault, and you can stop blaming yourself.”

  “Maybe not intentionally my fault, but I dated the asshole who turned out to have some really awful acquaintances.”

  “Again, not your fault. It could’ve happened to anyone, Lana.” He kissed the top of her head. “Forget about it for now and get some sleep.”

  She closed her eyes, trying to stop the barrage of thoughts in her mind. It worked for the most part, but one scene from the night began to flicker through her memory. Sex on the pool table. The whole thing had been so sensual and so naughty. And she’d loved every minute of it. Something he’d said during had stuck in her head.

  And now, she couldn’t help saying softly, “My flirting wasn’t completely harmless by the way.”

  “Hmm?” His reply was a drowsy murmur.

  “When we were in the middle of sex, you brought up my flirting. I meant it to come off as flippant and harmless when I would flirt with you in the last few years.” She hesitated. “But there was a part of me that meant it. A part of me that was so completely drawn to you, even though I was with someone else.”

  The arm around her waist tightened, and she wished they were face to face so she could see his expression.

  “Well,” he finally murmured, “clearly I should’ve seduced you earlier.”

  A tired laugh escaped her. “Clearly. Though if you remember, I started this all.”

  “Mmm, and I’ll finish it.”

  Before she’d realized his intent, he’d shifted and eased her onto her back. Her breath caught as he braced himself on one elbow beside her and kissed her belly.

  “Again?” Her eyes widened. “I thought you were tired.”

  “Apparently I’m never too tired for you.”

  He kissed lower and lower still, until she was still and waiting for his mouth to reach its target destination.

  Her pulse was going a mile a minute as she parted her thighs for him. He immediately re-positioned his body so he was lying between her legs, and a moment later his mouth found what it sought.

  The touch of his tongue on her most sensitive spot had her hips rising and her reaching blindly to grip his hair. Unlike the hard frenzied sex from earlier, this was gentle yet equally sensual.

  After just minutes of his steady exploration of her body with his tongue, she was falling apart with a soft cry of pleasure. A moment later he had on a condom and eased inside her. His strokes just as gentle and unhurried as his mouth has been.

  It was that stage of being equally exhausted and aroused, and she felt almost meditative in the way her body accepted the thick length of him. They found a languid rhythm, and she knew he was just as close to release as she was. When they both reached their peaks it was nearly simultaneously.

  Afterward her heartbeat returned to normal and they were a tangle of limbs beneath the covers. She pressed a kiss to his shoulder, loving the weight of his body—so potently hard and male—on hers.

  “Sleep now?” she murmured.

  “Sleep now,” he agreed, and moved off her. He took a second to toss the condom into the garbage, before he returned and they were once again cuddling.

  Delonna frowned slightly. Already there was an ease between them that was more akin to a couple who’d been together for years. Not two people who’d only just become lovers.

  As her mind drifted off to sleep, she again had to accept the knowledge that she’d let him inside her heart, and much too fast. She needed to figure out a way to stop it. But it was hard to hit the brakes on a runaway train.

  “I hope you haven’t any plans, because we’re having dinner at Sarah and Ian’s place.”

  At the excuse me look on Delonna’s face, Aleck realized he might’ve phrased that a bit better.

  “I mean, if you’d like to join us, we’d appreciate your presence,” he corrected, with a lazy grin.

  “From an inarguable command, to an all-kinds-of-proper invite,” she drawled.

  She paused in the midst of folding laundry—which was still a bit odd to him, having a female besides his ma sorting through his underwear, but she’d insisted on being useful if she stayed here.

  He’d arranged their schedules to be aligned so he could both keep her safe, if need be, and they could carpool together. At least that’s what he’d told her. He quite fancied sharing his free time with her.

  It was certainly convenient when he had the itch to stop everything and drag her off to the bedroom to shag. Or the couch. Or even in the kitchen. They’d broken in all those places since he’d brought her here to stay.

  “Aren’t these dinners a family thing?” she asked, arching a brow as she folded a pair of his jeans.

  “Aye, but you’ve become a significant presence in our little group.” And now that they were sleeping together, maybe even a bit more.

  She shook her head, and her ponytail swung adorably. Shite, everything was adorable about her right now. The pink plaid flannel pajama bottoms, and the tight gray top that hugged her lovely breasts.

  “Aleck…” She sighed. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay with me twenty-four seven. That you feel obligated to bring me to family events.”

  He closed the distance between them, catching her wrist and tugging her to him. She dropped the jeans in her grasp and slid into his arms.

  “I want you to come tonight.” He pressed a soft kiss to her equally soft lips. “Everyone there already loves you and will be more put out if you’re not there.”

  She grimaced. “You’re not just saying this—”

  “I swear I’m not.” He kissed her longer this time. “I want you near me.” A deeper kiss now, and she seemed to melt into him. “To make sure you’re protected.”

  She seemed to stiffen at that last comment and pulled away slightly.

  “To keep me protected,” she said softly. “Of course.”

  Something about the way she said it made him frown slightly.

  “What time is dinner?” she asked, turning back to the laundry.

  “Five thirty.”

  “Well then I’d better get the day started. I want to go running before then.”

  “I’ll come.”

  “No.” She shook her head and averted her gaze. “Really, it’s my alone time. Almost meditative and gives me moments to gather my thoughts.”

  He wouldn’t force it, but he did hate the idea of her out there alone with all that had happened. “You know,” he said quickly, “I have a fantastic treadmill in the garage that would—”

  “Thanks, but I’m an outside runner.” She grabbed the laundry basket and moved past him. “I’ll be done and ready by four though.”

  He watched her leave, adorable rounded ass swishing, and bit back a groan. Too bad he couldn’t talk her into another, more sensual form of exercise.

  “How are the steaks coming?”

  Aleck stepped into the kitchen where his brothers were taking their once-a-month turn at preparing dinner.

  “Brilliant. They should be done shortly,” Colin replied, as he leaned back against the counter.

  Ian grinned. “Aye, trust you to show up when all the work has already been done.”

  “I’m here now.” Aleck tossed a bag of lettuce on the table. “And I’ve brought the requested salad.”

  Colin’s brows drew together. “You’ve brought a bag of leaves.”

  “That counts
as a salad. I’m not wrong.”

  Ian snorted and shook his head. “Such a pretty face, and yet the man can’t even make a proper salad. Fortunately Sarah has trained me well.”

  Ian made his way to the fridge and pulled out several bottles of dressing, and several other toppings.

  “Did you convince Delonna to come tonight?” Colin asked, as he ripped open the bag of lettuce and dumped it in a bowl.

  “Aye. She’s out playing with Ian’s children. I gave her no choice on coming, really. I wasn’t about to leave her alone.”

  “And you shouldn’t.” Ian rinsed a container of cherry tomatoes in the sink and dumped them on top of the lettuce. “The whole situation has slipped from dodgy to downright dangerous.”

  “It has,” Aleck agreed. “It’s not safe for her here. I’m not even sure I can keep her protected.”

  “You’ve a gun though, right?” Ian asked, sprinkling some feta cheese onto the salad now.

  “Aye,” he admitted grimly. “And I’ll use it if need be.” And right now, it was looking more likely.

  “I could speak with some folks at the department and arrange a safe place for her, Aleck,” Colin said. “This is getting a bit intense.”

  “No.” He didn’t care for the idea of anyone else watching over Delonna. Not a bit. “She’s under my protection.”

  “Quite gallant of you really. And for someone who’s just an employee of yours, aye?” Ian’s lips twisted. “Maybe a friend too.”

  Knowing where this was going, Aleck kept his own mouth closed and refused to take the bait.

  “Friend with benefits,” Colin murmured.

  Ian gave a short guffaw and returned to the salad with a bag of candied pecans.

  “If you’re trying to wind me up, it’s not working,” Aleck drawled.

  “Is it not?” Ian asked.

  Well, maybe it was. Realizing he was clenching his fists at his side, Aleck relaxed his grip.

  “Before you arrived,” Ian continued, “we were making wagers on how long you and Delonna lasted—when she came to stay with you—before you started shagging.”

  “That is none of your fookin’ business,” Aleck roared as he lost his attempt to appear unfazed. “Ah, you bloody wankers.”

  His brothers laughed, as Aleck strode to the fridge to grab a beer.

  “He’s not so good taking it as he is in dishing it out,” Colin murmured to his twin.

  “No, can’t say that he is.” Ian grinned. “You’re right, we’re just winding you up. We quite like Delonna, and are happy to see you dating—”

  “We’re not dating.” He popped off the cap on the beer and took a swig.

  They were sleeping together. Two very different things. There were no romantic dinners out. No strolls on the beach holding hands. It was sex with a friend. So, aye, Colin was right in a way. Friends with benefits. Still, he wasn’t about to confirm it aloud.

  The silence from his brothers had him glancing up from his own brooding thoughts and meeting the twins’ equally matched contemplative stares.

  Aleck took another sip. “What?”

  “It’s not such a bad thing to seek out a relationship,” Colin said cautiously.

  “For another man, no, likely not. For someone like me? Aye, it would be.” His fingers clenched around the bottle. “I’m not interested in the sorts.”

  “You truly don’t want a wife someday? Children?” Ian asked, visibly confounded.

  There was the familiar, invisible punch in the stomach if he let his mind go there. For a moment he was sixteen again, running through the wynds of Edinburgh, stealing kisses with a gorgeous brunette. Just as quickly as they came, he reeled the memories back in. Eased that wall back up around his heart.

  “It’s not my cup of tea.”

  “I thought it might just be a phase.” Colin abandoned the salad and went to check on the steaks. “Seeing you with Delonna gave us all a bit of hope. You’re different with her.”

  “Aye, well it’s hard to send her home afterward, when she’s staying with me,” Aleck said tersely.

  Only a handful of seconds went by before the woman they were discussing strode into the room.

  “Hey guys,” Delonna said, turning her bright smile on all three of them. “Mind if I grab a beer?”

  “Not at all. Help yourself.” Ian gestured to the fridge.

  “Thanks.”

  If Delonna had overheard any of the conversation about her, she didn’t give any indication.

  “Smells amazing in here. Thanks for letting me come tonight.” She easily removed the beer cap and took a drink.

  Shite, but his mind was in the gutter. Just that sentence and the way her lips wrapped around the bottle head had Aleck’s blood heating. He wouldn’t mind helping her come later as well.

  Her gaze met his for a moment, and there was a twinkle of mischief in her gaze, before she finished her long pull on the beer.

  “You’re always welcome here, Delonna,” Ian said with a warm smile. “And I hope you never doubt that.”

  Her attention shifted to Ian and her tone quieted. “I really appreciate that. Appreciate everything you’ve all done.”

  “How could we not? You’re like family,” Colin added. “We care about you.”

  Aleck was aware of Colin turning a pointed look at him, but he chose to ignore it. He kept his attention completely on Delonna. It was hard to see her as he once did. A cute, flirty bartender who worked for him. After last night every part of him reacted to her on a primal, possessive level.

  He wanted to pick her up and carry her off and away from his family. Then strip her out of that sweater dress and boots and shag her silly.

  While his brothers might have romantic ideals about him and Delonna, he wasn’t so naïve. Lust came easily. Love was much harder. And right now he was completely over his head in lust with Delonna. Likely would be until they’d shagged for a few weeks and took the edge off.

  As if sensing his thoughts, she glanced his way again. Her eyes widened and he watched her breasts rise slightly as she drew in a quick breath.

  She touched her neck, almost self-consciously, and lowered her gaze.

  “Anyway, I should get back to the ladies.” She turned to hurry from the room, calling out, “Which, by the way, Ian, you and Sarah make adorable children.”

  “Thank you,” Ian murmured as she left, then turned to Aleck. “She’s a special girl. I certainly hope we can keep her from being hurt.”

  Aleck grunted. “I’ve already told you I’m going to do everything I can to ensure her safety.”

  “I don’t doubt it.” Ian grabbed the salad and headed toward the dining room, saying grimly as he passed, “But I actually meant being hurt by you.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “I love my nephew, but he’s breaking my arm.” Kenzie groaned and adjusted the sleeping newborn. “Anyone else want to hold him for a bit?”

  Delonna hesitated from where she sat on the couch, glancing at the sleeping baby. He’d made the rounds to all the other women in the room except her. Her fingers curled and the urge to volunteer was tempered with the unease of not really being experienced with newborns.

  She waited to see if Hailey would volunteer, since Sarah was outside with her daughter Emily at the moment. But Hailey seemed busy pilfering the bowl of nuts, clearly looking for one type in particular.

  “Delonna? You’ve not held Ben yet.” Kenzie stood, and without waiting for her to accept, gently laid the sleeping baby in her arms. “There you are.”

  Delonna caught her breath, almost afraid to breathe, fearing it would wake him. He was so tiny and beautiful with his dark hair and hint of olive-toned skin—those traits from his mom. She knew, when his eyes were open, that his eyes were the striking green all the McLaughlins had.

  “He’s precious, aye?�
�� Kenzie murmured, smiling down at them.

  “He is,” she said softly, drawing her finger down one super-soft cheek. The baby’s mouth puckered, but he stayed asleep.

  “He’ll be hungry soon, I imagine.” Kenzie laughed. “We’ll hand him back to his ma after that, as you won’t be able to help with that so much.”

  That had a smile tugging at Delonna’s lips.

  Hailey made a noise of triumph as she found the nut she was seeking and popped it in her mouth.

  “I’m going to grab a soda and see if the men need anything,” she said a moment later. “Need anything from the kitchen?”

  Kenzie and Delonna shook their heads and murmured a no thanks.

  “I’m sorry Brett couldn’t make it tonight.” Delonna glanced at her friend.

  “Ah, me too, but he’s come down with a disgusting cold and I told him he’d best stay home and not risk giving it to the baby.”

  “Good call. Will you bring him a plate of leftovers?”

  “Of course. And a bit of whisky.” Kenzie’s smile seemed a little mischievous after the whisky remark. But before Delonna could comment on it, Kenzie asked, “So you must be quite shaken up about what happened at the pub.”

  Delonna’s stomach knotted. “I am, and I feel really guilty about it.”

  “You needn’t feel guilt. It’s not as if you were the one who pulled the trigger.” Kenzie shook her head as she sat down on the couch next to her. “I’m shocked it’s gotten this violent, so quickly.”

  “Me too.” She stared down at Ben, registering the complete vulnerability and innocence of the baby in her arms. Maybe she shouldn’t even be holding him right now. Everything she touched seemed to become a target.

  “How are you and Aleck getting on?”

  Choose your words carefully. “Just fine. He’s been very supportive and nice to me.”

  “A bit more than nice, hmm?” Kenzie drawled. “No use pretending you’re not shagging now. You’ve a terrible poker face.”

  Delonna smiled, knowing her friend was right. “I know I do.”

  “Well, it’s good you’re having fun together. He’ll be a nice distraction from the chaos around you. And from that arse of an ex of yours.”