Carl glanced at Taylor. ‘Hi.’ He beamed.
‘This is Taylor,’ said Magnus. ‘Let me bring her into the light so you can see how beautiful she is.’
‘Seriously?’ said Taylor.
Carl laughed. ‘Yeah, he’s serious. We know how shameless he is.’
‘Thank you,’ said Magnus. ‘And you’re right, I’m not ashamed of how beautiful Taylor is.’
Carl chuckled and stepped aside, ushering them out of the entrance hall and into a stunning open-plan living area. Taylor drank in the vision of the long rambling garden stretching down a modest slope to the sea. A boat moored at a jetty glinted in the early spring sunlight. The whole thing looked straight off a postcard. Her mouth fell open.
‘And Taylor…’ Magnus coughed and she turned around. Magnus was mid introductions and she hadn’t heard a thing.
‘Sorry, I was so entranced by the view, I forgot myself.’
‘Well, you met Jakob and Livvi yesterday.’
They were together in the living area with little Polly and an elegant woman, tall and slim with a sheet of long ice-blonde hair.
‘And this is Robyn, the beautiful bride-to-be.’
‘Nice to meet you,’ said Taylor.
‘And you,’ said Robyn. ‘Fenella phoned and said you’d had a bit of a dress disaster.’
‘Yes, totally ridiculous of me. I mean to come to a wedding and not actually pick up my dress.’ She raised her palms upward.
‘You did have a long way to come. It must have been exhausting,’ said Robyn. ‘And we appreciate you making the effort.’
‘Yeah, we don’t want Magnus to be left on the shelf,’ said Carl.
‘Shut up. It was you for long enough.’
‘Why don’t we let them fight it out,’ said Robyn. ‘I’ll show you some dresses I have. I laid out a couple. If you don’t like them, it’s ok, but you can try them on.’
‘Great,’ said Taylor, determined whatever Robyn had, she’d accept. She wasn’t Skylar Rousse, and she was happy to beg, steal and borrow when necessary.
Chapter 12
Magnus
‘So, where did you meet her?’ asked Carl as soon as Taylor and Robyn had left the room.
Magnus relayed their part-true story.
‘That’s cute,’ said Livvi. ‘Falling for someone you literally fell over.’
‘Yeah,’ said Magnus, adjusting his shirt collar.
‘She seems nice,’ said Carl, ‘but after Julie, even a banshee would seem friendly.’
‘Yeah, yeah,’ said Magnus. ‘I know you didn’t like her, but she had her moments.’
‘Now it’s your turn for TMI. None of us want to know.’
Smirking, Magnus turned away. Jakob stood near the glass doors, holding Polly’s hand and letting her lead him around.
‘Taylor reminds me of someone,’ said Livvi. ‘I think it’s someone I was at school with. I just can’t put my finger on it.’
Magnus hoped she hadn’t grown up watching Skylar’s shows.
The door opened and Taylor returned wearing a beautifully understated dark purple dress.
‘Gorgeous,’ said Magnus and she beamed.
‘It’s a miracle, Robyn’s shoes fit me too.’
‘Great,’ said Magnus. ‘You’re sorted. Is it my turn now?’
‘Sure, let’s get you togged up,’ said Carl.
‘What? You’re going to dress me? Er, no thanks.’
‘No way,’ said Carl. ‘But I laid the clothes out in the new guest bedroom at the end of the corridor. I’m sure you can get into them yourself.’
‘I’ll try my best.’
‘I should change back too,’ said Taylor. With a rustle of satin, she led the way into the hall.
‘Keep it on,’ he said. ‘Let’s see how we look together.’ Pushing open the door at the end of the corridor, he let Taylor go in first.
‘Oh, this is a neat room,’ said Taylor.
‘Yeah, maybe we should have stayed here.’
‘No, I like your mom’s place. It’s so homely and warm.’ Taylor swished around, admiring herself in the long mirror.
‘I feel a bit warm right now,’ said Magnus, stepping towards her and sweeping her into a kiss. Even the glitz didn’t return her to brazen Skylar. She was all Taylor. Being at liberty to kiss her whenever he liked, as long as she was into it, was a luxury he didn’t want to waste. The ardent pressure of her lips and her fingers sliding through his hair told him she was good. He guided her back towards the door and hallelujah! He grappled with a knob below the handle. What a considerate and sensible brother installing locks. Magnus clicked it around without breaking the kiss, grinning through it as Taylor started on his buttons. ‘Leave them,’ he said, stepping back and hauling off his shirt.
‘What about the window?’
‘Shut the curtains. I don’t want to risk my sisters-in-law walking past and seeing me undressing.’
‘Is that what you’re doing?’ Taylor smiled, sweeping the curtains across the window.
‘For starters. Let’s hope the walls here are thicker than the ones back home because I don’t feel like holding anything back.’
‘Me neither. I really want you.’
She wrapped her arms around his neck and he rolled up her dress, pulling her close. Her fingers plunged into his hair and her lips locked with his. Knowing they didn’t have much time before someone came looking doubled the tension. He pulled his wallet from his back pocket.
‘Are you going to pay me?’ asked Taylor.
‘No, I’m getting covered.’
Taylor watched everything with wide eyes. For all her Hollywood experience, she had an unexpected innocence about her. Magnus wouldn’t put it past her draconian father to have censored her love life. He turned her around so her back was to him and he gently pulled down her dress, touching her softly and kissing her neck. ‘You really are gorgeous,’ he whispered in her ear.
‘Can I look at you?’ Her voice echoed with uncertainty.
‘Sure.’ He released her and stepped round to face her. ‘Here I am.’
She stroked a curl of his hair behind his ear. ‘Handsome Hansen.’
He took her hand and held it tight. ‘Magnus will do.’ Resuming their kiss, he led her to the bed and sat her down. ‘This will have to be quick.’
‘I’m ready.’
He grinned and moved in slowly. She arched against him, closing her eyes. ‘Is this ok?’ he whispered.
‘Yes,’ she murmured, wiggling a little. He let her find her place with a dreamy smile on her lips.
‘Good,’ he whispered in her ear as they rocked together. ‘You’re good. Very good.’ He was going to lose it soon. ‘Good for me.’
She whimpered as he plied his attention on all her sensitive spots, her gaze slipping out of focus. He snaked his hands around her, supporting her back as she tripped out. He couldn’t hold on much longer. Nope. Not one more second. He groaned, burying his head in her neck and let go, losing his mind to the waking world.
After a few moments locked together, Magnus rolled to the side and threw back his head. ‘Short, but oh so damned sweet.’ Taylor nuzzled in beside him and he put his arms around her. She melted into him, dress and hair rumpled, skimming his over-sensitive neck with kisses. ‘Taylor, no. No more. It’s too soon. And we can’t anyway. Jesus. They’ll be wondering what the hell we’re doing.’
‘I know, but I like you,’ Taylor muttered into his ear, making him twitch.
‘Let’s save it for later.’ With an effort, he pushed up into a sitting position. Taylor didn’t budge. ‘Thank Christ there’s an en-suite.’ He made his way to it, gave himself a quick wash and a towel dry before returning to the room and pulling on the wedding kilt suit. Taylor swapped places, taking her turn in the bathroom. When she emerged, Magnus was fully dressed, and she’d straightened herself out. ‘Don’t we look like quite the pair?’
‘You’re so hot it that kilt. Totally hot. I want to have you all over again.�
��
‘Save that thought. Go and throw cold water on your face. You can have me in the kilt on the wedding night and do whatever you want with me.’ He adjusted his tie in the long mirror.
‘Promises, promises.’
‘I mean it. Now, get back to the other room and change. I’ll parade myself for the others.’
‘What will you tell them?’
‘I’ll think of something.’ He gave her a quick squeeze on the shoulder before making his way back to the living area. As he stepped in, the collective stare greeted him. ‘So, how’s this?’
‘Neat,’ said Livvi.
‘Does it fit ok?’ asked Carl.
‘I think so.’ Magnus tugged the edges of the black formal jacket.
‘And there wasn’t a problem?’ said Carl. ‘You were ages.’
‘Sorry, Taylor came along. We were posing.’
‘Posing?’ Carl coughed onto the back of his hand and muttered aside to Robyn, ‘Is that what we’re calling it these days?’
She nudged him to be quiet.
Livvi laughed. ‘You should have come in here for the show, we could have taken pictures.’
Magnus straightened his tie. ‘Yeah, I didn’t think about that.’ A laugh almost burst out. Cameras and audiences were the last thing required for what had just occurred.
After they’d decided he looked fine and the kilt fitted, Magnus changed back into his normal clothes. Quickly checking his reflection, he shook his head. ‘Seedy git, so I am.’
Had they guessed the truth? How crass did they think he was, having a quickie with his girlfriend at any opportunity? But it was far worse than they could know. Taylor was a woman he’d picked up a few days ago. Sure, he’d known her before, but hardly. They’d shared one Hollywood kiss he’d been almost too drunk to remember and now he was parading her as his girlfriend. This was a new depth even for him. If his brothers knew. Jeez. Great example, Magnus. A frigging teenager would behave better.
Chapter 13
Taylor
Taylor smoothed the dress one last time, hoping she hadn’t irrevocably crushed it. Her cheeks flushed pink with friction burns from grazing against Magnus’s stubble and the memory of what they’d just done. She trailed her fingers across her pink lips, swollen and tender from the kissing.
That kind of quick experience wasn’t unknown to her. What was completely new was a man who cared, who considered her needs and showered her with attention like she was someone worth having.
She tossed off the dress and turned in the mirror, seeing herself anew. Not a soulless shell, but someone worthy. Her skinny jeans and slim-fit top transformed her into Taylor again, but valued Taylor. Not someone to be hidden. Magnus was a few doors away, waiting for her. Wanting her. No. Wanting Skylar. Her expression dropped as she pulled on her hoody. Would he feel the same if he knew who she really was? Was he doing this because he wanted to notch up a Hollywood movie star as well as have a date for the wedding? This was just for a week anyway. She had to quit getting so involved. Act. Just act. Pretend like it didn’t matter and go through the motions, but whichever way she stacked it, her heart was too full to let go.
The door to the living area opened silently. Taylor slipped in and sidled up to Magnus as he chatted with his brothers. Casually, he slid his arm around her shoulder, gently rubbing her with his thumb.
‘Would you like to go for a sail?’ he asked.
‘Now?’
‘Yeah, Carl’s cool to take the boat out. She’s a beauty. I haven’t been on her yet.’
‘Well, sure.’
Taylor borrowed a warm coat from Robyn and they trooped towards the jetty. The white cabin cruiser gleamed ahead. A tarp flapped in the light breeze and water slapped its hull. Magnus clutched Taylor’s hand as they climbed aboard.
‘Are you driving?’ she asked.
‘If Robyn and Carl let me have a go, I wouldn’t mind taking the helm.’ He darted up the stairs after his youngest brother, leaving Taylor alone until Livvi and Jakob climbed aboard. Jakob clung to Polly, keeping her close and only passing her to Livvi when his feet were firmly on deck.
The engine fired up and water churned at the stern. Livvi chatted quietly to Polly about what was happening. Taylor rested her back on the rails, watching the view on the far side and keeping an eye on the cabin. Magnus popped his head out, smiling and throwing her a half wave. She took the wave to mean he’d be down in a minute after he’d overseen the ‘take-off’. This must be tough for him having to sit out the action. The engine noise increased and Magnus hopped down the steep stair.
His jacket was off and he rolled up his sleeves, jumped off the boat and untied a rope. Taylor couldn’t drag her gaze from him as he leapt back on board, coiling the rope with his muscular forearms.
‘Hey.’ He scooted along and rested beside her, leaning his elbows back. ‘This is the life.’
‘Aren’t you frozen?’
‘You Californians have no bottle,’ he said.
‘Oh yeah?’ Taylor unbuttoned the borrowed coat, slipped it off, and dropped it on the bench.
‘Eh, what are you doing?’ whispered Magnus. ‘Is this appropriate? We have children present.’
Taylor folded her arms. ‘I’m showing you some Californian bottle.’ The wind caught her and she shuddered.
‘Oh, yeah,’ said Magnus. ‘Very convincing.’
‘Yeah, actually.’ She grabbed the jacket. ‘There’s no way.’ Across the deck, Livvi smirked and Jakob shook his head. ‘Does anyone ever beat him at anything?’ Taylor asked them.
‘No,’ said Jakob. ‘And if you do, he’ll say you cheated.’
‘Rubbish,’ said Magnus and Jakob cocked his head. ‘Ok, maybe partially true.’
Taylor pinged his arm. ‘You are a bad boy.’
‘Come see this,’ he said. ‘You can get up front here if you still want to indulge your Kate Winslet fantasies.’
She slipped around the deck after him until they reached the triangular area at the prow. Wind buffeted her cheeks and tangled her hair; the long coat flapped around her. ‘Oh, my god, it’s so cold.’
Magnus turned to her and his lip curled into a wolf-like grin. ‘I’ll keep you warm.’ He stepped back and wrapped his arm around her. ‘I think it’s my lot in life, keep Taylor warm.’
Her teeth chattered together. ‘Just wait until we’re in California. It’ll be my job to cool you down.’ Their eyes met. It was crazy. They weren’t going to California. In a few days, they’d never see each other again. Magnus would walk away, thinking he’d had a secret affair with a movie star while Taylor would… She bit her lip, still in an eye-lock with Magnus. What would she do? Where did she go from here? How did she coax her heart into forgetting this and throwing it into the memory pile?
‘Nice touch,’ he whispered, stroking his thumb over her cheek and melting her. ‘You’re a bit too believable.’ He ducked forward and kissed her cheek.
Once she’d been a talented actress, but none of this was an act anymore. Everything she felt was genuine. It made keeping up the pretence easy, but the fall would crush her unless… Was it possible? Was there the tiniest, dimmest flicker of hope? What if she fessed up and came clean? Maybe they could keep going, be a real couple?
‘Magnus.’ She slipped her fingers around his neck. ‘Do you think—’
‘Hey, Magnus!’ Carl shouted from above, drawing back as he saw them. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.’
Magnus shrugged it off. ‘What do you want?’
‘I thought you might like a shot up here.’
‘Sure.’ He winked at Taylor. ‘Come on, darling. Let’s take control.’
At the top of the ladder-like stair, Taylor entered the cabin and glanced at the plush seating and table area. Skylar might even approve of this, though she’d want it all to herself.
‘This is so neat,’ said Taylor, sitting at the table while Magnus took over the steering. ‘Can you sleep on it?’
‘Yeah,’ said Carl. ‘
It has a bedroom below deck. We hope to travel in it this summer.’
‘It’s perfect. I think I want one.’
‘Magnus will be pleased to hear that. Won’t you?’ He turned to his brother. ‘You’ve found yourself a girl who likes sailing.’
‘Ha, yeah.’ He didn’t turn around but raked his hand through his hair.
What was he thinking? Maybe wondering how to tell his family in a few weeks that they’d split. He hadn’t found a girl who liked sailing. He hadn’t found a girl at all, not for real. Taylor smiled at Carl. ‘I’d love to try it.’ If he was willing to try, she was.
She took out her phone and snapped photos of the rocky cliffs and scenery as they sailed by. Hundreds of notifications sat on her messenger apps. She dismissed several missed calls and checked it was on silent. Whatever anyone wanted could wait. She guessed the gist. Where was she? When was she coming back and had she dared cause trouble? Well, she’d impersonated Skylar again, but this time it wouldn’t harm her sister. Just herself.
Magnus sat at the helm, his shoulders back and his chest out. Taylor sidled in behind and leaned over his shoulder so her cheek pressed on his. ‘Hey,’ he said, raising his hand to cup her face. ‘Are you enjoying this?’
‘It’s great.’ She held out her phone. ‘Let’s get a selfie.’
Magnus leaned in and smiled. One corner of his mouth raised higher than the other. Taylor could see this picture having a devastating effect on her in the future. Already that smile could make her come undone and when he was nothing more than an image on her phone… What then? She turned her head and pressed her lips to his cheeks. Desperate words wanted to come out, but she didn’t dare say them.
Drizzly rain rolled in as the afternoon progressed and they sat around the table in the cabin, except for Jakob, who stayed outside, wrapped up to the nines, walking up and down with little Polly as she got sleepier and sleepier on his shoulder.
‘He’s great, isn’t he?’ said Taylor. ‘He’s so patient.’
‘He’s the best,’ Livvi said, peering out and smiling. ‘I can’t imagine a better dad for my children.’
‘Are you having another one?’ asked Carl.
‘Someday, I hope so,’ Livvi replied.
A Flight of Fancy (Scottish Island Escapes Book 6) Page 11