When he opened them again his eyes bore into hers. She wanted desperately to kiss him but she, too, was enjoying the spark between them; the anticipation. Slowly he let his lips connect with hers and he inhaled sharply and deeply. This first kiss was the promise of what was to come. Her hands slowly slid up over his shoulders, around his neck and into his hair. His kiss became more urgent and his tongue sought entry into her mouth. She opened for him and welcomed his tongue with her own, caressing and tasting him.
He groaned as he ran his hands down her back to squeeze her bottom, pulling her closer. She felt his arousal through her jeans and her hands fell to the hem of his T-shirt where she began to lift it up over his taught body, sliding her hands over him as she did so. He raised his arms and stooped for her to remove it and cast it aside. She lowered her face to his chest where she kissed his tattoo. He breathed out a rush of air and stroked her back as his head rolled backward in sheer pleasure.
He lowered his gaze back to hers and pulled her sweater over her head kissing her lips, both before and after the item was removed. Their eyes remained locked on each other. He traced the line of her collar bone with his finger tips and bent to place kisses where he had touched her. His kisses moved to her neck. She gasped and grabbed onto him as her core clenched. She slid her fingers around the waistband of his jeans and unbuttoned them, slipping her hands inside to help push them down. He stepped out of the jeans and then it was his turn to do the same.
He gently unfastened and slipped her jeans down her trembling legs, smoothing his hand delicately over her bottom as he did so. She shivered in anticipation. They stood in just their underwear devouring each other with their eyes. Greg was broad and muscular, taught and olive skinned. His jaw angular and covered in stubble which drew her eyes towards his goatee and up to his lips. His ink made him even more masculine if that was possible and that made her feel ravenous for him. Greg smiled and shook his head as he stroked her face.
“Why are you smiling?” She asked nervously, her eyelids fluttering.
“I’m just looking at you and thinking that I must be the luckiest man on the planet right now.” Mallory felt her cheeks heat under his appraising gaze.
He ran both thumbs over her lips as he fixed his gaze on her mouth, “You truly are beautiful Mallory. So very sexy. And you just don’t seem to realise that. Your curves, your skin…I mean you’re just…so beautiful. I can’t put into words how much I want you.”
She smiled up at him, her heart nervously fluttering in her chest. “You did a pretty good job with words right there. But…maybe if you can’t…can’t find words…just show me?”
He bent to kiss her, once again his hands slipping around her back and unfastening the clasp of her bra. He slipped the pretty blue lace down her arms and it was thrown to join the rest of their relinquished clothing. He cupped her breasts tenderly, stroking the little pink buds with his thumbs. Mallory’s head now rolled back in ecstasy. He kissed each one ardently with long wet kisses until Mallory’s legs nearly gave way beneath her.
Whilst she stood trembling before him, he kissed all the way down her stomach, and crouched to a kneeling position. He slid the matching blue lace panties down her legs, kissing her hips and sliding his hands slowly down her thighs. Her hands found his thick dark hair and she massaged his scalp.
He nuzzled her mound making her moan loudly before he let his tongue slide lower. When he rose to his feet, his tongue was replaced with fingers teasing and caressing her most intimate place. It all felt so strange, so different, but so amazingly good.
The tension was building inside of her and her breathing became shallower. He stopped, causing her to whimper. But he removed his fitted boxers to release the full potential of his desire. Mallory wanted to touch him, but he slowly turned her around so that his arousal pressed deliciously into her lower back and he continued the tantalising torture with his fingers whilst his other hand moulded her breast and he kissed her neck sending shivers right through her body.
He stepped back slightly and smoothed his large hand over the curve of her waist and hip, savouring her every curve just as he had said he would. Suddenly, he stopped and stepped further away from her. She heard a sharp intake of breath.
He had finally noticed her ink.
He dropped to his knees again to examine the design on her lower back more closely.
“Mallory.” His voice was choked with emotion.
She felt him trace the design with his fingertips; it tickled. The Serch Bythol, with the letters G and M at either side.
“That’s…that’s the Celtic symbol for everlasting love,” he stated. “And…you’ve got my initial…wait…our initials on your body?” He grabbed both of her hips and pressed his lips to the image. “Mallory it’s beautiful; it’s perfect.”
He stood and gently turned her to him holding her by her shoulders, a frown etched his face. “When…?” His eyes had turned glassy as tears hovered ready to fall, he looked totally overwhelmed at this display of her love for him.
She caressed his face and looked into his damp eyes. “Greg, I realised how I felt about you when I was in Yorkshire, the last time. I was so angry with myself for how I handled things. I figured I’d probably ruined everything, but I wanted a permanent reminder of you. I wanted something to keep forever in case I had blown it by being so wracked by guilt at loving you. Something that was out of sight to everyone else, but that I knew was there.”
He shook his head. Disbelief washed over his gorgeous features and he touched her face. “How could you think that you’d ruined everything after the way I’d lied to you? After I had blown it all, myself?”
“I love you, Greg, so much. I was so scared to even acknowledge my feelings until I went away. I was terrified that you’d fallen for Kate. I’m so glad you hadn’t stopped loving me. Now you know how I feel and whenever you look at my tattoo you’ll know how much I truly love you. There is no going back for me now.”
He pulled her into him and stroked her hair muttering his love for her. Their kisses became deeper and needier. Breathing became ragged as their hands explored each-others bodies. His fingers found that special place again and her hands found him. She stroked and he groaned, his pleasure making her move faster. She was on the brink as his fingers teased and teased.
Suddenly he tumbled onto the bed taking her with him. He reached down to where his jeans lay, under the bed and found a small foil packet. He ripped it open and stretched the sheath down.
Moving over her he caressed again her until she exploded into a million tiny pieces of her former self, floating somewhere above the stratosphere; he slid into her and she pulsed around him as he moved inside her. He kissed and caressed her adoringly as their bodies became one.
The tension was building in her once again and she looked up into his face but his expression troubled her. He stared down at her with fear in his eyes as if he was expecting to wake from some cruel, tormenting dream.
She placed her hands on either side of his face as he moved. “Greg,” she gasped staring intently into his eyes, “I love you and I want you…and I mean forever.” A tear escaped her eye as the verbalisation of her true feelings for this soft hearted, rugged man struck her once again. Her words were the only catalyst he needed as he cried out her name in sheer ecstasy taking her with him once again.
~~~~~
They held onto each other as their bodies shuddered in the immense afterglow of the pleasure and love they had shared. Their gazes were still locked and tears streamed down Mallory’s face.
“Mallory, I love you so much, please don’t cry.” Greg gasped as his heartbeat began to calm. He wiped away her tears as he clung onto her.
“I’m not crying because I’m sad. They’re happy tears.” She smiled and kissed him as he stared at her worriedly.
“I didn’t hurt you?” He asked, his breathing slowing.
“No, not at all, you were wonderful. Making love with you was just…amazing. I’m just so very
happy that we got here after everything we’ve been through.” She stroked his cheek as relief became evident and his features relaxed.
“No regrets?” He was clearly still waiting for her to get up and leave or say she had changed her mind.
She had thought of a way to drive the point home. She pulled herself up so that she was looking down at him.
She took a deep breath and spoke, “I want you to move in with me, Greg.” She exhaled quickly feeling relieved to finally speak the words she had been thinking since the accident had nearly torn them apart for good.
He sat bolt upright and stared down at her taking her face in his hands “Are you serious?” His eyes were wide and a face splitting grin appeared nonetheless.
She looked him straight in the eyes again. “Is that a yes then?” She asked raising her eyebrows at him. “I’m perfectly serious.”
“Hell, yes I’ll move in!” He grabbed her into a strong embrace and they tumbled backward into another lingering, passionate kiss.
~~~~~
Christmas 2011
Two days later, Greg pulled up outside Mallory’s place in the Landy. It was packed to the gunnels with his belongings.
His house was going to rent out easily according to the estate agent.
Mallory came out to help him unload. Angus sat in the passenger seat wagging his long tail frantically, almost taking Greg’s eye out in the process.
Greg climbed down from the car and ran around to scoop Mallory into his arms. “I’m so bloody excited about this!” He spun her around.
She clung on, laughing with her head back. “Me too. I just hope it all fits in.”
“Well if not, we’ll have a mega car-boot sale, eh?”
They carried box after box into the cottage. Stopping to kiss or embrace at every possible opportunity. When they had finished, they collapsed onto the sofa and snuggled together out of breath.
“Guess what?” Mallory suddenly remembered her news. “Brad and Josie are definitely coming for New Years!”
It hadn’t taken much persuading to get her friends to agree. Josie had pretty much squealed in delight down the phone when she had heard all of Mallory’s news.
“Fantastic. I know how much it means to you to have them here. It’ll be great to have them share Hogmanay celebrations with us…in our home.” He squeezed her gently. “I can’t wait. They’ll be able to come over and see me play and then we can have a wee celebration back here.” He kissed her for the millionth time, “Fancy a wee bit of Christmas shopping this afternoon?”
“Sounds like a plan.” She jumped to her feet. “I think I’ll go shower and get ready. You coming?” She bit her lip and held out her hand. He didn’t take much convincing and grabbed it.
As they walked past the lounge window which looked out to the water Mallory gasped. “Greg! It’s snowing.” The snow was beginning to blanket the ground in front of the house and turn their view into something usually seen on Christmas cards. “It’s perfect.” She smiled as Greg slid his arms around her waist whilst they stood, watching the feather-like flakes float to the ground.
~~~~~
Christmas Eve was quiet and romantic. Greg cooked whilst Mallory put the finishing touches to a gift she was making for him. He’d been quite cagey about his gift for her, but she had a feeling he had spent too much money. His savings were from his inheritance and she hated the thought of him frittering it away on her. She had opted for making him a gift, as he said that was what he wanted more than anything. He still raved to everyone about the chalkboard she made him.
Greg called Mallory down to the house for dinner. She had finished and was ready for washing up.
He had opted for Moroccan lamb with couscous and the delicious aroma teased Mallory’s nostrils, making her salivate. The wine was chilling and Mallory went to change and rid her hands of the paint.
She returned to the dining table where Greg had lit candles and placed out all the best dinnerware. It looked wonderful. He stood when she entered the room. He looked amazing in his black jeans and grey shirt, open just enough so his pendant was visible. He gazed lovingly at her as she walked toward the table.
“You look beautiful, Mallory.” He smiled. She had slipped on black trousers and a lilac cashmere sweater she had bought when they were out shopping for gifts. Well it was a bargain, she had convinced herself. Her hair was loose around her shoulders just how Greg liked it. She smiled across at him and his eyes twinkled in the candle light.
“Can I make a toast?” She asked, her head tilted to one side as she gazed at her love.
Greg nodded, his eyes locked on hers.
“To us. May this be the first of many Christmases we share, until we are old and grey.” She thought back to Edith on the train and smiled. They clinked glasses and tucked into the delicious meal.
Christmas morning finally arrived and Greg was like a kid, bouncing on the bed beside Mallory to wake her up.
“Can we get up now? Can we get up now? Can we get up now?” He resorted to tickling and prodding at her at which point she attacked him with a pillow.
“Good grief, McBradden, remember how old you are.” She laughed as she pushed him back and straddled him trying to pin him down.
“I’ve reverted back to childhood, but it’s your fault. I never got the whole Christmas thing until you.” He wrestled her off him and flung her over his shoulder. “C’mon lazy bones it’s prezzie time!”
Mallory squealed and hit his bottom as he carried her down the stairs. He only placed her on her feet once they were in front of the tree. She stood there in his oversized T-shirt and nothing else except for a smile.
“Now you, sit.” he demanded. He proceeded to switch the twinkly lights on and go to the fridge for the bottle of Bucks Fizz that was chilling. He had already lit the fire and there was a smell of bacon diffusing through the air from the kitchen. Two minutes later Greg returned with a tray, one of Mallory’s creations, upon which were the Bucks Fizz, two champagne flutes and two plates of bacon sandwiches.
“Ah, well if I’d known you’d got up early to make bacon butties I may not have taken so much cajoling.” Mallory laughed. They huddled together in front of the fire. She had no idea what time he had got up, but he seemed determined to get Christmas day officially underway.
Once they had eaten, Mallory took out the parcel she had wrapped for Greg, late the night before. He stared at the package for a while and kept glancing up to smile at her
“Open it then.” She prodded him.
“Now who’s being impatient?” He chuckled. He opened it slowly, taking care not to rip the pretty brown paper that Mallory had decorated with golden love hearts and snowflakes. He took out the rectangular sign and read aloud
“Welcome to Greg and Mallory’s Home.” His eyes misted over. “Mallory, this is the best Christmas gift I think I have ever been given.” He smiled over at her and then leaned in to kiss her sweetly.
“What? Did you never get a bike or a Scalextric?” she teased.
“Aye…yes, course I did. But this means so much more because you made it for me and it makes our moving in together official. Best gift ever, just like I said.”
Mallory’s heart swelled.
Mallory picked up the small package with her name on which she knew to be from Greg. It was flat and rectangular. She was puzzled.
“Now before you open it and go all ape-shit on me, I just want to defend myself and say that it’s something for us both. But I think you’ll be happy and that’s what matters.”
She took a deep breath and opened the package. Inside was an envelope with ‘British Airways’ emblazoned across it. She took out the contents.
“Bloody hell, Greg! Two first class return flights to Canada?” She pounced and flung her arms around him without protest.
“Whoa! That’s not the reaction I was prepared for!” He hugged her grinning widely like the Cheshire cat.
“I know and I should be angry with you. But how can I be when it’
s just so perfect?” She kissed him over and over.
“Well, I spoke to Renee and she says we can either stay with her or if we don’t feel comfortable doing that she will book us into the hotel in Kingston, her treat.”
“How wonderful! I love you Greg McBradden.” She squealed and kissed him again.
The days following Christmas were filled with snowy walks in boots and scarves, mulled wine over at the pub and lazy evenings of making love in front of the fire at home.
Josie and Brad arrived on December twenty-eighth for the preparations leading up to Hogmanay.
Greg had surreptitiously arranged to go shopping with Brad whilst Mallory and Josie headed off in search of suitable Hogmanay attire.
The girls’ first stop was a little designer boutique which had become Mallory’s favourite shop in Oban. Mallory made a beeline for a silver grey dress peeping out from one of the rails. It was fitted and had a sweetheart neckline.
The fabric had a slight shimmer when the light caught it and Mallory hoped it would suit her now curvier frame. She gingerly stepped out of the changing room. Josie gaped at the stunning vision she encountered.
“Fu-…cra…Blimey!” She eventually fought and succeeded in her battle with the expletives. Well it was a rather posh place, afterall.
“Is that good?” Mallory scrunched her nose up at her stuttering friend.
“Well, put it this way, if I was a lesbian I’d be total in lust with you right now and trying to get you out of it.”
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