by Aimee Duffy
‘Does your dad know where you’re staying tonight?’ he asked with a grin.
Ciara rolled her eyes. ‘I’m not fifteen anymore, but yes he does.’
She bit her lip before her da’s request slipped out.
‘What? Is he not happy with it?’
‘It’s not that.’ Her hands started shaking so much she had to put the glass down on the table in case it spilled. ‘He wants to meet you.’
Sucking in a breath, she waited for the swift ‘no, it’s too soon.’
But he was back to using the poker face. Only this time was different. His eyes were creased a little around the corners.
‘I should hope so. I wouldn’t want our daughter staying with a strange man, whatever age she is,’ he said, then a grin broke free.
‘You want to have kids with me?’ she squeaked. ‘I thought you wanted to take things slow?’
‘Not right this second, though practising the mechanics of making them wouldn’t be a bad idea…’
She couldn’t even blink, she was so gobsmacked.
The amusement disappeared and he got serious. ‘Don’t you think about that stuff, Ciara? The future, us, where we go from here?’
‘All the time,’ she whispered.
‘So kids aren’t a stretch? One day, I mean. There are so many places I want to explore with you first and, call me selfish, but I’ve just got you back. I want to keep you to myself for a little while longer.’ He linked his fingers through hers and squeezed.
‘It’s not a stretch. Not at all. And I know exactly what you mean.’ Maybe dreams did come true, after all.
‘I’m glad we’re on the same page,’ he said, pulling her onto his lap.
She went willingly, threading her fingers through his hair. It was even silkier now he’d let it grow out a bit, and the stubble on his chin was softer against her lips when she kissed his jaw.
‘I’ve not had much time for grooming. Sorry.’
‘Don’t be. I like it. But honestly, all I can think about is how it will feel when you’re, you know. Down there.’ His grin had heat scoring her cheekbones.
‘Lie down and you’ll find out.’
Instead of waiting for her to move, he laid her down on the sofa and kissed her softly. She tried to pull him back for more, but he found her neck and the shivers made her heart quicken. She really, really liked the feel of his beard on her skin. Her core burned imagining how he’d feel between her legs.
The buttons on her blouse were next to go and she managed to wriggle out of it without him having to stop his nibbles and kisses down her body. Then he bit the cup of her bra, right over a straining nipple and a current ran straight between her legs.
She was on fire now, and the nearer her waistband he got the more impatient she grew. The torture his lips were wreaking on her stomach only added to the inferno. She wouldn’t last long, not after all this time, but she wanted this a different way.
‘Zack, the bedroom. I want you in me. Now.’
He undid her zip anyway. ‘I want my mouth on you. Now.’
It was a good argument and when he managed to do just that after shuffling her jeans down to her hips, she almost forgot why she’d want to stop this.
But she didn’t forget completely.
‘Please, Zack. I don’t want to come like this. Not the first time.’
He still spent another few seconds driving her to the edge before he stopped. ‘Okay, but I can’t promise the first time will last very long.’
‘I don’t think I’ll need more than a minute,’ she said between gasps.
After ditching the rest of her clothes, she ran behind him through the house. The second the bedroom door opened she attacked his shirt, tugging it off in record time. He dealt with his own jeans and pulled them off with his underwear.
They toppled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, but it didn’t take long for him to get in position.
‘Two seconds,’ he said, reaching into a drawer next to his bed.
She was happy to note the condom box was brand new and untouched. Not so happy with the interruption. ‘Feck this. I’m going on the pill first thing Monday.’
‘Ever impatient,’ he said.
It took too long, but when they were safe time seemed to slow. They just stared at each other and Ciara wondered briefly if she’d wake up and this would be a crazy dream. Then he kissed her, so slowly and passionately that she knew this was real, right down to her bones.
Her body welcomed his like it had been hours instead of months and despite his concerns, they rocked together for much longer than a minute.
She squeezed her muscles to keep him there, she’d happily keep them joined like this for days if she could. And he must have felt the same, because when they’d both found ecstasy, he just rolled them over until she was lying on his chest, still connected.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Week Fifteen
To: Elle Muir, Gemma Howard
From: Ciara Bree
Subject: Meet the Muirs
For the record, Meet the Brees was uneventful. My da and Zack talked sport and then watched sport. I had been prepared for him to give Zack the third degree, but nothing.
Meet the Muirs was worse than the movie.
First, massive thank you, Elle. You’re absence was so NOT appreciated this weekend.
My trip to London (on which I expected at least one familiar face to hand-hold me through the ordeal) was embarrassing – and that’s putting it mildly.
Papa Muir spent Saturday showing Zack and I all the lovely places for weddings and he’d even gone to the trouble to check availability for next summer. I almost had a full scale panic attack.
But wait! It gets better!
He took us to the Ivy on Saturday night and introduced us to EVERYONE as his grandkids. I’m not sure who was more uncomfortable. Me or the waiter who really didn’t want to hear the story about how he almost made Zack marry Vanessa for his own good.
And if that isn’t enough to scar a girl for life, Sunday constituted a trip to his golf club where I was introduced to my boyfriend’s ex as ‘the one he’s going to marry’.
I know he meant well, and I’m happy he’s welcoming me to the family. But THAT had to be the worst two days of my life.
Zack said he will make you pay for not being there to keep the man’s feet on the earth. He mentioned something about inviting Marco over.
Big difference from our weekend in Dublin! Maybe we should go see Gem and Brian one weekend soon? Despite hating Elle a little, I miss you both.
Love, Ciara
xxx
***
To: Gemma Howard, Ciara Bree
From: Elle Muir
Subject: We are NOT having a double wedding
Tell Zack the blunt knife is rusting up nicely – serves him right for spilling the beans about Marco!
You think your weekend was bad? All I’ve had is constant nagging about getting married alongside you two next year! I don’t want all that yet – if ever! I’m all about the career, thank you very much.
A weekend together sounds great. Just us girls this time?
Love, Elle
xxx
***
Week Twenty
To: Elle Muir, Gemma Howard
From: Ciara Bree
Subject: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I had a fab boy-free weekend. We HAVE to do that more often!
Guess what the squealing’s about? Zack showed me the plans for the internal layout of the house he’s having built, saying he wants to decorate it together. As in, both of us. As in, we’re going to be living there. TOGETHER!
It won’t be finished for months yet, but I can’t help but be excited. Who knew I could get so excited over something commitment-like. Maybe marriage wouldn’t be such a stretch.
Any news/goss?
Love, Cia
xxx
***
To: Ciara Bree, Elle Muir
From: Gemma Howard
; Subject: News/Goss
Amazing Cia! I’m so happy for you. Papa Muir might get his wedding next year after all. Dibs on Maid of Honour – I can make us t-shirts for the hen night!
I have some news too. It’s terrifying, and I haven’t told Brian just yet, but I think I’m pregnant. Since yesterday I’ve bought twelve tests, peed on every single one, and only two were negative.
Very, very scary. But also quite exciting.
Love (because I’m now a believer)
Gem
xxx
***
To: Ciara Bree, Gemma Howard
From: Elle Muir
Subject: Tempted to swear like Ciara
I’m sitting in the fanciest restaurant in Florence, about to email you three with some of my own news and screamed full blast when I read your emails.
Oh my god we’re going to be aunties! Congratulations Gem!
Cia, I’m so happy for you. Now get working on that ring. If you like you can tell Zack the blunt knife has rusted up nicely…
And I know I’m a contradicting bitch, but I’m now an engaged one. The minute he asked me to marry him I knew it’s what I really wanted.
Crossing my fingers for a triple wedding next year!
Since you called dibs on Ciara’s wedding, Gem, I’m pre-claiming yours. But there will be no more t-shirts.
Cia, would you like to be my maid of honour?
Love you all, even more than Marco (just)
Elle
xxx
***
To: Ciara Bree, Elle Muir
From: Gemma Howard
Subject: More EEEEEEEEEEEES
Congratulations! I knew you were a romantic deep down, Elle!
Brian took the news well. He asked me to move in to see if we’ll work prior to the baby coming. I don’t think it will be a problem. I’m hot for him ALL the time now my hormones are out of sync, and a lack of sex is what ends a relationship 80% of the time, isn’t it? If not, don’t tell me!
We need to get together to plan this wedding. Maybe at Papa Muirs? He won’t want to be left out.
Cia, how are things?
Love, Gem
xxx
***
To: Gemma Howard, Elle Muir
From: Ciara Bree
Subject: Look at us, all grown up
Elle & Gem, that’s amazing news. I’m so happy for you and definitely up for a get together to plan the wedding! As I’m not planning to have one anytime soon, can we change the location? Papa Muir scares me.
Zack and I have talked a lot about marriage. He’s been pressured to do it before and doesn’t want to ask me to marry him until his granddad stops forcing the issue. I’ve realised that I’d actually love to be Mrs Ciara Muir, but I’m not worried it won’t happen. He showed me his mum’s ring and asked if it was something I’d want to wear (it’s gorgeous, really) when he proposes. So I know it’s on the cards one day. I’m just thrilled to have a second chance with him. It’s more than I deserve.
Really excited to be an aunt, too. I can teach the baby how to cuss properly when he or she’s older ;o)
Elle, Gem’s t-shirts are our thing! We have to wear them.
Now I have to go. My man has a romantic night planned for me which I’m sure Elle doesn’t want to hear about.
Love you both always,
Cia
Xxx
About the Author
All my life I’ve been dreaming up stories. My mum said when I was little I used to make all the My Little Pony figurines talk to each other and even fall in love. Later, it was Barbie and Ken. In my teens, I played matchmaker with my friends at school. When I wasn’t creating imaginary scenarios, I had my nose stuck in books, reading across genres and there was one thing I loved more than the escapism—the fact a story could touch me so deeply, like I was experiencing everything along with my characters. I knew from early on this was something I wanted to do for others. Fast forward a few years and the dream almost got lost in real life, but I still couldn’t shake it completely.
Now I write sizzling romance with the hope of making my readers’ hearts race as if they are falling in love for the first time.
You can follow me on Twitter @AimeeDuffyx.
Also by Aimée Duffy
Sinfully Summer
The Christmas Crashers
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