“Why don’t I cook for a change—”
He turns me around, pressing his mouth on mine, and pushes me against the foyer wall. I put my hand on the nape of his neck, encouraging him. He hasn’t been this passionate in a while, and I enjoy the attention. But my stomach growls so loud it resembles the sound of a hungry tiger.
I come up for air. “I’m sorry. Not very romantic.”
“We’ll take care of that.” He drags me by the hand into the kitchen.
“I said I could cook dinner. What would you like?”
Archie pulls out a chair and pats the seat. “Sit down. I’ll get us a wee snack.”
He opens the fridge and retrieves a small carton of fresh strawberries, then returns to the table and sits next to me.
“I love strawberries, but it’s not dinner,” I say.
“No. I wanted dessert first.” Archie picks up a single strawberry and outlines my lips before offering its juicy flesh.
“Mmm,” I say, taking a bite. “Where did you get these at this time of year? They taste fresh from the earth.”
“I don’t know. Most likely from California, but maybe Florida. I went grocery shopping before I met you at the park.”
He picks another and sucks on it before taking a bite, never removing his sexy eyes from mine. I pick a strawberry from the carton and lick its side. Archie adjusts the bulge swelling in his pants. I chuckle and take a bite of the heart-shaped fruit.
“You win,” I say, swallowing. “I was serious. I’ll cook us dinner. Aren’t you hungry?”
After eating another, he leans over and kisses me again, offering his tongue. “Aye, my love. Famished.” He winks at me.
Archie kneels on the floor, slowly unbuttons my jeans, and pulls the zipper down. I stare into his eyes, burning with desire, and bite my lip.
“Right here? In the kitchen? Wouldn’t the bed be more comfortable?”
He tugs at my jeans, chuckling. “I’m afraid you’ll change your mind before we get up the stairs.”
Wrinkles form between my eyes. “Have I been too aloof? I’m sorry.”
“You can make it up to me once you’re…” He pulls my panties and jeans off. “More engaged.”
I chortle as he spreads my legs, sliding his warm hands up my legs. He plants soft kisses on my inner thighs, working his way up my chilled skin. His hot breath warms me, making me wet, and I slide forward on the seat toward him. When he finds me, I lay my hand on the back of his head, urging him to continue. It’s been months since I felt this good. Why do I let the troubles of the world take precedence over the joy I have with the man I love?
While he feasts on me, I snatch another strawberry and suck on the tip, matching his prowess as he performs his magic. I enjoy his lovemaking and a few more berries until I can’t hold back. I swing a leg over his back, yelping with my release, and throw the remains of the fruit back on the table. He lays his head against my thigh, sporting an arrogant grin.
“Not aloof at all.” He kisses my inner thigh.
I run my hand through his locks. “Why do you put up with me and my shenanigans?”
“Because I love you, Gwynedd. You’re my heart and soul.”
I lean forward and rub my nose on his. “You’re my…everything.”
He pulls me off the chair, and I fall onto his torso. I kiss him, grinding my body against his groin, swollen and testing the zipper of his jeans. He unzips his pants and pushes them down, hooking the elastic of his boxer briefs on the way.
“Ahh,” he moans. “That’s much better.”
He rolls me over and enters me, starting slowly, and increases his speed with each thrust. At this moment, there are no others in the world. No kidnappers. No supernatural beings. No coven. Only the two of us expressing our passion for each other. If the universe would cooperate, everything would be perfect. Time warps and bends as we make love, so I’m not sure how long it is before Archie grunts with his release. I stroke his firm back while he caresses my face.
“I missed you, stubborn woman,” he says, panting.
“It’s only been four days. How would you survive a month?”
“Not well, apparently.” He rolls off me onto his side. “Gwyn, I truly am sorry about how I reacted to the incident with Seamus. Although I still think it’s risky, you should seek his help to strengthen your intuition.”
“Oh, hell no. How could I ever train with him again, knowing he’s in love with me? Or at least obsessed with my mother’s image in my aunt’s painting. I’d never have the focus I need. You know, he burned lavender incense. That should have tipped me off. He said it was to relax me.”
Archie’s brow furrows. “A wee bit alarming, no? Och, I can’t imagine he used it to influence you. Do you?”
“I’m not sure. A loner witch with poor social skills seems the type to resort to desperate measures. But I won’t embarrass him by asking.” I wipe my face. “Oh, my gods. The expression on his face. He wasn’t just crushed. He was humiliated.”
“Would you like me to talk with him? I’ll be cordial about the situation.”
“No. He asked me not to tell you. But I told him I couldn’t keep this from you. The next time you meet at school will probably be awkward.”
“Aye. I won’t mention what happened unless he brings up the topic.” He caresses my abdomen. “How will you proceed with your intuition?”
“I may ask Aunt Gorawen. I avoided the topic in our video chats because she prefers I increase my use of the crystal grid at a snail’s pace. She’d have a strong opinion about me training with Seamus as well. There would be scolding.”
Archie chuckles. “No doubt about that. A family trait, no?”
“Hmph,” I say, squinting. “Very. Funny.”
