Highland Fling (3 page)

Something inside him softened and the urge to pull her into an embrace hit hard. Which didn’t settle well with him—not after that sensual moment at her place two months ago. Touching her in any way or form was best to be avoided.

Instead of reaching for her, he offered a gruff, “Let’s get you out of here, Lana.”

The area between her brows wrinkled. “What did you call me?”

Shite, had he called her the name aloud? Lana had been the nickname in his head for a while now, but he’d never let it slip. Then again, during the past few months their working relationship had shifted. Had become not quite so employer and employee. Though he wasn’t sure how he’d qualify what it had become.

Sliding a gaze over her, he took in her blonde hair that was nearly out of the low ponytail, the thick, cream, knit sweater that fell to her thighs, and then the tight jeans that were tucked into calf-high brown boots.

It suited her girl-next-door persona and sexy-without-trying appearance right now.

“Just a nickname,” he murmured. “Didn’t realize I’d even used it.”

She gave a shrug, her mind clearly elsewhere again. “It’s fine, it just surprised me more than anything. My family used to call me that. I was named after my mom’s best friend.”

Her words grew fainter as she glanced around the apartment. The shock and helplessness in her eyes made him realize she was still trying to digest what she was seeing.

“You’ll not be able to sort out anything here,” he said quietly. “Let’s go find some place to grab a coffee. Sweets. Something.”

He just needed to get her out of here. With the appearance of this apartment being abandoned, two people wandering around inside would only draw unwanted attention.

Delonna finally nodded. “You’re right. I need to sit down and get my head on straight. I can’t do that here.”

She turned and moved away from him, making a beeline for the door, leaving Aleck rushing to keep up with her.

“I’m sorry if I freaked you guys out,” she muttered, giving him a quick glance. “I’ll just head home. You really don’t need to waste any more of your Saturday night on me.”

“I’ve no plans.”
Blatant lie
. He stayed by her side. “And you’re not exactly in any state to be driving. Coffee first. I insist.”

“You insist?” She arched a brow and then waited as he stepped out onto the walkway outside of the apartment, then shut the door and locked it with a key. “And what if I still say no.”

“Then I’ll throw you over my shoulder, toss you into my car and personally drive you to coffee.” He paused. “Kidding, of course.”

“Of course.” Her lips quirked as they walked down the stairs and to the parking lot together.

He glanced around the parking lot. “Where’s your car? I didn’t see it driving in.”

“I parked on a side road. I didn’t want to alert James to my presence. I’ll just grab it and meet you…where did you say you wanted to go?”

“I didn’t.” He frowned, not liking the idea of her driving off alone right now. “Why don’t you ride with me and I’ll bring you back in a bit?”

Her steps faltered and she shook her head, but didn’t say no. The utterly lost look in her eyes had his heart clenching.

“Don’t over think it, Lana.” He caught her hand and tugged her toward his car. She didn’t resist and a moment later was seated in the passenger seat.

He climbed behind the wheel, started the vehicle and drove them out of the parking lot. While he’d promised her coffee in Seattle, he wasn’t sure where the fook to go. He was an island boy now, and rarely left Whidbey except on random outings. And now he was supposed to take her to a coffee house? Shite, he’d probably just end up at a Starbucks.

Fortunately, several miles down the road, his lights cut through the drizzle and landed on a coffee shop in a small plaza. And they were still open—which was quite the difference from Whidbey where so many places closed by nine.

Delonna had remained silent on the short drive, and when he cast a glance her way, her eyes were closed. Despite the tension around her mouth and brows drawn together, she managed to look utterly exhausted.

“We’re here.” He probably needn’t have announced it, but she didn’t seem to be in any hurry to move. “And I think you may need a triple shot.”

She opened her eyes, turned her head against the seat and gave a hint of a smile. “Of vodka? You’re on.”

“Espresso, you cheeky drunk,” he teased lightly.

“Well nobody ever said you were a good time, boss boy.”

“I’m an incredibly good time, not that you’d know.”

“Mmm hmm.”

Their teasing, easygoing dynamics were natural and fell easily into place. Under the hint of streetlight, their gazes didn’t move from each other. Something shifted and something flickered in her eyes. A memory. An awareness.

She lowered her lashes and glanced away, unbuckling her seatbelt. A moment later she had her door open and slid out, muttering, “Let’s get that coffee.”

He followed her out of his car and set the locks behind him. With her walking in front of him, it gave him an unwanted moment to briefly slide his gaze over the brilliant curve of her arse.

And you’re a bastart for noticing
.

“Ooo La Latte?” She glanced back at him. “Hmm. Let’s see if the coffee is a good as the name.”

The interior of the coffee shop was cozy with soft lighting. There were soft leather chairs and a couch, and then smaller tables spread about. Paper star lanterns hung over the tables, casting a fun and intimate light.

The tempting smell of coffee beans hit his nostrils and he drew in a deep breath, appreciating it. Generally he was a tea drinker, but now and then he enjoyed a good coffee beverage—so long as it was blended with enough sugary things.

“What’ll you have? I’ll order it for you, if you’ll grab us a table?”

She glanced at the chalkboard menu on the wall. “Get me a large pumpkin latte—with those two extra shots. And thanks.”

While she wandered off to grab a corner table, he ordered their drinks—choosing the same drink she had, minus the extra shots. He was already wired enough.

As the barista made their drinks, a thought slid through his head. Right about now he should’ve been on the island, shagging his date. It was the first time he’d really dwelled on it since making the decision to go after Delonna.

Did he regret it?

He thought about it for a moment, considered what could be happening and what was happening instead. He slid a glance over to Delonna. Her elbows were on the table and she had her palms pressed against her forehead. She’d taken her hair all the way out of the ponytail and it fell over her shoulder now.

She looked vulnerable, and somehow angry as fook. Despite his determination to never go there in his head again, he thought back on that moment a couple months ago.

He’d been lightly cupping her face, stroking a finger down her jaw and trying like mad to maintain control and not act on the alarming instinct to kiss her. And then she’d taken the choice out of his hands by pressing her soft, lush body against him and kissing him first.

Then
he’d lost control.
Then
he’d kissed the ever-lovin’ hell out of her. And at least once a day since then, he wondered what it would’ve been like if they hadn’t stopped.

As he stared at her, Delonna’s gaze lifted and ran from his toes to the top of his head. When she finally met his stare, a hint of a guilty smile curved her lips before she looked away.

He made a soft grunt as their order was called, and hid a smile of his own. No. There were definitely no regrets about coming after her tonight.

Chapter Three

Great. As if Aleck’s ego wasn’t big enough, he’d just caught her checking him out.

And, sadly, after a few moments she couldn’t stop herself from sneaking another glance at him. Fortunately he was collecting their drinks.

Though no one would blame her for looking at Aleck McLaughlin. There was no doubt about it—the man was sex on a stick. And more and more lately she’d been tempted to take a lick. Which had been pretty shitty of her, seeing as she had a boyfriend.

Had
being the keyword now.
Mother fucking son of a bitch
. God, she wanted to cut off his balls and shove them down his throat. She couldn’t think about it. The more she thought about how screwed she was, the more depressed and despondent she got.

“Your pumpkin latte.”

She glanced at the steaming cup of fragrant coffee, and then up at him.

“Thank you.” After wrapping her hands around the hot porcelain, she lifted it to her lips and took a small sip.

“Is it as good as the name of the shop?”

She glanced up through her lashes and found his gaze on her. Or more so, her mouth. The dark heat in his eyes warmed her belly more than the coffee. Feeling strangely unsettled, she gave a nervous laugh.

“It’s even better. Best pumpkin latte I’ve had, hands down.”

“I’ll agree. Though to be honest, this is my first.”

“A virgin, hmm?” And why had she said that? Flirting was second nature to her, but she had to watch herself with Aleck nowadays.

Sure enough, when she made the mistake of catching his gaze, his eyes were alight with amusement and a hint of lazy awareness.

“Aye, and maybe the only area in my life I can actually say that.”

Her heart did a little flip and she swallowed against the butterflies in her stomach. More and more lately he’d been making her feel like this—the kiss had only made it worse.

And it was wrong on so many levels, because fantasizing about your boss could only be trouble. And clearly she had enough trouble as it was.

“Why not use a bank?”

She blinked, struggling to focus on and understand his question.

“A bank.”

“For your money.”

She snapped right back into reality. He must’ve realized the dangerous waters of their conversation and changed the topic. Mission accomplished. The last thing on her mind now was getting it on with Aleck.

“I use a bank.” She gave a small shrug. “But I prefer to use cash for spending money. To have some around in case of an emergency, or, you know, if something catastrophic happened.”

“I’m not sure cash will be in demand during the zombie apocalypse, but you’re probably smart to have it anyway.”

An honest laugh escaped her and she allowed a small smile. “Well, I was thinking more devastating earthquake, but zombie apocalypse works too.”

“You’re quite morbid, you realize that.”

“I’m practical. I’ll bet you don’t even have an emergency food and water stash.”

“I’ve more liquor than I know what to do with.”

“At the pub, I’m sure, but do you plan to live there and indulge in vodka martinis?”

“And why not? Sounds like a champion way to go out as you’re warding off zombies.” His grin slipped a little. “That’s a very mature way of thinking, by the way. Having so much money saved on hand. Having so much money saved at all really.”

Her mouth tightened. “I’m not ten.”

“No, that you’re not.” He gave a somewhat forced laugh. “What I’m saying is that most women in their early twenties seem to be more concerned about having fun, or are off at college.”

“I don’t have the desire or money to go to college right now.” Her slight smile slid down into a frown. “I make a lot of money working as a bartender. While those in college are accruing debt, I’m accruing savings. Or was, anyway. And, besides, you know I enjoy my job.”

He gave a small nod, and there was no judgment in his gaze. “Aye. You do.”

She didn’t add what else she’d been saving the money for. Who knew how he’d react? Maybe he’d be irritated. Discouraging. Either way, she didn’t want to deal with it.

Sliding her gaze back to her drink, she took another sip.

“I assume you’ll file a report with the police?”

Her hand clenched around the cup at Aleck’s quiet question.

“I don’t know. I hate to involve them.” She met his gaze warily. “I didn’t report all my tips to the IRS.”

“I’m fairly sure that’s quite common for people in our industry. It shouldn’t stop you from going to the police. I hardly think Colin will turn you in to the IRS.” His lips twitched, before he grew serious again. “You need to file a report, Lana.”

Her stomach clenched. Kenzie had said the same thing. “I know. I will.”

“Good. I’ll text Colin and give him a head’s up that you’ll be coming by the station.”

Her head whipped up and she met his knowing gaze. He’d essentially called her bluff, and she
had
been bluffing.

“This wasn’t penny change taken from you. You can’t allow the bastart to get away with this.”

Bastart. God, when his Scottish accent thickened and he dropped little words that were so clearly not local, she got a little shivery.

Focus on the meaning of the words, Delonna, not how he says them
. He was right. As much as she didn’t want to involve the police, she’d be stupid not to.

“I know.” She nodded. “Go ahead and text Colin. That’d be great, actually.”

Aleck nodded and slipped his phone out of his pocket, deftly typing and sending a text. He looked up a moment later. “I’ll follow you home tonight.”

“Follow me home?” Her brows rose. “Why?”

“Just to make sure you’re safe. Kenzie is working late, though I’m not quite sure she’d even be there anyway from what I understand.”

“No, she goes to Brett’s more often than not now.” She finished her drink, a little sad that the last delicious drop was gone. “But I’ll be fine. Really, there’s no need—”

“This isn’t up for debate.”

She gave a faint smile. “You’re kind of a bully.”

“Aye, it wouldn’t be the first time I was told that.” He finished his drink and set the cup down. “Shall we?”

“Yeah. I guess we’d better.”

They stood and walked out together, waving goodbye to the friendly barista, who wished them a good night.

When they arrived back outside James’s apartment, her stomach had that leaden feeling again and another wave of misery swept through her. All that money. Gone. Along with the man she’d dated for over a year. Clearly her instincts in judging people were for shit.

“You sure you’re okay to drive?”

She gave a humorless smile and glanced over at Aleck. “I’m not full of alcohol, just self-loathing.”

His brows furrowed and he opened his mouth to say something, but she didn’t want to hear it.

She climbed out of the car and called out, “See you in my rearview, boss boy.”

Aleck held her to that promise. He ensured they were never separated by more than one or two cars, keeping her taillights in his vision at all times.

They were lucky in their timing and drove onto one of the ferries with only a few minutes’ wait. She didn’t go upstairs during the crossing, but sat in her car, so he did the same.

He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and stared at her through her back window. She looked as if she were asleep with her head back against the headrest and not moving.

Full of self-loathing, she’d said. Why? She was too hard on herself. Aleck hadn’t much cared for her boyfriend, but he couldn’t have predicted the arse would do this kind of thing. Some people were just shoddy pricks.

The boat pulled into the dock and she shifted in her seat, clearly awake now.

As they drove off the boat and onto the island, the first thick raindrops hit his windshield. Shite. Nothing like driving in a heavy rainstorm at night, on the dark tree-lined roads of the island. He slowed down, knowing deer could dart across the road at any point. Delonna seemed to be in a similar mindset and decreased her speed as well.

By the time they reached the busier and artificially brighter side of the island—Oak Harbor—it was nearing midnight. Aleck pulled his car into the driveway behind her and climbed out. Delonna was already halfway to the door and cast him a backward glance.

“I made it. Thanks for the escort, but you can head out now.”

“Aye, you made it to your front porch, but I’ll see you safely inside if you don’t mind.”

Under the porch light he saw a flash of uncertainty in her eyes, but then her lashes fell and she nodded. “Always the gentleman.”

“I try.”

She unlocked her door and stepped inside. He followed just steps behind her.

When she hit the lights, they both looked around the interior. Not sure what he’d expected to find, he was relieved to see everything in close range appeared to be in order. Without a word, he stepped past her and moved through the house, checking each room and closet for a sign of anyone.

“No one’s here,” she called out, exasperation in her words. “Well, besides us.”

Without acknowledging her protest, he opened the door to another room and slid his gaze over it.

“Wait, don’t go in there.”

Aleck stumbled to the side as she shoved past him and then dove past him into the room. He watched in dismay as she knocked some kind of long, cylinder pink thing off the nightstand.

Shaking his head, he muttered, “What the—”

“Nothing. You saw nothing.”

“Actually, I’m quite sure I just saw your vibrator.”

“You saw nothing, dammit!”

He couldn’t help but laugh as her face turned scarlet.

“There’s no shame in masturbation, Lana. I’ll not be judging you or your Naughty Rabbit, Pink Wand of Pleasure, Tantric Teaser, or whatever it is you call it—”

“Shut the fuck up!” Eyes wide with mortification, Delonna glared at him. “And I take back everything I just said about you being a gentleman.”

His lips quirked as he made an effort to contain his smile. So Delonna was into toys, aye? Did that mean she embraced her kinky side?

He suddenly recalled her making some joke, months back, about Aleck turning her over his knee and her liking it. He’d nearly gone hard at the time thinking about that scenario. But maybe she’d just been teasing to get him riled. And maybe the vibrator was just relief because her boyfriend wasn’t getting the job done.

The image of her getting it on with James made him a bit irritable, so he pushed that thought from his mind. But the idea of her spending some alone time with the toy…

“Nice. And now you’ve got that look in your eyes,” she accused, shoving past him and out of the room again.

Shite. He didn’t bother to ask what look, because he knew what look. The look that clearly spelled out just what he’d been envisioning.

“As you can see, the house is empty. So while I appreciate all you’ve done, it’s probably time for you to go.”

“Probably,” he agreed and backed out of her room, closing the door behind him.

He followed her to the front door, where she held it open and waited for him to leave.

Pausing at the door, he glanced down at her. “You’ll be all right then?”

Her humiliation seemed to subside as she sighed and gave a small nod. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for being concerned about me tonight enough to follow me to Seattle and back.”

All right, it sounded a little extreme when she put it that way.

“I was concerned. Still am.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Her blue-green hazel eyes clouded and there was a flicker of unease in them.

“You will be fine,” he agreed and reached out to draw the backs of two fingers down her cheek.

The gesture had meant to be reassuring, but the air between them came instantly alive with something else.

For a moment he was thrown back to that day over the summer when they’d been in a similar position. When she’d stared at him with heat in her eyes, before she’d gone to her tiptoes and kissed him.

Every muscle in his body went taut at the memory of how her lips had felt beneath his. The seductive spontaneity and sensuality of it all. Later, she’d blamed it on the prescription pain meds she’d been given.

It was a plausible explanation. Maybe. Or maybe she’d just wanted to kiss him. Delonna had always been a harmless flirt with everyone. But mostly with him.

Her heard the shift in her breathing, as if she felt the sudden change in the air between them too. Felt the thick, swirling sexual tension. The pull of another impending kiss.

Instinct had him lowering his head and her lashes swept down again. The hand on his chest made him pause.

“You need to go.” Her words were husky. Uneven. For a moment, disorientation claimed him. Then he remembered where they were and all that had happened tonight. Shite.

“Aye. I’ll be on my way.” He stepped back from her and gave a small nod. “Call if you need anything.”

“I will,” she promised. “Night, boss boy.”

“Good night, Lana.”

Without a backward glance, he turned and left the house. The door closed, and the slide of the deadbolt sounded.

Good girl
.