Twenty-Six

 

I drifted to the kitchen as Aidan took his time splashing more whiskey into our glasses. I drank deeply from the tap, feeling the chill of the night air through the kitchen window, though the glass was closed. When I'd drunk my fill, I hurried back to the warmth by the fire.

Aidan held up the whiskey, glowing gold in the firelight. I crossed the tiles to claim mine. The floor felt like a heaving sea as the whiskey swirled within me, but I touched my fingers to Aidan's shoulder to steady myself before reaching for my drink.

His face split in a wide grin beneath his ocean-deep eyes. "I think you've had enough. What'll you give me for it?"

The whiskey must have cost him a fair bit of money, so it seemed fitting that I paid for my share of it. I shrugged. "What do you want for it?"

His smile shrank, becoming more thoughtful. "You could start with a kiss."

I looked into those yearning, deep-water eyes of a man who seemed all fire. It's been a long time, but I think I still remember how.

I cautiously placed my hands on the sides of Aidan's face and touched my lips to his. His mouth was open, so the draught of his breath cooled my lips for the briefest moment before I pulled away.

"Fuck that!" He strode to the coffee table and clunked the glasses down. His hands were empty for barely a moment before they were splayed warmly on my back. "Belinda. That's not a kiss."

I moved with him as he pulled me closer, one of his hands travelling up to the back of my neck as the other drifted down to the small of my back. My nipples tightened as they touched the fiery hair on his chest, yet I leaned in closer still.

He bowed his head as I tilted mine up. I wet my lips and parted them, feeling fear for the first time. Perhaps I have forgotten how to do this. This is a stupid idea.

Aidan pressed his mouth to mine, layering our lips as we shared a breath. His smiling blue eyes drooped to show blue-veined lids as his tongue stroked mine.

I haven't forgotten. This is new and I'm going to...I'm going to...

His shoulders were smooth beneath my questing fingers, his lips warm and responsive as I deepened my kiss. I felt his chuckle rumble through both of us, though I couldn't see him with my eyes closed. He tasted of whiskey with a hint of chocolate and I wanted more...

"Now that's a kiss."

I opened my eyes to meet his triumphant smile, softening even as I watched.

"Wow, Bel. What do I need to do for another one of those?" Aidan asked, his happiness clear on his face.

My heart swelled in my chest, like a froth of bubbles begging to be released. I laughed my merriment aloud. My smile matched his as I said, "Give me one."

The second kiss was easier than the first, for my fear and reserve had melted clear away. Not the whiskey's fire in my blood. This fire is all mine. And I'm going to enjoy him to the fullest.

I threw my head back to laugh, breaking his lip-lock. His chest hair tickled my breasts, inflaming more laughter.

Aidan looked at me, mystified. "You're drunk," he guessed.

I shook my head. "Maybe. I don't know. Now, isn't it my turn?"

His smile returned. "No, mine."

A slow smile spread across my face. "If you insist..."