Page 58 of Wild Scottish Fortune

But I also knew that if we went that route, quick to bed, she’d also likely move me quickly out the door. If Orla hadn’t had a lot of relationships in her life, then keeping things casual was likely the most emotionally safe route for her. I didn’t want to be someone she dismissed quickly.

I wanted her, in every way, in my life.

And to do so, I had to make sure she didn’t push me out.

As much as it killed me, I broke the kiss and pulled her to my body, simply holding her.

“What are you doing?” Orla’s voice was breathy at my ear.

“It’s called a hug, Orla.”

“Why are you hugging me?”

“Because it feels nice.”

“But other things were feeling nicer.” To prove her point, Orla rubbed against where I’d grown hard in my trousers. I groaned, turning to press a kiss to her hair. “Keep doing that, darling, and I’ll be embarrassed to walk out of here.”

“We could?—”

“Wheesht. Just try this for a moment.” It wasn’t surprising that a hug might seem more intimate to Orla than sex. Hugs were a vulnerable place to be with someoneyou cared for and required a level of trust. Orla stayed tense in my arms, and I continued to lightly stroke her back, holding her in place, until I could feel her body begin to relax against mine. Only when the tension had eased from her, molding her into a loose pile over me, did I turn my head so I could brush a soft kiss over her lips.

“See? Not so bad, is it?”

“You told me you brought a present for Goldie.”

Changing the subject, I noted, but allowed it. I considered my time here tonight a win. I’d become sharply clear on what I wanted for the future, and Orla didn’t seem to hold resentment against me for my mother’s behavior.

“So I did. You’ll have to introduce me.” I toyed with a lock of her hair that had tumbled out of her scrunchie. “I want you to know the only reason I left you on the steps was to confront my mother. She needed to know that her behavior was unacceptable. I’ve cut her off, just so you know.”

“Fin!” Orla tried to rear back, but I held her tight until she grumbled and nestled into my arms again. “You don’t have to cut your mother out because of me.”

“I put up boundaries, for many reasons, one of which was for her cruelty. It was time for me to protect my own mental health, as well as that of the people that I care about. No longer will I cater blindly to someone who doesn’t truly love me.”

“Oh, Fin. I’m sorry. That must be such a hard line to draw.”

“We’ll see how it goes. She didn’t take it well, but her own actions caused this.”

“But is she your only family? Don’t you want to hang on to that?”

I met Orla’s eyes, bringing my hand up to hold her cheek.

“Wouldn’t you say we get to make our own families? If we choose to?”

“Aye, I’d agree with that.”

Orla surprised me by leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to my lips, both a promise and a reassurance. She might not be thinking what I was thinking, about our future, but she clearly sensed something more was there. I would take what I could get for now.

“Now, are you ready to introduce me to Goldie?”

“It depends on the gift. If it’s shite, she might not want to meet you.”

“I would never bring a shite gift for Queen Goldie.” I held a hand to my chest in mock distress.

“Well, in that case, let’s see it.”

“Bag is right there.” I kept Orla on my lap as she leaned over and picked up the small gift bag. She took her time opening it, carefully unfolding the tissue, and I realized she was savoring the moment, as well as the paper. She’d use it all again, I realized, much unlike how my mother ripped open presents and tossed the wrapping away. This simple realization made me want to give Orla the world.

“A pirate ship?” Orla held it up to the light.

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