Page 16 of Bargain Match

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

I clench my teeth together as a vision of the only thing that could ease some of the pain below my belt. Well, besides the ice pack.

“I’m good,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Well, if you change your mind?—”

“Hadley, go to sleep.”

The bed shifts next to me as she settles back under the covers. Once she’s no longer hovering over me, I release a breath.

I really don’t know what hurts more. The kick to the balls I took earlier, or how badly I want her.

***

After tossing and turning most of the night, I finally fall asleep sometime around dawn.

Fortunately, our room has blackout curtains, so Hadley and I have no problem sleeping late.

No problem until we make our way downstairs and we have to face a sea of knowing smirks and more than a few comments from the villagers who have gathered for an afternoon drink.

Whatever. Let them think what they think. All I know is that I hope our date at the castle tonight goes better than how dinner ended last night.

We have two weeks in Scotland. That’s two weeks to impress and romance Hadley. But, it’s Valentine’s Day. And after spending most of it sleeping and fighting jet lag, I’d like to leave a better impression.

With a little help from Malcolm—who turns out to be an easier guy to talk to when there’s no one else around—I’m standing at the bottom of the stairs holding a bouquet of flowers when it’s time for us to leave.

I tug at the tie around my neck. I’m not used to wearing anything this formal. But when you’re headed to a Scottish castle with the woman you’ve been in love with for years, you dress the part.

Behind my shoulder, someone releases a low whistle. Glaring to silence him, I turn to look up the stairs.

And I lose my breath.

Hadley is… stunning.

Her strawberry blonde curls are loose and flowing over her shoulders. And somehow she’s wearing a form-fitting emerald green dress made from a soft-looking fabric. A fabric that makes me long to reach out and touch her even more than usual.

She smiles at me as she reaches the bottom of the steps. “Hello there. You look handsome.”

Still feeling dazed, I thrust out the bouquet. “These are for you.”

“Oh.” She raises them to her nose and takes a deep breath. “They’re gorgeous.”

“So are you.”

Her cheeks flush, and I finally snap out of it. Taking her hand, I lead her through the room full of staring locals and out to our car.

Not for the first time, I wish the rental was bigger. I know she’s perfectly capable of driving, and I know it’s old-fashioned, but I wish I was the one picking her up and driving her for our first official date.

It must be Scotland and all of its traditions rubbing off on me.

We don’t say much on the drive. It’s not for a lack of trying on Hadley’s part. She raises several subjects, even as she navigates the rainy backroads from our inn to the next village.

For my part, I don't contribute much. I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to peel that dress right off of her and see if she’s as soft under it.

“What do they call castles in Scotland?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug, startled by the sudden change in subject. “Castles in Scotland.”

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