Page 109 of Isla

We takethe motorcycle to Lorna's, and I'm not going to lie, wrapping my arms around his torso and feeling him between my thighs does things to me that I'm not proud of. Lorna lives on a beautiful farm at the very far end of the Isle of Lewis, right on the water. Jack and I have both begged her to move back to the castle, but I can't blame her for not wanting to leave her little slice of heaven. Plus, the kids love their school and their friends. But I miss my sister.

I can't help but laugh as we turn into her driveaway. There are flowers and animalseverywhere. To our left, a family of short, hairy pigs tries to keep up with us, lumbering through the tall grass, their babies squealing. Lorelei pops out of the woods on the right, holding a duck under one arm, waving so hard I'm scared she may dislocate her shoulder. She sets the duck down as we pass and runs behind us, the duck taking flight and beating us all to the house.

Lorna is waiting for us just outside the front door, Daniel on herhip, both framed by thick, glossy jasmine that has taken it upon itself to absolutely cover the front of the house. A thick brunette braid hangs over one of Lorna's shoulders, loose pieces of hair framing high cheekbones. Her peaches and cream complexion sets off navy blue eyes and rosebud lips. I may be biased, but she is truly the most beautiful woman in the world. I nearly trip as I'm getting off the motorcycle, tossing Henry my helmet as I run to her. She sets Daniel down just in time for me to barrel into her, and I squeeze her as tightly as I can.

"God, I missed you," I whisper, breathing her in. She's been using the same perfume since I can remember, and I inhale the peppery, salty scent and feel like I'm home.

"First, let me see that ring," she says, kissing me on the cheek before pulling back to grab my hand. "Oh, Isla. It's perfect!" She admires it, turning my hand side to side to see all the colors in the stone.

"And you must be Henry," she says, putting her hands on her hips as she cranes her neck to look up at him. "What are your intentions with my sister?"

"To marry her and knock her up," Henry says without preamble.

Lorna snorts. "I was joking, but damn. Good for you." She grins up at him, studying his face before giving him a quick hug. "If you're a friend–or more–of my sister's, you're a friend of mine. Just don't hurt her, or I'll have to kill you." She drags her thumb across her throat, winks at him, then turns away from us both, extending her arm toward the beauty she's created. "Welcome to Misty Meadows Farm."

"It was quite the welcome," Henry chuckles. "I would love a tour if you have the time. Growing up, I was one of those kids who always wanted animals but never had any. This seems like heaven to me."

Daniel tugs at the hem of my shirt, and I haul him into my arms, kissing his chubby cheeks. He immediately tries to push a sticky finger into my mouth.

"Of course! I made a light lunch. I can give you a tour after we eat," she says, ushering all of us inside the house.

She leads us into the dining room, where she has a table set withbeautiful china and a huge bouquet of gorgeous flowers in the center. "It's nothing fancy, just some sandwiches and a fruit salad. There's ham salad, egg salad, and tuna salad. White and whole wheat bread."

"You didn't need to do this, Lorna," I protest, my mouth watering at the spread.

"You know I like to spoil you," she says, winking, motioning for us to sit.

"Isla says I should ask you about your doctorate," Henry says, eating his sandwich in two bites.

"She did, did she?" Lorna asks, giving me a look I know well–one that means she'll get me back later. I can't help the grin that pulls at my lips, and I try to hide it with a huge bite of ham salad sandwich. This is going to be fun to watch.

55

Ifeel the same pang I always do as Henry and I leave Lorna's to head home. We only live thirty minutes apart, but with each of us having our own lives, we don't get to see each other as often as I would like. After practically begging, I finally convinced her to get a babysitter and come to the masquerade party next weekend. I'm excited to watch her let loose and relax for a change.

I can't help but be in awe of what she showed us on the farm. In addition to all of the animals, she's been hybridizing dahlias. She had fields and fields of new colors and types in development, the buds just starting to bloom in a gorgeous display. Her dream has always been to be able to make a living off the farm, and this year, she'll finally be able to do that. Instead of selling the flowers like most people would, she's focusing on selling the tubers, which she said provide an exact clone of the plant, so the customer will know exactly what type of flower they're buying. It’s also much less labor-intensive since she doesn't have to worry about cross-pollinating. I'm incredibly proud of her, but I worry that so much time spent on the farm means she won't be putting herself out there to meet someone. She deserves a guy that who will take care of her and appreciate what an amazing woman she is.

It'slate afternoon by the time Henry and I get home, and I can sense the nervous energy flowing through him. He's jumpy, his muscles rippling every time I touch him, his cock permanently tenting the front of his pants. It's not just him, either. My body feels like a live wire, electricity crackling through me every time I think about what's happening tonight. My heartbeat has taken residence between my legs, creating an ache that only one thing will fix.

"What are the plans for tonight?" I ask, sliding off the motorcycle and setting the helmet on the seat. "Because I'd be more than happy if you throw me over your shoulder, take me to the cottage, and have your way with me right this very second."

"Do you really think I waited all this time not to have this planned out down to the tiniest detail?" he asks, holding the door for me.

"No." I pout, sticking out my lip.

"Pack for two nights while I go and run an errand. We'll be alone, so bring whatever you'll be comfortable wearing. And a swimsuit unless you want to swim naked."

"Can you give me a little clue?" I beg. I need some idea so I know what to pack.

"We'll be on a sailboat."

"You know how to sail?" I ask, surprised.

"Not exactly." He winks, then leaves me wondering what the heck he means by that. Eventually, I give up trying to puzzle through it and pack some comfy clothes and a swimsuit. I take a quick body-only shower, throw on a sundress, and grab a sweater to ward off the chill. Glancing in the mirror, I fuss with my hair for a couple of seconds before giving up and clipping it back in a messy bun. By the time I’m heading back downstairs, my overnight bag in hand, Henry is just coming back, entering through the front door looking windswept. All rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes.

"Ready?" he asks, giving me an appreciative look from head to toe.

"I don't think I've ever been more ready for anything in my life," I confess, stretching on my tiptoes to give him a kiss before walking outthe door. He stows our bags in the trunk and jogs around the car to the passenger side just as I'm reaching to open it. He swats my hand away and cages me against the car, the little growl in his throat setting me on fire.

---