Page 47 of The Castle in the Bay

His cheeks and his neck burned. ‘Um… no.’

‘You should do that. Then it doesn’t really matter what happens. It’s not like you’ll have to see them again.’

‘I’m not sure I want to do that.’

‘How do you know unless you try? In fact…’ She glanced around as if checking for other people, which made Monty grin, because who on earth would be out here with them? ‘This is exactly the right time for you to do it.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You’re on holiday. Have a fling. People do it all the time.’

‘You want me just to walk into the pub in the village and pick up a random stranger?’

She chuckled and shook her head. ‘You could do that, but you might end up with old Billy and I wouldn’t advise that.’

‘Not funny.’

She gave him a little nudge. ‘I’ll do it. I volunteer.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you having a laugh?’

‘No. It’s not like you’ll be my first.’

‘Oh great. That makes it sound so much better.’

‘Stop it.’ She laughed again. ‘Relax. Enjoy yourself. Life’s too short. If you want to have a holiday fling, I’m your girl.’ She gave him a wink. ‘But if you don’t, then fine. The offer’s on the table. You decide what you want to do with it.’

‘What would you get out of it?’

She glanced at him and frowned. ‘Whatever you have to offer.’

‘What if that’s boring vanilla?’

‘Who cares?’ She threw out her hands. ‘It’s not like I’m wanting to marry you. And I’ll tell you what I like, show you if you want. It could be for your benefit in the future.’

Monty stared at her, not sure he was still awake or even really here. Had he maybe fainted on the boat and this was all a very bizarre dream? Was she propositioning him? He’d never had that before. But maybe she was right. Thiswasthe chance to do something different. Once he left, in just over a week, he was unlikely ever to return – not for a long time anyway. So why not?

‘Well, ok… But not out here… I’m not that adventurous.’

‘Neither am I.’ She smiled. ‘Not when so many boats pass by, but how about just one kiss to start us off?’

He cocked his head. ‘Only if you promise not to get grumpy this time.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘The last time I kissed you, you were grouchy with me for ages after that.’ Even though it couldn’t have been that long, not in real terms, but it felt like it.

‘Ok. I’ll be a good girl and no grouching.’ She ran her palm over his stubbly cheek. He leaned into it, taking a long, slow breath. ‘You’re going to enjoy this, and so am I.’ She straddled him, took his face in her hands, and their eyes met. ‘You can even pretend I’m Sophie if you like.’ Iona gave him a wink.

Monty’s lungs felt thick, and he couldn’t get enough air. Sophie? Who was that? All he saw was Iona. He couldn’t remember what Sophie looked like.

‘Anything you’d like to try with her, you can practise with me. Within reason. Nothing too kinky.’

‘No need to worry about that.’ His voice was hoarse and distant. He placed his hands on her hips and closed his eyes, leaning in. The moment their lips touched, heat flooded through him, and he groaned, letting himself go. He tugged her closer, deepening the kiss. No holding back this time.

Chapter Sixteen

Iona

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