Page 61 of The Castle in the Bay

‘Among other things.’ She stepped forward and slipped her hand around his cheek, pulling him in for a kiss.

He wasn’t sure he could concentrate on washing her hair once they were in the shower, with steam billowing around them. Their wet bodies rubbed together, and Iona swung her head back, exposing her neck as she let the water soak her hair. Montysqueezed out some shampoo and smoothed it over her, noticing how her breasts heaved. He was as hard as a rock, burning to take her. But with a deep breath, he coated her hair in liquid, then used what was left to palm her breasts and she moaned, running her hands back from her forehead, across her scalp as she rinsed the shampoo.

Dipping in, he kissed her neck. ‘So beautiful.’

‘I don’t normally let anyone touch my neck.’

‘Do you want me to stop?’

‘No. I trust you. But I once had a guy put his hands on me. It’s something I hate. Choking is assault and I hate how it’s romanticised.’

‘I won’t do anything you don’t like.’

‘I know.’ She massaged some soapy bubbles across his chest. The energy coursing through him was unstoppable. He wasn’t going to last the distance at this rate. She reached for the conditioner bottle and popped the lid. ‘Hand out.’

He obliged, and she squeezed a blob into his hand. The heady and sweet scent filled the air. He combed his fingers through her hair, catching every strand. ‘Turn around,’ he said.

She did it, pivoting so her back was to him. Her hair ran down the line of her spine, all slicked together by the conditioner. He worked it in, hand over hand, like he was pulling in a rope.

‘It needs to stay in for a few minutes before I rinse it.’ She glanced around. ‘So we better find something to do while we wait.’

‘How about this?’ Monty snaked his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck again.

‘I like your thinking.’

From this position, his hands could catch her breasts and work on her womanly parts at the same time. She writhed against him as he worshipped her. This was poetry.

‘Take me like this.’ Her voice was hoarse. ‘I need you.’

Another first. He let go, only to locate a condom and roll it on, then he returned to her, bending her slightly and slipping inside her. His hands slid around her again, resuming their play. He thrust into her steadily and repeatedly until she clenched around him, breathing fast and moaning, then she cried out. He held her tight until his own climax burst, crashing through him like an earthquake.

‘Oh Iona. Iona.’ She was everything. His release went on longer than he expected. A couple of small aftershocks took his breath away, and he rasped for air.

‘That was so good.’ Letting out a sigh, she leaned back into him. He gently turned her around to face him and began rinsing her hair, smoothing his palms around her head.

‘I’m glad you think so.’ He cradled her in his arms as he washed out the remaining conditioner.

‘Aren’t you enjoying it?’

‘Are you kidding me? This has been a totally mind-blowing experience.’ And probably unrepeatable. Who else would ever make him feel so wonderfully free? With Iona there were no mistakes, no judgement. They could just have fun and enjoy their time together. Leaving her behind would be painful, but at least he’d experienced these moments. He’d stepped away from boring Monty, tried new things and maybe, just maybe, it would help him with other things in life.

‘I’ve got to get to the festival.’ Iona checked the time on her phone. Monty already knew the time, and he’d probably kept her a little too long, but how could he help it? They were so hot for each other anything else seemed like a waste. ‘Shit. I need to go now. Are you coming with me?’

‘I’ve already done that several times this morning.’

‘Seriously?’ She pulled a face at him and smirked. ‘What happened to gentleman Monty?’

‘Oh, he’s still here, somewhere.’

‘Well, find him again for a bit and behave.’ She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

‘I’ll join you later.’

‘Ok.’ She flung her arm around his neck and kissed him. ‘Thanks for a great night… and morning.’

‘Any time. I told you before, it’s an honour and a pleasure.’

‘You’re the sweetest guy.’ She prodded his chest. ‘And sexy too. Catch you later. We’re doing bodyboarding at eleven thirty. You can join in with that. No excuses. Just grab a wetsuit from the container.’

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