Page 30 of Pints & Potions

“I took the chance you’d still be awake,” he said in a low voice. “I didn’t get to properly thank you for helping out tonight.”

“It was fun,” she replied, and found she honestly meant it. She’d chatted with the locals in a friendly, mindless way that was entertaining and carefree as she slung drinks and accepted payment.

“I’d like to repay you for your kindness.”

“There’s no need. I didn’t offer for any reason other than to be helpful, Cian.”

“I know, and it’s greatly appreciated, to be sure. But I still owe you a debt of gratitude.” His tired eyes scanned her face, as if to memorize it, before settling on her lips. “I want nothing more than to kiss you right now, darlin’.”

And neither did she. He’d been fueling her fire all night long. Stepping back, heart pounding so hard it was straining the fabric of her shirt, she allowed him access to her room.

He stopped just over the threshold and cupped a hand around her neck even as he stopped her from closing the door with his foot. “If you close that door, it’ll be more than a wee kiss I’m delivering.”

Her desire to slam the door shut was overwhelming, but she did nothing more than lift her chin to offer her lips.

With a soft groan, he captured her mouth. Fire danced along her veins as he plundered its depths again and again, tasting her like a man starved. For her part, she couldn’t get enough of his whiskey-scented breath. The hint of mint made her vaguely wonder if he’d planned this with a peppermint or if he’d come to her directly after brushing his teeth as he prepared for bed. She didn’t care either way.

Her naughty fingers found their way under the hem of his shirt to explore the sculpted ridges of his stomach and draw him closer. Reveling at the feel of his hard chest against her unbound, tee-shirt-covered breasts, she moaned.

The kiss lasted forever and still ended way too soon. By the time Cian pulled away, Piper’s resolve to hold out for a relationship was a puddle of goo on the floor.

“You can stay,” she whispered past her suddenly dry throat.

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled down at her.

After delivering a heart-wrenchingly sweet kiss, he rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. “It’s not wise. I’d be too tempted to never leave your bed again.”

“I don’t see that as a problem.” Where she found the daring was in question, but she knew she’d regret it if she didn’t try one last time. “I really like you, Cian. Can’t you open your heart just a little bit to possibility?”

He traced her furrowed brow and ran his fingertips down her cheek, then dropped his arms to his sides. “You don’t see the problem because youareopen to possibility. And I’d rather cut off my right arm than hurt you, but I can’t give you what you want.”

She’d tried and failed, and now could only nod, finding words difficult to muster.

“This isn’t me playing games. I’m finding it hard to keep away.” His serious tone was heavy with regret, and she hated it. “You’ll never know how sorry I am that I can’t be the man you deserve, Piper.”

“I promised your sister I would try to recreate Granny O’Malley’s elixir tomorrow. Afterwards, it’s better if I head out.” She cleared her aching throat. “I guess this is a goodbye of sorts.”

He ignored her farewell and only chose to acknowledge her comment about the potion. “Bridget told me you found the recipe. You could’ve knocked me over with a finch feather.”

“Me, too.” She rested her hand on the knob of the open door. “It’s late, but I’m happy to discuss it more over breakfast.”

Taking the hint, he moved the few steps necessary to exit. On the other side of the opening, he turned back to her. “Oíche mhaith,darlin’.”

She nodded hesitantly, because she had no idea what he said.

“It means good night,” he said with a soft chuckle.

After she closed the door, she leaned her forehead against it and allowed a stray tear to fall.Why was she so damned unlovable?Why couldn’t a man at leastattempta real relationship with her?

Knowing she’d not find the answers she sought this night, she climbed into bed, positive sleep would elude her.

Morning sunshine,flitted through the curtains and mocked Piper’s foul mood. She could hear the house stirring and knew Bridget would start cooking for the masses soon, if she hadn’t already. Still, Piper couldn’t find the energy to abandon the bed. She’d only managed a broken three hours of sleep, and she was as grumpy as a bear with a sore paw. If one person said the wrong thing to her today, she might take a swipe at them.

For that reason, she decided to stay abed and conjure her own meal.

As she was warming to the idea, a knock sounded at the door.

After expressing a heartfelt groan and determining that any visitor who was scared witless by her appearance deserved it, she climbed over the mound of covers.

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