Page 55 of Scotch & Shortbread

“I think I’m happy to stick with a hot tub.” Quinn felt giddy. The hot tub was up against the back of the cabin, but the view in front of them was breathtaking. Thick snow decorated the layers of tall fir trees. The cabin was cozy and lovely, but Quinn hadn’t been outside since the other evening and the fresh mountain air made her feel alive.

“This is incredible, Alex.” She breathed still in awe. Then she smiled hearing the Beach Boys “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” start to play. “The music is beyond perfect.”

“I knew ye’d like that too,” he said dryly.

She laughed. “Christmas tradition?”

“Nope. Just seemed the right kinda mood.” Alex leaned back, stacking his muscular arms along the sides of the tub and giving Quinn a sexy view.

“Tropical summer vibes in the winter. So good,” she quipped, trying not to stare at the man’s perfectly sculpted biceps. The music made her smile inside since the Beach Boys’ music was the complete opposite of what you'd expect to listen to on a cold crisp Christmas day. Yet, it really did seem perfect.Hot Cop has a sense of humour, she thought, smiling inside.

“How is it we are only now going in this hot tub?” she asked gently swishing her fingers through the water.

“Ah, good question. I honestly just hadn’t thought of it, and then yesterday, I needed to get the pH right. Worked out well though, no? Nice little Christmas gift fer us both.”

“It’s the best.” She sighed contentedly.

He nodded. “Oh, I almost forgot. One more surprise.” Reaching over the side of the tub, he pulled up a bottle of champagne.

“What? Nooo! You’ve been holding out on me, Sergeant Mackenzie.”

He laughed. “I saved it. Gotta have champagne on Christmas Day.”

“Ahh, so that’s a Christmas tradition.”

“Aye.” He grinned, popping it open, pouring them each a glass, and then reaching across the hot tub handing her one. Taking it from him, Quinn clinked his glass before sitting back, taking a sip, and looking back out at the winter wonderland that surrounded them. Movement in the trees, caught her eye. She thought she was seeing things, but then a large deer walked into the clearing.

“Oh my God, Alex, look!” she whispered excitedly. The deer paused, listening, and then bounded off the way it came.

“There is a lot of wildlife out here. It’s pretty amazing.”

“You really do live in the most heavenly place.” She sighed happily, taking a sip of her champagne. The cool bubbles went down easily.

“I love this song,” she crooned, turning around to him. “Kokomo” had come on. Quinn felt a little jolt tickle down her skin as she noticed the way Alex was watching her. There was something in his gaze that hadn’t been there before. Desire. She’d seen it a couple times before, but it always seemed short-lived. She held eyes with him, and when he didn’t look away, she felt her breath go shallow.

Long ago, she’d decided to always live for the moment, come what may. As nervous as she felt now, she intended to stay true to herself. Decision made, she glided low through the steamy water towards Alex, and he watched her with unbidden hunger in his stormy piercing eyes, giving her the courage she needed. Her heart was racing, and she feared his rejection. But she’d regret it if she didn’t run with what she was feeling.

Still neck deep in the water she now stood right in front of him. He casually took a sip of his champagne. His glittering blue eyes never left hers. It was like time stood still. Electricity sparked between them.

“Hi,” she said coyly, looking at him from under her brow and hoping to God he would bite. She desperately needed him to meet her halfway.

Catching the brief trepidation that flashed in his eyes, disappointment stabbed at her, and she was about to move away when he spoke.

“Stay, lass.” His deep voice dripped with hunger. Then he reached up and cupped his wet hands around her face, looking into her eyes with stormy desperation and need, and when those eyes dropped to her lips, Quinn felt heat sear low in her belly. His breath turned ragged, and he paused as if grappling one last time with the decision. When his mouth finally claimed hers, she whimpered.

It was as if time stood still for Quinn. The feel of his lips on hers was electric. Her body reacted, and desire rushed through her leaving her body needy and wanting. Alex opened his mouth against hers, letting his tongue sweep her lips as he tasted her, savoured her, and then devoured her.

A moan escaped her, and Alex groaned in response slanting his mouth over hers as if taking everything he ever wanted from her. His hands moved down her back in the steamy hot water and grasped her behind. With a low growl, he hauled her up against him.

Quinn felt momentarily shocked at the contact of their bodies. Skin on skin. She felt his erection strong and thick pressed between them and desire spread through her body like wildfire. His kiss was so passionate, so raw. Quinn had wanted him to kiss her so many times, but this was beyond anything she’d imagined.

With the hunger in his kiss and the way his hard sculpted body ground against hers in the hot water, Quinn felt achy and needy—desire possessing her. She couldn’t get enough of his mouth on hers and his hands touching her—holding her like her body was his for the taking. She pressed into his every touch, wanting to be consumed by him.

33

Flood Gates. Ms. West. Sergeant Mackenzie.

Withgreateffort,Alextore his mouth from hers.Jesus.He hadn’t recalled snogging ever being quite so intoxicating.Quinn’s big lust-filled eyes looked up at him longingly. Her lips were puffy from their mouth play.God,she was heaven. And Christ, it was fucking bliss to give into this need that had consumed him since he’d met the lass. It had built in him like a volcano, molten lava unable to stay contained. Wanting more of the temptress in his arms, he dropped his mouth to hers again. His need to fuck her was going to make his head explode.

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