Page 37 of A Bridge Through Time
"Would ye like to get some fresh air?" Cailin suggested casually.
Ashley caught the seductive glint in his eyes. "I would," she smiled.
Cailin took her hand and led her through the crowds. Once outside, Cailin strode towards the heavy stone stairs, which went up to the battlements. Cailin greeted the men on watch and guided Ashley to a concealed spot, where they could be alone.
"Wow," Ashley gasped. "Look at the stars, they're unbelievable."
It was a clear, crisp night and the sky was full of stars. She had never seen so many before.
Ashley shivered as the cool night air hit her sweat-dampened skin and Cailin pulled her back against his chest and held her close. She sank appreciatively into the warmth of his body, aware of the telltale hardness pressing against her buttocks.
Cailin dipped his head to her neck and pressed soft, slow kisses from the base of her neck, working upwards until he was nipping lightly at her ear. Ashley tipped her head back to give him better access, and small, satisfied sounds came from her throat. Her breath quickened when Cailin's hands found her breasts. His arousal pressed even more insistently againsther and she wiggled against him, thrilled by his low groan of frustration.
Cailin turned her to face him and Ashley felt the stones of the fortified wall against her back when he captured her lips with his. His tongue invaded her mouth and tangled with hers. His hands were everywhere, stroking, caressing. He made it apparent he wanted her and Ashley definitely wanted him. Cailin slipped his hand into the bodice of her dress, exposing her breast and one pert, dusky pink nipple. He pinched the rosy nub, his mouth tracing a path across her upper chest. Ashley moaned at the exquisite physical contact and Cailin responded by sucking her breast into his mouth and grinding his hardened manhood against her with a rumbling groan. Ashley could hardly breathe. The throbbing ache of desire between her thighs had her mind in a fog. She wanted more, but this was not the place, no matter how exciting it might be.
Finding her voice, Ashley begged. "Cailin, not here."
His breath was ragged when he stopped and nodded. His forehead met hers and he looked longingly into her eyes. It took him a minute to get himself under control, but then he adjusted Ashley's gown and quickly kissed her lips.
"Come." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him, as he headed for the keep and hopefully, his chambers.
Ashley was still enveloped in a sensual haze. She’d never been one to engage in casual sex, but this was definitely going to be the exception. She knew, instinctively, that sex with Cailin would be anything but casual.
***
They’d crossed the courtyard together, and were so focused on one another; that they almost ran right into Kenna and Gavin.
“There ye are,” Gavin winked at Cailin. “We were wondering where ye’d gone off to.”
Once again, Ashley was blushing. It was dark outside, so she hoped no one would notice when she put her hand to her face.
Receiving no response, Gavin seemed to decide it would be a good idea to tease them further. “Yer looking a bit off, Cailin. Is all well with ye?”
Cailin growled, “Aye, all was well and I dared to think it might continue to be well, until now.” He was squeezing Ashley’s hand so hard, that she yelped. “I’m sorry, lass,” he apologized, kissing the fingers he had just crushed.
“It’s okay, why don’t we go back inside and join the others?” Ashley sighed. She couldn’t see any way of sneaking off, not with everyone intent on enjoying the party-like atmosphere, which enveloped the castle this evening. Someone was bound to notice they were missing.
The expression on Cailin’s face spoke volumes and his two old friends read him like a book. Kenna took Ashley’s hand and pulled her away from Cailin, smiling sweetly back at the two men they were leaving behind. “I promised Ashley some embarrassing stories. Isn’t that right, Ashley?”
“Yes, you did.” She hated walking away from the promise of a night in Cailin’s arms, but this was the sixteenth century and she shouldn’t be behaving like the castle tramp. They’d have to wait until later…much later. With that thought firmly in mind, she followed Kenna back into the great hall.
The rest of the evening was spent with everyone but the one person she really wanted to be with. They exchanged longing glances when they spied each other across the room, but it seemed the castle occupants were determined to keep them away from each other. Eventually they won, when Ashley decided it was time to retire for the evening. Glancing around, she couldn’t see Cailin anywhere, nor did she catch sight ofGavin or Cormac. Irene and Robert had long since headed to their chambers.
“Kenna, I’m exhausted, I’m going to bed. I wanted to say good night to Cailin, but I can’t see him.”
“I’m sure he’s with Gavin and Cormac. They’re probably well into their cups by now, but I’ll tell Cailin you’ve gone to bed, should I see him.”
“Thank you, Kenna, and good night. I hate to leave you here all alone.”
“Dinnae fash, I’ll be fine. I will see ye in the morn.”
“Helene,” Ashley called across the room. “Can you help me get out of this gown?”
Helene nodded and exchanged a quick word with the handsome highlander she’d been sitting with. The man kissed her hand and Helene hurried to follow Ashley upstairs.
Ashley hoped Cailin would find his way to her chambers before the night was done, but if she were honest with herself, it was best if he didn’t. Should she really be encouraging his attentions, when she was going to be leaving soon?
Lying in bed, Ashley stared into the darkness. Fate had been a cruel master. The one man Ashley was convinced she was meant to be with, and he had to be from not only a different country, but also froma different century. A century to which she didn’t belong.
