Page 90 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

“Lift your hips,” I mumble against his mouth.

He lifts up just enough to pull his boxers down. Once he is fully seated, his hands settle on my hips, and I slowly lower myself down the length of his shaft. We move in unison. My hands press against his shoulder, helping me balance and gain leverage. I arch my back enough for him to rub my G-spot. He places his thumb into his mouth, then brings it down to my clit, where he rubs in small circles.

Neither of us lasts long, and moments later, we come together in panted breaths and incoherent moans. I fall against his chest as our bodies glisten with a sheen of sweat. Sighing with content, I gently rub the nape of his neck.

“I love you, Aislinn,” he whispers and kisses my neck.

“I love you too, birthday boy. Your birthday suit’s pretty spectacular, but we better get cleaned up so we aren’t late to your parents’ house for your birthday brunch,” I say, trying to hide the amusement in my voice.

Chapter 54

Lachlan

Monday, July 10

Iscrub my hand down the scruff of my beard. The DEQ representative and geologist should be arriving at any moment. I’m excited to learn more, but none of us have ventured down there to inspect the damage from the collapse. Hopefully, they will be able to get some information that will shine some light on the situation.

Aislinn is beside me, looking as calm and confident as always. I hope being near the mine doesn’t bring about a panic attack. She told me she was in and out so much during the time frame that her memory is fuzzy. I’m relieved in a way. Perhaps it won’t haunt her the way it does me.

I've woken up many times in the last couple of weeks, panicked that Aislinn was trapped in the mine. Finding her snuggled against my body—or flopped on her side of the bed out cold—reassured me immediately. I would either reach for her hand or pull her tighter to me. Her sweet whimpers or soft moans when we connect instantly alleviate my fears.

The sound of gravel pulls my eyes toward our driveway. A tan Ford truck makes its way slowly down the drive. As the truckrolls to a stop, our crew approaches them. A middle-aged woman with salt-and-pepper hair in a tight bun hops out of the driver's side. She is dressed in hiking gear and looks to be just over five feet tall.

I squint trying to make out the passenger, but the glare on the windows makes it impossible. Suddenly, the door opens, and long legs hop down. He is a tall man with shoulder-length blonde hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. Dressed in cargo pants, he looks like a park ranger to me. He reaches in and pulls out a large case. Something about him looks familiar. They join each other and make their way toward us.

Stepping to the front of our group, I reach out a hand to the woman, “Hi, I’m Lachlan Ambarsan. Thank you for coming out here today.”

The woman gives me a once-over and then reaches out and cordially shakes my hand.

In a clipped tone she replies, “Tilda McLaeren, I look forward to seeing what you have here, Mr. Ambarsan. This is my coworker, geologist for the DEQ, Dr. Cooper VanGarn.”

You have got to be kidding me. This guy tormented me through middle school before his family moved to Seattle. If I had something he wanted, he tried to take it. Every single time. I didn't realize he was back in the area. Since starting the therapy ranch, he’s called offering to buy the ranch yearly. We declined. He tried just a few weeks ago after we discovered the mine. Once again, we declined.

I reach out to shake his hand and see his eyes aren’t at me, they are to my side. I follow his gaze and see him staring at Aislinn. She doesn’t notice as she is watching Tilda intently.

The low growl that comes from my throat has Cooper’s eyes shooting my way. The look I give him is not friendly or warm. I clasp his hand and give him a bone-crushing shake.

“Nice to see you again, Cooper,” I grind out through gritted teeth.

He arches a brow at me, but his smirk is cold. “Pleasure to be here again, Lachlan. And you are?” he asks, turning toward Aislinn and dropping my hand without a second thought.

Aislinn cocks her head to the side, as if she’s trying to process something. Her eyes briefly squint at Cooper before she shutters her expression.

Before I do something stupid to mark my territory, Aislinn’s sweet hand snakes around my arm as she steps up against my side. Leaning her head against my shoulder, she offers an introduction laced with confidence.

“It’s nice to meet you both, I’m Dr. Aislinn Braniff.” I internally grin. This woman is always one step ahead.

She glances between Cooper and me. “Do you two know each other?” she asks.

I nod and respond, “He went to school in Topaz Falls until his family moved during freshman year of high school to Seattle.”

He replies cryptically, “I’ve heard a lot about you, Aislinn.” Then he continues, “I offered to buy Lachlan's land a few times, as my research showed this area has a unique geological makeup.”

My chest rumbles as I go to step forward.

Aislinn stills me with her grip.

With a shaky voice, clearly rattled, she says, “Well, you will get to see a little bit of it today. Lachlan and Ingrid are lucky to have such a beautiful home.”

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