Page 134 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“But what about your title?”

“It’s still mine, technically. I haven’t decided yet whether I’m going to keep it.”

“So…you came here?”

He leaned a bit closer. “Aye, I did.”

“To put down…roots?”

Santiago nodded, leaning ever closer until their noses were almost touching. Briony knew her cheeks were beet red, but she couldn’t look away. She also couldn’t stop the smile growing upon her face.

“And what sort o’ roots did you have in mind?”

Santiago smirked. “Now, Briony Fairborn, I would think you know the answer to that. After all, I’ve told you before that you can see right through me.”

Briony bit her lip and broke eye contact as embarrassment made her face even hotter. “Perhaps I’d just like a wee bit more certainty. So that I know I’m na imagining things.”

She braved another look, but then her eyes widened—

Softness overtook her mouth as Santiago closed the distance between them. She returned his kiss immediately, her hands soon pressing against his back to draw him nearer. Fire sparked through her blood, spreading through her veins until she felt like her entire body would be consumed with it—

And that was when Santiago pulled back, though he seemed reluctant as his lips left hers. He smiled down at her, and his voice was rough as he said, “Did that make it more certain? Briony, I could never put down roots anywhere unless it’s with you. If you’ll have me, that is.”

Briony returned the smile, but then she gave him a thoughtful look. “Well, I might be able to be persuaded. Except…there’s a question I’ll need you to answer first.”

Santiago raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

She leaned in like she was about to share a secret. “Are you good company?”

He laughed, no doubt remembering the last time they’d had this conversation, though their roles had been reversed. They had come a long way since that day when they’d first walked together.

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that. You’ll have to find out for yourself.”

Briony gave him a quick kiss on the lips before jumping away with a laugh. “Hmm, we shall see.”