Page 30 of The Summer Escape

Beth tipped her head back and grinned. “That’s hilarious. I just wish I could tell Mum. She’d laugh so much.”

“I’m glad you find it funny,” he said, inching his fingers along to caress the back of her neck.

She leaned into his hand. “Are you going to tell me the other story now? The teetotal thing?”

He let out a breath. “I just don’t drink. That’s all really.”

“As a health thing?”

“Sort of … I like starting the day with exercise, and I can’t do that if I’ve been drinking the night before. Hangovers really do me in. Always have done. I always felt as though I got all the negatives of alcohol with none of the positives.”

“So you’re not a fun drunk person?”

“I’d argue I am,” he said, more focused on the feel of her skin under his fingertips than the conversation. “But I’m also fun sober. I feel like all the reasons people drink don’t apply to me. I don’t care about the taste, it doesn’t particularly relax me, I’m very social anyway … and I’m always happy to talk to random people. I’m also pretty good at making an idiot of myself without alcohol, so I’ve got that covered too.”

She smiled lightly. “And you never drink? It seems extreme.”

“I used to drink quite a lot. When I wanted to cut down, I realised it was easier not to drink at all.” He leaned his head on the back of the couch as he moved his fingers into her silky hair. “Not because I’m one of those people who can’t stop at one, but because if you have one drink, people tend to give you more drinks … or top you up … or bring you a shot. Whereas, if you don’t drink anything, people assume you have some sort of problem and wouldn’t dare put a drink in front of you.”

“Being around you makes me feel pretty unhealthy,” she told him.

“Speaking of health, it’s important to stay hydrated. Do you want a glass of water or something?”

“Maybe I could go for anor something,” she said with a flirty smile. “Depending on what that might be …”

His heart hammered against his ribcage as he leaned closer to her. She closed her eyes when their lips met, and the intensity of the kiss was immediate. Dipping his head, Trystan kissed her neck, then pushed her jacket aside to access the delicate skin over her collar bone and shoulder. Wriggling her arms free, she slung the jacket aside then began to undo the buttons of his shirt.

The feel of her hands on his chest made him long for more skin contact, and he drew down the zip at the back of her dress and lifted it over her head. He shifted on top of her as she sank back onto the couch. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she kissed him tantalisingly slowly.

Trying to figure out whether to suggest they move things upstairs was difficult when his brain felt like mush. He also didn’t want to say anything to risk breaking the moment.

“I can’t stay over,” she mumbled against his lips.

“What?”

“Because of Ellie. I can’t stay.”

“Okay.” Breathing hard, he gave her a final kiss, before forcing himself to sit up. “Sorry. I got a bit carried away.”

She stared at him for a moment, her lips a deep shade of red and her cheeks pleasantly flushed. “I didn’t mean …” Swallowing hard, she sat up, her bare legs remaining tangled around his waist.

“I wanted to suggest we go to your bedroom, but I can’t stay all night and I didn’t want it to be weird when I have to get up and leave.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “Maybe this is all too weird. I wouldn’t normally … I mean this is very out of character. But I’m on holiday and I have a babysitter. I really never do stuff like this, but I also never get a chance to do stuff like this.” She trailed her fingers over his chest. “I’m waffling, aren’t I?”

“Yes.” His lips curled to a smile. “But what I’m hearing is that you don’t want to leave just yet?”

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed up at him. “No. Not just yet.”

“Good.” He untangled himself from her then took her hand to lead her to the stairs.

“Hang on.” She tugged on his arm. “I need my dress.”

He kept a firm hold of her. “Unless I’ve seriously misread the situation, you’re not going to need your dress.”

“I meant for later,” she said, laughing as she hurried up the stairs after him.

“I know what you meant, but let’s worry about clothes later.”

CHAPTERTEN