Chapter Twenty
James
J ames cursed under his breath as he glanced at the clock on his dashboard. He’d had meetings all day, which was crap enough for a Friday, but they’d dragged on far longer than expected, and now he was running late. Even when he’d tried to excuse himself, there was always just one more thing. He’d wanted to go home, shower and change first, but there was no time for that now. He just wanted to get to the cottage and see Dagmar. The fact she was there at all was amazing news. Surely that had to be better than living in the trailer.
In the boot, he had the best of Duchan Fayre’s restaurant leftovers. The chef there knew how to cook up something tasty and had assured James it was easy to heat up.
When he finally reached Glenvorneth, the main house loomed in the distance and he took the track that led to the stables, but stopped before that outside the row of cottages he’d often passed but never been in. Dagmar’s truck wasn’t parked outside, but maybe she’d left it with her trailer. It wasn’t a long walk to these cottages from the stables and was probably quite enjoyable at this time of year.
He knocked on the door and waited, but there was no answer. He knocked again, harder this time, straining to hear any movement inside. Still nothing.
‘Damn it.’ He ran a hand through his hair. Had she given up on him? Maybe she hadn’t got his message. He checked his phone. She’d seen it according to the little blue ticks, but there was no reply. Maybe she was in the bathroom.
He hesitated for a moment before peeking through the front window. It looked very well done up inside, but nothing was moving.
Stepping back, he hit call on his phone and waited. No answer. Where was she? He turned, scanning the area. There was a car outside the cottage at the far end of the terrace, but other than that, just the estate grounds, long swathes of grass, and wooded areas. The stables were just over the hill; maybe she was still there, finishing up some last-minute chores.
He walked up the path to the top of the little hill. From here, he could see the stable yard. In the paddock, the horses grazed quietly. He carried on towards the stables. A large black car was just visible in the car park. He was pretty sure that was Stroman’s owners’ car, but he couldn’t see either of them. In fact, no one was about. Stroman was in the furthest away part of the paddock, eating from a hay net hung at the side of a wooden shelter.
James headed into the yard and strolled up to the fence, letting out a sigh. Something nudged him. ‘Oh, hey, Conker.’ Turning, he rubbed him gently on the neck. ‘I’m not here to see you tonight. It’s Dagmar I’m looking for.’ He continued to absently stroke Conker until he heard voices from inside the tack room. He frowned and squinted towards it. The door opened and Dagmar emerged in a long black dress that emphasised her upright column figure, followed by Maurice, Stroman’s owner. Neither of them looked too happy. Maurice glanced at James and pulled an odd face partway between a greeting and an expression of irritation. Dagmar hovered at the door until Maurice was out of earshot. Then she turned to James and smiled. He gave Conker a last pat, then made his way over to Dagmar.
‘Hey. Sorry I’m late. I got held up. You look stunning.’ He checked Maurice wasn’t watching, then put his hands on her hips and gazed at her. She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. ‘Is everything ok?’
‘He’s a strange man.’ She indicated Maurice, who was getting into his car. ‘Sometimes he agrees with everything we say he should do with Stroman, then other times he wants to go against that and have Stroman being treated as “normal”.’ She air-quoted and rolled her eyes. ‘He called me and made it out that it was an emergency. I should have known this kind of thing would happen the minute I moved out of sight.’
James stroked her hair behind her ears. ‘Hopefully it was just a coincidence.’
‘Honestly, it feels like it happens every time. If I went back to stay with Mum for a bit, that was always when something would happen, and I’d have to come back.’
‘And has that happened recently?’
She shook her head, and a wry smile appeared. ‘No. This was before Ophelia came back, but I still find it so hard to switch off from this place.’
‘I get it. Work can be all-consuming at the best of times and when it involves your passion too, it must be a hundred times worse.’
‘It is.’
‘Do you have things you need to do? Did Maurice want something done for Stroman just now?’
‘No. It’s just annoying that people think I’m always available.’
He raised an eyebrow.
‘I know, I know.’ She held up her hand. ‘I’ve made my own bed.’
‘I didn’t say that, but everyone knows how dedicated you are. It’s nice for them having that, but sometimes they need to respect boundaries.’
‘Especially on Friday nights.’
‘Yeah, especially then.’ He squeezed her upper arm.
‘Maybe if we get more staff here… The idea still scares me, but I can see that it might be useful at times.’ She met his eye, and a smile grew on her face.
‘You’re so beautiful, but even more so when you smile like that.’ He dipped in and claimed her lips. She was still smiling as he kissed her, and it made him smile too. ‘Do you still want to come back to my house? The chef gave me food. It can be heated up anywhere, so if you wanted to hang out at your lovely new cottage, we could do that.’
‘That sounds good… Because…’ She eyed him over. ‘I’m not even that hungry. Only for you.’
‘And you can have me. Any way you like.’ With a little wink, he took her hand and led her towards the path. The evening air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the trees. ‘Are you sure you’re done here?’
‘Yep. All done.’ She tightened her grip on his hand. ‘So, what food did you bring?’
‘You’ll see.’ James cast her a little smile. ‘The chefs at Duchan are all great, but Manolo is the best.’
‘Then I’d be silly not to try something.’
‘You can always have a starter first. Work up an appetite. Whatever you like. The evening is all yours.’ And he was determined to make it special. He gave her hand a little squeeze, then looked at where their fingers were linked and grinned. They carried on back to the cottage. ‘Let me get the food from the car.’ He let her go and headed to get it. When he returned, she was in the cottage already, sitting on the little sofa bed in bare feet.
She reminded him of an elf princess with her long dress and braided hair. Would she allow him to take it out of the plait and set it free? He caught the sweet scent of her perfume, and it sent spikes of lust through him. Laying down the food, he sat beside her.
‘This place is perfect. I love it.’ He scanned around. ‘Do you like it?’
‘It’s so much better than the trailer.’ She covered her face. ‘I was so stubborn in refusing to move out, wasn’t I?’
‘You’re a determined person. Nothing wrong with that.’
‘I think I’ve been channelling my determination in the wrong places.’
He let out a little laugh. ‘Not all of it, though clinging onto trailer life was maybe a little bit mental.’
She nudged him and laughed. He mocked being knocked over. When he sat back up,
his gaze locked onto hers. ‘I really want to kiss you.’
Dagmar’s eyes widened. ‘You do, do you?’
‘I do… and I mean really kiss you.’
‘Um… Isn’t that what we’ve done up until now?’
‘Can I show you?’
She nodded, and he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
‘I’ve been thinking about this all week.’
‘Me too. I can’t think about anything else. That’s what made me finally decide to move. It took my mind off you.’
He chuckled. ‘I’m not sure if you’re thanking me or blaming me.’ He dipped his head, capturing her lips with his. ‘I always liked you. I wish I’d tried harder at High School.’
‘You were friends with people who hated me.’
‘More fool me. None of us kept in touch. I can’t even remember most of their names. But you? I never forgot you.’
‘Me neither. I assumed you hated me at high school. Everyone else did. And I was still annoyed with you for leaving primary school and taking my favourite Schleich horse with you.’ She smirked. ‘I hold a grudge for a long time.’
‘So I see.’ James stroked her cheek. ‘I didn’t steal it, you know? I found it and meant to bring it back to you, but my sister started playing with it and I forgot. Then we moved and, well… It wasn’t as important to me as it obviously was to you. I’m truly sorry.’
‘It’s ok. It’s not like it matters now. I was just explaining why I didn’t trust you at high school, and I guess it all snowballed from there.’
‘Then let me make it up to you.’ He ran a thumb over her cheek. ‘I can cook you the fanciest meal in the world, courtesy of Manolo.’
‘Can you… maybe kiss me some more first? I’m still not hungry.’
‘Of course. Anything you want.’ He kissed her again, and she responded eagerly, winding her arms around his neck. The kiss deepened, and all thoughts of food vanished. James pulled her close, his hands tracing the line of her back.
Dagmar’s breath hitched as his lips moved to her neck, dotting kisses on her soft skin.
‘James,’ she murmured.
‘Hmm?’ he hummed against her skin, his hands finding their way to the small of her back.
‘Are you…?’
‘Am I what?’ He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze.
She took a shaky breath, her hands resting on his chest. ‘Are you sure you’re ok with this? Or would you prefer to eat?’
James eyed her. ‘I’ll do whatever you want. The food will keep.’
‘Ok. Let’s keep doing this then.’
‘Good, because the only taste I fancy right now is you.’ He resumed kissing her, their breaths mingling as the intensity built. He couldn’t get enough of her, the softness of her lips, the way she melted into him.
‘Dagmar,’ he murmured against her mouth. ‘Can I take out your plait?’
Her eyes fluttered open and met his. She nodded. ‘If you really want to.’
‘I do.’ His fingers found the end of her braid, slowly working the elastic free. He took his time, unravelling each twist with a gentle touch. As the plait loosened, her hair cascaded down her back in silken waves.
‘Beautiful,’ he whispered, running his fingers through her hair, letting it spill over his hands. The scent of her strawberry shampoo mingled with her perfume, creating an intoxicating blend that made his head spin. He tucked a strand behind her ear and kissed her just below the earlobe.
Dagmar sighed, her hands moving to his upper arms, pulling him closer. Her hair was free now, and she tossed it over her shoulder. James cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss, allowing the softness of her hair to tickle his fingers.
He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. ‘You’re so beautiful.’ He breathed deliberately. Making this last would be a tough ask. He was so hot for her already, but this wasn’t going to be a rush. It was her first time, and he wanted to make it good.
‘I could say the same about you.’
He laughed softly, kissing her once more. ‘Me? Beautiful?’
She giggled, the sound light and infectious. ‘You’re very handsome.’
‘Come here.’ He tightened his grip on her and scooped her onto his lap. She adjusted her dress and straddled him. ‘My turn,’ he said.
‘For what?’
‘To give you some riding lessons.’
She swatted him. ‘Really, that’s terrible.’
‘I’m hoping it’ll be rather good actually.’
She nibbled her lush bottom lip, which increased the ache in his groin.
‘How about we take this to a new level? Let’s start with this.’ He gave her a wolfish grin, then tugged up her dress, letting his hands linger on the warm skin on her thighs and hips as he did so. She looked like she’d stopped breathing momentarily as he ran his fingers around the elastic of her knickers. He took a deep breath. Easing the dress off, he drank in how beautifully lithe and toned she was. She had on what looked like a brand-new underwear set, consisting of a black lacy bra and pants with white embroidered flowers. Her eyes gleamed wide, like she was worried he wouldn’t like what he saw. Raising his hand to her breasts, he grazed his fingertips over the lace. Her breasts weren’t large, but they were pert and rose to his touch. He carried on toying with her until he felt her nipples rising.
Her wide eyes burned with desire, and he gave her a smile. ‘All ok?’
‘Very ok.’
‘Good.’ He stood up, taking her with him. Her legs wrapped around his back. He pressed his hand into her lower back and down, smoothing over her bum, drawing her against him.
‘Oh,’ she squealed. ‘I hope I don’t disappoint you.’
‘You won’t. No way. I just don’t want to hurt you. First times can be a bit sore.’
‘I’m ready.’
‘I know, but not yet. Let’s get you good and relaxed.’
She ran her hand over his shirt, down his chest, touching the ridges of muscle.
‘Do you want to stay down here or take this upstairs?’ he asked.
‘Upstairs. And I think I should lock the door.’
‘Ok. Do people normally come barging in here without knocking? If they do, you have my sympathy. My mother does that to me.’
She shook her head, moving into the small hallway and turning the key in the door. ‘No one has so far, but I’ve only been here a couple of days. The woman in the first house is a bit mad – by her own admission – so I wouldn’t like to leave anything to chance.’
‘Fair enough… Lead the way.’ He followed her up the stairs, ducking slightly as the upstairs ceilings were quite low where the roof cut in.
As soon as they were in her room, he took her face in his hands and kissed her. Then he scooped her up and lay her gently on the bed.
‘Are you keeping your clothes on?’ she asked.
‘For a bit. If they come off right now… Well…’ His gaze locked with hers, his mouth inches from hers. ‘I might not last.’ He was ready, too ready, and he needed to hold back. He drank in the sight of her on the bed. Her pale skin was rosy with the flush of arousal. Her blonde hair, freed from its plait, spread across the broderie anglaise pillows on the soft bed. It was a double bed, not as big as the king-size one he had at home – and needed as he was too tall for smaller beds, but in this case, he didn’t care. In this bed, they could get very close. He sat beside her, looping off her bra straps and exposing her breasts. They rose and fell with every ragged breath. Her nipples were bright pink and looked edible. The ache in his crotch was painful. Cool it. Get a grip . Tugging off his shirt, he tossed it away, then hesitated before undoing his trouser button. He didn’t remove them. He just needed some room to breathe.
Sliding onto the bed next to her, he cupped her breast and gently smoothed his fingers over it. In her eyes he saw her vulnerability, felt her tremble a little, but he’d be gentle. He swallowed the raging desire to take her and bury himself inside her.
‘Is this still ok?’
She nodded, biting into her lip. ‘Can I touch you too?’
‘Sure. Just go easy for now. I want this to last.’
Her smile was adorable. As she brought her hand to his chest, he had a moment of raw male satisfaction. Then she dipped in and pressed a kiss on his left pec. He held his breath, not expecting such a bold move on her part, but he couldn’t deny how good it felt. She didn’t stop kissing around his shoulders, then his neck.
‘You’re killing me,’ he groaned.
She glanced up. ‘Am I doing something wrong?’
‘God no. It’s great.’ If she lowered her hands to his boxers, she’d find out just how great. He propped himself up on one arm. ‘But it’s my turn to give you something.’
He traced the top of her lacy knickers with his fingertips. Her breathing intensified, and he gently rolled his palms back towards her breasts, cupping them, and smoothing his hands over the soft flesh, then leaning in to kiss her again. She let out a little squeal as his tongue met hers. His body slid over her, and everything became more urgent, but he held himself together, trailing his mouth over her breasts, then making his way lower. When he reached the scrap of lace covering her most intimate place, he placed a kiss on top of it.
‘Still ok?’ He met her wide eyes and saw her nod. It was the consent he needed.