17. Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Steph
D ownstairs alerts me that I have a visitor, and moments later, Malcolm appears, carrying a huge bouquet of flowers. “Ah, I’ll assume that things went well today?” I ask, taking the flowers from him.
“Aye, very well.” He replies with a kiss on the mouth. “So well, in fact, that not only did I get a signed agreement with Clare and her da, but I also got Farley off my roster. Oh, and Uncle Dougall decided to burden Rush with Farley for his troubles.”
I can’t help the smile. “I will have to send Madame Lacy another thousand for pulling off such a fantastic feat.”
He pulls me to him, wrapping his big, beefy arms around me. My arms snake around his neck as I draw in a deep breath, taking in his scent. He does the same and speaks on exhale. “My Uncle is quite taken aback by you. Rather impressed, in fact.”
“You told him?”
“Aye.” He nods.
“You weren’t afraid that he’d get all testosteroney on you, accusing you of letting a lass do your bidding?”
“I was so impressed by your prowess that it was just an honor to say that I’m with a lass like you. With such powerful moves and audacity.” He kisses me again, and then continues. “I believe my Uncle said, and I quote, ‘that’s the first intelligent thing you’ve done in a long time’.” He clears his throat, laying it on thick.
I kiss him again. “So, you admitted that you are, in fact, ‘doing’ me, did you?”
“I believe the term was alluding to the act of doing something, not actually doing you , but you get it.”
“I get it.” I smile.
He presses his forehead on mine. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“Is that a thank you?”
He kisses me again. “It’s a million thank yous.”
“Well, a million you’re welcomes, Malcolm.” I swallow. “But I didn’t just do it for you. I did it to show that bitch what she had coming to her. Revenge is best served cold.”
“And that’s the best part. You’re not rubbing it in my nose or acting like I owe you one.”
“I wouldn’t anyway, Malcolm. Besides, I believe that the truth will always set you free.”
“Ditto.” He holds me close to him, staring at my lips, swaying slightly in the foyer. “I’ve got a few other double-crossing assholes in the biz if you’re interested in kicking more ass.” He teases.
“Unless they’re trying to get their hands on my man, I’m not interested.” I tell him, matter-of-factly. “I do have a job, you know.”
“I’m your man, am I?” He tests playfully.
“I think you and I both know that you’ve been my man since we set up Declan and Moira.”
“I can agree to that.” He says, voice softer, more honest and less joking. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you.”
That I didn’t expect. I lift my forehead off his, sobering. “You fell in love with me?”
“Damn right I did.” He cups my face in his hands. “Who couldn’t love you, lass.” His voice is soft, sincere, his eyes are round like dinner plates. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone before. That’s why I kept trying to tell myself that I hated you, but it was really love.”
The lump in my throat is undeniable. I would never have done the thing with Madame Lacy if I didn’t love Malcolm, too. But I’ve always wanted to hear a man say it to me first, and here it is. “I love you, too, Malcolm.” As I say this, a tear falls down my cheek. He catches it with his thumb and wipes it away. “I never thought that I’d ever love, but I do.”
Before I can say anything else, he plants his lips on mine, kissing me so softly, so tenderly, it brings on more tears. “Shhhh....lass. It’s okay.” He whispers against my lips, kissing me softly. Then he wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. And that’s when my cell phone rings. As Malcolm releases me so that I can answer it, he kisses me again.
My phone is on the kitchen table, so I grab it. “It’s Moira.” I tell him, putting it on speakerphone.
“Moira, how are you.” I state.
“Declan pulled some strings.” She sighs. “You’ll never guess what I’m holding in my hands.”
I look at Malcolm. His face is impassive. “What do you have?”
“A copy of the security footage from the nursing home. Do you want to come over and we’ll look at it together? I’ve got popcorn.”
Malcolm exchanges a look with me, as I take the phone, and we start walking towards the door. “We’re on our way.”
....and in two ways, today, my life will never be the same...