Chapter 14
Halvard
The Mast and Sail pub is larger than The Gold Coin, the one where I work. Large candle holders hang from the angled ceiling, six long tables fill the floor, and the bar extends from the door to the very back of the pub.
Rychell is taking it all in with those intoxicating blue eyes of hers. I would love to be the one to make those eyes flutter and to make that sweet mouth of hers part in ecstasy, but alas, I’ve promised to behave. I still think there’s a chance she’ll give in.
We’re sharing a plate of dark purple grapes, autumn-style seeded bread, and bright orange cheese. The ale is crisp and rather strong. It’s all exactly how I want it.
Popping another grape between her lips, Rychell examines the crowd. They’re getting louder as the evening goes on, and the ale, mead, and cider strip them of their inhibitions. The ale is making my head pleasantly light; it’s going to be tough not to flirt too much with Rychell.
A piper and a bodhrán begin a quick reel.
“Is that the Ghostly Shadows reel?” I ask her.
She wrinkles her nose as she thinks. It’s adorable. “I think so. We should request it at Nocturne at home. I haven’t heard them play it at our festival in years.”
I push away from the table and stand. “Would you like to join me?”
In the area cleared for the reel, we line up across from one another.
The drummer hits his bodhrán three times, and the lines come together.
Rychell’s body is only an inch from mine, and I long to cup her face in my hands and kiss her right there.
I’d love to get her riled up so much that she can’t pay attention to the steps.
I’d lift her right up and take her to a back room.
I won’t do any of that, though. It’s her choice. She knows I’m willing.
We spin, our bodies brushing lightly, and I have to think about frozen ponds and my Aunt Harriet to keep from showing the entire pub, as well as Rychell exactly how excited I am that she is dancing with me.
I take her hand and delight in the soft touch of her fingers.
As the reel requires, I lift her hand above her head and kiss it.
Her eyes, locked on mine, widen slightly, and lightning strikes its way through my body.
She always has this effect on me, this pull.
I can’t keep my gaze off of her, and when she touches me, I feel alive in a way I never have before.
Still holding my hand, she turns a circle.
We break apart and join hands with two other dancers, kicking our feet in a two right, two left pattern.
Coming together again, stomach to chest, and I set my palms against hers.
My hands slide to the small of her back, to that curve that I long to nip and caress.
I let my fingers drift down an inch. Blessed Stones, that arse of hers…
I clear my throat, and she stares at my shoulder like she can’t bear to look at my face.
I start to move my hands up, but the scent of her arousal reaches my nose.
I lightly draw my fingertips over the lowest part of her back, and my lips tuck into a naughty grin before I can stop them.
Her gaze cuts to my face at last, and she frowns, turning away to join another dancer as the reel demands.
What can I do to persuade her to give a relationship a try without being too pushy? Am I already being too pushy?
Like a fish out of water, I’m flip-flopping. One minute, I know the best choice is to support her wishes to wed Osric, to be a good friend. The next minute, I’m plotting how to lure her into my arms. This female has me all tied up.