Away With the Fairies (The Swallow Barn Cottage Series, Book 2)

D-Day Breaks

Fiona slept through the second half of the day, and then after a quick dinner - she was so groggy she didn't notice what she chewed - she went back to bed. She had no dreams and no nightmares.

When she opened her eyes, she couldn't understand what time it was. The curtains on the windows were drawn. He wasn't in the bed, and she crawled from under the duvet and walked downstairs. Sunlight was streaming into the lounge. She looked at the clock on the wall. It was clearly morning, it wouldn't be that light at nine o'clock at night.

She found him in the kitchen, writing. His eyes immediately flew up, and he smiled at her.

"Hi," she said.

He pushed the headphones - plugged into his laptop - off his ears.

"Hi. How are you feeling?" he asked.

She nodded and came up to him. He stretched his long arm, scooped her around her waist, and pulled her in. Even sitting on a kitchen chair, he seemed so very tall. She pushed her fingers into his hair and ruffled.

"Better now," she said and kissed him. 

She could feel his lips curl in a smile under hers. After a few minutes, she straightened up and cupped his jaw.

"I want pancakes," she announced and scratched his beard, curling her fingers. 

He squinted like a large cat. Ah, interesting. It seems Fiona has just discovered another 'strategic location.'

"I can make you pancakes," he said, and his - darker than usual and clouded - eyes opened slowly.

She smiled and quickly kissed his lips.

"No one has ever cooked for me," she said and took the other chair.

He got up and started taking ingredients out and arranging them on the counter. She loved watching his precise efficient movements.

"Clem texted me," he said. He took out a container with raspberries out of the fridge. "Am I supposed to wash these?"

"Of course not," she said and snatched the box out of his hands. "I mean, it's probably wise, but they get all wet and soggy. And what's the worst that can happen, right?"

She picked up a raspberry, put it in her mouth, and hummed in bliss. Blimey, she forgot how much she loved raspberries!

"Stop making these noises," he said, his back to her, whisking the batter. "I can't concentrate on cooking."

FIona giggled and popped another berry in her mouth. The sweet fresh taste coated her mouth - and an uncharacteristically cheeky idea came to her. She took another berry and asked innocently, "Do you want one?"

"Sure," he said and turned.

She quickly put it in her mouth, keeping their eyes locked, and closed her lips around her index finger. And then she slowly pulled it out with a moan.

"I properly love ras–" was all she managed, before he made a long stride to her, grabbed the back of her neck, and crushed his lips into hers. His tongue brushed at her lips, opening them - and she realised he was tasting the berries. It suddenly felt so indecent and sensual that she whimpered.

"Uh-huh," he murmured. "I love raspberries too."

He stopped back, and Fiona sagged back in her chair.

"No more of this, Fiona," he said, turning away again. "I'm that close to shagging you on this table. But we can't. Clem texted. They're coming for a visit."

She jerked and gawked at him.

"What?! Who's coming?!" she squeaked. "What kind of a visit?"

"John and Clem. And the babies." He looked at his watch. "I'd say they'll be here in about an hour."