Page 71 of A Promise Through Time

For the first time ever in his life, Donal was at peace. This moment after they’d made love was somehow even more important to him than the act itself. He cradled Tina’s head on his chest and wondered how this had happened. How had he fallen so quickly and so deeply in love with this woman? And for the first time, he wasn’t thinking about leaving. He didn’t want to walk away and move on to his next conquest. He was exactly where he wished to be now and forever. Tina had fallen asleep, resting atop him and he hadn’t moved. He didn’t want to disturb her, perhaps afraid that if he moved she might disappear and he’d find that this had all been a wonderful dream. So he stayedwhere he was until she stirred and looked up at him with love filled eyes. That look made him hard again with wanting her.

“Hi,” Tina said before she moved to kiss him.

Soft, sweet kisses and the gentle touch of her hand on his face filled him with a happiness he never knew existed before this night.

“It’s still raining,” she observed.

The rumble of thunder in the distance and the soft patter of rain on the roof grounded him. This was real. It had happened.

“Are ye cold?” he asked

“A little.”

He drew her close and covered her with his body. “Better?”

A small, sweet laugh left her lips. “Mmhmmm.”

He lifted her chin with his finger, gazing at her face, searching her eyes.

“Yes,” she said to his unasked question.

It was his turn to laugh, a deep chuckle erupting from his throat. His lips met hers, igniting them both with a pure passion to have one another again.

Donal raised himself up over her, driving into her. An immediate sense of being exactly where he belonged overcame him and he never wanted to leave. Tina’s hands reached for him, drawing him close so that their bodies touched from head to toe. The friction of their bodies gliding over each other only added to the ecstasy he was feeling. He carefully watched Tina’s face, felt her body tense and relax waiting for release and when she was near, he quickened his pace, calling out her name as he collapsed atop her, both satisfied. Tina smiled up at him. His world was complete. Love seemed to be the key he’d been searching for all these years. It unlocked the man he wanted to be, the man he was with Tina.

***

“I don’t want to leave,” Tina said, her lips pouting and her nose wrinkling.

“Nor I,” Donal answered.

They had gathered their things and it was all Tina could do to keep from throwing herself on top of him and tearing off the clothes he’d just put on. This was all new to her. She’d never felt this way about anyone. She’d be overjoyed to spend the rest of her life in this bed with him, but they had to get back. Elena was waiting for them. Hopefully she’d be well enough to travel and then they could make their plans to go home. She was so excited to have Donal meet her family. He already knew Elle and he’d have a Highlander reunion with Hamish. Her little happily-ever-after fantasy ran through her head like a movie.

Donal must have noticed, “Why do ye smile so?”

“Because I’m happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.”

He beamed back at her, seeming quite proud of himself.

“Yes. It’s all your fault. You’re the one that has me grinning like a fool.”

“Must we go?” he asked, looking back at the bed and then at her wearing a very sexy grin.

“Yes. Come on before I change my mind.” Tina grabbed his hand and pulled him through the door behind her.

They got about two steps when she stopped, gazing back at the door he’d just closed. “One more time?” she asked.

She didn’t have to ask twice, as Donal swept her up into his arms and carried her back inside.

Chapter 16

Bursting through the doors of The Thistle & Hive Inn, Donal and Tina were greeted by a sight that brought great joy to their hearts.

“Da,” Elena said. Maggie sat beside her with a blanket strewn across the floor covered with toys of all kinds.

“We got a little carried away,” Maggie explained.

“I guess you did,” Tina replied, going to Elena and picking her up. “You look wonderful. Are you feeling better?”