‘Sweetheart?’ He slid his hands in her hair and tilted her head.
Merle lifted her chin and he met her halfway. The kiss was more than scorching, it was acute—almost agonising—perfection and it melted the remnants of that knot inside and allowed the most precious of all of her feelings to flow freely towards him.
‘I love you, Ash.’
His breath shuddered. This time he didn’t ignore her. This time he answered with touch, with heat and infinite care. It was as if his sole purpose was to give her pleasure, to show her how passionately he felt about her. How much he’d missed her. How much he needed her. How much he loved her.
He loved her and loved her and loved her.
She felt it in every kiss, every touch. She responded—unable to restrain anything, and she didn’t want to. She caressed him and the ache and emptiness that had been a constant these last few days dissolved. She needed to share and show her feelings for him. She shuddered as he peeled away her swimsuit. He stroked her tenderly, his hands shaking as badly as hers were. They stumbled together until he took some semblance of control and tumbled her down onto one of the sun-loungers.
‘It’s too sunny out here,’ he said.
She smiled tremulously. ‘Then we’ll be quick.’
He half laughed and, to her eternal relief, obliged. She just needed him with her.
His groan of pure joy when he pushed home was magical to her ears but she could only moan in return and lift her mouth to kiss him once more. They moved together, slick and desperate, and it was so joyous she cried again.
‘I love you,’ he whispered, kissed, vowed as he held her closer, pushing faster and fiercer.
Her head arched back as the sensations overwhelmed her—he was really here, loving her hot and hard, making her world shatter. And holding her still. Holding her through it all.
Eventually, she snuggled against his chest, loving the firm weight of his arm around her, holding her to him. She rested her chin on his ribs to steal a glance at his face. He looked back at her, so much more relaxed, so handsome. That old arrogance tinged his smile but there was an unguarded openness that was new.
‘You were right,’ he said softly. ‘I’ve been avoiding real intimacy for years. But you got to me, Merle, and I couldn’t handle it. I still...’ He gazed at her so intently. ‘I don’t want to let you down.’
‘Ash, I love you.’
The kiss was the sweetest, the hottest of her life and she didn’t want it ever to end. He seemed to sense it, his arms tightening around her.
‘It’s okay, sweetheart,’ he promised. ‘I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to work here while you’re finishing the archiving,’ he murmured. ‘I’ll have to go to Sydney occasionally for meetings. Will you come with me?’
‘You want me to?’
‘I don’t want to be away from you. Not for long, anyway.’
He wanted her front and centre in his life. Not hidden in the wings. Not with him under sufferance. Not unseen.
‘Would you like that?’ he asked after a moment. ‘Your choice, Merle. I want you to have and do what you want.’
She smiled at him even as tears sprang forth all over again. ‘I’d like that very much.’
They were cuddled close on the deck and Merle followed the direction of his gaze, up to the house. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t find anything of your mother’s.’
‘But you did.’ He kissed her gently. ‘You found the games. They brought us together.’
Her heart lifted as she saw the warmth and acceptance in his eyes. So they had.
‘Are you still going to sell the house?’ she asked.
Beneath her cheek his chest rose as he drew in a difficult breath. ‘Actually, I was thinking you were right about it being a shame that more people don’t get to come here and enjoy it. I thought we could offer it as a holiday home for cardiac patients and their families. For during their recovery or as an escape or something...’ He cleared his throat. ‘There might be a charity that could help us arrange that. If there isn’t, we can establish one.’ He paused. ‘What do you think?’
She sat up to lean over him and look directly into his beautiful eyes, seeing the flash of vulnerability there. ‘I think that sounds amazing. I think you’re amazing.’
That smile broke across his face. ‘Shall we go for a swim, sweetheart? And then maybe play another round of snakes and ladders?’
A bubble of pure happiness fizzed from deep within her, culminating in a satisfied giggle. That simple invitation was the most special of her life. She was with him now—included—and together they made laughter and love.
Ash Castle had opened up in the most gorgeous way and given her everything she ever could have dreamed of.
‘That’ll be just perfect.’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
One year later
MERLE DECIDED THIS summer on Waiheke Island was particularly stunning. Every day had been highlighted by a brilliant sun, cloudless bright skies and views of that calm, endless sea. Today her floaty fabric jumpsuit was vibrant and cool. She loved the silky feel of it as Ash firmly gripped her hand and led her down the balcony stairs.
‘What are you doing?’ She giggled at his determined pace. ‘Where are you taking me in such a rush?’
‘To my secret underground lair.’ He glanced back with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows. ‘Where else?’
‘The bunker?’ She’d not been down there in ages. Most of the time she forgot it even existed. ‘Why?’
He didn’t answer. There was just another playfully suggestive smile.
They were almost a week into their month-long holiday here. They’d made Ash’s old bedroom their suite, mostly so they could indulge in a decadent bubble bath most nights. During the days they pitted wits over the selection of board games. They’d taken their favourite, most precious ones back to their home in
