This Time Around (Sequel to All Over Again)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

"Are you still angry with me?"

McKenna smiled, her head resting on Loki's shoulder. She had no idea how long they lay there in the sun-drenched grass, letting the sun warm them, and she didn't care. It was one of the most romantic afternoons she and Loki spent together in a long time and one she didn't really want to see end.

She lay curled against his side, her arm draped over his hips, as was perfectly content to remain there forever. His hand moved lazily over her hair, leaving her sleepy and not wanting to move. "No. I don't think so."

"Good." His hand slowed, then resumed its pace. "We should probably think about returning to the palace. Adeline is most likely wondering where you've gotten lost to."

"Let her. I'm going to tell her I was busy having sex with my husband-her future king-and she can kiss my ass if she doesn't like it."

He laughed, rolling onto his side to smile down at her. "But we didn't."

"She won't know that."

He traced his forefinger down over her nose and then along her bottom lip, which tickled and made her jerk away from him. "If that's what you wish to tell her, by all means, I'm willing to keep you from making a liar of yourself."

With that, he dipped down to kiss her, his mouth moving softly against hers. His hand curved along her jaw, cradling her face as their kiss deepened. She sighed into his mouth, sliding one arm about his neck, letting her fingers graze along his nape.

He pulled away, somewhat out of breath as he whispered, "What you do to me, love. Even after all this time..."

His eyes were a seductive blend of blue and green and she shivered at the sensual promise swirling in their depths. She brought her hand up to his cool cheek. "As much as I hate to break this up, we should probably go back."

"I know." He stretched, pulling her atop him. "Next time we come here, your clothes are coming off."

"What about yours?"

He offered up a sly grin. "Let's start with yours and see what happens."

"Smooth, Loki. Real smooth." She kissed him, then teasingly rolled to press her hips against his, smiling as he groaned.

"Tease."

"I know." She stood and held out a hand. "Come on. The horses probably wonder where we disappeared to."

He got to his feet, catching her hand easily. "They're horses. They don't care."

***

"So, where did you and Lady McKenna disappear to this afternoon?"

Loki glanced up at Fandral. "I beg your pardon?"

Fandral dropped down onto the bench beside him. "Sif was looking for Lady McKenna and Stellan said you and she had gone off riding. You gave her a horse?"

"I did. But what did Sif need her for?"

"That I don't know. She didn't say. I was just wondering where you'd whisked your bride to."

"That, Fandral, is none of your concern. She was with me, and therefore perfectly safe. Although," Loki managed a smile, "I do appreciate your concern for her."

Fandral leaned back against the table. "I understand Annelie is going to be gracing us with her presence soon."

"What?" Loki stared at him, hoping like mad he'd misheard him. The last thing he wanted or needed was Annelie to stir up any trouble, as she did the last time she was in Asgard.