His laughter sounds almost surprised, and I wonder if having fun during sex is unusual for him. Rolling around in the sheets and laughing together had always been one of my favourite things back in the days when I’d tried relationships.

The door swings open and startles me. Mags’s steadying hand keeps me from face-planting. “Smooth, Laurie,” he says with a snort.

“Oh, I’ve got game,” I say darkly, pulling my T-shirt up and off and nearly taking my eyebrows with it. “You watch. I’ve got so much game it’s going to blow your bloody head off.”

“Not exactly what I’m looking for in a partner, but I am always open to new experiences.”

“You little minx,” I say.

He laughs again and the warm, husky sound makes me happy. I kick off my Converse and unbuckle my belt, and his laughter dies. He’s leaning against the breakfast bar, watching me with heated eyes. I wink at him and push my shorts and briefs off in one go, leaving me stark naked.

He licks his lips and gives me the most thorough up-and-down look I’ve ever had. I stand tall and spread my arms out so he can look his fill. I’ve never been bothered by nakedness—my own or other people’s.

“You’re lagging behind,” I prompt.

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes—his gaze is avaricious.

“Well, we can’t have that.” His accent is more pronounced than it’s ever been.

I swallow hard as he strips off his clothes a lot more gracefully than I managed. I fist my cock, stroking it lazily as I watch him. His body is wonderful. He’s tall and wide-shouldered, his skin olive-toned and soft-looking. His chest is broad and covered in brown hair liberally shot through with grey. He’s not slender, and the signs of approaching age are there to see in the thickening at his waist and the slight roundness of his belly. However, I’ve never seen anyone so robust and sexy. It’s his confidence and vitality that light him up and make him so incredibly sexy.

“Into the bedroom,” he says throatily.

I touch my finger to my temple. “Aye-aye, captain.”

“If only you were going to be that malleable, Laurie,” he says in a mournful tone.

I laugh, but the truth is I am malleable during sex. I love giving up part of my control and letting go, knowing my partner is focused on my pleasure. It sounds selfish, but I’ve always made sure I give as good as I get.

My thoughts scramble as he kisses me. “Turn off that brain now,” he orders and kisses me again, taking my mouth and forcing his tongue inside. Connected like this, we shuffle towards the bedroom, bouncing off a couple of walls and occasionally stopping to break into laughter.