Aye Candy

Claire Castle

Copyright © 2021 by Claire Castle All rights reserved.

This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author, except for using small quotes for book review quotations. All characters and storylines are the property of the author. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are fictitious.

Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of all products referenced in this work of fiction. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Proofreading provided by: Jill Wexler

Cover Design: RJRF Productions

Warning: Intended for a mature 18+ audience only. It contains graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations.

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Contents

Index of Terms

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

About the Author

Also by Claire Castle

TERMS

The Central – fictional department store

Aye – Scottish way of saying yes

Cannae – Scottish slang for can not

Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve celebrations in Scotland

1

“Is this your version of he loves me, he loves me not people do with flowers?”

I pierced my best friend with a sarcastic look and continued opening the sweet, heart-shaped sweets, hoping to find the perfect message. If I ended up eating the whole packet before that occurred, well that was the company’s fault, as far as I was concerned. “You already know the answer, Ashlyn!” 

Crossing my arms, I let out a huff. “Now let me have my ritual before we go out. It can’t hurt anything.” 

Then I stood up from my round bed and did a twirl around the room. Fairy lights covered most of my bedroom walls giving the room a magical quality.

“Now go get ready.” I tried to shove my flatmate out and into her own room. “We shall have a night out for our own version of Gal-entine’s Day, but as I’m not exactly a gal, unless you count my love of clothes. Maybe Gay-lentine’s Day? Hmm but you aren’t gay. Okay well, more thought is needed on that. And no ditching the other for a hot guy.”

“Angus, you are more notorious for that than I am.”

I never did agree or disagree with her, instead shooing her away. Then I stood in the mirror and added some mousse to my hair, trying to get it to have that just-out-of-bed messy look. People didn’t realize the time it took to get that when it was nine p.m. and you were headed out drinking.

Satisfied with my look, I wandered to the living room, waiting impatiently for Ashlyn. Finally, she appeared. “You look amazing, darling.”

“As do you. I see you have your sassy pants on. And you were lecturing me about not leaving each other.”

I let out a harumph, for my black and orange plaid trousers always drew men to me like a moth to a flame. “Well, the last love heart wasn’t that sublime, so ....” I trailed off, knowing she was onto me. 

There was crunching underfoot as we walked arm in arm down the street to our favourite pub. A surprise Glasgow snowfall was pleasant to look at but not so much fun to walk in, in more-than-I could-really-afford gold-trimmed shoes.

It was still early February, but Ashlyn and I always celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early, just in case one of us did find a man to romance us on the actual day.

Most years had us drinking and watching sappy Hugh Grant movies together while nattering on about true movie love. And buying half-price chocolate the next day.

Unconsciously I straightened my shoulders. Maybe this year would prove different. I placed my hand on my tie to make sure it was straight. “Och aye, here we go, Ashlyn.”

The pub was full of old Scottish charm. The walls were covered in vintage pub advertising memorabilia. Booths lined the outside walls, with the long bar in the middle. At the back was a small dancefloor. We always sat back there to people watch. 

“Usual?” Ashlyn questioned as she made her way up to the bar.

I nodded in response and went to find our favourite table, hoping it would be vacant.

Instead, there was a man sitting there surrounded by papers and a laptop, obviously trying to work. How that was possible was beyond me. The pub was quite busy tonight, never mind the music playing for the people who wanted to dance.

If I was being honest, I momentarily considered finding another table, but I was all about serendipity and the magic of coincidence. I let out a giddy breath when I saw a roll of candy hearts sitting beside him.

He looked up then, and I was greeted to the most beautiful grey eyes that I had ever seen. There were a few laugh lines around them, and I imagined him to be about ten years older than my young twenty-four. Okay fine, twenty-five. I was still in denial about turning a quarter of a century at the end of last year. 

He smiled at me and then looked back down at his work.

“Be mine,” I blurted out. Not my usual come on line, but those eyes had obviously made me cut to the chase.

He raised his head slowly, amusement dancing in those eyes. “Sorry, I would, except my granny has curtains in the same exact pattern as your pants,” he said in a teasing tone. If I was to guess, that was a Canadian accent coming from his gorgeous lips. 

I wasn’t used to men giving me back as good as I gave and keeping me on my toes. Frankly, it delighted me. “I’ll have you know these pants” —I dramatically gestured to my lower half— “have gotten me into very many men’s....” I broke off as he sat there chuckling. Jerk! Hot and funny, but still potentially a jerk.

Trying to compose myself, I pointed to the candy hearts on the table. “Actually, I meant your candy hearts. I’m guessing the next one you take out will say that. I love them. They are my favourite sweets this time of year.”

“Oh.” He frowned, looking at them. “Actually...”

Suddenly Ashlyn appeared, effectively ruining our moment. “Hi, I’m Ashlyn.” She was holding her hand out to him, and I didn’t even know his name yet.

He took it all in stride. “I’m his, apparently,” he said, pointing at me with a glint in his eye. Then he cleared his throat. “Yes, well. I’m Ty.” He looked directly at me, expectantly.

“Oh, Angus. Yes. That’s me.”

Ashlyn piped up. “Nice to meet you, Ty, but we have our Gal-entine’s drinks here so Angus will have to love you and leave you.” She shrugged her shoulders and said “sorry” in a perfect Canadian accent as she nudged me to walk away. 

“Well played,” I heard from Ty.

A couple booths down, I swore under my breath. “Dammit.”

“Here’s your drink. Now drink up. We’re here barely five minutes and already you’re wanting to break the no men rule.”

“This was different. Please,” I begged. Then I gulped back the cold beer in front of me. “Come on, Ash,” I tried. “I’m not even joking. We had a moment.” 

“Batting your eyelids won’t work this time.”

I pouted but then reluctantly leaned back to get more comfortable in the seat.

A couple of our friends from the clothing store we worked in together came over and got a round of drinks in. They shoved me into the corner of the booth, and I had to lean forward a lot to even see everyone.

“What’s this?” Darren flicked at my yellow scarf. 

“Fuck off, Darren,” I told him. “It’s very in fashion right now if you must know.” He was always such an arse when he drank a lot. Usually this was my kind of night. Being a social butterfly and catching up with the gossip that people shared.

But my mind kept drifting back to Ty. 

A few hours later, I was feeling buzzed but didn’t think I’d be too hungover tomorrow for work. Most people had left already. “Come on, time to go home.” Ashlyn pulled me from the booth. 

“Okay, one minute though.” I dashed over to check where Ty had been sitting, but he was gone. 

Dragging my feet, I headed back to Ashlyn. “Another year of just you and me, babe,” I told her with a laugh.

“Just the way we like it,” we said in unison. We were almost at the door when the bartender, Graham, came over. “Hey, Angus, this was left for you at the bar. Strict instructions to give you it as you left.” He handed me a white envelope.

“Thanks, have a good night.” 

As soon as we stepped out on the street, I wanted to open it. The envelope had no discerning features on it except that it held something other than paper inside. Ripping it open, I found an unopened packet of my favourite candy hearts. As I rolled it in my hands, I saw it. From top to bottom, written in Sharpie, was Ty’s name and phone number.

I did a little dance on the sidewalk around Ashlyn. “Aye! See! I told you.” Walking back to our flat was infinitely more exciting than it usually was. Eventually, we were inside in the warmth, and I said goodnight to Ashlyn, locked my door, and snuggled down in my bed with a smile on my face as I stared at the sweets I’d set on my nightstand.

2

Waking up, I had a shower and got ready for work. The all-black uniform and name tag were nothing like my stylish ensemble last night, but it was what it was. I looked at my phone for about the twentieth time in half an hour. It was only eight a.m., so too early to phone Ty, but I had to work from nine until six tonight. I’d phone him at lunch, I decided. Putting my phone away, I yelled at Ashlyn, “Come on. I need coffee before we get there.”

We’d worked together at The Central for the past couple of years. I worked in men’s clothing and Ashlyn in the women’s clothing section of the large department store. I loved that every day was different and the employee discount made my love for fashion a little more affordable. However, my morning dragged on more than usual as I counted down to lunch.

I walked over to Ashlyn’s area. “I’ll be late for lunch today. I have a call to make.” I smiled at her and walked back to the men’s department.

Finally, it was lunchtime. I pulled the candies along with my phone out of my pocket. Here goes nothing, I thought, dialling. I’d sat down in a quiet change room and changed the sign to occupied.

“Tyson Tremblay here,” I heard across the line. The Tyson part threw me off, but I recognized his accent.

“Ah hi, Ty. It’s Angus. From the pub. I received your wee gift. Thank you.”

“So good to hear from you. I had to leave abruptly. Work emergency. But I saw you were with your friends so I didn’t want to intrude.”

“Oh, that’s good. A relief actually. You see, I was telling my best friend Ashlyn, saying how we had a moment there last night. She laughed at me. But we did. Didn’t we? Have a moment?” I asked, my voice rising unexpectedly.

“You sound cute when you ramble on like that. And yes, I enjoyed our moment. I’m just in town on business for the week, so if you want to get together, I’m game.”

“Oh, I’m not into sports really,” I mused with a smirk.

His laugh echoed over the line. “No, I’m not either. Actually, before we were interrupted by your friend, I wanted to kiss you. And bring you back to my hotel for more. What do you say. Pick up where we left off?” 

I had to admit, I was enjoying his forwardness. No games, literally. “Okay. Yes. Just text me the details,” I croaked, bringing another delightful chuckle from him. We said goodbye, then I quickly left the change room.

The afternoon passed rather quickly, thank goodness, and then I was back home throwing clothes all over the place. “Should I wear my sassy pants again? But he’s seen them. But they are my go-to.” I was talking to myself, but I didn’t care.

Then Ashlyn came in. “Angus, please. What on earth is going on? You haven’t gotten this crazy since you were trying to decide what to wear to the Ariana Grande concert last year.”

“Yeah well, if you must know, this might be even more pivotal. And more important.” All my clothes felt wrong. “Ugh.” Then I picked up some black pleather pants and a fitted T-shirt. “This?” I asked her.

“Yes, you will look fantastic. I take it I shouldn’t wait up?”

“No, don’t. We’ll be busy. Very busy.” It was hard to control the smile that crossed my face.

Ashlyn had a book in her hand and went to sit down in the living room. “And not at all egotistical. That’s good.”

“Ha, ha,” I replied sarcastically. “Have a good night.” I walked over to kiss her on the cheek and strode out into the cold night. I’d already checked that I could walk to the hotel in about fifteen minutes.

Along the way, I stopped at a food truck to get something to eat. Rubbing my hands together in the cool air, I was glad when I arrived at the hotel. I pulled out my phone and texted Ty to let him know that I was here.

He met me downstairs with a sexy smile and I followed him up to his room. As soon as we were inside, we were kissing passionately. Teeth clashed and our beards rubbed together.

“You are so damn hot,” he growled. Squeezing my arms, he moved his hands under my T-shirt and lifted it up over my head. Then his hand was on my neck, pulling me in to kiss me while his other hand moved to cup the front of my pants.

“Aye, you ain’t so bad either,” I told him, hearing my accent thicken. I pushed his jacket off his shoulders, unbuttoned his shirt and kneaded the skin on his chest. I looked into his grey eyes and then kissed him again.

He pushed me backwards and then I landed on the sofa. When he pulled my pants down, my dick sprung out, hard and long. I held it out to him and tapped his lips. Then he enveloped me with his mouth, placing his hands on my hips.

I watched him as he moved up and down my cock. The speed picked up the pace and I felt the sensation as he added a hand to my balls. My breathing became more erratic. “Wait, Ty, if you keep that up, I’ll be coming before we got started. Do you want to fuck me?”

A grin grew on his face, and he jumped up, moving out of sight. I waited in anticipation and lifted my hips to push my pants off. By the time I got to the ankles, Ty was back, looking mighty fine. He’d stripped down just to his boxer shorts.

I took him in, from his dark hair, to his glorious eyes and mouth, the stubble and strong shoulders. Down to his magnificent torso and hard cock.

“Here, lick.” He pushed two fingers into my mouth, and I sucked greedily. Then he bent to kiss me and simultaneously pushed the two fingers in.

The sensation of him scissoring inside me was intense. “Oh god.”

“Lift your legs,” he said, in a husky voice. There was rustling, and then he held my legs up and pushed inside. Slowly.

“Please, Ty, faster.” I held onto my cock, worried I’d come too soon. Too fast.

Then he was rocking in and out of me at a faster pace. “You feel so fucking good.” He placed a chaste kiss on my lips and picked up even more speed.

Looking at him was mesmerizing. I was panting and felt on fire everywhere he touched me. I reached up to bring him in for another kiss and I bit his lip.

“Oh god.” His muscles moved in such fluid motion. The thrusts became more frantic, and he slightly changed position. Then I squeezed around him. “Ahhh …. Yes.”

We fit and moved so perfectly together in an erotic dance. I grabbed my cock and pumped a few times. My legs tensed as I felt him come inside me.

“Yes, oh yes, damn.” His breathing was shallow, and he took hold of my of cock. “Come now.”

The feeling was so exquisite as he placed just the right amount of pressure on me, causing me to spurt out in long ropes of come. My legs felt like jelly, and I dropped them to the ground.

The room smelled of sex, and I’d been lost in the moment with him. Hell, the fire alarm could have sounded and I probably wouldn’t have noticed. Ty had rolled off me and was staring at the ceiling, catching his breath. “Good, huh?”

“I can’t move, I think that should answer your question.” He stretched his arms up above his head and then bent one near my head. “Get over here.”

I moved to lean into his chest. He rubbed my back as we both tried to get our breathing back to normal. “Scottish hospitality is where it’s at.”

I burst out laughing and rubbed his chest and abs. “Och, aye,” I murmured into his ear. A shiver went through him. He slid off the bed to stand and I pushed myself into a sitting position. When he came back, he’d wiped himself down and threw me the towel to do the same.

He handed me a shirt, as there was a chill in the room. We were almost the same size so it I figured it would fit fine. I pulled it over my head. It had a huge Canadian flag on it.

“Do you want a drink?” He nodded his head towards the fridge.

“Sure. Yes please.” I stretched my legs out on the sofa, feeling sated and happy.

“Here you are. Cheers.” He raised his glass and took a sip. He had on a similar shirt to me.

“Really going for the tourist look, aren’t you,” I quipped.

“Hey, I drew the line at a camera, fanny pack, and carrying my passport around my neck.” He laughed and had a smirk on his face. “No, these are just my night shirts. I love Canada, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t wear these outside my room.”

Ty refilled our glasses, and we talked into the night.

A yawn escaped me. I stood up and stretched my arms. “This is your fault. Wearing me out.” I pulled him to his feet and held him close. “Not really complaining, you understand. Now let’s go to bed.”

“Isn’t this my place? Shouldn’t I be saying that? I guess that means you’re staying over?”

I followed him into the bathroom, and there was an extra toothbrush for me. “Thanks. I didn’t really think about staying over, but since I’m tired and you did give me a night shirt, I guess I will.”

We went through to the bedroom and after he climbed in, I got in and faced him. He pulled the blanket over us. “Can I ask you something?” he said.

“Well, okay, yes, just don’t asked what happened on Hogmanay five years ago. Oh, who am I kidding, Ashlyn will be happy to embarrass me and spill I’m sure if you ply her with a few drinks.”

He pulled me in closer and stroked his thumb across my lip before kissing me. “Speak Scottish to me?” I could see his brow quirk up in the soft light coming in the window from outside.

“Aye,” I said cheekily, letting my brogue shine through. Those grey eyes of his sparkled. So, I leaned in to his ear and recited a Scottish poem that had been in my family for generations, making sure to roll my R’s. Eventually, we fell asleep.

Sometime in the middle of the night, we both woke up. No words were spoken, but I felt like I learned a lot about Ty as we touched each other and learned what the other liked. When I touched his side, he let out a little moan. And he caused me to shiver through my entire body when he caressed my hip.

When he nudged his hard cock at my back, I stretched and let out a moan, letting him know I was awake and ready. We laughed together as he almost fell out the bed when he stretched to get the condom.

As he pushed into me, we got a rhythm going in the dark of night. Our moans echoed around us in the bedroom. His warm hand reached around to pump my cock and as I chased my orgasm, all my nerve endings felt like they were on fire. Then we fell back to sleep, sated and satisfied.

I opened my eyes and had to blink a few times just to wake up. Then Ty was in my peripheral vision. He looked very dashing in a wool sweater and coat.

“Hey, sleepyhead. Thank you for last night. I have to get to some meetings.” Then he kissed me. “Take your time. Have a shower. Whatever you need.”

“Wait.” I panicked. “Will I see you again?” I held my breath, realizing then that this was unlike any hook-up I’d had before. There had been no three a.m. walk home or rush to get away. I wanted to spend more time with him. To learn about him.

The smile he gave me was infectious. “I thought you’d never ask. I’d love to.” He checked his watch. “Okay, I really have to go but text me. Or I’ll text you.”

“Wait,” I said again. Then I leaned up to kiss him. “You look very handsome,” I added. Moments later I heard the door close. I let out a happy sigh. Rolling over, I went to grab my phone but realized it must be in the living room. I sleepily walked through and found it.

“Ashlyn, hello darling. Just letting you know I’ll be home soon. I’m still at Ty’s.”

“Angus Malcolm MacIntyre, what is that I hear in your voice? You’re falling for him. Oh my god. Sassy smitten kitten.” Though she was teasing me, there was also a non-joking edge to her voice.

“Hey! I’m not, and he’s only here for a week. It’s just a hook-up. That’s right. We had a fun night.” Trying to inject some assertiveness into my voice, I continued, changing the subject. “Will we meet for lunch at the usual spot?”

“I see what you did there. Changing the subject. But yes, I will see you there later. I’m just visiting with my mum. She says hello.”

“Hello back!” Plodding over to the kitchen area, I found the Keurig machine and added a pod to it. Then I took a quick shower. Belatedly I realized I’d be wearing the same clothes again. Well, nothing to be done about it. I got dressed in my same clothes to walk back to the flat.

After changing into something more comfortable, I walked outside to the pub we liked to go for a bar lunch. It was a house from the 1800s that had been converted into a pub. Of course, back then, it would have been a mansion. The sun was out today and it felt a bit warmer, so I grabbed a table on the patio. There were patio heaters spaced between the tables.

I pulled out my phone as I waited for Ashlyn, curious as to how I’d arrived before her. I wondered what had happened. Usually it was me that was fashionably late for our lunches. And then I heard a deep voice with a distinct Canadian accent. I glanced over to my right and saw Ty. Grabbing the menu in front of me, I had to fan myself. What was he doing to me? I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach.

Waving the waiter over, I checked the menu. I waved him closer to me. “Anything sort of Valentines-y on the drinks menu?”

“Yes, sir, we have the candy heart martini. Would you like one while you wait for the rest of your party to arrive?”

“Yes, and no.” I pointed to where Ty was sitting. “Please deliver one to the guy over there.” Smiling to myself, I couldn’t seem to wipe the grin off my face.

“Someone’s happy to see me,” I heard Ashlyn say as she sat down. “Sorry, I’m late. Mum’s neighbour needed help bringing in a goat.”

“Oh nice, nice,” I said as I stared at Ty’s back. He was studiously focused on some paperwork, and I was doubting my move, but I shoved that thought aside.

Ashlyn playfully slapped me. “You aren’t even listening to me. Who has a goat in the city?” Then her eyes moved in the direction I was staring. “Oh, is that lover boy?”

That brought me to attention. “Shhh!!”

Ty was speaking to the waiter as he put the drink down. Then he turned towards us with a smile on his face. He raised the glass to me. I was quite sure the drink was dreadful and sickly sweet, but hopefully it was the thought that counts.

Taking a chance, I sauntered over to him. “Hey. Care to join me and Ashlyn? Or are you too busy?” I looked down at his computer and paperwork. “What do you do anyways?”

He turned to me, looking very serious. “I am undercover for the CIA.” He draped his arms across all the papers. “You cannot view any of this information. Highly classified.”

I could tell by his over-exaggeration that he was kidding me.

“No, I’m an inventor. I won’t bore you but basically, I went from making maple syrup energy drinks in my garage to a huge company that I’m now CEO of. We’ve expanded over here now. I try and keep on top of everything because I came from nothing and don’t want to fall into losing money. Now that that overload of information is done, yes I’ll come join you in a moment.” Then he leaned over to kiss me on the cheek.

I could just imagine what fun Ashlyn would have with that. Usually PDA wasn’t even my thing, but with Ty, I was now a fan.

As soon as Ty came over, he looked to Ashlyn. “What did happen with Angus at Hogmanay five years ago?” My cheeks heated as I laughed nervously.

3

It was difficult to spend time together over the next few days, but we made the best of it. I showed him the iconic Duke of Wellington statue with the cone on its head, and we frequented a few pubs along the way.

“I’m really a beer guy, not that that candy hearts drink wasn’t good.”

“Aye, me too. And you cannae beat the Scottish ones.”

“Same for Scottish men.” When he winked at me, I wondered if I’d literally melt. The whole world had taken on new dimension with him in it. I couldn’t wait to see him each day after work, and we had so much fun together. If I was being honest, I didn’t want it to end. But what was the point of thinking that? I didn’t do relationships, and we didn’t even live in the same country.

On our last night together, we decided to order delivery and cuddled under the covers on the couch to watch a movie. All too soon, it was over. We headed to bed, and I think neither of us wanted to address the elephant in the room. Ty would be leaving tomorrow.

Kissing him felt bittersweet and as I touched him, I tried to memorize him. “Can I, I want to be inside you.” He nodded, understanding my meaning. The supplies were already on the side of the bed. There was a different atmosphere in the room tonight: loss coupled with a layer of vulnerability.

We moved more slowly tonight, trying to make each moment last. I started by placing lube on my fingers, then slowly pushing them inside him, readying him. Lying beside him, I enjoyed the noises he made, the moaning and gasps. I wanted to watch him as he came undone.

Precome glistened on the end of his cock. I brushed it off with my thumb and licked it.

“Fuck, Angus, that was sexy as hell.” He watched as I rolled the condom on and added more lube. Then I lifted his legs over my shoulders. Rubbing his thighs, I slid inside and then pulled completely out. He closed his eyes, immersed in the moment.

In and out, I was building up the intensity, bringing us both to the edge. “Ty, I want us to come together.”

He opened his eyes and gazed at me. In their depths I saw so much love and emotion that I had to look away or I was worried I’d cry. Instead, I bent down to kiss him slowly and thoroughly, trying to infuse all I couldn’t say or wish for in that kiss. That he’d stay.

Rocking into him, as he held his cock, he spoke. “Come.”

“Aye.” I lifted his hips to change the angle just so. And then I was pouring into him. Throwing my head back, I kept my grip on him and felt him as his thighs squeezed together.

Our moans intermingled and his warm come spilled onto my hand and his abs. I pulled out and tied off the condom. Ty lay there with his arm over his face, still coming down from his orgasm. If it was anything like mine, it had been the greatest one of his life.

Needing a moment, I jumped up and went to the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror and took some deep breaths. All of these emotions were overwhelming me. Taking a few more calming breaths, I closed my eyes and splashed some water on my face and then returned to the bedroom.

“What took you so long? Get in here. I’m cold without you.” Ty was on his back, inviting me to come and lay on his chest.

I didn’t know what to say without getting sentimental, so I settled for cuddling into him and kissing him. When it felt like his breathing had calmed, I spoke into the darkness, telling him everything I couldn’t if he was awake.

“Ty, I will never forget this week with you. I wish we could be together, that you could stay. Or that I could be closer to you in Canada. You make me laugh and you keep me on my toes. And the sex, well that goes without saying, it’s phenomenal. But it’s not fair for me to ask you to stay just for me.” After restlessness, eventually I fell asleep.

4

Ty and I had said goodbye at the hotel. Now I was back at the flat. I’d been at work during the day and if I was honest, it had helped to keep my mind off him. I was rambling to Ashlyn, I knew it. She was the best of friends, but I was sure even she had her limits. “It’s for the best. We had a week together. A perfect week. I’ll just hold onto that memory.”

Three weeks later

“Angus,” the bartender called out. It almost felt like déjà vu of when I met Ty. Ashlyn had finally dragged me out tonight after a lot of persistence and insisted I wear my sassy plaid pants. I turned around. “Ah, this is for you.” My heart started beating so fast I was worried I’d have a heart attack.

On instinct, I glanced around the pub, my enthusiastic heart hoping Ty was hiding, while I knew that was ridiculous. I hadn’t heard from him since he told me he’d landed safely, and I’d been too scared to make the suggestion of a long-distance relationship.

Of course, there was no sign of him here. I took the white envelope with a heavy heart.

Out on the sidewalk, I opened the envelope to find a pack of the candy hearts. I spun the package around, but there was no writing on it like last time. I shoved the pack in my coat pocket.

“Oh, why don’t you open it,” Ashlyn said. Now that I looked at her closely, she did have a weird look on her face.

Shrugging, I opened the tube and slowly spilled the sweets into my hand. The first one said my name. Strange. And then one after another there was one word on each.

YOU

ARE

MY

AYE

CANDY

Nothing was making any sense. Personalized candy hearts. For me. Excitement was threatening to make me act crazy. I jumped around like a loon. Then I looked at Ashlyn, who was smiling. “Where? Tell me.”

I followed her down the road until we reached a fountain in the middle of the park near where we lived. There stood Ty, looking elegant in his wool coat. I couldn’t help myself. I ran up to him and kissed him on his lips, his cheeks, his nose. “Oh, how I missed you.”

He nuzzled into my neck and put me down. “I missed you so much too. Angus, will you be my boyfriend?”

As he looked into my eyes, I pulled him in closer and kissed him. “Aye, I will.”

He twirled me around and took my hand in his. “Now I know we missed the official Valentine’s Day, so we’ll have our own late one.” He let go of my hand and went to talk to Ashlyn. I could only imagine he was thanking her for her part in the plan.

“Now Mr. Sassy Pants, come with me.”

We walked hand in hand and I was happy to go along for the surprise. “How long are you here for this time? We can make it work long distance.”

“For as long as you’ll have me. I’ve arranged to work out of the UK headquarters for the foreseeable future.”

I jumped around screaming, then kissed him again. “That is the best Valentine’s gift ever.”

He smiled brilliantly at me. “So you’ll be mine? Say you will.”

I held out my hand. “Aye.”

THE END

About the Author

Claire Castle grew up surrounded by books. She has loved reading for her whole life. Her true love is romance and HEAs. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found wearing comfortable leggings, drinking mocha, and petting her dogs. She loves collecting cute mugs and watching Schitt’s Creek over and over.

I love to hear from readers. Please feel free to email me at: clairecastle_author@yahoo.com.

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Also by Claire Castle

Christmas Novellas

Snowflakes & Cinnamon Buns

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

A Princess For Christmas

Wrapped Up In You

Easter Novella

Some Bunny To Love

Summer Short Story

Sandcastles & Second Chances

New Year’s Eve Short Story

First Footings & Fireworks

Novels

The World Traveler

Boyfriend or Bust

Cake Clash - co-write with BL Maxwell

Marshall - Book 1 Mayfair Model series

Carter - Book 2 Mayfair Model series

Rutledge - Book 3 Mayfair Model series

The Royal Report