Page 6 of The Highlander Who Loved Me

“Truly?”

James grinned. Aye, it was spectacular. Though he grumbled about the cost, Brian McKenna never denied his wife any luxury she desired.

“The colored sunlight dancing on the floor is a sight to behold,” James revealed. “It always entranced my brothers and sister when we were children. Mother always told us ’twas the fairies bringing the magic into the chamber.”

“’Tis difficult to imagine such a thing,” she murmured.

His lips twisted into a smile. “Well, then, ye’ll just have to see it fer yerself one day, Davina.”

Her smile brightened. “Aye, mayhap I shall.”

Chapter Two

Davina nodded to the guards as she hastened through the open gate, leaving the high walls of the castle behind her. Smiling, she hugged her woolen shawl tightly across her shoulders to ward off the chill of the fall air, then fairly skipped through the valley. The afternoon sunshine bolstered her spirits, but it was the secrecy of her errand that brought true joy to her heart.

Her delight remained an hour later when she reached her destination. Shading her eyes with the back of her hand, Davina gazed at the summit of the craggy hill. The tall, male figure perched at the top was easy to recognize.

James. My James.

He waved and Davina’s heartbeat quickened, as it always did when he gazed at her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and savored the moment. The one thing she had prayed for, had longed for these past five years, had finally come to pass. For the first time since her parents had died, she had someone of her own.

Someone who held her and comforted her and laughed with her. Someone who listened to her thoughts and feelings, admired her wit, encouraged her to speak her mind and share her dreams. Someone who valued her as a person—who regarded her as a woman.

She lifted her skirts and sprinted up the hill. Arms resting comfortably on his hips, James waited for her. Breathless when she reached him, Davina stretched up on her toes and quickly kissed his freshly shaven cheek.

“Och, now, Davina, is that any way to kiss a man?”

Teasing laughter bubbled to her lips. “Cease yer bellyaching. Ye are the man who taught me how to kiss, James McKenna, therefore ye’ve no right to complain.”

She gave him a saucy wink, then spun around and raced to the trees. Playfully, he gave chase, catching her quickly and easily. Laughing, he drew her close and they swayed together on the uneven ground.

“I dinnae teach ye that sort of kissing, Davina Armstrong,” he said. “Give me a proper kiss.”

Davina flushed with heat. James’s kisses were the most magical, wonderful things she had ever experienced. The more she had, the more she craved. Challenged by his teasing, she slowly twined her arms around his neck and leaned into him, molding her body against his solid strength. Hungrily, she again went up on her toes, then pressed her lips ever so softly against his.

He remained still, his arms at his sides, allowing her to do the kissing. She pressed her mouth more firmly to his and let her hands travel over his shoulders to his back. After a moment she felt his hands slide down to her hips and rest there. Davina squirmed with pleasure at his warm touch, wantonly slipping her tongue along his bottom lip.

James groaned, a sound that ignited her own growing desire. His tongue poked out and tangled with hers. Fire ignited between them. Davina gasped and arched in pleasure, eager to show him the passion he stirred within her.

She shifted slightly, tasting the salt of his skin as her lips traveled to the exposed area of his throat, then up to the hollow behind his ear. She could feel his warm breath as he nuzzled the top of her head. It gave her a puzzling sense of comfort and she relished the feeling.

I must truly be besotted to feel such things.Her hands moved down to his chest and she raised her eyes to his. The passion and tenderness she beheld brought a rush of emotions.

He lowered his head and she leaned into him, eager for another kiss. He obliged her with several, but then drew back.

“Dinnae stop, James,” she wailed. “Not now.”

He heaved a heavy sigh, but kept his distance.

Disappointment surged through her.

“Ye make my body sing and my heart soar, but ye are a lady born and bred and I shall treat ye with the honor and respect ye deserve.”

His gallant words did little to calm the trembling passion Davina felt, though she was humbled by his chivalry. And distracted enough that she allowed him to take her by the arm and stroll across the hilltop. By the time they reached the other side, her passion had calmed enough to be under control.

Though a twinge of disappointment remained. Their relationship had grown and flourished these past months, blooming like the crops in the fields. She wanted nothing more than to give herself to him, to belong to him body and soul.

James professed to want the same and while Davina believed him, a small part of her wondered how he always managed to control himself, to stop himself before they consummated their desires. Though she had little experience with men, she did know that most would greedily and swiftly take what she was so eager to give.

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