Page 67 of The Highlander Who Loved Me

Davina answered with a loud yawn. “Just let me rest my eyes fer a few minutes first, James,” she muttered as her voice trailed off and sleep claimed her.

Chapter Fifteen

James stared down at the meal laid out before him. The oatcakes were nicely browned and warm, the small pot of honey sitting beside the platter a rare luxury. Taking full advantage of the bounty, he tore a cake in half, drizzled it liberally with the sticky nectar, and put it in his mouth. The sweetness burst upon his tongue and he allowed himself a brief moment to savor the ambrosia before once again training his eye upon the archway leading into the great hall.

Where was she?

At this late hour of the morning only a few lingered at the trestle tables breaking their fast. Thankfully, none were members of his family. Facing their curious scrutiny while he was feeling so unsettled would have been pure torture.

He had fallen into an exhausted sleep holding Davina tightly against his chest, his spirits lifted, his heart hopeful. But when he woke with the dawn, she was gone, leaving his bed the same way she had arrived—quietly, stealthy, without his knowledge.

A part of him didn’t understand why he felt so outraged. More than once he had slipped from a woman’s bed as the dawn approached while on Crusade. Except for the fact that he was the one left behind, was this any different?

Aye, it was. Making love with Davina had awakened feelings within him he long believed dead and gone. Even now, hours later, the emotions continued thrumming through his mind and heart. She had yielded her body to him, satiating his physical desire as no other had ever done. But in doing so had somehow reached the very core of his being, touching his soul.

He had always known he had lingering feelings for her, yet he had not expected to care so much.

Then, if by some mystical conjuring, Davina suddenly appeared in the great hall. His control slipped for a moment and he jumped to his feet, demonstrating all the eagerness of a green lad. Irritated at the reaction, James turned his head away, yet the heated feeling continued to consume him.

He heard her approach and breathed in deeply, trying to dispel the sharp stab of longing that tore through him. Yet manners prevailed. He drew out the chair beside him for her and she sat, her hands folded in her lap.

“Good morning, James.”

He glanced down at his clenched fist. Jesus, just the sound of her voice had the power to tie him in knots.

“Davina.” He nodded his head and slowly unclenched his fist. “Ye look lovely.”

Her eyebrows rose and she cocked her head. “Ye look . . . out of sorts.”

He gazed back at her. “I dinnae like waking up alone in my bed. Especially after it has been filled with such a sensual, willing, bonny lass.”

Guilt touched her eyes. “My behavior last night was exceedingly improper. I had to leave yer bedchamber before the household awoke. I couldn’t insult the generous hospitality of yer parents by being discovered somewhere that I should not have been.”

Her words pierced him sharply. If they had been found together they would have had no choice but to marry. Did this mean she did not want to be his wife? “Ye regret what happened between us last night?”

Her cheeks bloomed with color. “James, please, just leave it be.”

He clenched his hand and the oatcake he held crumbled. The ease and comfort they had gained last night was now gone. “Come with me. Now!”

Her head lowered slightly. “Please, calm yerself.”

He drew in a deep breath, making an effort to conceal the anger that continued to rise. “I need to speak with ye and I prefer to do so somewhere private. Unless ye wish all to know what passed between us last night?”

She sent him a dark look, then managed a forced smile. “Yer mother is expecting me in her solar this morning. I’m helping her embroider the new tunics that were made fer the squires.”

She was being deliberately evasive. Why? “I’ll send Colin with a message, letting her know that ye are with me. She willnae mind.”

Davina’s mouth set in a rebellious line, but he knew that he had won when she exhaled a soft sigh of resignation and pocketed two oatcakes. “I’ll have Colleen fetch my cloak.”

Impatient to be alone with her, James left his half-eaten breakfast on the table. His foot tapped impatiently as they waited for Colleen to arrive. Finally, she appeared.

She draped the heavy cloak on Davina’s shoulders and helped her fasten the garment. After casting a speculative eye at James, Colleen respectfully withdrew, though her behavior made him wonder if her companion knew—or merely suspected—that Davina had spent most of the night in his bed.

Electing to leave their horses behind, they walked through the castle gates into the sunshine. There was a distinct chill in the air, but the sun had burned away the early morning mist and dampness. James chose a path that went up a hill, through a thick growth of trees.

To the left, the water that fed into the loch danced over the rocks and boulders, creating small falls and mossy green coverings. The rushing sound required the need to shout at each other in order to converse, so instead they stayed silent.

James welcomed the quiet. He had much to say, much to ask, and the words were crowding his head. He needed this time to gather his thoughts, to gain command of his tongue.

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