Page 46 of A Flower for Angus

Chapter 11

It was getting latein the afternoon and the sun was beginning to wane when Poppy finally rolled onto her back and yawned so wide it brought tears to her eyes. Then it all came rushing back and she sat up, moving aside the sunshade. “What time is it?” she asked softly. She could feel a flush heating up her face at his knowing look.

“Hello to ye too, sleepyhead,” he teased. “To answer yer question, it’s getting’ close to suppertime. Are ye hungry? We can stop at The Waterfront for some seafood on the way back to Neamh if ye like.”

Poppy shuddered to think what she must look like. She reached up to smooth down her hair. Her shorts and cotton shirt were sporting wrinkles. “I don’t think I’m ready for polite society,” she replied. “I must look a fright.” She rubbed her chin. “Do I have drool lines?”

Angus’s eyes popped. “Drool lines?”

She smirked. “Just making sure you know what you could be getting into.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “I’d still get into it, drool lines, snoring and all. I’m glad to see ye feelin’ less tense, lass.”

“I guess I do have you to thank for that,” she replied, reaching up and giving him a quick kiss. Thank you, Angus.”

“The Angus special...works every time,” he teased. “And ye’re welcome.” He dropped a return kiss on her lips. I can come over every night if it helps ye sleep like a baby,” he offered helpfully.

“Uh...I’ll take a raincheck on that.”

He pointed at the rocks. “Did ye still want to walk on the rocks and dip yer toes in the loch?”

Poppy shivered; the air was getting a little cooler off the lake. “I’ll take a raincheck on that too.”

“Then let’s get things back in the bag.”

Poppy picked up a pillow and gasped when she saw the wicked looking knife laying there. She stared at Angus. “Didn’t you sleep while I was sleeping?” she asked suspiciously.

He picked up the knife and shook his head. “Nay, but it was just a precaution, lass. I never truly expected anyone.”

Poppy couldn’t believe it. Her heart swelled with feelings that threatened to turn to tears. This man had watched over her while she slept. Just to be on the safe side. “Oh, Angus,” she breathed softly. “You are an amazing man.”

He actually blushed. “Nay, lass. Just doing what any man would do fer his lass.”

She slipped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest where she could hear and feel his heart beating. “Not just any man would do what you did.”

He held her close and Poppy loved the feel of his arms around her. Hope blossomed with tentative tendrils as she realized she was starting to truly feel safe again. It was something she’d despaired of ever feeling when she’d left Toronto.

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