Page 50 of A Bridge Through Time
“I will, but not yet.”
“Well, if it must be Dougall, then…Dougall!” he yelled to the man across the great hall.
Dougall responded with a wave and saying a few words to his companions, crossed the room to join Ashley and Cailin.
“Aye, Cailin, did ye need me?”
“Ashley has a request of ye,” Cailin said dryly. Dougall stared at Cailin, who shrugged his shoulders and cocked his head in Ashley’s direction.
“Dougall, I hoped you wouldn’t mind finding Helene for me. I believe she’s gone to the stable to check on my horse, Destiny,” Ashley began.
Dougall seemed a bit puzzled at first, but smiled brightly when Ashley continued.
“Would you kindly tell her I won’t be in need of her help tonight, so she’s free to enjoy herself for the rest of the evening.”
“Of course, m’lady. ‘Twould be my pleasure.”
“Thank you, Dougall.” Ashley elbowed Cailin in the ribs.
Cailin grinned. “Dougall, find someone to take yer watch tonight. Yer free to enjoy yerself, as well.”
Ashley giggled when Dougall gave Cailin a questioning glance, which was answered with a shrug, which suggested Cailin didn’t have any more clue than Dougall did about what was going on.
As they turned to head out through the doors and away from the others, Cailin took Ashley’s hand. “What was that all about?” Cailin asked.
“Just a little matchmaking is all,” Ashley admitted.
“Do ye think it wise to meddle on Helene’s behalf?”
“I’m not meddling,” Ashley protested. “I’m just trying to help, and besides, Helene is in on it too.”
Cailin raised an eyebrow. “So ye’ve sent Dougall off like a lamb to slaughter, then.”
“Slaughter… I’d like to think it would be much more enjoyable than that, for both of them. I have a hunch Dougall is interested, so we’re merely giving him an excuse to be alone with Helene.”
Cailin chuckled and pulled Ashley closer, placing a quick peck on the top of her head. “I think yer right, love.”
She stopped walking and looked up into his eyes. “And you know what I think? I think I’d have enjoyed that kiss much more, if it had been on my lips,” she teased.
“Well, if that be what ye want, I cannae refuse.” Placing his hands on either side of her face, he gave her a bone-meltingly soft, slow deep kiss. Ashley moaned softly as her hands found their way through his silky black locks and anchored around his neck. She pulled herself closer to Cailin, pushing her hips into his. Cailin’s strong hands caressed down her back, holding her close. He stroked across her arms and then found her waist. His hands kept moving until he grabbed her backside and propelled her even closer to his body.
Ashley trembled in his arms. She couldn’t seem to get near enough to him. The heat of his body warmed her and sent deep waves of longing pulsing through her body from head to toe.
“Cailin,” she moaned against his cheek.
“Mmmm,” he answered.”
“I think I’m going to need some help getting out of my dress,” she panted. “Helene is busy.” She threw her head back, exposing her neck, which Cailin proceeded to pepper with kisses. He flicked his tongue across the sensitive skin below her ear before he whispered huskily. “I’d be glad to help ye, love, but I think it might be best to get to yer chambers first.” Cailin took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Come. No distractions this night.”
He put his arm around her waist and they walked back towards the keep. There was no hurry this time. They strolledslowly, having eyes only for each other, knowing that nothing would deter them from their hearts’ desire.
***
At the bottom of the stairs, Cailin swept Ashley up and kissed her again, suddenly impatient. He held her in his arms as he made his way up the stairs and into her chambers, pressing kisses to her cheeks and throat. He gently released Ashley, settling her onto the floor and turning her, so her back was facing him, and he could begin the complex task of removing her gown. His fingers were nimble and sure as he unlaced and unbuttoned her gown, from top to bottom. Cailin’s lips followed the trail his fingers had created as he worked his way down her back and he found himself mesmerized by the little sounds of delight Ashley made as he touched her.
“Cailin,” Ashley began, sounding breathless when she spoke, “there’s something you should know.”
“What’s that, love?” He dropped the gown from her shoulders and watched it pool at her feet, before his gaze slowly trailed back up Ashley’s body, perusing every inch of visible skin. Although she still wore her shift, it covered little and Cailin hardened still further at the thought of what was to come.
