Page 25 of Deception and Desire
“First, that manager is gone, so let’s consider this a new beginning. I am Lachlan MacNaughton and pleased to make your acquaintance. Second, I believe in being thorough. Do ye take issue with that?” Lachlan stood, hands on his hips, staring down at the man. “Or do ye think me such an addle-brained mon of business that I dinna ensure I get exactly what was ordered?”
The supplier shook his head, obviously sensing his opponent would be up for an argument—or more. “Nay, sir. I’ll await yer approval.”
Lachlan had learned long ago never to trust another at his word until the person had earned such trust. He also didn’t want to make any enemies on his first day. “Higher prices are charged for a higher quality wool. If there are ten bags out of one hundred that do not the meet the standard we are paying for, we will adjust the fee accordingly. It’s no’ personal, mind ye, it’s business.”
Two hours later, a quarter of the shipment was found to be of lower quality. Usable by any standard, but not what had been ordered. “As I said,” he told the man, his gaze steady but neutral, “we pay for what we receive. Ye might want to spread that around. These bags”—he waved a hand at a smaller stack—“will be counted at the lower price.”
The fellow grumbled under his breath.
“Look at it this way, my friend. If this was a shipment of coarser wool, and I’d found these bags of finer wool, ye’d have made a profit.” Lachlan slapped him on the shoulder and made a note on the bill. He handed it to one of the lads, closing up the last burlap bag. “Bring this to the office, laddie, and make sure my brother gets it. Dinna just add it to a pile on the desk.”
“And what do ye mean by that exactly?” asked Ian, from behind the wall of sacks. “I dinna lose things.”
Turning to the boy, Lachlan took back the sheet of paper. “Never mind. It seems the office has come to us.”
Ian stepped around the barrier of wool, and Lachlan’s breath caught in his throat. There she was, his angel from the previous day. His brain struggled for a clever welcome while his mouth opened and closed like a gasping fish.Eejit! Say something to the lass!
While he floundered like a green boy, she stepped forward.
“Hello, Mr. MacNaughton. I believe we met yesterday.” She held out a steady hand, so pale against the dark blue of her dress. “Or do you not remember our encounter?”
Well, here was a bold piece of muslin. Her smile was confident and as radiant as her hair. Colin had been right. Sun-bleached flax just cut from the field. Today, her ashen eyes reflected the indigo of her gown. Her demeanor was poised, while her regard held intelligence and a flicker of challenge.
He took her hand and bowed over it, pressing his lips to the back of her hand. The touch was enough to spur the words from his mouth. “Aye, Miss Franklin, how could I forget?”
Ian snorted. “So, itwasher?”
“Aye,” he answered, never taking his eyes from her face. She had a small nose, and he had the oddest urge to tap it with his finger. Then his lips. Then move down—
“The two of you had a conversation about me? May I ask what was said?” She straightened to her full height and looked him in the eye. “I believe you owe me that much.”
Lachlan swallowed, mentally kicking himself. A woman had never left him tongue-tied before. Then again, he’d never had such a physical reaction to a female.
“He said you almost fell, he caught you, and kissed you. Told us he couldn’t help himself,” Ian explained for his brother. “He alsopromisedto apologize and not let it happen again. Is that the right of it, Brother?”
“Did I actually promise?” He shrugged his shoulders, the surprise of seeing her now fading, his confidence returning. He gave another deep bow, arm extended. “My deepest apology if I insulted ye, Miss Franklin. I will do my best to be a perfect gentleman when we are together.”
She laughed. “I have a feeling that will be no easy task for you, sir.”
He scanned her face, wished her hair was not pulled back into such a tight knot, then traveled down that long, graceful neck and back up to the full pink lips. When he looked up, the amusement in her eyes made him chuckle. She had a sense of humor.
Sweet Mary, this would be a test for the best of men. Desire surged through his veins and a steady throb made him glad for the loose kilt.
“Lachlan, I need to speak with the captain of the barge before it leaves. Could you introduce Miss Franklin to the spinners and then escort her back to the office?” Ian nodded toward the large doors opening out to the Clyde River. “I’ll also tell him of our arrangement, so he won’t be surprised when I’m gone, and he must deal with ye.”
“Gone?” asked Fenella.
“Ian is returning home to his wife. I am to take his place for a month or so, once we have all the arrangements made. You being one of them.” He swiped off the lint and dust from his shirt and held out an arm. When she placed her hand on his sleeve, he covered it with his own. Her cheeks flushed.
“I am anarrangement?” The tone was light, but he felt her stiffen beneath his touch.
“We were desperate for an accountant. Ian hasna seen his wife in two months and agreed to let me take his place as soon as we filled the position. So ye’ve made two people verra happy.” He patted her hand and wondered at how natural it felt to have her by his side.
“Two, as in Ian and his wife?” she asked.
“Aye, Lissie will be delighted, so I suppose that makes three of us.” He stopped to give her his full attention. “Iamtruly sorry if I caused ye any distress yesterday.”
“And I apologize for the… the collision. I should have seen you.”
