Page 32 of Deception and Desire
“Would you like me to wash your hair?”
“No, it would take too long to dry.” She listened to Rose hum and relaxed, eyes half-open. Tomorrow she would find the company that had dropped off the ledger. Perhaps ask Colin or Sorcha. If they didn’t recognize the name, her grandmother would surely know.
*
Her finger pausedat the entry. McPherson’s Forge. Each month, thirty-five pounds had been recorded as an expenditure. Not a fortune, but an annual wage for many servants in a fine house. When the handwriting changed to Ian’s, the withdrawals had stopped. Her instinct told her there was something off.
“Weel, if ye arena the bonniest lass ever to sit behind that desk.”
The masculine tenor sent her pulse racing even as her eyes refused to move from the book before her. Would he be as handsome as she remembered? A week was a long time to feed the imagination. She glanced under the cover of her lashes.Mercy!Those clear blue eyes laughed at her, and she couldn’t breathe.Don’t be a dimwit, say something!
“I imagine I am theonlyfemale who has sat here.” Her voice sounded steady and amused. She took in a breath. Evie would be proud.
He sauntered in and settled his hip on the edge of the desk, his bare knee hanging over the corner. Fenella valiantly tried to take her eyes from the muscled leg and curling dark hair. She was aware of his palm next to the ledger and the musky, male scent of him.
Perhaps Eviewouldn’tbe so proud.
Her mouth was dry. She licked her lips.
“I wanted to thank ye,” Lachlan said softly. “I’m no’ one to let a wee scrape get the best of me or to need assistance managing a step or two.”
Fenella looked up now and saw he was embarrassed. He ran his fingers through his thick auburn hair and stared at the floor. This confident man who avoided her eyes was self-conscious about needing help. Or he was not accustomed to thanking anyone. It warmed her to watch him fidget, red spreading up his neck and across his cheeks.
A smile pulled at her lips, and she reached out and covered his hand. “You were incredible that day. I watched you from a window. I consider it a battle wound.”
He nodded and turned those sapphire eyes on her, a direct gaze that made her feel like… like a woman.
“I also apologize if I offended ye in any way that day. My mouth doesna always wait for my brain to decide what is appropriate.” He grinned, the color disappearing. “Though it’s no’ all my fault. I swear ye are the bonniest female in all of Glasgow.”
It was her turn to blush. “No offense taken. However, I’m not so sure about Sorcha.”
He snorted. “I’ve already spoken with her. She’s a good woman, helped bring me into this world. And will never let me forget my…fumble.”
They sat in a silence for a moment, then Lachlan stood. He adjusted his brown waistcoat and pulled at his sleeves. Fenella watched as the dark kilt fell softly back over his knees.
“I will leave ye to yer work, Miss Franklin. Ian leaves tomorrow, so if ye need anything, it will be me ye must come to.” He winked and left the office, the door slamming in his wake.
The tune Rose had hummed earlier at home began low in her throat as she sorted through the pile of papers on the desk. A light, happy tune that matched her mood. She liked this side of Lachlan MacNaughton.
In truth, she liked the man from any angle.
*
“Ian!” bellowed Colinas he strode through the door.
Fenella coughed, a piece of beef lodged in her throat by the unexpected intrusion. A huge paw slapped her back, her chin almost dipping into the cup of tea before her. She held up a hand to stop him.
“Ma always said to take smaller bites and dinna talk until I swallowed,” he lectured with a grin.
“My mother always said to knock before entering a room,” she quipped.
“Knock?” He looked genuinely puzzled.
With a laugh, she waved him off. “Yes, the sound that gives warning to an imminent interruption? It’s much more effective than causing a person to jump and choke.”
He paused, a thoughtful look on his handsome face. Then he nodded, his blue eyes sparkling. “I’ll knock, and ye’ll take better care on the size of yer bites. Compromise, my da always said.”
She stifled the laugh. “Wise man,” she agreed. “Did you need something?”
