Page 58 of Deception and Desire
“I’m as hungry as a bear after a long winter.” He pulled a small leather pouch from his plaid belt. “I have letters.”
Ian’s blue eyes lightened, his face relaxing. “Now that’s worth all the hullabaloo.” He turned back and finished his morning ritual. “Ye look as if ye need a shave and good washing yerself.”
“I will soon enough.” He plunked onto the bed. “Colin here?”
“Where else would he be at this hour?”
The deerhound padded into the room. She sniffed at Ian’s silk banyan then dropped her nose to his bare feet and began licking his toes.
“What the devil—” Ian jumped to the side, looked down at the smiling canine with a loud sigh. “I see ye brought yer favorite female with ye.”
“Aye, I want her to meet Fenella.” Lachlan leaned back and folded his hands behind his head. “Have ye seen her much? Does she miss me?”
“We dinna talk about ye. Our conversations are kept to much more intelligent subjects.” His grin faded. “Teasing aside, Brother, what are ye intentions? Remember what Grandda always says.”
“No dallying with the help unless ye’re ready for leg shackles,” they said in unison.
“I plan to find out if a betrothal is in our future. She’s agreed to court me.” Lachlan sat up. “She’s special, Ian. But I’ve no experience with this kind of love, so I need to be sure of what I’m feeling.”
“Ye’re no’ as numpty-headed as ye look.” Ian wiped his face off. “Glad to hear it. I wish ye luck.”
“What do ye think of her?” Lachlan knew he shouldn’t care, but it mattered if his family approved of his choice.
“I like her. She’s clever, has common sense except when it comes to ye, and will give ye bonnie children.” He dropped his banyan to the floor and pulled on a clean shirt. “Now, if ye dinna mind, I’ll finish my morning ablutions in peace.”
*
Lachlan propped hisshoulders against the wall next to the office. One foot leaned against the panels, his knee just visible beneath his kilt, the other planted firmly against the planks. The unfamiliar scratch of doubt suddenly plagued him. His heart contracted and his hand flew to his chest. He’d never experienced romantic rejection before; he’d never been in love.Sweet Mary!If this was what a man went through when a woman spoke to his heart, how the devil did Brodie go through it so often?
Footsteps sounded below, then Fenella’s bonnet peeked over the railing. She stopped on the landing and untied the ribbons, the ever-present satchel dangling from her elbow. The morning sun framed her outline against the dusty window. Her hair shone almost white and the deep green of her dress was mirrored in her light eyes, silver and flecks of pine. Then she saw him and smiled. A radiant smile that sent heat crashing through him. The uncertainty disappeared, his body relaxed, and the habitual thrumming started in his core.
“Good morning,” he said with a wink. He loved the blush that followed and wanted to feather her cheek with kisses.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
Her chest rose and fell, drawing his eyes to her cleavage. With skirt in hand, Fenella made her way to him with eyes focused on each step. Lachlan met her at the top, pulling her to him before she had time to raise her head. She gasped at the sudden movement but leaned into him, her slight, soft curves molding into his hard body, sending the throbbing under his kilt into a frenzy. His grin turned into a half grimace. Her mouth was parted, a slight tremble that said his desire was returned.
That alone made his heart sing, his chest swell.
“I missed you,” he growled, tipping her chin before covering her mouth in a searing kiss. His tongue stroked the velvety lips, and she parted for him, allowing him to sweep inside, the remnants of tea and honey coating his tongue. His hands slid down her back, over the spine beneath the serviceable cloth, then up her waist to cup the sides of her breasts. Her hands clutched at his linen shirt, and the quick intake of breath indicated her surprise. But her hands crept to his neck, and she pushed her hips against him. One finger stroked his stubbled cheek, and he groaned into her mouth. With great reluctance, he broke off the kiss but could not push her away.
“Ah, my golden angel,” he murmured into her neck. The scent of honeysuckle enveloped him.
“I’ve missed you so,” she breathed against his ear. “I was sure August would never come.”
He leaned back, realizing the doubt had dissipated with her closeness. “I wish I could pack ye in my saddlebags the next trip. However, I’m here now.” His arm lingered around her waist as they walked to the office. The hell with propriety. They were alone, and it had been weeks.
A throat cleared noisily behind them.Hell and damnation!
Colin leaned against the doorway, ankles crossed. “I’d say ‘welcome home’ but it seems ye’ve already received a better reception than I could manage. And next time, dear cousin, dinna forget yer bloody beast. She woke me up from a lovely dream with her nappy tongue.”
Fenella spun around. “Oh, Colin! Good… morning. I didn’t hear you.” Pink stained her cheeks and swollen lips. She looked like a woman who’d been thoroughly kissed. Lachlan intended to keep her that way.
“Do ye need something in particular, mon, or do ye just like watching?”
He chuckled. “I need ye at the dock. There’s a new supplier to deal with, and I thought ye’d like to start the day with a wee negotiation for the next shipment.”
“Did we pay too much for this one?” Excitement dripped into his veins at the thought of a bout of haggling.
