Page 59 of Deception and Desire
“In my opinion,” agreed Colin.
Lachlan rubbed his hands together and gave Fenella a loud smack on the mouth. “Save me a biscuit, lass. I’ll see ye in a few hours.”
*
Fenella stood forseveral moments with her fingers tracing her swollen lips. He was like a tempest, whirling in and out of her life, setting her heart pounding and her hope soaring. She sighed and dropped the straw bonnet on the desk. Sinking onto the chair, she allowed her pulse to slow. Her grandmother’s words came back to her.Lass, ye need to be honest with him.She just needed to find the right time.
After a long morning of attempted concentration, Fenella gave up and opened her satchel. The crinkle of wrapping paper seemed to attract these clansmen like bees to honey. She barely had time to set out the dried haddock, brown bread, and cheese before Lachlan appeared. He stood with both hands leaning against the top of door frame, his weight on one leg, his opposite bare knee bent forward, showing beneath his kilt. His tan waistcoat had been discarded, the ties of his shirt undone, and a triangle of wiry dark curls sprang from the opening. As he rocked against the overhead jamb, thick chestnut waves, combed back to frame his strong jaw and full mouth, brushed against the white neckline. Her eyes dipped to his arms, muscles flexing and straining at the soft material. His sapphire eyes pinned her gaze as she licked her lips. He grinned at her, and she stifled a laugh, knowing he must realize how incredibly masculine he appeared. And he wantedher. Fenella Franklin. She pinched herself under the desk.
“Move out of the way, ye hulking sow,” groused Colin from the hall. “Do ye think ye’re the only one she feeds?”
Lachlan pivoted on one heel, surprise on his face at the arrival of his brother and cousin.
“Dinna look so shocked,” Ian chided. “She likes us, too.”
They pushed past Lachlan and took the two chairs across from Fenella. With her brows raised in question at Lachlan, she held up a chunk of fish and set it on a piece of the wrapping paper beside her. Then she doled out portions to Ian and Colin.
“The most kind and gracious Mrs. Douglas sends dinner for us when Fenella works. It’s like a wee taste of home,” Colin said, chewing a mouthful of cheese as he cocked his head at her. “Ye’ll have to share with this bonnie lass if ye’re hungry. I’m no’ a generous man as ye well ken.”
Ian took a bite of the haddock and smacked his lips. “Get the cups, Colin.” He pulled a leather bottle of small ale latched to his belt.
“My hands are greasy. Lachlan, get the cups.”
Fenella pressed her lips together, hiding the smirk. His dismay at the intrusion, and the command, was apparent. He grabbed the three tin cups from a shelf and plunked them on the worn desktop.
“Why don’t you pull a chair next to me, and Ian will pour you a drink,” she said in a honeyed tone. “Try this haddock. It’s delicious.”
His gaze jerked to her, and his scowl disappeared. Lachlan’s cheerful disposition couldn’t be held back for long. It was one of the things she loved about him.
Fenella caught her breath. Shelovedthis man. How had it happened in such a short interval of time?
The MacNaughtons discussed business and news from home. Names she didn’t recognize but hoped she would in time. The three men took up the bulk of the space around her, their bodies filling the chairs, their personalities bouncing against each other. Yet she felt safe rather than stifled. How could she leave this newly adopted family? These Scots, her grandmother and Rose, and this vibrant city were all so dear to her now.
“Colin, we think we’ve got a candidate for manager,” Lachlan began with a pointed look at Ian. “Grandda—”
“And I wasna consulted? Ye ken I have a better—”
“Stop interrupting,” Lachlan half-shouted. “Ye’re theeejitwe want in charge.”
Colin froze, a finger pointed at Lachlan, his mouth open. He gawked at Ian, who nodded in confirmation.
They’d caught the man off-guard. Fenella’s throat swelled as the emotions flittered across his face, and her heart went out to him as she came to his rescue. “What a perfect solution. I’m surprised you didn’t come up with it before.”
The giant lowered his finger and found his voice. “What about having the overseer being a neutral party or English? The old earl demanded it.”
“We’re the next generation to run the mill. Gideon kens ye and trusts ye as we do. I canna think of a better man to look after our clan here.” Ian gripped his cousin’s shoulder. “Will ye be our second-in-command?”
He nodded, pride showing in the straightening of his shoulders and lift of his chin. “I’d be honored to assist the clan in any way I can,” he accepted in a rough voice.
Lachlan raised his cup. “To Colin, the new manager.”
Ian raised his. “To the success of MacNaughton Textile.”
The clanking of tin, a splash of ale atop the desk, and then slaps of congratulations filled the room. Fenella leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, with a grin she couldn’t wipe off her face. Oh, how she loved this clan.
*
At three o’clock,the most attractive Scot in Glasgow waited at the door to take her home. Malcolm stood next to the same chestnut horse, a wool cap pulled over his unruly red curls. “We’ve missed ye, Miss Franklin,” he said with a slight bow.
