Page 20 of Kiss Me, Macrae

Luckily, his involuntary gasp had her freezing in place. She’d clearly forgotten he was there and was just reminded of that fact. She rose in a silent rush as her eyes darted toward the door. But her hand remained poised over her drawing, ready to crumple it into a ball.

Baird snorted loudly and flung a hand over his head, still feigning sleep.

The woman flew past him, leaving behind only a whiff of her scent.

And her sketch.

As soon as the library door closed behind her, Baird rolled to his feet and crossed the room to the desk. Elegant lines marked the creamy paper in confident strokes. The resulting creation had him sucking another shocked breath. This one spread through his core and out to his limbs like sunshine streaming through heavy grey clouds.

Warmth mingled with sadness. And hope swirled with loss.

How could she have known exactly what he’d been trying in vain to accomplish for so many months? Somehow, she’d seen the vision locked in his head and she’d brought it to life. It was perfect.

Chapter 10

Allegra was nearly to her bedroom when she heard someone swiftly approaching from behind. A startled glance over her shoulder revealed the sight of Baird Macrae bearing down on her. The purposeful length of his stride and the intent look on his face—evident even in the darkened hallway—had her turning to press her back defensively to the wall.

Her breath caught as he neared.

And then she saw the drawing—her drawing—held carefully between his strong fingers.

She had just enough time to lift her chin defiantly as he came to a halt in front of her. With no preamble, he lifted the drawing and stated in a rough voice, “Ye drew this.”

It wasn’t a question.

Allegra tensed. “Were you awake?”

Completely ignoring her question, he took a step closer to her. “Why did ye draw this?”

“You think I’d explain myself to you after you just spied on me?” Her voice was incredulous and tense. She’d been compelled to draw the design that had settled in her mind, but she had not intended for anyone to see it.

He blinked then tilted his head. “It’s more like I was observing ye spying on me.”

“I was not spying.”

The intensity in his features softened into one of his familiar grins. “Oh, aye, it’s common for a woman tae creep silently intae a closed room tae study documents that have nothing tae do with her.”

Allegra narrowed her gaze, but held her tongue.

Then he chuckled and pushed a hand back through his tousled hair. “I’m not upset that ye decided tae review my plans. I’m glad of it, really, considering it prompted this.” He lifted her drawing again. His voice dropped to a murmur of reverence. “It’s perfect.”

Her breath caught and something warm unfurled in her core.

His appreciation felt unbelievably personal and she suspected she knew why.

His various sketches had clearly been trying to incorporate some very specific aspects, as though they were an attempt at honoring something…or someone. His drawings suggested the need for a structure that could be open to the fresh highland air but protected from the frequent rain and drizzle. It needed alcoves for quiet reading and personal contemplation and space for social gatherings. Essentially, an intimate sitting room set out of doors in a balanced blend of classical architecture with fanciful details and modern comforts.

“It’s as though ye knew her,” he added roughly, emotion thick in his words. “How did ye tae see it all so clearly? I’ve been trying…for months…”

Feeling how important it was to him, Allegra tipped her head back to meet his heavy gaze. “It was all there in your sketches. I simply put it together.”

He gave a slow shake of his head, then stopped himself. For a long moment, he stared deep into her eyes. She could sense so much going on inside him. Doubt. Hope. Confusion. Need.

She almost reached for him there in that darkened hallway, barely five steps from her bedroom door. The urge to step into him and wrap her arms around his great, strong body with the intention of offering comfort and support was more intense than ever.

She refrained. Just barely.

“I want tae take ye somewhere,” he declared gruffly. “Tomorrow.”

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