Page 136 of The Highlander's Irish Bride

“I would never insult your intelligence like that. For one thing, you would likely smash me on the noggin—a threat you made only a few hours ago, as I recall.”

“I did, but only because you were acting like a thickhead. Andyousaid that I was as reckless as Jeannie, which was very annoying of you.”

“I simply said that you tended to be a bit cavalier with your own safety.”

“I have been the opposite of cavalier since we arrived in Scotland. I’m so bloody careful abouteverythingthat I’m ready to murder myself out of boredom.”

“Being careful does not make one boring, Kathleen. It makes onecareful.”

She jabbed a finger at him. “Name one time when I’ve acted irrationally, or without care for my safety.”

“Well, there was—”

“And donotmention that stupid cricket game, because none of that was my fault.”

He repressed a smile. “All right, I won’t mention that particular incident.”

She scowled and crossed her arms under her breasts, which nicely squeezed into plump mounds. In fact, Grant could see—

“Oh, is there another incident you’d like to mention?” she asked.

“Not one in particular. You do, however, have a marked inclination to risk both your reputation and safety to protect your sister.”

“Wouldn’t you do the same for your siblings?”

“That’s different.”

“Why?” Her voice was sugary-sweet. “Because you’re a man?”

Grant shook his head. “I’m not walking into that trap, lass, so don’t even try.”

“Fah,” she said, perfectly imitating Angus. “And by the way, you’re staring at my chest. How very rude of you.”

To be precise, he was staring at the pert outline of her nipples, which he could see through what had to be several layers of fabric. Very damp fabric.

“I’m only staring because it has finally occurred to me—thickhead that I am—that you’re obviously wet and cold.”

She looked perplexed for a moment but then shrugged. “I am feeling a bit soggy, but you’re soaked, Grant. Your hair is positively dripping.”

“Fortunately I was wearing a greatcoat. It held up better than your riding jacket.”

“I’m fine.” She then promptly shivered.

“Och, you should bash me over the head for letting you stand about in that damp outfit for even a moment. We need to get a fire going right now.”

“I already tried while you were stabling the horses. I don’t seem to have the knack for it.”

Grant crouched down in front of the stove and began rearranging the haphazard stack of peat. “There is a bit of a trick to it.” He glanced back at her. “Please take off that riding jacket. You’ve got to dry out, love.”

“Ah . . .”

“Kathleen, your lips are turning blue.”

She gave him a weak smile. “My shift was muddy from the garden, so I took it off. And I forgot to put on a blouse. I dressed in rather a hurry, as you know.”

No wonder he’d been able to see the outline of her nipples. “Are you saying . . .”

She flapped a hand. “I’m wearing stays, so it’s all perfectly respectable. Well, mostly, anyway.”

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