Page 126 of The Highlander's Holiday Wife

She twisted a bit so she could see his face. “I was positively dreadful to you, when you were simply being supportive. And who told you that I wasn’t rude?”

“Kade. He’s much better at reading people than I am.”

“The fact that you even had to discuss it seems to suggest that Iwasrude to you.”

And that was embarrassing, since other members of his family obviously had noticed her poor behavior, as well.

“I thought you were avoiding me because you were angry with me,” he said.

She shot him a frown. “Why would I be angry with you?”

“Because I put you in a terrible spot.”

“Truthfully, we both put ourselves in a terrible spot, and certainly the fault was more with me than you,” she replied. “You told me to leave the blasted ledger for later, but I insisted on fetching it. If I hadn’t, Beath never would have caught us in so awkward a position.”

“He likely would have caught us coming out of your office or down the stairs anyway, which would have appeared almost as incriminating. Like we were sneaking back from a private rendezvous.”

She huffed out an indignant breath. “As if I would ever dishonor Roger’s memory in such a fashion.”

Braden was silent for a few moments before answering. “Of course you would never do such a thing.”

“Oh, by the way,” she said, “I did fetch the ledger after the party. I have it right here. Quite honestly, though, I can’t make heads or tails of it. Hopefully Logan will be able to do something with it.”

When she made to stand, he wrapped a hand around her wrist and gently pulled her back down.

“No need to do that now, lass. We have other things to talk about.”

She eyed him, disconcerted by his almost casual demeanor.

“All right,” she cautiously said. “What else?”

His eyebrows ticked up.

She flapped a hand. “Yes, yes, I know. I’m ignoring the elephant in the room.”

“Lord Beath. I take it he hasn’t put in an appearance or sent around any threatening notes?”

“No, but he’ll make his presence known sooner rather than later. It would not be good for you to be here when he does.”

“I can always sneak out the back door. I know the way.”

She twisted fully around to face him. “This is not a joking matter, Braden Kendrick.”

As he studied her for a few moments, Samantha had the sense that he was carefully picking his way through the conversation, as if unsure of himself. That was interesting, since Braden was the epitome of confidence, even when facing down armed criminals.

“I know,” he said. “It’s anything but, and it’s also hellishly complicated. Or it will be, if we don’t come up with a plan.”

“I’m aware. Aside from the immediate problem regarding Felicity—”

“Does she know?”

Samantha shook her head. “No, and I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible. But I’m also worried about the gossip. Lord Beath will likely spread damaging tales about both me and you.”

“That’s a certainty. Did John and Bathsheba have any suggestions as to how to handle things?”

“Not really. They did offer to speak to him about Felicity, but I advised against it. John isn’t a favorite of Beath’s at the best of times.”

“And now is hardly the best of times.”

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