Page 66 of The Highlander's Temporary Bride
Soon, they were beyond the village, navigating the woods, and the scent of fresh pine filled her nose. Part of her knew that she should ask where they were going or whether they should go back, but instead, she held on tighter to his hand.
Just a little longer.
At that moment, they emerged out of the trees and into a cool, misty place. A small waterfall fell at one end, splashing a rockface in a hill, and beyond, the trees thinned, revealing meadows of wildflowers. Fireflies were everywhere, making it feel as though the stars had come down to dance and leap over the bonfires, too. And as Emma turned, following the water, she gasped.
Through a break in the trees, one could see Banrose Castle and the loch beyond.
“This is so beautiful,” she breathed. “Thank you for showing me this.” She looked at Grant, who was watching her from where he leaned against a rock. “I will never forget this, Grant.”
Grant furrowed his brow at that, but all he said was, “Please come here.”
Emma slowly walked over to him, her heart pounding in her chest and her lips tingling. Grant seemed to grow irritated withimpatience, but he did not chide or force her to hasten. As though he enjoyed watching her walk toward him.
But as she stopped in front of him, her heart misgave her, and she shook her head when he took her gently by the forearms.
“Grant, no, we shouldn’t?—”
“Why?”
She looked up at him, at a loss for words, and he gave her a wicked smile.
“Lass, I am almost desperate to kiss ye. I can think of nothin’ else, seein’ ye in me clan’s tartan. Here in the moonlight, yer lips are a damn siren song.”
“But we can’t keep doing this,” Emma insisted.
It almost sounded like a plea, rather than a protest. And Grant knew it too, for he smirked at her.
“Do ye want me to kiss ye?”
“That’s not the point,” Emma spluttered.
“Ye havenae come close enough to let me touch ye since our picnic at the loch.” Grant frowned as she shook her head andlooked away. He cupped her face in his big hand. “Lass? What’s wrong?”
“Everything.” Emma turned away. “Everything,LairdRonson. You are to marry my best friend. The Queen’s Edict said Helena Lovell, not Emma Wells.” She balled her fists. “I do not even know where I stand in any of this, now that Agnes has married Leo?—”
Grant startled. “Wait, did she finally write to ye?”
Emma stared at him. “Finally?”
“Well, I thought she might,” Grant continued. “His man-at-arms, Fergus, is McWirthe’s second cousin. I had him inquire after her. She’s well.”
“I know, and I’m happy for her. She wrote me the loveliest, sweetest letter, and I know that I don’t deserve a sister like her. Not after everything that has happened.”
“I dinnae understand.”
“You almost died!” Emma cried suddenly. His eyes went wide, and she whirled around, pacing away from him. “I almost died, too. Without apologizing to my parents—although I doubt they will ever forgive me for what I’ve done, even if Agnes has.” She swallowed hard. “I do not know what my future holds, but I am afraid. And–”
I almost do not want to leave Banrose. But I must. I cannot even entertain that idea. It can only bring about madness and heartbreak and–
“Emma. Easy, lass,” Grant soothed, and two strong arms wrapped around her. His lips grazed her temple. “Ye dinnae need to take on every problem tonight. All will be well.”
“At Banrose, yes, I hope it is,” Emma murmured.
“Och, lass,” Grant said as he turned her around. “Ye cannae say such things and nae expect me to show me gratitude.” His hands cradled her face, and his green eyes smoldered. “We still have tonight.”
Their foreheads rested against each other, and Emma fought down a sob, even as her fingers curled into his shirt.
“May I kiss ye now?”
