Page 107 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
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A brief timeafter their delicious midday interlude, Amelia and Logan strolled through the gardens of his family home. She swept him a lingering glance. He had donned a white linen shirt and kilt in shades of green against black. As the breeze blew against the soft wool, she took in the delicious power of his muscular legs and his strong, lean form. Keeping a leisurely pace, he led her to a magnificent old tree, gnarled in spots by centuries of existence, yet breathtaking in its beauty. Smiling, he pointed to a low-hanging branch.
“I’ll have ye know this tree was the cause of the silver in my aunt’s hair. Or so she says”
“The tree?” She smiled at the man she adored, picturing him as a mischievous boy. “Or the lad drawn to scale it?”
He grinned. “It was not the climbing that turned her hair gray. But the tumbles I took.”
“It is a miracle you’re still in one piece.”
“I was a hardy lad. Each time I fell, I wanted to scale the tree again. If only to prove I was not afraid.”
“To yourself?” She studied him for a long moment. “Or to others?”
“To myself. Later, when I grew into a man, I still tried to prove that I was fearless. Again. And again.” He caught her handin his, his hold possessive and gentle and tender. “Until I met ye.”
Emotion welled in her throat as she saw the adoration in his dark eyes. “You don’t have to prove anything to me.”
“Ye’ve taught me that lesson, my sweet Amelia. And more.” With a sensuous touch, he brushed a kiss over the back of her hand. “There are times when we’re in bed at night, just before I fall asleep... when I look at ye, I can scarcely believe my luck.”
She met his smoky gaze. “I also watch you when sleep is near. When we’re relaxed. And warm. I treasure those moments.”
“Just as I treasure you, Mrs. MacLain.”
Amelia’s pulse sped. Would the sensuous notes in her husband’s gravel-edged voice ever cease to set her heart racing?
His lips brushed hers and gently, he drew her closer. The crisp aroma of his shaving soap and the clean scent of Highland air delighted her senses.
A well-timed clearing of a male throat jerked her from her bliss. Logan bit off a curse as he turned to look over his shoulder.
“Tell me ye’re not looking to give poor Aunt Elsie another gray hair?” Ewan MacLain’s smooth voice carried to Amelia’s ears as he made short work of the distance between the manor house and the tree. Long and broad shouldered, Logan’s brother shared his carved features and lean, powerful build and dark hair, but his eyes were green as a forest.
Logan flashed a scowl. “Yer timing leaves a lot to be desired.”
Ewan’s robust chuckle declared his affection for his younger brother. “Ye’re a married man now. Ye’ve no need to be sneaking off for a rendezvous with yer lady.”
“I’d think ye would want me to share my Highland home with my bride,” Logan countered.
“From the looks of it, she wasn’t getting to take in much of the scenery.” Ewan grinned, his expression softening as he met Amelia’s gaze. “My brother’s a lucky man, he is. He had to wasteno time putting a ring on yer finger before ye came to yer senses and changed yer mind.”
Glancing at Logan, she couldn’t help but smile. “I count saying ‘I do’ as the wisest words I’ve ever spoken.”
“I meant what I said, Amelia. Logan’s a lucky man to have a woman like ye at his side.”
“I am a fortunate man.” Logan coiled his arm around Amelia and held her close. “Now, what’s brought ye here, brother?”
“Cara and Bonnie have requested Amelia’s presence for afternoon tea.” Ewan looked like he wanted to sigh as he mentioned his spirited young twins. “The girls fancy themselves to be proper young ladies and want to show off their fine manners. Our oldest daughter, Lily, is also eager to spend time with you, Amelia. She’s a young woman now, intrigued by life in the city. She wants to learn all she can about it.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Amelia said, smiling with happiness. “At what time will the tea begin?”
“Cara’s setting up for it now,” Ewan said. “The young lass would not be this excited if Queen Victoria herself had arrived.”
“Somehow, I do think that would be a far more momentous occasion,” Amelia said.
Ewan slowly shook his head. “The girls are thoroughly impressed that ye’ve civilized their uncle.”
Amelia cocked a brow. “Civilized?”
