Page 4 of Desiring the Highland Laird
Chloe pulled her suitcase out from the backseat and waved at her to hurry and follow. Evie trudged after her sister, the long flight and her hangover finally catching up to her.
Inside, the flat was spacious yet cozy, with a tiny kitchen, living area and dining room.
“Two bedrooms,” Chloe exclaimed. “This is your room.”
Between the bedrooms was a modest yet functional bathroom. Stepping inside, the space was compact but thoughtfully arranged. The sleek, white sink sat beneath a mirrored cabinet. Below that, a shelf for her smaller items like her toothbrush and face cream. Over the shower-tub combo, there was a frosted window that let in filtered light. The walls were a neutral shade, making the space feel clean and bright.
Her gaze wandered to the toilet—a bit different than what she was used to in the States. It had a dual-flush button on top, an eco-friendly design which was likely common in this country. It felt lower to the ground than what she expected but it was oddly practical, like the rest of the bathroom.
“You got the place furnished?” she asked.
“I did. It was better than trying to furnish it myself.”
She stood at the foot of the full-size bed, her hands on her hips as she looked around the room, as if seeing it for the first time. There was one window with the blinds open that let in shafts of light. Along with the bed, there was a small nightstand with one lamp. Across from the bed, a desk and small chest of drawers.
“It’s not my taste, but I decided I didn’t care after a while.” She grinned.
“It’s great,” Evie said, stifling a yawn.
“We’ll meet Bruce in a few hours. That should give you time to rest.”
She headed for the door.
“Chlo?”
She paused, her hand on the knob.
Evie grinned at her, a sense of happiness coming over her. “I’m glad I’m here.”
She returned her smile. “I’m glad you’re here, too.”
When she closed the door, Evie fell onto the bed, kicking off her shoes at the same time. It wasn’t long before she was fast asleep.
Chapter Two
The dream cameto her immediately after falling asleep. She ran toward a castle in the dead of night. Lightning split the blackened sky as it streaked across it. She halted a moment, breathless, thunder rumbling in its wake. Ahead of her, the towers soared into the night sky. Thick, high walls encircled those towers. Fat raindrops dotted her head. She started running again, heading for the portcullis, but the gate was closed.
Then the dream morphed into something else. She was inside. There was a warm fire blazing in a hearth and no other light. It illuminated the bedroom she was in. She was on the four-poster bed with thick, velvet curtains at each post. A man lounged in a chair by the fire. He was shirtless. His chest was broad and muscular with a sprinkling of dark hair across it. His long legs were stretched out in front of him. There was mud on his boots. His arms rested on the chair, his hands dangling. His head rested against the back of the chair. His eyes were closed. His chest rose and fell with rhythmic breaths.
He was devastatingly handsome with a strong square jaw covered in stubble. Long hair plaited on either side of his head.
She climbed out of the bed and padded toward the chair. Her bare feet were silent on the cold stone flooring. When she reached his side, his eyes fluttered open. He looked up at her with the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Desire flickered through the depths. Dark brows lifted in question as he looked up at her.
She pulled off her shift and dropped it to the floor, standing naked before him.
“Och, lass…”
His voice was deep, dark, dangerous and oh, so sexy. She moved to stand in front of him. He sat up, his gaze moving over her flesh with a look of reverence and yearning. His long hair fell across his massive shoulders.
“Don’t turn me away,” she said. “I’m here for you.”
He reached for her, his warm, calloused hands landing on her hips as he pulled her to him. He shifted in the chair to be closer to her. His mouth, hot and damp, landed on the flat plane of her stomach. Her eyes fluttered closed as he placed long, slow kisses along her abdomen.
A breath shuddered out of her as he moved downward.
And then she woke up.
Evie sat straight up in the bed, sweating. Her heart beat at a rapid pace. The dream had seemed so real. So lifelike. She was certain she had felt the man’s kisses on her flesh. She glanced down to make sure she was still dressed.
