Page 24 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Cassandra sat at her worktable, grinding dried thyme and chamomile into a fine powder. The rhythmic motion of the mortar and pestle should have soothed her, but her thoughts kept drifting elsewhere—back to the kiss. It had been days, and yet she could still feel the warmth of Hunter’s lips on hers, the strength of his hands as he held her close. She was furious with herself.
Why did I let it happen? Why do I want it again?
She bit her lip, pressing harder against the herbs, as if she could crush the memory along with them.
"Hunter, stay away from him lass. He will do ye nae good," she said to herself.
She had come here to heal, to work, not to let herself get caught in another web of desire that would just lead to heartache again.
"Cannae trust any of the men folk, remember that," she said as she carried a bucket of water to the hearth and set it to boil.
And yet, no matter how much she scolded herself, she couldn't stop thinking about him as she moved back to her table to work.
A sharp knock at the door made her freeze, her breath catching in her throat. She clenched her hands, half-expecting the door to swing open and reveal Hunter standing there, ready to unravel her again.
When Jessica stepped inside instead, Cassandra exhaled, relief and disappointment warring within her. She quickly composed herself and mustered a smile, pushing aside her reckless thoughts.
Jessica grinned as she strode in. “Och, ye look like a lass who’s been lost in her thoughts.”
Cassandra chuckled, setting the pestle down. “Aye, just busy with the herbs. The patients still need tendin'.”
Jessica tilted her head, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Is that so? Then why’d ye look like ye expected someone else at the door?”
Cassandra’s smile faltered for half a second before she smoothed her features. “I dinnae expect anyone, really. But I’m glad it’s ye, Jessica. Shall I make us some tea, then?"
Cassandra averted her gaze to the kettle, realizing that Jessica could see right through her.
Jessica smirked, folding her arms. “Aye, I’m sure ye are. Tea would be good, thank ye," she said.
"Good, I make me own mix," Cassandra said as she started to spoon herbs into a tea pot. "This is a very good tea for-"
"Tell me, Cassandra, why do I get the feelin’ there’s somethin’ ye’re nae sayin’? Maskin’ it with talk of tea?" Jessica said cutting her off.
Cassandra waved a hand dismissively keeping focus on the tea. “Ye imagine things, dear friend." Cassandra moved to the kettle and poured hot water into the tea pot. She gathered two cups setting one down in front of Jessica trying to not make eye contact as she knew the woman would see right through her.
"Now, what brings ye here? Is there news of a patient?" Cassandra asked.
Jessica leaned against the table, clearly not fooled. “I was wonderin’ if ye’d like a break. I just finished bakin’ somethin’ sweet, and I thought ye might want to sneak a bite before the kitchen folk snatch it all up. Get out of this musty workshop for a bit."
Cassandra’s lips twitched at the temptation. “A sweet, ye say? Now that is an offer I might nae refuse.”
Jessica laughed. “Aye, I thought that might work."
Cassandra looked at Jessica, knowing very well the woman had an ulterior motive to offering her a sweet and became hesitant.
"But I do have much work to do. Maybe ye can stow away a sweet for me later," she said.
"Come, let’s go before the laird’s men get their hands on it.”
Cassandra hesitated, glancing at the herbs she still had to prepare.
"I'm nae leavin' until ye come with me," Jessica said.
After a moment, she gave a small sigh and stood. Perhaps a distraction was exactly what she needed.
"Alright, just for a while. I could use a break from the pestle and mortar," she said. Then she removed the bucket of boiling water from the hearth and set it down on the stone floor. She tossed a few used cloths inside of it and left it to sit.
"I'm ready then, what magic have ye conjured up with those bakin’ hands?" she asked.
