Page 2 of Pretty in Plaid
Kenna crossed her arms over her chest. “I suggest ye leave, sir, afore they notice your presence.”
He peered beyond the grand foyer, looking in the direction of the ballroom. “I dinna think they will be coming here anytime soon. There’s a bawdy game going about the ballroom from the looks of it.” He glanced back at her, and she wished she could see the color of his eyes. “’Haps ye’d like to join the fun.”
“I dinna like games.” This was a lie. She loved games, and the idea of a bawdy game at that had her curiosity fairly bursting from her skin. What a tease he was. “Go away now.”
The man chuckled, low and rumbly. The sound bounced up the steps to thump right into her belly, enough that she felt unbalanced and gripped the banister for purchase.
“I’m afraid I canna do that.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I came here for something in particular.”
“So, ye’re a thief.”
He shrugged, not denying her accusation.
“I shall scream,” she challenged.
“Would ye care if I stole ye away from Uncle Duncan?”
Kenna felt the blood drain from her face. How did he know that Duncan was her uncle? He chuckled again as though he could read her thoughts.
With her hand gripping hard to the banister causing her knuckles to whiten, she said, “I’ll give ye to the count of three to vacate the premises before I alert the guards.”
The man grinned as if he would very much enjoy that. “The count of three?”
“Aye.” Was she being too generous?
“All right, I’ll take the challenge.”
What? She narrowed her eyes.
“Are ye going to start counting, or should I?” He winged a cocky brow that made her bristle with irritation.
“I will count.” Was the man taking her up on the challenge?
He gave a languid perusal of her person. “I’m waiting verra patiently, lass.”
Oh, the nerve!
“One,” she said quickly.
He pushed his bulk off the wall, lifted a long leg up to the third stair and then stopped.
“What are ye doing?”
“Waiting for ye to say two.”
What in the bloody hell? Kenna was shocked, stunned, and curious. “Ye should be running the other way. Ye dinna know how this works.”
“Trust me, lass, I know exactly how this works.” Why did he have to say it like that, in a tone that spoke of something else, something not proper at all?
“Two.” She retreated, feeling uneasy, as he took two steps in one stride. She should run but dashing up the staircase with these voluminous skirts would likely have her face-planting onto the very path she wished to take. “Stop,” she hissed. “No’ another inch closer.”
There was only one stair between them now. If she said three, he’d be right on top of her.
“Say three.” He grinned widely, sending a thrill through her.
