Page 126 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
His smile broke free, shedding more warmth than the cozy fire burning in the grate. A corresponding glow lit up her heart.
“We can be shocking together.” Kade led her to a pair of wing chairs in front of the fireplace. “I suspect, however, that you’re here for another reason. Unfortunately for me.”
She tried to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. Charlie had never been the blushing type, but Kade had a knack for charging straight past her defenses.
Taking a seat, she averted her gaze from the large and inviting bed with its cozy wool coverlets and mound of pillows. Instead, she glanced at the writing desk tucked into a nook between the windows. Well lit by two lamps, it held music scores and writing implements.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your work,” she said. “It’s a miracle you’ve been able to get anything accomplished while visiting our Highland version of Bedlam.”
Kade propped a shoulder against the mantel, his broad shoulders and tall form outlined by the gentle glow cast by the peat fire. She couldn’t help thinking back to the first time she’d met him, when he’d been a slight, sickly boy. The passage of years had left a dramatic mark on him, and yet his eyes hadn’t changed, nor had his smile. Both were as warm and as kind as they’d ever been, perfectly reflecting his generous heart.
“I was almost finished for the night,” he replied. “And contrary to my expectations, I’ve been remarkably productive.” He gently tapped the end of her nose. “That’s down to you, Charlie. You’ve inspired me, and I will be forever grateful.”
The breath seemed to seize in her lungs as she gazed up into his handsome features. The fact that this man now held her heart in his hands was both terrifying and wonderful.
“I don’t think anyone’s ever said that about the Kinloch Fiddler before,” she managed to lightly reply.
Better to make a jest than let him see how nervous she was. She was so far out of her depth that she might as well be in the middle of the North Sea.
He grinned. “There’s no accounting for the muse. Now, can I get you a drink, sweetheart? I’ve just got whisky up here, I’m afraid.”
“No, thank you. I need a clear head for this conversation.”
“Ah, we are to be serious, then.”
He pulled the other chair around and sat down facing her. With his hands loosely clasped between his thighs, his gaze steady, Kade waited patiently for her to begin.
Doing her best to ignore her jangled nerves, Charlie smoothed down the soft wool of her kilt. “First, I need to apologize. I was dreadfully rude to you today.”
An amused gleam crept back into his gaze. “When was that?”
“Well . . . I believe I called you a Highland oaf at one point.”
“True.”
“Then I ignored you at dinner and positively snubbed you later, in the drawing room.”
“Also true. I admit I was cut to the quick. In fact, I almost borrowed Melissa’s smelling salts to aid my recovery.”
Clearly, he was not going to make it easy for her. “Kade Kendrick, you’re acting like a jinglebrains.”
He smiled. “Sorry, sweetheart. I will do my best to behave. Now, is there anything else you’d like to apologize for, while we’re on the subject?”
“Yes. Earlier, in the music room . . . I threw myself at you in the most disgraceful fashion. And then Ainsley burst in, and it was utterly mortifying, and that’s why I ran out of the room,” she finished in a humiliated rush.
“Charlie, I didn’t mind that part in the least.” He held up a finger. “When you threw yourself at me, that is, not when Ainsley so annoyingly interrupted us.”
“It wassoembarrassing, though. What must Ainsley think of me?”
“She thinks you’re a wonderful girl. However, it was probably a good thing that my sister-in-law walked in on us. I was not exercising the best judgment in the moment.”
Charlie’s stomach started to twist, but she forced herself to calmly meet his gaze. “I’m so sorry, Kade. I put you in a terrible position, and I sincerely regret doing so.”
He frowned. “Love, I think we’re talking past each other. Our encounter was delightful. I’m simply noting that passionate interludes are best conducted in private. Anyone could have walked in on us. We were fortunate it was Ainsley.”
Relief seeped through her. Still, she felt compelled to press the point. After all, proper young women didn’t throw themselves at respectable men. Nor did they run about in kilts, for that matter. By any standard, her behavior was shocking.
“You truly didn’t mind? Mamma says I’m a great deal too forward, andthatwas far beyond forward, even for me.”
