Page 132 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
“Yes, and stop interrupting me. Now, as delightful as this is, I’m wondering how it’s going to solve our problem. Although,” she added after a moment, “I seem to be having trouble actually articulating the problem. Which is your fault, because you’re mucking up my brain.”
Was he really the problem? Or was it her lack of confidence holding her back? But, really, how could Kade truly love her after such a short time? After all, he’d completely forgotten about her until she’d crashed into his life less than two weeks ago.
As Kade studied her, his hand continued to caress her thigh, but with a soothing touch as if to reassure her.
“You’re wondering if my love is true, or if it’s simply a passing fancy,” he said. “One that won’t survive this moment or place.”
She grimaced, feeling rather exposed. “I know that sounds as if I don’t think you’re trustworthy. But I do trust you, Kade. More than I’ve trusted anyone in my entire life.”
“It’s fine, sweet lass,” he gently replied. “As we noted the other day, this has caught us both by surprise. But please know that I think you’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. You’re brave, beautiful, smart, and incredibly talented. I count myself extremely fortunate that the men of Glencoe are too moronic to have seen the jewel in their midst, since it meant I had a chance at winning your hand.”
The sincerity of his words and the tenderness of his gaze sent warmth flowing over her skin.
“I’m afraid you didn’t have to work very hard at that, Kade,” she admitted. “I’ve loved you for the longest time, which is rather embarrassing, since I haven’t seen you in years. Girls aren’t supposed to moon about after youthful crushes or make their feelings so obvious.”
“Charlie, you have every right to express your feelings—and your doubts, too.”
She fiddled with a button on his shirt. “It makes me feel vulnerable, though.”
Even as a child, she’d tried to remain in control of her life in whatever small way she could. As she grew older, that was the reason she never wished to marry or move away from Laroch Manor. Here, she’d been able to be who she was and who she wanted to be—until her parents had upended the apple cart.
Kade, in his own way, was doing the same now.
“It’s never easy to be different,” he replied. “But you’re safe with me, Charlie. You can be as strong or as vulnerable as you wish. I will always be there to catch you, or to stand by your side.”
He tipped up her chin. His gaze was steady, sure, and full of promise—a promise, she realized with a sense of wonder, he fully intended to keep.
“I love you, Charlotte Stewart,” he quietly vowed. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to make you happy. Everything else is secondary, including the problems we might face now or in the future. So, I’m asking you to give us a chance.”
Her throat went tight, and she had the most ridiculous impulse to burst into tears. But it was silly to cry when everything she’d ever longed for was right in front of her.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His slow smile held a hint of mischief. “You don’t need to thank me, love. You just need to kiss me.”
“All right, but—”
“Later.”
Then he took her mouth, kissing her with relentless, beautiful passion until her mind and body were infused with heat. His kisses were wonderful, but suddenly she wanted more.
She wantedeverything.
Breaking free, she tried to catch her breath. “Kade, you’re driving me insane.”
Unlike her, Kade seemed to be very much in control, although his gaze did glitter with blue fire.
“That’s rather unfortunate,” he replied. “Any suggestions?”
“You’re the expert. You tell me.”
He choked out a laugh. “I’m not sure whether to be flattered or offended. I’ll have to think about that.”
Deciding that he needed a bit of his own medicine, Charlie wriggled a bit as she slipped a hand to the back of his neck, gently caressing him. His body seemed to go hard as iron as his arm tightened around her waist. “Please don’t think too long. I get bored rather easily, ye ken.”
“We canna have ye gettin’ bored,” he growled in reply, his voice descending to a deep brogue.
He deftly unlaced her old-fashioned shirt and eased it open, exposing the tops of her stays. Gently, he ran a finger along her collarbone and then dipped it under her stays, just brushing the edge of one nipple. She clutched at his shoulders, shivering under his touch.
