Page 54 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
He began to steer her through the movements as Ainsley counted off steps. Once, Charlie tripped and stumbled, but he was able to smoothly set her back on her feet.
“Thank you,” she said with a little grimace. “I’m sorry I’m so clumsy.”
“You’re not. It’s because we’re wearing boots instead of dancing shoes. More foot to trip over.”
When she glanced up and gave him a little smile, Kade felt a tug on his heart, like a memory. Then he realized itwasa memory, from their first meeting at Inveraray. She’d followed him about whenever she could, happy to be in his presence and flashing that shy smile whenever he paid attention to her.
“Kade, I think we’re ready for some music,” Ainsley said.
Angus nodded. “Aye, yer both doin’ grand. Ye fit together right nicely.”
“Er, thank you,” Charlie said.
Kade ignored his grandfather’s blatant attempts at matchmaking. “Ready for some music, lass?”
Charlie’s smile was wry. “It’s now or never.”
He glanced at Ainsley. “How about ‘The Sussex Waltz’? It’s got an easy tempo.”
“Excellent choice.”
Ainsley began to play, and Kade once more took Charlie in his arms, guiding her through the first turn. She followed his lead with an almost grim determination, her brow knit as she concentrated on her steps.
“You’re doing very well,” he assured her.
She muttered something under her breath.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing. I’m sorry to put you all out like this. It’s such a—”
She stumbled again. Kade held her steady, though, bringing her through the next turn.
“Drat,” she muttered.
While Charlie was naturally graceful and athletic, right now she was as stiff as a hitching post. Was she still shy about him, or was it the pressure of living up to what her mother expected of her?
She needed a distraction.
“We didn’t really have the chance to talk last night after we played together,” he said. “You’re a very talented violinist, Charlie. It was an honor to perform with you.”
“Really?” she asked, her gaze firmly fixed on his shoulder.
“I would never lie about something as important as music. Especially not to another musician.”
She finally glanced up to look at him. Her gaze was soft and lovely but also direct and honest. There was no artifice to Charlotte Stewart, and he found that enormously appealing. She was exactly who she appeared to be, even when it ran her straight into a wall of disapproval.
“I’ve never really thought of myself as a musician,” she said. “Just a fiddler.”
“I know more than one violinist who would kill to be as good a fiddler as you are.”
She responded with a smile so dazzling thathealmost tripped over his own feet.
“Watch your steps, Kade,” Ainsley called over the music.
“Yes, Mother.”
When Charlie huffed out a chuckle, the enchanting little sound made him want to pull her even closer. Thank God his grandfather and sister-in-law were in the room, or he’d be inclined to do something stupid.
