Page 25 of An English Rose for the Highlander
“I think yer land could be something indeed, lass. Though I need toseeit. It could be an especially valuable plot. I’ll ken for certain when I get my fingers in it.”
They were talking about land. That was all. Except, Rose could hear Dominik’s tone change, the way his teasing becameflirtation.
What on earth are we doing talking like this in a carriage? Is he genuinely considering acting on something in a blasted coach?
Still, as daring and almost lewd as the notion was, Rose could not deny its appeal. To be wrapped up in the man’s strong arms as the coach bounced along, to feel his rough hands on her skin as she sat near him, his Highland legs bare.
“Are ye warm there, lass? Ye’re looking a tad flushed.”
Rose’s eyes flared wide, and she shot a look across the cabin at her husband. Irritation mixed with that steady beat of wanting. She did not appreciate being called out as such, but she could hardly deny it. Still, Rose was not about to let the man feel entirely superior.
“It is warm, indeed, my laird. Has the road lost its entertainment for you so much that you need to stare at me so?”
Dominik choked back a chuckle, turning his chin down as he digested her words.
“The Scottish Highlands are some of the most beautiful sights on earth, lass.” He looked out the window, his mouth turning up into a crooked smile. “With ye here enjoying them with me, I can see just how well ye fit amongst them.”
Rose cocked her head, not fully understanding Dominik’s words. But he assisted her by glancing her way again, his smile was much slyer and more mischievous.
“A sunny day in the Highlands,” which they did have this morning, “is as rare and bonny as seeing ye smile properly.”
Her mouth dropped open, and Rose couldn’t stand the heat of his gaze, dropping her stare to the floor between them. The compliment was uttered with such sincerity, however, that she began to smile, a tiny chuckle slipping through her breath.
“Thank you,” she offered at last, looking back up at Dominik. “And I dare say such a fine day is about as rare as the Laird being in such a fine mood. Your friends should visit more often.”
Dominik fully laughed at that. “It has been too long since I’ve seen them all, and I dare say I agree with ye. Perhaps, as we didnot have much in the way of a celebration in England, we can work for one here. Have a Gathering of the Clans.”
Rose nodded gently. “That would be lovely.”
“We have arrived at the land, me laird!” The driver called out, and they both turned to the windows, admiring the green grass that gave way to a view of the coast.
Rather quickly, the coach rolled to a stop, and Rose peered out the window, her breath swept from her chest. Dominik had been quite right. The Highlands were magnificent, and being here on the coast for the first time had a special allure. She could smell the salt in the air, taste it on her tongue.
Above all that, she had journeyed with her husband, and there was something particularly intriguing about that.
An excursion taken together. A step into the future.
Dominik was first to exit, turning around and offering a hand to Rose so that she could step down from the carriage. The soil beneath her feet was softer here than in other places, and she remarked, “Is it because we are so near the water?”
Nodding, the Laird walked her closer to the hill that gently sloped downward toward the coastline.
“Aye. Richer soil, as well. It’s much more fertile and can contain any number of valuable materials as well.”
“I see.” Rose nodded, remembering the wealth that could be acquired by harvesting natural resources from land one owned. It was partly what made land such a profitable commodity. Lead, iron, even precious materials like gold and gems, were bits of wealth that could last your family for quite a long time as long as the mines remained plentiful.
They walked together toward the waterline, Rose enjoying the cool air and the unmatched scenery. It smelled so crisp thanks to the ocean, and Dominik got down on his knee right where the soil met the sand, his fingers worming through the earth.
“What are you doing?” She tilted her head again, admiring the way Dominik looked when he was so intent on his task, that concentration of his brow steely and stirring.
“Looking to see just what yer land has to offer.”
He smiled at her before returning to his digging, and Rose chuckled before stooping low herself and shuffling about a bit of the soil with an ungloved hand.
They were quietly enjoying the relaxed atmosphere when Rose saw a stand of rocks that protruded from the earth, jutting toward the ocean. She stood up, walking that way. When she prodded at the rough crags, Rose noticed that the interior sections, laced in the cracks of the rocks, shone an interesting green color.
“How pretty.” Dominik perked up at her words, glancing over at her. “It’s such a vibrant green. This section is even a bit blue.”
“What?” In a flash, her husband was hurrying toward her, coming to an abrupt stop just next to her, where she pointed at the colorful section of rock here near the shore.
