Page 24 of My Highland Fling
Gabrielle’s luscious mouth twisted.“My mother deals with the actual planning, but I liaise with her.I’m more like an unpaid assistant who runs hither and thither, but it’s easy.”
Ramsay gulped a mouthful of beer.“Are you returning home?”
She caught her bottom lip between white teeth and shrugged.“I have limited options.”
“It’s not as if you need to make immediate decisions,” Ramsay said.
“Limited resources as well.If I don’t return home, I’ll need a job.I can’t allow Tilly to foot my expenses.”
Pride rose in Ramsay.Despite their brief acquaintance, her strength of character impressed him.Most men and women in her position would expect others to make their lives easy.
“Are you going to run away again?”Ramsay tried not to broadcast his anger.Damn, but that had rankled.They’d had a fantastic night, and he and his feline had gloried in happiness.He’d felt as if his dreams were coming true, then poof!She’ddisappeared.
“No, not without telling you.I felt bad, but I thought we were having a fling.Once I walked away, I realized I wanted to spend more time with you.”
Ramsay grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.It wasn’t as if he didn’t appreciate the confusion she might’ve experienced.He struggled with the urge to claim her, his feline pushing him to complete this step.But Ramsay understood that might end in disaster.Given Gabrielle’s royal rank, he had to proceed with caution.Telling her about his feline status required planning.Worry gnawed at his guts, and he wished he could talk to Tomasine and Felix, to Emily and Saber.
He required a plan of attack.His feline snarled.Thankfully, the cantankerous growl remained inside Ramsay’s head, but Ramsay shared the same burning frustration as his cat.
They wanted to claim Gabrielle and hang the consequences.
While he’d zoned out, Suzie spoke with Gabrielle.The conversation had drifted to general topics, with Gabrielle asking countless questions about Middlemarch and New Zealand.
“I’ve seen theLord of the Ringsmovies.New Zealand scenery appears spectacular.Was that movie magic?”she asked.
“Our home country is beautiful,” Suzie said.“I haven’t seen a lot of the North Island, but the two islands are quite different.Stewart Island, the third-largest island, is stunning.We had a family holiday there.”
“Your country is tiny and mostly a city with many expensive properties,” Ramsay said.“After discovering who you were, I did an internet search.”
“True.I much prefer the countryside and mountains.We always went skiing every year when we were children.I enjoy the outdoors.The crisp air and the open spaces.The forests and the mountain peaks.”
“You should visit New Zealand,” Scott said with a sly glance at Ramsay.
Ramsay didn’t bite, content to sit beside Gabrielle and listen.
Suzie glanced at her watch.“We should go soon.We have that speed dating thing at the castle.”
“Speed dating?”Gabrielle said with interest.
“You’re with me,” Ramsay said, aiming for an even tone.“You don’t need someone to date.”
“Another one bites the dust,” Suzie said with a wide grin.“Let’s go, boys.We need to make Saber and London proud.”
As one, his three friends finished their drinks and rose.
“Text us to tell us what you’re doing,” Liam said.
“Will do.”Ramsay glanced at Gabrielle.“We’ll get dinner and play it by ear.Maybe stroll through the forest before dinner.”
“Sounds perfect,” Gabrielle said.
“It was nice to meet you, Gabrielle,” Suzie said.
“Bye.Behave,” Scott said.
Minutes later, Ramsay and Gabrielle were alone.
“Can we truly walk?”Gabrielle asked.
