Evan’s hands were everywhere, so she joined in, and ran her palms over his back, his shoulders, his muscled arms. He cupped her face and tilted her head so he could go deeper. His tongue nudged her lips and she opened, enjoying the taste of whisky and the dueling of their tongues.
Every thought in her head fled, replaced with the scent of the man who held her. The faint aroma of bath soap, horses, and leather stormed her senses.
He pulled back and studied her face. “Ach, lass. I want ye so much.” Then he continued his assault, kissing her cheeks, jaw, eyelids, then going lower to her neck and chest.
She tilted her head to give him more access to the soft skin under her ear. She might be inexperienced, but she wasn’t innocent. She knew exactly what he wanted from her, and she was eager to give it to him. All thoughts of any repercussions had been relegated to the back of her mind, where she would not have to deal with it until later. Much, much later. He wanted her, she wanted him. What else could matter?
Then she remembered the state she was in. She’d been sweating, handling blood, a newborn sticky babe, and the rest of the messy matter that came with childbirth. How could she ever give herself to this man when she most likely smelled like a fishwife?
That put a damper on her passion. She drew back, pushing on his chest, leaving him looking confused.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shook herself. “Everything.” She backed up and adjusted the bodice of her gown that he had managed to loosen when she wasn’t thinking. But now she was thinking, and this was not a good idea. Not only was she a mess but Evan was only here for a short time, and then he would head back to Argyll, leaving her alone with any consequences from their actions.
What a fool she was! Hadn’t she learned that men were unreliable? Her da had been a devoted husband and father until Ma had died, and then he’d abandoned her, her brother, and their clan. Evan had already told her he was headed back to Argyll as soon as he could. So she would warm his bed while he was here, then wave goodbye when he left?
“I dinnae think this is a good idea.”
He moved toward her. “I disagree. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
She held her hand up to stop him. “Nay. ’Tis not. And I am verra tired.” With those words, she fled the room, ignoring Evan’s voice calling her back.
Out of breath from her race up the stairs, Katie summoned a very sleepy Meggie and had her prepare a bath. For as tired as she was, she couldn’t sleep until she’d washed away the fear and fatigue of the night, along with the smell.
The babe and mother had survived the childbirth, although Freya could still have problems and would need to be watched for a few days.
The bairn seemed to be healthy. Mrs. MacCabe was grateful for her help, and had hinted that Katie might be ready to take over the job as clan healer. That sounded wonderful, but managing the estate, castle, and healing duties right now did seem overwhelming—just as Evan had said. Everything seemed overwhelming.
She took a quick bath; dressed in a warm, clean nightgown; and crawled into bed. “Wake me by noon,” she said to Meggie, yawning at the same time.
Katie rolled over onto her back and glared at Meggie. “Surely it’s not noon yet?”
“Aye, mistress. It is a few minutes past.” She bustled around the room, pulling out clean clothes and laying them on the bed. “The laird only just awoke himself. Seemed rather grumpy, though.”
A smile broke out on Katie’s face. Perhaps he was grumpy because he hadn’t gotten his way the night before. Now in the soberness of daytime, she realized she’d made the right decision. Had she continued with what they’d both wanted, she’d be worrying about losing her heart to the big oaf and then having it broken when he rode off to Argyll.
Or worse, wondering if she was carrying his child and living the rest of her life in disgrace. She threw off the covers and quickly washed her face, dressed, and had Meggie fasten her hair in a braid hanging down her back.
She would have a quick breakfast and then ride to Mrs. MacDuff’s house and check on the new mother and babe. Then she would see about finding cottages for her clan members who’d already arrived and those who were still on the way.
Feeling energetic with the sun shining brightly through the window in her bedchamber, she left the room and made her way down the stairs. Evan was sitting at the table eating breakfast when she arrived. He pushed his chair back and stood. “Good morning, Katie.” He rounded the table and pulled out her chair.
She nodded and felt the heat rise from her middle to her face as she sat. ’Twas daunting how he affected her. His curly dark-red hair was still damp from his bath and held back in a queue with a piece of leather. His linen shirt did not conceal the rock-hard muscles in his arms as he moved. His trews hugged his sinewy thighs, tucked into boots. “Good morning,” she mumbled.
“Did ye sleep well?” Evan took his seat and picked up his fork.
“Aye.” She reached for the platter of food, placed cheese and an apple on her plate, then added a scoop of porridge to her bowl before drizzling a bit of honey on it. The teapot was still warm, so she poured herself a cup. “I see ye like coffee in the morning?”
“Aye.”
Silence grew as they ate.
