Kade took her hand again. “You’re much too hard on yourself. Has this been a surprise to both of us? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong, or somehow false.”
The only true surprise was that he actually returned her feelings. Since that sounded rather mawkish, she would keep that to herself.
“It’s this blasted brooch,” she said instead. “And Johnny. I can’t think clearly.”
He studied her for a moment. “What you could do with is a bit of a drink. You’re rather jittery around the edges.”
Charlie sighed. “I think you’re right.”
He got up and went to fetch her a whisky.
“By the way,” he said as he poured a glass for her, “why are you dressed in a kilt?”
“I went for a walk by the stream before coming here, to try to clear my head. I didn’t want to get my evening gown dirty, so I changed.” She pointed at her stocking feet. “Obviously, I took my boots off once I got back. Better for sneaking.”
Kade muttered something as he handed her the whisky. Then he folded his arms, looking quite cross.
“What?” she asked.
“Charlotte, you should not be wandering about the grounds alone, especially at night. We talked about this.”
She managed not to roll her eyes before taking a drink. As the whisky settled in her stomach, she could feel her shoulders start to relax. Kade, however, looked like he was fuming.
“I was perfectly fine,” she said. “Everyone’s in bed, including scabby Sir Leslie. Besides, I was armed.”
He looked blank for a moment. “You were?”
“I took my new Deringer pistol with me. It’s an excellent weapon. Now, please sit down, Kade. You’re looming over me like . . . like . . .”
“A Highland oaf?” he dryly replied.
She gave him an apologetic smile. “Rather.”
He rubbed a hand over his head as he sat. It made his thick black hair stand on end, which she found rather adorable.
“I’m sorry,” he replied. “I just don’t like you taking unnecessary risks right now. It unnerves me.”
She scoffed. “Nothing unnerves you.”
“Nothing used to, but that has officially changed since you entered my life. And if there’s one thing Paris has taught me, it’s that events can quickly go sideways.”
She rounded her eyes at him. “Do tell. Then I’m assuming it was you who sent my brother-in-law as chaperone when I rode with Sir Leslie this afternoon?”
Kade waggled a hand. “I may have dropped a hint that such an escort would be appropriate.”
“More than a hint, I suspect, since Colin took his duties very seriously. He rode between Sir Leslie and me whenever possible, and he changed the conversation whenever my would-be suitor tried to engage in even a mild flirtation. When Sir Leslie got a bit snappish, Colin refused to be moved.”
He laughed. “Well done, Colin. He’s a truly estimable fellow, in my opinion.”
“Yes, he’s a very good sort. I will also admit, although it kills me to do so, that your plan was a good one. It saved me from Sir Leslie’s slimy attentions while giving your grandfather a chance to spend time with Johnny. So thank you for that.”
Kade leaned forward and tipped up her chin with one finger. Then he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. But when Charlie reached for him, wanting to deepen the caress, he pulled back.
She eyed him. “You shouldn’t start things you have no intention of finishing. It’s rude, ye ken.”
His deep, blue gaze glittered with devilment. “Who said I’m not going to finish? But since we still have important matters to discuss, it’s best not to get distracted.”
Charlie sighed. “I suppose that means your grandfather had little success with Johnny. I was afraid that might be the case.”
