The doorknob rattled once more. After a click, the door opened and Kade strolled into the room.
Charlie jumped up. “How did you do that?”
“I have my ways,” he said as he slipped a small leather case into a coat pocket.
She huffed out a small snort. “Lockpicks, again.”
He joined her. “You’d be surprised how useful they can be. For instance, when one’s betrothed locks herself into a room, refusing to talk to the poor fellow who loves her.”
As she stared up into his handsome face, a surge of longing welled up, so strong it made her chest go tight. Kade patiently watched her, his gaze warm and infinitely kind.
“I would have talked to you eventually,” she said. “I just . . .”
“Needed time to think,” he replied. “I understand. That scene in the drawing room was rather gruesome.”
She crinkled her nose. “I’m sorry I stormed out like that, but I was embarrassed. My family issoidiotic sometimes. And, sadly, so am I.”
He took her hand and turned it over, raising it to press a kiss to her palm. The simple, gentle touch made her knees go wobbly but also soothed her soul.
“Nonsense,” he said. “You’re the most clearheaded person I know.”
“My father—and the Kinloch Fiddler—might suggest otherwise.”
He smiled. “I’m quite fond of the Kinloch Fiddler. While her methods are unconventional, they certainly achieved the desired result.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
They gazed at each other while Charlie tried to sort out her muddled emotions. Mostly, she wanted to throw herself into Kade’s arms and start kissing him, but that struck her as a bit risky at the moment.
As if reading her thoughts, he led her back to the sofa. “Let’s sit down, sweetheart. Then you can tell me exactly what’s bothering you.”
After they sat, Kade stretched his arm across her shoulders, lightly holding her. Charlie resisted the impulse to snuggle closer, because she knew where that would lead, and it wouldn’t be to talking.
“I was silly to run out, though,” she said. “But it was getting rather too much.”
“Trust me, I was grateful. It gave me the excuse to quit the room, too. By the time I followed you, Colin was on the verge of challenging your father to a duel, and Angus was offering to be his second.”
Charlie practically gaped at him. “Good God, Colin? He’s so mild-mannered. Melissa must have been hysterical at the prospect.”
“The opposite, actually. She seemed impressed by Colin’s bravery and leapt to his defense. Then she and Johnny got into it. By the time I left, Melissa was threatening to dump a vase of roses over your brother’s head.”
“Oh, dear,” she replied, trying not to laugh. “Poor Mamma must have been beside herself.”
“By then she’d also joined the fray and started brangling with Angus. It was full-on mayhem by the time I made my escape. I did, however, relieve my grandfather of his dueling pistols before leaving, just in case. We don’t need another reprise of the Massacre of Glencoe.”
Charlie burst into laughter, because, really, what else could one do?
As she struggled to control her hilarity, Kade handed over his handkerchief. Charlie wiped her streaming eyes and finally managed to regain control.
“I’m relieved to see you laughing,” he said. “You were beginning to worry me, sweetheart. I was afraid you were going to throw me over.”
“I rather thought you were going to do the same to me. Or at least wish you could. Of course, you’re too honorable to do so, but I certainly wouldn’t blame you. Not after everything that’s . . .”
She faltered when a scowl descended on his brow.
“How could you possibly think I would wish to throw you over?” Kade tipped up her chin with the edge of his hand. “I love you, lass, and don’t you forget it.”
Then he swooped down and pressed a swift, firm kiss to her lips, briefly plundering her mouth. Charlie dug her fingers into his coat, her senses swimming under the delicious assault.
