Chapter 17
Conall paced up anddown at the end of the corridor. Sunlight streamed through the windows with dust motes dancing in the shafts. He guessed it was an hour or so after dawn although he’d been up since before the sun rose.
He glanced at the door again. It stood only several paces away but it might as well have been a hundred miles. He stopped his pacing, straightened his shoulders and faced it.
This is ridiculous,he told himself.Just knock on the bloody thing. You’re a man, not some moonstruck teenager.
But he didn’t move. He chewed his thumbnail, trying to work up the courage. He could face down enemies without flinching. He could fight to the death without balking. But the thought of Molly Anderson had him dithering like a lad on his first dance.
He had spent most of the night thinking about that kiss. His heart still beat faster when he remembered the warmth of her lips on his, and the way her body had fit into his arms like it was made for him. He’d never felt anything like it before—not with anyone else. He knew then, without a doubt, that he was beginning to lose himself to her.
He sighed and shook his head at his own foolishness. What did it matter anyway? Molly would be leaving soon—going back to her own time where she belonged.
She belongs with me.
The thought flashed through his mind, staggering Conall with its sudden intensity.
Stupid, stupid, stupid, he told himself, starting his pacing once more.
Someone cleared their throat behind him. He spun around to see one of the maids standing there, a slightly bemused expression on her face. She wore a simple dress and was carrying a breakfast tray in both hands.
“Can I help ye, my lord?”
Conall’s cheeks reddened as he stumbled over his words, trying to explain why he was hanging around outside a lady’s chamber but all that came out was mumbled nonsense. He didn’t even know what he was trying to say—something about Molly and the castle—until he stopped, embarrassed by his own ineptitude.
The maid gave him a sympathetic smile and nodded towards the door. “Why dinna ye come in with me? I’m sure Lady Molly would be pleased to see ye.”
The maid knocked. “I’ve brought yer breakfast, my lady. And a visitor!”
He heard footsteps approach the other side then Molly opened the door. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Conall. She looked tousled, with her hair all over the place and the nightdress, although long-sleeved and falling almost to the floor, was so thin, it left little to the imagination. It made Conall’s pulse race.
Their eyes locked. Conall couldn’t make himself move or speak so he just stood there looking at her, his mouth dry with desire. He wanted to reach out for her but he forced himself to keep his hands still, clenching them into fists at his side instead.
Molly stepped back and opened the door wider, an invitation in her eyes. “Please, come in,” she said softly.
Conall nodded and stepped inside. The maid busied herself pouring hot water for washing and taking clothes out of the cupboard. The lass looked like she was trying not to smile.
Why had she let him in here if she knew Molly wasn’t dressed? It was hardly decent for him to be in here while she was in her nightclothes.
“I...um...my apologies,” he stammered. “I didnae realize ye were...indisposed.”
“Indisposed?” she replied with a smile. “Is that a polite expression for ‘only just crawled out of bed’? Don’t worry, I’ll be with you in one minute.”
Molly gestured for Conall to take a seat as she and her maid disappeared behind a lacquered wooden screen that stood in the corner of the room. He could hear her humming softly while she changed and he found himself smiling at the sound. It was light and sweet, like a honeybee buzzing in a meadow of wildflowers.
A moment later, she emerged fully dressed in a lilac riding dress that hugged her figure. As his eyes raked over her body, Conall found himself staring like an idiot. She looked beautiful—like something out of a dream—and he had to stop himself from reaching out and touching her face just to make sure she wasn’t an illusion.
He swallowed hard. “I...I didnae realize I was so early, perhaps I should come back later—”
“You’re not early,” she said, cutting him off. “I’m just late. I...didn’t sleep well.”
