Drawing back, she asked, “Will ye let me meet him, when the time’s right?”
Connor nodded slowly and said, “Aye, I think… I think that might help more than he kens.”
Eva felt the ache of worry still there, but it was steadied now by hope and by Connor’s presence.
“I feel awful for the way I spoke to ye the day I left,” he said with regret. “I was fairly heated with anger after hearin’ about Michael, and I let it spill where it had nae right.”
Eva watched his eyes as he spoke, seeing the honesty there.
She drew a slow breath and nodded. “I kent ye were troubled,” she replied softly. “I’m learnin’ yer moods, Connor, even the sharp ones.” A faint, wry smile touched her lips as she added, “Though I’d rather ye nae take them out on me.”
He gave a low sound that was half laugh and half sigh.
“I missed ye, lass,” Connor said, the words rough as if pulled from deep in his chest. He stepped closer, leaving her barely any space to breathe.
Eva’s heart thudded hard as she felt the heat of him, the familiar pull that always drew her in. Before she could answer, his arms came around her.
Connor kissed her with a force that stole her breath, all the pent-up fear and longing pouring through the touch. Eva gasped softly against his mouth, her hands clutching at his tunic as if to steady herself. The world narrowed to the warmth of his lips and the strength of his hold. She melted into him, every lingering hurt easing beneath the certainty of that kiss.
It felt to her as though he was trying to say everything he couldn't find words for. His mouth moved against hers with a hunger that made her knees weaken, and she leaned into him without thought. Her fingers slid into his hair, holding him there, afraid to let the moment slip away. The kiss deepened, slow and fierce all at once.
When they finally parted, her breath came unsteady and her cheeks burned.
She rested her forehead against his and whispered, “Ye can always apologize to me with a kiss.”
Connor brushed his thumb along her jaw, his touch suddenly gentle. “I ken that now,” he murmured.
Eva smiled, her eyes shining as she stayed wrapped in his arms. The hurt of the past days faded, replaced by warmth and hope.
“I thought we might take supper together this night, just the two of us,” he said, his voice gentler now, as if the sharp edges had been worn away.
Eva’s heart gave a small leap, and she smiled up at him. “I’d like that very much,” she replied.
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a knock sounded at the door.
Eva startled, then laughed softly as a stream of servants entered, moving with practiced ease. They carried a small table, fine linens, and silver dishes that filled the room with rich scents.
Connor shook his head in amusement. “I hoped ye would say yes,” he muttered.
“I can see that,” she said.
The table was laid with roasted venison glazed in honey, thick oat bannocks still warm from the hearth, and a pot of barley broth steaming gently. There were potatoes mashed with butter, a dish of stewed apples spiced with cloves, and a small jug of dark ale beside a bottle of wine. Candles were lit, their flamesflickering gold against the stone walls. The air felt suddenly intimate, wrapped in warmth and care.
Connor pulled out the chair for her, his hand steady and sure. Eva sat, smoothing her skirts, feeling oddly cherished by the simple courtesy. He took his place across from her, and for a moment, they only looked at one another. The quiet felt comfortable, not strained.
They spoke softly as they ate, trading small stories and smiles between bites.
“I had a lesson in the kitchens. Pauline is a fine teacher,” Eva told him of her morning in the kitchens, of Pauline’s laughter and the flour that had dusted her hair.
Connor chuckled, “I can picture ye there, bossin’ the lot of them with that smile,” he teased.
As the plates were cleared, Eva hesitated, then said, “I was thinkin’ of goin’ into the village the morrow. I’d like to buy some ribbon. For the weddin’, and for Jason so he can bundle his rocks.”
Connor lifted a brow, “I’ll have a guard ready to go with ye,” he said simply.
Eva frowned. “That’s nae necessary,” she replied. “I’ve walked those streets since I was a wee lass.”
His jaw tightened just enough to tell her the matter was settled. “I’ll nae hear it,” Connor said firmly, though his tone stayed calm. “Ye’ll have a guard, even if it’s only one hangin’ back.”
