"Are you sure 'tis your new bride beneath the covers, there?" Fraser asked. "Could be the blacksmith's mother."
Her mouth dropped open. Fraser was such a rascal.
"I'll make certain 'tis Kristina," Colin assured him.
She pressed a palm to her burning face. How embarrassing that everyone knew what they were going to be doing in a few moments' time.
When the lock clicked and she heard no more voices, she uncovered her head. "Did everyone leave?"
"Aye." Colin chuckled.
At least they didn't stay to witness the consummation, as was customary in some places. No doubt they trusted Colin to get the job done.
She heard cloth sliding hastily over skin and then the mattress dipped as Colin got into bed. Though she was wearing a specially embroidered nightgown, he was obviously naked. She wanted to see him so badly.
"You are the most beautiful sight I have yet beheld." He stroked her hair behind her ear.
"'Tis not fair," she whispered. "I want to see you, too."
He drew her hand to his face. "You can see me with your fingers, as you did the first time."
She smoothed her fingertips over his strong jaw, covered in very short, scratchy stubble, and then over his high forehead and brows.
Placing his hand along hers, he pressed his warm lips to her palm. "I could put the fire out, if you like, and cast the room into darkness. Or I could blindfold myself again."
She grinned at how sweet and considerate he was. "That is not necessary."
"Good, because I relish looking at you right now. I'm certain we will share a lot of wonderful times in the darkness of night." He kissed her forehead.
"I hope so." Sliding her hand around his back, she pulled him tight against her. "I've missed this," she whispered. "I've missed holding you and sleeping together, like we did in the cave and at Bearach. I want to tell you again how sorry I am for—"
He placed a finger over her lips. "There's no need to speak of it anymore,mo chridhe. All is forgiven and we have a new start. This is the beginning of our wonderful life together. You make me so happy, I don't even recognize myself."
Touched and thrilled by his affectionate words, she smiled. "Well, I confess, I didn't ken 'twas possible to feel as much joy as you bring me. You've made my life perfect, even though I'm very imperfect. I feel selfish and guilty for having who I truly want."
"Not that again," he admonished. "You are an extraordinary woman and the clan is overjoyed to have you as their new lady. They ken how caring and compassionate you are."
"As are you."
She hadn't had the opportunity to explore his nude body before and was very much looking forward to it. She trailed her fingers down his hard chest, feeling the ridges of muscle and manly hairs. She moved her hand lower still, over his rippled abdomen, enjoying the intimate indention of his navel and the trail of hair that progressed downward. Heated excitement flamed over her body.
He moaned and clasped her hand, lifting it to his neck.
Disappointed, she asked, "Why did you—?"
"You don't wish me to be done before we even start, now do you?"
She didn't fully comprehend what he meant but had no time to ask him, for he kissed her deeply and completely. His lips were firm and possessive and his tongue sensual and delving. He tasted of pure masculine enticement blended with a hint of ale.
She curled her fingers into his thick hair and focused on how his lips felt upon hers. Decadent and seductive. Her heartbeat skipped and hurtled at an excited pace. Tingles sparked along her nerves like hundreds of points of light.
In her imagination, she brought her memory of Colin's face to the forefront. 'Twas the same way he'd looked in her dream. Handsome and manly with a strong jaw, shoulder-length golden-brown hair and light-gray eyes. She also remembered the way he'd looked at her in the bailey when she'd first arrived. His eyes had been intense, like a lightning strike of sensual awareness.
He placed wee, hot and tickling kisses down her throat, then nipped at her collarbone. She laughed, loving how playful he was.
"I have to remove this smock. 'Tis in my way."
"Aye, please do." She raised herself up, and he gently pulled the sleeveless linen gown from her, being careful of her splinted arm.
