"You want to leave," he said in a low tone. "Even though you accepted my proposal."
She again spied the vulnerability behind his hard look. She wasn't afraid to answer, just afraid of disappointing him. Deep down, she didn't want to leave him. She wished she could take him with her. She would love to explore and deepen their "relationship." Perhaps even make it a real engagement, or a marriage someday.
"Why did you change your mind about wedding me?"
"I don't know. I got scared. Cold feet. It's so sudden. We've only known each other a short time."
"True, but you've made my life not only bearable these last few days but also happy. I've enjoyed getting to know you. You're a lovely and special woman. I never imagined or believed a fascinating woman like you would accept my proposal or even exist in real life. I deemed you but a dream."
"A dream?" Wait a minute. What did he mean?
He nodded and hesitated for a long moment. "I confess, I… had dreams of you before you showed up. I never saw your face during the dreams, but after you kissed me the first time, I kenned 'twas you." His eyes darkened. "That's another reason I think you're the right woman."
"I had many dreams of you too, for a couple of months, almost every night. And even daydreams. You more or less took over my life before I came here. I thought I'd gone crazy. Ranald said it related to this magical MacRae brooch." She pointed to the piece of jewelry pinned to her blouse, leaving out the bit about it leading the wearer to her true love. "I think this brooch, combined with touching your sword, is what transported me here."
Gavin stepped closer and examined the brooch in the candlelight. "I've never seen this before." His blue gaze met hers at close range, and his luscious warm scent of sandalwood and cedar reached her. "Explain these daydreams to me."
"Oh goodness." She inhaled to dispel the sudden lightheadedness that came over her with his close proximity. "The dreams were sensual. I saw you clearly… your face, your eyes, your body. And the things you did— whew!"
His gaze darkened. "What did I do?"
Heat rushed over her face and neck. "I'm not going to describe it. I wouldn't have the words anyway."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Definitely." Her arousal climbed several notches.
His lashes lowered a bit, and he watched her with growing hunger. "After we wed, would you like to experience this in true life?"
"Of course." Prickling warmth shivered through her. "I'm sure it would be amazing."
"Yet, you want to leave."
Not understanding herself, she let out an exasperated breath. "I'm in a quandary. I don't know if I can stay here just because of sexual attraction."
He studied her a long moment, then spoke in a low, deep voice. "'Haps what is between us is more than sexual attraction, as you call it."
Yes, maybe she was falling in love with him. If so, her return to the future would be even more painful.
On the other hand, if she remained here, she would have to give up everything she had there—her family, friends, career, the achievements she'd worked so hard for—all in exchange for him. Was he worth such a significant sacrifice? What if he couldn't love her and grew tired of her? What if the curse remained forever?
He took her hand. "Come with me." He led her out the door and down the stairs. As they passed through the great hall, he picked up a single, lit candlestick, then placed it on a table outside the armory. Why had he brought her here? She held her breath as he removed a key from his sporran and unlocked the door.
Picking up the candle again, he motioned her inside. After she entered, he closed the door and set the candle aside.
He faced her, his expression tormented. "I would never wish to keep you here against your will. I give you the freedom to choose either here with me or the time you came from. You already ken how precious you are to me. I would love naught better than for you to be my wife, but I'll nay beg you. 'Tis up to you, lass." He motioned toward the weapons. "You are free to hold any sword you wish."
Chapter 11
Dani couldn't believe Gavin offered her the freedom to choose whether to stay here with him or leave. Burning tears sprang to her eyes, and she blinked against them.
Why did he have to be so wonderful and generous? Her gaze scanned over the sword blades, some dull and some gleaming. They appeared dark, violent, and oppressive. She felt as if the horrors and negative energy that had surrounded them in battle still clung to them. In the shadows, she could not distinguish the correct sword anyway.
He stepped toward a weapon stand at the back and the claymore on display. "This is the one you brought to my chamber."
Speechless that he would hand her freedom on a silver platter, she stared at the sword through a blur of tears, then met his somber, disturbed gaze.
She couldn't step forward. Indecision paralyzed her, froze her to the spot. She closed her eyes against the turmoil whirling and crashing around inside her. Because of her jumbled thoughts, she didn't even know what she wanted anymore. Gavin had changed her.
