Torr rode off the trail and down toward a stream, then dismounted in a flat spot.
She followed. "Is it time to water the horses?"
"Aye." When he helped her down, she loved the feel of his strong hands clasping her waist. His touch brought her female instincts to life.
"Wait here while I take Hercules to the burn's edge for a drink, then I'll take Rosie."
She nodded. "Are you hungry?"
"Aye. We'll have a wee meal."
Secretly, she watched him, so tall and commanding, lead his horse away. Goodness! He was gorgeous. She sighed. Forcing herself to focus on what she was supposed to be doing, she removed their food sack from behind her saddle.
They had talked very little during the past few hours. Of course, 'twas not easy to hold a conversation while riding. Every time her eyes met his, she could not help but smile. He inspired such happiness in her. And he was helping her.
Finished with watering both horses, he left them to graze on lush grass near the burn. He took a wineskin from his saddle, then strode toward her. Just being near him made her heartbeat speed up.
Smiling, she handed him a piece of bread and a chunk of cheese. "Someday, I'll repay you for this grand favor you're doing for me, Brodie, and my whole clan."
"'Tis nay necessary. If Brodie's curse truly is banished, 'tis all the repayment I need."
"I appreciate your generosity." Studying his serious expression, she chewed and swallowed the fresh rye bread. "What about you? Do you want your curse destroyed as well?" 'Twas her fondest wish to help him with that.
He frowned. "Of course, but I refuse to get my hopes up. I live in reality, nay a fantasy land."
"I live in reality, too," she said, annoyed that he was implying she was a dreamer. "If they force me to marry MacPeter, 'twill be a fate far worse than Brodie's curse. Indeed, a nightmare." Her whole body rebelled at the idea, taking her appetite. "In fact, I would run away, change my name, and become a milkmaid before I would marry that boar pig."
Torr sent her a skeptical grin, which was both maddening and beguiling. "Do you even ken how to milk a cow?"
She straightened her shoulders. "Nay, but I could learn quickly."
He grinned for a moment longer, making her wonder if he imagined her milking a cow. Probably.
After chewing another bite, he swallowed. "I'm helping you as best I can to alter their plans for you, but I can promise naught. It depends upon Elsea. She must agree to come with us of her own free will."
Catriona nodded. She and Elsea had always gotten on well. If the young lady knew Catriona wasn't cross with her over leaving Brodie for another man, surely she would be agreeable. Especially if Elsea needed a new marriage prospect after the other man had rejected her. Catriona prayed the lady would be desperate to find a husband.
Torr drank from his wineskin, then handed it to her. Placing her mouth where his had been, she took a sip, then remembered that amazing kiss they'd shared. She hoped he would kiss her again soon. Giddiness seized her, and her face heated.
Thank goodness he hadn't noticed her blush, at least she didn't think he had.
"What will you do if Lady Elsea refuses to leave with us and travel to Farspag?" he asked.
"Finnian provided me with a secret weapon." After handing back the wineskin, Catriona patted the leather pouch attached to her belt.
Torr's brow furrowed. "Och! What is it?"
She gave a smug smile. "A love potion."
He shook his head. "None of Finnian's potions have ever worked."
Her heart sank, but she combatted it. "This one will! He promised 'twould. He got the recipe from his ma."
Torr grimaced. "The potions he concocted for me made me violently ill."
"It has to work. I refuse to believe anything else," she said with firm conviction.
"Very well. Be a naïve child."
