The man prepared a jug of wine and a goblet.
"Korbin!" A woman screeched from the back room.
He sighed loudly. "'Tis my wife."
"Go. See to her. I'll take the wine to Mistress Douglas."
"Much obliged, chief." Korbin disappeared into the back room. "What is it now, Ellie?" he grumbled.
Neacal picked up the small wine tray and headed up the steps. He feared Anna might already be undressed and in bed. Or was ithopethat he felt? Whatever it was, his heart rate sped up.
You must be a gentleman,he told himself just before he knocked.
A few seconds later, the door opened and Anna peered out with wide green eyes. She was still fully dressed and had only removed her cloak. He was not certain whether he was relieved or disappointed.
Damnation. Stop being such a rogue!
"Would you care for some refreshment?" he asked. "'Tis spiced wine."
"Oh. I thank you." She opened the door and stepped back, surprising him.
Hell. Should he enter and face the most intense temptation of his life? Or stand here like a green lad?
A red flush covered her face. "I'm sorry, m'laird. I'm not thinking." She reached for the tray.
He bypassed her and entered the room. "Don't be sorry." He set the tray on the small table, uncorked the wine and poured a generous helping into the goblet. "Are you certain you wouldn't like a small meal? Korbin must have something left from supper."
"Nay, I'm not hungry, but I thank you." She closed the door and stepped forward. "You must have some wine, too."
After a quick perusal of the chamber, he saw no other drinking vessels. "Nay. I've already had ale." He handed her the goblet.
She slowly lifted it and took a sip. "Mmm." She licked her lips. "'Tis delicious and heavily spiced."
He glanced away toward the low-burning fire in the tiny hearth but the image of her licking her lips would not leave his mind. Damnation, he should exit with all haste, but he sensed she didn't wish him to. Of a certainty, he didn't want to go. Instead, he thirsted for a taste of the wine on her lips.
"I don't mind if you try a sip," she said, offering the goblet. Although the look in her eyes was innocent, a spark of boldness lurked there, perhaps even a coy flirtation.
He stared at her luscious rosy lips, which lured and tormented him, then he forced himself to drop his gaze to the wine. Deciding 'twould be more sensible to taste the wine from the goblet rather than from her lips, he took the drinking vessel from her and swallowed a generous sip. The spicy-sweet flavor was seductive and he longed even more to taste it upon her lips. Arousal surged through him at the thought.
"Aye, 'tis a fine vintage." He handed the wine back to her, then paced to the window and looked out into the torch-lit dimness. All appeared quiet and peaceful, but what if someone decided to break into her room? He had nowhere else to sleep this night, except the common room, and he needed to protect her.
He turned, forcing his gaze to the pallet near the fireplace, rather than the bed. "Do you mind if I sleep here on the floor, in front of the door to guard you?"
Her face blanched. "Why? Is it not safe?"
"I have no inkling. Korbin said a family occupied the other room. Hopefully they are good, honest folk."
"Do you not have a room?"
"Nay, this is the only one available."
She gasped. "I didn't know that. You must take this room. I insist."
"Nay. Don't be ridiculous. I have my bedroll. I could stay downstairs in the common room, but I would sleep better knowing you're protected."
"Well then…" She glanced around. "You should take the bed and I'll sleep on that pallet by the fireplace."
He shook his head, refusing to argue the point further. If she didn't hush, they would both be getting no sleep in the bed after he silenced her with a kiss.
