Keegan gave a brief bow. “My pleasure.”
Watching the lass walk away, he regretted not making use of the brief amount of private time they’d had together and stealing a kiss.
“’Slud,” he muttered. Nay, he should never kiss her. He turned away to stare at the waterfall in the distance. The natural beauty of it only made him think about Seona and how he wished she was still by his side. He’d treasured watching the wonder and delight on her face as she’d looked at it. She had wished to go closer to it, and he was more than willing to take her. But that was impossible at the moment. Just as impossible as the two of thembeing together.
Kissing her would only make him yearn for her more. And that would be of no benefit to him.
Truth was… Seona could never belong to him the way Isobel belonged to Dirk. His chest ached with regret.
“Are you well?” A deep voice came from behind him.
Keegan turned to find Dirk standing there. “Aye.”
“Were you doing what I think you were doing with Lady Seona?” Dirk asked. Was he teasing Keegan? ’Twas a rarity.
“Depends on what you were thinking. I didn’t kiss her, if that’s what you mean.”
“Och. Well, you’re not as much of a rogue as I thought.” Dirk gave a slight grin.
“I wanted to,” Keegan confessed. “Damned badly. But that would’ve been madness. She’s a lady and her father will never approve of me.”
Dirk frowned, considering Keegan closely for a long moment. “You want… to marry her?” he asked as if realization was suddenly dawning.
“Of course. ’Twould be my fondest dream.”
Dirk raised a brow. “When did you decide this?”
Keegan shrugged. “Months ago. I know it seems daft, considering I hadn’t actually talked to her much until today. But when you meet the perfect woman for you, you just know somehow. Am I right?”
“Indeed. I respect your honesty. I was not quite so honest with myself when I was falling for Isobel. I thought I was going mad having such feelings for her. But, in truth, ’tis normal. I have never been so happy in my life as I am now.” Dirk grinned and glanced back toward camp, most likely hoping to catch a glimpse of his wife.
“I greatly admire what you and Isobel have. ’Tis what I want to share with Seona but…” Keegan shook his head, knowing he was wishing for something he could never attain.
“You never know. Why don’t you ask for her hand?”
“Hmph. Everyone has said her father insists she marry a chief or someone with a title and property.”
Dirk observed him, his expression serious. “If you truly want her, don’t let her go. Isobel was betrothed when I met her, and I was certain she was beyond my reach, too. But ’twas not the case.Sometimes you must take a chance.”
Keegan nodded, though he didn’t know how he could marry Seona if her father wouldn’t permit him to. What would happen if Keegan stole her away? Although kidnapping a bride was common practice among some clans, surely her father and his men would hunt Keegan down like an outlaw if he dared such a thing. Once he met Chief Murray, he’d know more about how to deal with him.
“I thank you for your advice, cousin.”
Dirk nodded and slapped him on the shoulder. “’Tis time to eat.”
They headed back toward the center of the camp.
Keegan had been hungry earlier, but after almost kissing Seona, a different sort of hunger gnawed at him. He craved a taste of her beautiful lips. She would be as sweet as flower nectar. He had no doubt of it. She certainly smelled sweet, he’d noticed as he’d strapped the knife sheath on her arm. He’d had a wild impulse to bury his nose in her hair and breathe her in.
As they all sat or stood around the camp, eating roasted rabbit, grouse and bannocks, he tried not to stare at Seona. Suspecting that anyone who caught him observing her would see his desires written clearly on his face, he only slipped a glance her way now and then.
Because she sat by her aunt, she seemed equally determined to avoid eye contact with him.
A quarter hour later, darkness descended a bit more and Dirk approached him. “We’ll stay here while ’tis dark and allow the ladies to sleep and the horses to rest. Half the men will guard the first part of the night, then the rest will guard the second half. We’ll leave early in the morn, just after daybreak. I’m concerned Haldane and his band of outlaws will attack again.”
“As am I,” Keegan said, watching Seona and her aunt disappear inside the tent with the maids. At the last second, Seona cast a quick glance his way and gifted him with a wee smile. Joy burst through his chest.
Saints!He was tempted to crawl in after her. To hades with her aunt.
