Page 109 of My Notorious Highlander

"Rogue," she muttered and tried to hide her smile.

He winked. "I promise not to molest you."

She narrowed her eyes, giving him a mock glare, but then her smile came through. "Very well." She rose from the chair and barred the door.

As she was walking back toward him and climbing onto the bed, excitement stampeded through him. Even though she was fully clothed and he was certainly in no condition to do anything about beautiful Jessie in his bed, 'twas still like seeing one of his dreams come true.

He took her hand and pulled her closer.

"I'll stay on top of the covers," she said.

"If you insist," he whispered, wishing more than anything she was nude, but he knew he would have to save that treat for later. "Lie right next to me."

She scooted and wiggled closer, and he put his arm around her.

"I don't want to hurt you," she whispered.

"You're not. Lay your head on my shoulder."

She did, turning toward him and placing her hand on his chest.

"Aye, that's it." He sighed, simply enjoying the feel of her curled next to him.

She'd promised to stay with him forever, and he wanted to know when they could marry. But he wouldn't bring the subject up now; it might make her tense.

"Get some sleep," he murmured and kissed her forehead.

"Aye. You, too."

Thanks to the herbal tea Flora had given him, he was soon asleep. When he awoke, early dawn light seeped through the windows. Jessie was still next to him, asleep. Saints, but she was lovely when she slept, and she fit perfectly in his bed.

Her presence alone made him want to leap from the bed and declare himself healed. But he couldn't yet. Still, he felt far better than he had yesterday and his thigh didn't pain him as much.

He wished he could stroke his fingers over Jessie's face and her lovely auburn brows, but he would likely wake her.

The door rattled, as if someone had tried to open it. Then, a knock sounded.

Jessie startled awake, glancing at him and blinking as if confused. A second later, she leapt from the bed, unbarred the door, and opened it.

Flora waited outside. "Is everything all right, m'lady?"

"Aye. I simply didn't want anyone coming in while I was asleep."

"Oh. I see." Flora's gaze flew to Torrin. "And how are you this morn, m'laird?"

"Fine as a fiddle."

"Glad I am to know that!"

Jessie watched Flora, preparing Torrin's herbal tea and a fresh poultice for his leg. She broke out into a cold sweat and, minute by minute, she felt more and more nauseous. She could not tolerate the scent of the herbs. What on earth? She slipped out into the corridor, then dashed to the garderobe. Thankfully, it was empty. She retched, though she had little on her stomach at this early hour. A couple of minutes later, she felt better.

She then remembered how sick Isobel was every morning.

"Saints!" she whispered. Am I with child?

Chapter Eighteen

Moisture filled Jessie's eyes, and she burst into happy and hopeful tears. As she cried, she prayed the nausea truly meant she was with child.