Page 38 of My Notorious Highlander

"Did you at least steal a kiss?" Iain asked.

Torrin's gaze darted to his. He wasn't the type to brag or share too much of his exploits.

"Ah, you did, aye?" Iain guessed. "I trust the kiss measured up to your expectations?"

"Surpassed them by miles." That kiss was the single best thing he'd yet experienced in his life. When he imagined taking her to his bed, he could scarce breathe. He was certain the physical pleasure would be astonishing, but the experience would be about far more than that for him. 'Twas as Iain had said—he was falling for her. He only hoped she would feel the same way. If that kiss was any indication, she was strongly attracted to him. That was a start. Now, he but needed to show her how he felt about her, prove himself trustworthy and convince her to not worry about the future.

"I'd rather not think about the problems anymore," Torrin said. "I just want to… spend time with her."

"Aye. 'Tis what you should do, then," Iain said.

Torrin wanted to make her forget all about this hindrance, if that's what it truly was. It could be a lot of worry for naught. He wanted to learn everything about her. And, aye, he had to admit he wanted to explore every inch of her body and make love to her for hours. After that kiss, 'twas clear to him they could set the bed sheets afire.

He wanted to make her smile and laugh and sigh and cry out his name in pleasure.

"I have to figure out how to make her forget her troubles and have some fun," Torrin said.

Iain grinned. "'Tis the best solution I've ever heard."

"I have an idea for a gift that might cheer her up."

∞∞∞

"I need for you lads to do something for me," Torrin said in a low voice to three of his men, Sim, Luag and Gordon, in the courtyard that evening.

"Aye, Chief," Sim responded, his dark eyes glinting curiously in the dim glow of the sunset.

"Tell no one of your assignment," Torrin warned them.

They nodded in a very solemn manner.

Torrin lowered his voice even more. "One of my distant cousins in Scourie raises deerhound pups. His name is Angus MacLeod. I want you to go get one for me. A healthy pup with a lot of gumption." He held out his hand, filled with silver coins.

Luag quirked his brows as if Torrin had gone daft, but accepted the money.

"'Twill be a gift for the lady. She lost her beloved dog not long ago."

"Ah." Luag nodded as did the other two.

He hoped the pup would make her smile. She didn't smile nearly often enough.

"Also, while you're out, make sure MacBain and his men haven't returned. You may run into Struan, Fionn, and the MacKay guards who escorted them south. You can leave in the morn after breaking your fast. If anyone asks, you're simply going to look for your clansmen. I want the pup to be a surprise for her."

The three smiled and nodded their agreement. They were well aware that Torrin was trying to convince Jessie to marry him. He hoped this would work to soften her up a bit more. If not, he knew not what he would do next.

∞∞∞

The following afternoon, Torrin walked along the battlements, his gaze scanning over Balnakeil Bay, the beach, and the sand dunes leading out to the headland. No one was about. He was disappointed to see that Jessie was not sitting on the beach today. He had scarcely seen glimpses of her since their serious discussion yesterday. She was well and truly avoiding him now.

Although Torrin liked Dirk MacKay just fine, he hoped the man didn't return soon. He needed time to grow closer to Jessie first. Dirk would wonder what in blazes Torrin was doing, staying this long. His excuse for now was that he was protecting Jessie in the event MacBain returned, wanting revenge. Once Dirk, Keegan, and the rest of them showed up, he would no longer have an excuse to stay for they could protect Jessie. Of course, Dirk had left Erskine and a garrison to protect both her and Dunnakeil, but Torrin wanted to help out.

His stay here wasn't just about convincing Jessie to marry him anymore. He was feeling something he'd never felt before. He didn't know what he would've done if MacBain had spirited her away and married her. Probably killed the whoreson.

But he didn't want to kill anyone. He much preferred that MacBain stay far away.

Torrin paced along the battlements to the opposite side of the castle where he gazed out over the green hills dotted with gray rocks and black-faced sheep. He remembered his last conversation with Jessie. It had been beyond serious, which had obviously caused her anxiety and worry about her future. What they needed was to simply relax and enjoy themselves. Life did not have to be solemn all the time.

He'd reveled in the wrestling match and the archery lessons he'd given her the day before, but most of all, he'd relished the kiss. 'Haps he shouldn't have kissed her in the kirk, but 'twas his only opportunity and he didn't want to pass it up.