Page 63 of My Notorious Highlander

Her fingers curled into his clothing, holding him close. Warmth and gratitude spread through him, along with arousal. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her temple. Her hair tickled his lips. Her feminine lavender scent awakened his senses. Drawing back a wee bit, he slid his hand around her neck and into her hair. She lifted her gaze to his, her light blue eyes turned dark. The passion he read in her eyes kicked his heart into a faster rhythm. He pressed his lips to hers.

When she responded, kissing him back with affection and eagerness, he pulled her tight against him.

A knock sounded at the door. Jessie started.

He released her and stepped back. "Now, who could that be?" He strode to the door and opened it.

Sim waited outside. "Chief!"

"I'm glad you've returned." Torrin stepped into the corridor and pulled the door almost closed behind him. "Were you successful in your mission?" he whispered.

Sim grinned broadly. "Indeed, m'laird."

Torrin stuck his head back into the library and asked Jessie, "Could you wait here for a few minutes?"

She frowned a bit. "Why?"

He shrugged, not wanting to raise her suspicions any more than he had already. "I but want to talk to you more," he said, hoping she knew that by the word talk he actually meant kiss. He winked.

She blushed and clasped her hands together. "Very well. If you hurry." She gave an impish grin.

"I will indeed hurry."

Torrin disappeared out the door, closing it behind him. Jessie wondered how long he would make her wait. And what would they do or talk about once he returned? She did enjoy spending time alone with him, and of course, his kisses.

Apparently, the men had returned from escorting the MacBains south. Maybe Torrin would come back and tell her news of whether MacBain had caused any trouble. For a certainty now, she could not go out and walk on the beach with so many outlaws on the loose. She turned, gazing out the window at Balnakeil Bay below. The sun had already sunk below the horizon but 'twas still light enough to see the beach and the cliffs in the distance.

She busied herself lighting the candelabra on the table. 'Twould be dark soon, and she wanted to see the varying expressions that crossed Torrin's face.

Moments later, the library door opened again and Torrin entered, carrying a large wad of plaid in one arm. What on earth was that? When it wiggled, a shock went through her.

"What is that?" she asked.

A whine pierced the air.

"A surprise." He pulled back the plaid and a furry, dark gray head popped out.

'Twas the cutest puppy she'd ever seen. Her mouth dropped open. "I didn't know you had a dog."

"'Tis not mine."

"Whose is it?"

"Yours." Torrin grinned and set the long-legged pup on the floor. It ran to her, its tail wagging like mad. The wee Scottish deerhound was dark grey all over, except for white paws and a white star on his chest.

"I don't understand." Her heart melting, she knelt to pet the adorable and enthusiastic animal.

"'Tis my gift to you. I sent my men to get it in Scourie. I have a distant cousin there who breeds deerhounds. You're lucky; he only sells them to chiefs."

"Torrin." She shook her head, emotion tightening her throat. He was so sweet and generous, but she couldn't become attached to another dog. Losing Ossian had near killed her. Taking a deep breath, she forced the sadness away. "You shouldn't have. I wasn't planning to get another dog."

Torrin frowned. "Why not? You love them."

"Because… it hurts too much when you lose them."

He knelt opposite her and rubbed the puppy's belly while it squirmed on its back between them. "There's always the chance we'll lose people or animals we love, but we can't let that hold us back from loving them."

Tears burned her eyes. "I know, but I simply didn't wish to get attached to another dog."