Page 64 of My Notorious Highlander

"Just as you don't wish to get attached to another man?" Torrin lifted his brows, his perceptive gaze piercing into her.

Though she hated to admit it, she nodded. "I've been hurt enough."

He shook his head and drew his hand back from the pup. It leapt up and loped across the room.

"Jessie." He crawled closer to where she sat on the floor, her knees drawn up, and placed a finger underneath her chin to lift it.

Not wanting him to see her tears, she pressed her eyes closed.

"Look at me," he murmured.

She opened her eyes to find him studying her intently with a sincere gaze.

"I vow upon my life, I'm not going to hurt you. I would never abandon you or send you back to your family once I make a commitment to you."

"You could change your mind in a year or two. Who knows? People change. What they want changes."

His eyes narrowing, he drew in a deep breath and let it out slow. "What I want has not changed since I first saw you," he said in a firmer tone.

"That was only last winter."

"Aye. Seven months ago. If I were not certain, do you think I would be here now?"

"I know not. 'Tis only…" She cared too much for Torrin now. If she accepted his offer of marriage and he tired of her, she couldn't survive it. Tears flooded her eyes. She stood, turned her back to him and stared out the window, not wanting him to see her tears or her weakness.

"So," he said, getting to his feet. "You do not accept me or this wee laddie?" His tone was so disappointed she could hardly stand it.

She wanted to accept them both. She truly did.

"Very well," he said from across the room. The door clicked shut.

Chapter Eleven

Jessie turned and stared at the door Torrin had just closed behind him as he'd left. Of course, 'twas her fault he'd walked out, but at the same time, she realized this was what it would feel like if he abandoned her. She pressed her eyes closed tight, tears running down her cheeks. 'Twould rip her heart out.

But he hadn't abandoned her. He'd simply left the room because he believed she wouldn't accept him or his gift.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The words echoed in the quiet, empty room.

The leggy pup scuttled toward her and sniffed at her skirt-tail.

She lowered herself to the floor on shaky legs and the pup clambered onto her lap. "What is your name, wee furry beastie?" she asked, trying to keep him from washing her face with his pink tongue. "You are a handsome lad." Already the pup wriggled his way into her heart, just as Torrin had. She couldn't help but smile. Torrin was a sweetheart to give her such a thoughtful gift. She would have to thank him, for indeed she could not refuse the puppy.

"How about Greum?" she asked him. "Would you answer to that name?"

The pup put his white paws on her shoulder and licked her ear.

"Och, you are very forward just like Torrin." She rolled him onto his back and rubbed his belly. He squirmed and kicked, a happy grin on his face. Playing with him, she repeated the name a few times, hoping he'd come to recognize it quickly. "Are you hungry? I bet you are as hungry as a wild boar, are you not? Come, Greum, and I'll find you something to eat."

She rose and approached the door. Greum scampered at her heels as she left the library and crossed the great hall. Everyone was assembling for supper. She glanced around the room and her gaze landed on Torrin, standing by the fireplace with several of his men. She sent him a brief smile and continued on toward the kitchen, not waiting to see what his response would be. She was sure he thought her daft. And mayhap she was. But she could only do what she felt was right for her.

∞∞∞

Torrin's attention was completely ensnared when Jessie strode across the great hall, the pup on her heels. She smiled at him, halting his breath, then disappeared down the stairs leading to the kitchen. Saints! What did that smile mean? He refused to chase after her and find out. Nay, she would have to come to him this time.

Had she decided to accept the pup? He certainly hoped so. She needed it. She needed something or someone to love, who would love her back. Torrin could do that, but he was unsure whether she would ever accept him. All he could do was try to prove to her, over and over, that he wouldn't abandon her as MacBain had. The whoreson.

Everyone seated themselves as supper began. Torrin joined Conall, Iain and several others at the high table. The men left a vacant seat beside Torrin, but the reason remained unspoken. However, as the food was served, 'twas clear to him Jessie was not going to join them this eve. Although his stomach ached with hunger, he had little appetite. Another seat farther along the table also remained empty.