Page 33 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

“I try,” she laughed.

“I can see that.”

Footsteps sounded outside as their mirth mingled in the air, and Ailis felt his presence before he entered the room.

He came in without hurry, one hand resting briefly against the door before he crossed the room. His hair was tied at the nape, his sleeves rolled to his forearms, and the familiar sternness settled over his face.

Gordon looked at her only once, but it was enough to send shivers racing through her again. Ailis felt the flush creeping up her skin, warming her cheeks before she could stop it, and she could feel his gaze burning into her as she felt her cheeks color.

The memory of his mouth came alive so quickly that her fingers tightened around her teacup.

His gaze lingered for one heartbeat too long then he finally looked away.

Ailis lowered her eyes to her cup and swallowed hard. Her heart had never beat this fast before. Now, it was almost as if a stallion took flight inside her.

Marion gestured toward the empty chair. “Come and sit, Gordon.”

He took it, settling into the settee with his long legs crossed.

The distance between them felt suddenly much too small as she pretended not to notice him.

Ailis poured his tea and handed him his cup as Marion picked up hers.

“Thank ye,” he murmured, the rough, calloused pad of his thumb dragging over the smooth, sensitive skin of her knuckles as his hand closed over the hands.

Her pulse jumped to her throat again. The flutters that took flight in her this time stemmed from deep in her stomach. Another rush of warmth followed in its wake, and she pulled back quickly, like she had been burned.

“Ye are welcome, Me Laird.”

Their eyes met as she cleared her throat again, and his eyes fastened on hers. The second ticked away in a charged silence she suspected only then felt.

Marion lifted her cup first, her excitement about the weather evident as she brought it to her lips. “Such a pleasant afternoon.”

“Aye,” Gordon said.

Ailis smiled, lifting her cup as Marion took a sip. Marion stopped, and her brows drew together after her first taste. Then she coughed softly into her hand.

Ailis widened her eyes. “Me Lady?”

Marion lowered the cup with great dignity, coughing as she pressed her lips together and covered it with a hand. “It is…” she coughed again. “It is quite strong.”

Gordon lifted his own and sipped as Ailis watched for a heartbeat.

The moment the tea passed his lips, he groaned and spat it right back in the cup. The sound of the cup striking the table was sharp enough to make Ailis jump.

She pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh! Is it that bad?” Her eyes widened from the horror as she tasted the tea herself then groaned. “Heavens.”

Gordon stared at the tea then at her, his features softening and his lips lifting in a slight mocking tilt.

Ailis looked aghast. “I apologize,” she said. “What have I done?”

Marion was still coughing softly though the corners of her eyes had begun to crease with amusement.

“Nothin’, me dear,” she said. “It is quite all right. It happens to everyone at least once in their life.”

Gordon’s gaze remained fixed on Ailis. “Nay doubt.”

Ailis blinked. “I beg yer pardon?”