Page 31 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“I think it’s too late, though. Liam hasn’t tried to kiss me at all since I’ve been back at the castle. I’ve considered asking him to kiss me, but what if I find I don’t like it? How do I go back to the way things are now if that proves to be the case?”

“I can’t imagine you’d not like it. Kissing is divine,” Kenna said.

Mari gave her sister a soft slap in the arm. “I imagine you’re afraid the kiss could turn into something…else. Something you’re not curious about.”

“You’re correct.”

“Just grab him by the ears and kiss him. Then leave the room.”

Mari reached out and put her hand over Evelyn’s. “You must speak to him. Tell him exactly what you want and do not want. Mark me, men do appreciate a bit of guidance in such matters.”

Kenna smiled. “Very well, yes. You should speak to him. But if that doesn’t work, then you might want to try my way.”

…

Liam cleaned up in his room and went down to the hall for the evening meal. When he didn’t see Evelyn and Gwennie sitting at their usual table, he felt a squeeze of panic.

“Bunny!” Gwennie shouted from the head table.

Relief flooded his body when he saw the little girl sitting at the table between the twins. He searched the high table for his wife and didn’t see her. Mari smiled and waved him closer.

“Evelyn is in the solar waiting for you. You’ll take your meal there this evening.”

Liam glanced at the little girl he was responsible for.

“We’ll see to Gwendolyn. Don’t keep her waiting.”

Hurrying up the stairs, Liam paused before knocking on the door to the solar.

“Come in.”

Inside, he found Evelyn sitting at a table piled with bread and meat. He sat in the seat opposite her and looked around in confusion.

“What is this about?”

“I wanted to speak to you about something of a private nature, and Kenna and Mari thought it better if we discussed it here alone.”

The panic had returned, making him tense. She was done with him. He’d been expecting this. He’d kept his heart shielded so this wouldn’t be such a surprise, but perhaps he hadn’t done a good job of it, for he already felt the stirrings of pain. He was going to lose them.

“Shall we eat first?” she suggested.

Eat? He didn’t think he’d manage a bit of food past the lump in his throat. He shook his head.

“Nay. Please just say what you wanted to say so we can have it out with.”

She twisted her fingers before reaching for her glass of wine. He’d never seen her drink wine before. Was she nervous?

“Very well.” She cleared her throat. “Would you be receptive to kissing?”

For all the king’s gold, he couldn’t have kept his mouth from falling open.

“Kissing? Aye. I would be receptive.” His heart pounded with excitement. His wife wanted to kiss him. Unless… “You do mean between the two of us?”

“Yes.”

He nodded slowly so not to make any quick movements that might scare off the skittish woman. “I’d be quite receptive to kissing, if you’re sure it’s something you want.”

She frowned. “That’s why this is so difficult.” She rubbed at her temples until he took her hand and held it loosely.