Page 64 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes, I'm coming." She moved to stand beside him. "But if we're late getting back, and I don't have time to dress properly…"

"We won't be late." He lifted her easily onto the horse, his hands strong and sure on her waist. "I promise."

He swung up behind her, his chest warm against her back, his arms coming around her to take the reins. And despite the rules, despite the careful distance she'd tried to maintain, Elinor found herself leaning back into him.

Just a little.

"Comfortable?" His breath stirred the hair at her temple.

"No," she lied.

She felt rather than heard his laugh. "Liar."

Then they were moving, leaving the castle grounds behind, and Elinor decided that maybe David was right.

Maybe she did need a break.

And maybe, possibly, she wanted to spend the afternoon with her husband more than she wanted to check on torch placement for the fourth time.

Though she'd never admit that out loud.