Page 103 of The Highlander Is All That

“There are some rough men in those common rooms and I dinna like the way they were looking at you.”

“They weren’t looking at me.”

“They were.” He nodded to the innkeeper’s wife and quickly made arrangements for a private meal, three rooms, and a bath for Anne.

“Ooh,” she cooed as he shooed her into the private dining room. “That was thoughtful.” A bath would be wonderful.

He nodded and sat across from her at the table as the innkeeper’s wife brought their meal. “It seemed as though you could use one.”

Well, really. Her expression must have spoken her indignation for her, because he laughed. “I only meant it would be relaxing.”

“So you’re not saying I smell like a woman who has been on the road for the better part of a week?”

He batted his lashes in a thoroughly adorable and annoying manner. “Well, there is that.”

She threw a roll at his head. It bounced off his pate. It was utterly satisfying.

“I had no idea you were such a violent wench.”

“There is much you don’t know about me.”

His features tightened as he sobered. “There is much I would like to know.”

His far-too-intimate stare caused heat to crawl up her spine. She leaned in and whispered, “This is hardly the place for such talk.”

As though to underscore her reprimand, the door burst open and Hamish, who had been helping put away the horses, stepped in. “Ah,” he boomed. “Supper.” He winked at the server and asked for an ale. As she scuttled away, he smiled at Anne. “I have to say, this is much more pleasant than the way we usually travel when we hie to the north to rescue people.”

“Really?” Anne’s tone was dry as dust. “How do you usually do so?”

“For one thing, we doona stop to eat,” Hamish said, grabbing a roll and ladling stew into his bowl. “We certainly doona stop to sleep.”

“And we doona travel in the company of a beautiful woman,” Ranald added. She could tell it was a blatant attempt to charm her from her disgruntlement. She would not allow it.

“Bower seems to think I need a bath.”

While Ranald looked chagrined, Hamish grinned and leaned in to take a sniff. When he lurched back and wheezed, she smacked him. “You two are impossible.”

“We’re verra possible,” Ranald murmured.

Hamish chuckled. “Well, if you doona want the bath, I’ll take it.”

“The hell you will,” Ranald barked. “I’m the one who thought of it. I’ll take it.”

“Neither of you will take it,” she said primly. “It is mine and I will have it. No doubt, I shall sleep like a babe.”

“Hah,” Hamish said. “Best of luck with that. The party out there looks like it is just getting started.”

“Aye,” Ranald said. “I noticed some rough types out there.”

“You doona think we’ll have any problems, do you?” Hamish asked.

Ranald glowered at Anne. “Just keep your door locked.”

She sniffed. “I had intended to.” She wasn’t an absolute idiot.

“And doona open your door to anyone.”

“Please.” It was difficult not to roll her eyes. “I have traveled before.”