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CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Despite her best efforts, Nora felt nervous as she walked out into the courtyard and found Jonan next to a black horse.She had chosen a delightful sheer fabric gown. It clung to her figure beautifully and made her feel lovely.
“Amelia…” he said, “I wondered if ye had changed yer mind.”
Amelia. To him, you are Amelia.
“No. Did you wait long?” she asked apologetically.
“It was a worthwhile wait,” he said looking at her intently.
Nora couldn’t help but blush.
“Ye might find the wind too harsh,” he said. “Wait here.”
Jonan reappeared and handed Nora a knitted shawl.
“Thank you,” she said, genuinely grateful.
Nora was astounded by how easily he was willing to care for her. During the cleaning, he had not allowed her to carry any heavy items andhad remained by her side dutifully, tending to her every need.
He was a truly kind man. How had anyone ever described him as a brute?
“I thought we could get to the loch a little differently tonight,” Jonan said. “If ye are up for it.”
Nora wrapped her shawl around her more tightly. “What do you have in mind?”
“A horse ride, perhaps.”
Nora shivered at the thought they would be pressed against one another. She remembered how hard it had beento concentrate when he had removed his shirt at their ceremony.
His look was smug, cocky even. “If ye daenae think ye could—”
“No,” she said quickly. “I can.”
Jonan climbed aboard and extended his hand and she, reluctantly, gave hers back. For a brief moment, he held her fingers. Then he stroked his large thumb gently against her soft palm.
Nora felt a shiver run through her. While she tried to calm her racing heart, he abruptly but gently drew her up behind him, and shewrapped her hand around his firm torso.
“Hold on,” was all he said.
Jonan steeredthe horse and started trotting out of the courtyard.
In the dimly lit night, Nora could make out his musclesthrough his sleeves; hisskilled hands gripping the horse's reins tightly.
“Daenae worry. Ye are in safe hands. Hold on to me,” he promised.
The horse galloped at the request of its master.
Nora was pressed firmly against him, her breasts squeezed against his back while her arms remained wrapped around him.
It wasn’t that she was afraid of riding — it was because she was so close to Jonan.
Should I be out here with him this night?she wondered as the ride drew to a close. Nora was certain that his invitation had been an apology for his previous behavior... but she wasn't angry with him now. Why had he asked her out?
Nora closed her eyes and buried her face in his back, taking in his raw scent. He smelled not only of the lavender soap she had made, but also of the fresh air. It was a perfect blend.
Everyone adored and admired him. She gradually found herself doing the same. Despite the fact that they had barely spoken, she felt as if she knew him.
