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Jamie gave up reasoning with her and walked further into the room. “This is me work room. Father used it as his before me, and my grandfather used it before him.” He went to sit behind the desk and leaned back, a roguish grin on his face. “And tonight, I expect guests will be using it for nighttime trysts. ‘Tis an out of the way, quiet place. Good for thinking...among other things.”
Jamie watched as Amelia’s eyes opened wide at the thought, and he chuckled to himself. “Men and women will have...relations...at dinner gatherings? How depraved.” He noticed Amelia’s hesitation with the word relations.
His smile widened. “Of course! ‘Tis expected. Why, everyone’s relaxed at these festivities. Even ye yerself seem tae have simmered down tae a low boil.” He winked at her.
Amelia’s felt a frisson of desire at the base of her belly. She wandered over to the desk, attempting to appear nonchalant and change the subject.
“So, what are these?” She pointed to papers and maps that lay on the desk in disarray.”
“Ah, these are part of a land project I’m trying to build with Kinnaird land and other clan lands nearby.”
He bent his head and motioned to the map. “See? I’m trying tae turn a formerly unused section of land intae grazing pastures, so that we donae have tae lose any farm land, and those working on Kinnaird land can keep their livelihoods. Many of the other landlords have changed all their land intae pastures, as wool is a growing commodity, and they won’t have tae house or pay as many shepherds as they do farmers.”
Amelia moved closer to Jamie, fascinated. Her father had been a gentleman, and thus appearing to not work was what was expected. But to see men planning ideas and working with their hands to bring them to fruition interested Amelia. Despite all men being weak bastards, now Jamie’s cousin included, this project drew forth a new sensation she hadn’t experienced with a man in a long time: respect. She wanted to be involved
She replied, “I see. Will the other clans join you in your project?” She locked eyes with Jamie, and he was happy to notice that she didn’t seem bothered by their sudden closeness. Despite her rule for the truce, Amelia had stepped within an arm’s length. In fact, her shoulder was brushing against his. He didn’t want to make her aware of her mistake. Not yet, anyway.
“Aye, some of them will, but many of the clan lands have been taken by the English, and clan chiefs have been replaced by other Englishmen. So, they have no interest in helping retain the people on the land.”
“I wonder if there’s a way to convince them all?” She pointed at the maps. “What if you…”
Suddenly a door in the hallway slammed shut and startled Amelia. She had been bending so low to the desk to look at the map, that her fright upset her balance, and she found herself toppling right into Jamie Kinnaird’s lap. Her bum landed square on his legs, her back to him, and her face fell back onto his shoulder. She could feel the stubble of his new beard against her skin, and his chest vibrated with laughter at this sudden turn of events.
Trying to hide her embarrassment, Amelia turned her face to his, and despite the dimness of the room, she could still see firelight flickering in his green eyes, making them even more mesmerizing than before. Her mind was a swirling mix of emotions, and her body was tingling with warmth. She felt his strong arms move around her initially to steady her, but they remained in place. She could feel the heat of his hands through her gown.I think I must never drink wine again. I’m acting like a besotted fool!
Jamie could feel his hardness growing underneath his kilt, and he hoped she didn’t feel it or else she’d jump with fright. His eyes locked with hers, and he spoke quietly, almost in a whisper. Amelia could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “Well, lass, it appears that yer not applying yer own rule of our truce. Yer taking every chance ye get tae leap intae me arms.”
Amelia jumped up with indignation, wriggling free from his gasp. She wheeled around and pointed a finger at him, albeit unsteadily. Her head was swimming. “That was clearly an accident! If yer about to accuse me again of being a fallen woman, then I will have to grab your sword from its sheath and clobber you with it!” She breathed quickly in her anger, and Jamie watched as her chest rose and fell, matching the speed of her fury.
He held his hands up in defense. “I’d say a sword is best for stabbing, but I’m not about tae give ye any murderous ideas.”
Amelia made an angry sound in her throat and looked as if she might burst with rage. “You insufferable beast! How your mother has put up with you for all these years is beyond me! You’ve done nothing but insult and enrage!”
Jamie’s voice changed to a softer, kinder timbre. “My apologies, Miss Parker, truly. All is well. I mean only tae tease ye. Our truce is still intact. I meant no harm.”
She calmed and attempted to smooth her wrinkled gown and ruffled hair. “Fine. Apology accepted.”
Jamie stood and went to the door. “Come now, let’s return tae the party. And I would suggest staying out of the way of my cousin, Donald. He’s got nothing good to say.”
And he opened the door for Amelia and she strode out silently into the light of the party, placing a smile on her face as she walked up to Fiona.
He entered the party behind her, but suddenly felt pushed up against the stone wall with a kiss placed firmly on his lips.
