AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re the one who got soaked, not me.”
When she snaked an arm from under the blanket and pointed at him, he caught an enticing glimpse of creamy freckled skin and blue bows.
He again raked back his wet hair. “Just my head.”
“There are towels in the trunk.”
Grant retrieved a sturdy cloth and went to work on his hair. Once done with that, he pulled off his riding jacket. Hooking one of the cane chairs, he placed it close to the stove and hung his jacket over the back.
“Where’s your jacket, lass?”
When she didn’t answer, he glanced over to find her staring at him, rather wide-eyed. A flush stained her cheeks, making her freckles glow.
“Kathleen?”
She gave a start. “Sorry, it’s on that bench by the trunk.”
Grant retrieved the crumpled jacket and shook it out before carefully hanging it next to his. “Should be dry in no time.”
When another crack of thunder shook the cottage, she grimaced. “I wonder how long this will go on?”
“Another hour or so, I imagine.”
She muttered something unhappy about her sister.
Grant crossed to a set of shelves that contained crockery, tumblers, and, thankfully, a full decanter of Lochnagar’s finest. He uncorked the bottle and poured out two glasses.
“I will bet you a bob that she’s back at the house by now,” Grant said.
“What if she’s not?”
“Then she’ll get a good soaking.”
She bristled. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
He handed her a glass. “No, but this will. And try to stop worrying about Jeannie. Don’t forget this is the girl who survived two days in a carriage boot.”
“Yes, but—”
“You never finished telling me how I’m able to get my family to do what I want. I still have my doubts about that.”
Her smile was rueful. “Because of our trip to Lochnagar, you mean.”
“That’s one example.”
“Very well, then. Once someone has convinced you that something is necessary, you then arrange for how it gets done, in the wayyouwant it done. People only think they’re getting their way, but it’s really you.”
“That’s sounds rather manipulative of me.”
She waggled her sleek eyebrows. “Oh, it’s very manipulative. But also very helpful. And you’re so good at it that most people never even notice.”
He pointed to himself. “Old sobersides, bending everyone to my evil will?”
“Exactly. You have them all fooled.”
It was so ridiculous that he had to laugh. “Kathleen, my family runs me from pillar to post.”
She cocked her head and studied him. “It seems to me that you’re also quite good at holding your family at arm’s length. You can be very reserved, in your own quiet way.”
