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He wished Soni’s gift—magnificent and selfless as ’twas—would have come wi’ a wee update on how tae navigate the modern world.
And even more urgently needed, knowledge on how to traverse this new and uncharted realm of loving a woman. Loving Tait had happened too fast, too unexpectedly and too completely to understand how or why. It just…was.Like the blood pumping in his veins, requiring no effort on his part.
But stopping would. Stopping would require great effort, indeed.
* * *
Stars still filledthe night sky as Marcus noticed Tait trying to stifle a yawn and failing. ’Twouldnae be daylight for a few hours yet, but he could see the toll the stress and the miles had taken on her.
“Weary, lass?” Marcus asked, though ’twas obvious from the way she slumped in her seat with her head lolling back against the headrest.
“No, I’m fine,” she claimed, covering her mouth with her hand to hide another yawn.
“What’s the next town on the map? Even if ye’re no’ tired, I am.” He moaned and stretched his shoulders for effect. “If they’ve a motel or such, do ye mind if we stop for a rest? Mayhap we can find those laundry facilities ye mentioned.”
“That sounds good,” Tait replied wearily, turning to her map. “We’re in Idaho now, so let’s see. Montpelier is just ahead. I’m pretty sure there’ll be something there.”
Marcus slowed as they entered the outskirts of town. “If ye see a place ye’ll be comfortable with, just say.”
He watched the road, the motel options, and Tait. “There?” He pointed to a nice-looking two-story Inn.
“It looks lovely, but maybe we should find something a little more out of the way?” Tait suggested. “A little less obvious?”
Noticing her expression seemed more of a wince, Marcus wondered what those pretty brown eyes would look like brightened by laughter instead of the fear he saw every time he looked at her.
“What about that one,” she cried, pointing to a squatty, six-unit motel of indeterminate age, tucked back off the road.
“Really?” He looked at her, puzzled by her choice. “Ye want tae stay there?”
“That might be less expected, don’t you think?”
“Oh, aye!” Marcus replied, eyebrows raised. “EvenIdinnae expect it.”
“Good,” she smiled. “Then it’s perfect. Maybe there’ll be a spot around back where you can hide the van.”
“Whatever ye say,” he shrugged, pulling in near the tiny office. He’d stay in a lean-to if ’twould make her smile.
* * *
Waiting in the van,Tait nervously watched the road where streetlights cast an eerie glow on the few cars that passed. Despite having no idea what to watch for, the itch between her shoulder blades wouldn’t let her relax.
Everything around her felt oppressive, like a massive storm about to break, and she had no power to do anything about it but huddle and hide. And this little spot seemed like the perfect place for that.
Marcus emerged from the office and went to room three, opened the door and disappeared inside. A minute later he came out, smiling as he approached the van and opened her door. “ ’Tis nice inside. Ye’ve good instincts. But I kenned that the moment ye chosemefrom the crowd in West Yellowstone.”
“It must have been your lack of ego that drew me to you,” she countered, getting out.
He laughed, gave her a wink, and handed her the room key. “Go on in. Lock the door, and I’ll go find a spot tae hide this vehicle.”
Tait entered the room, pleasantly surprised. She hadn’t expected anything half this nice. A small table and chairs occupied the area in front of the window and on the other side of the king-sized bed, a loveseat, a dresser and flat screen TV.
Nice, clean, and inviting. Wearily, Tait dropped onto the loveseat wishing she could stay for days instead of mere hours. If she could just rest her eyes for a few minutes…
A knock on the door startled her awake and she was instantly on her feet, backing toward the bathroom before Marcus’ voice had time to register. “ ’Tis me, lass. Open up.”
Releasing a shaky breath, she moved to the door, looked through the peephole and turned the lock.
“Och. Poor lass,” Marcus said, moving into the room with his tartan tucked beneath his arm. “We’ve got tae do somethin’ about those dark circles yer wearin’ beneath yer eyes. Ye need tae rest.”
