Izzy blushed, realizing she was staring again. She quickly turned her gaze back to the village. What was wrong with her? She barely knew the man. It had only been a day since she’d come spiraling into this century and somehow this stranger—this handsome, wild highlander—had wormed his way under her skin. Why else would she have volunteered to help him instead of finding a way home?
She cleared her throat. “I don’t think I ever said thank you.”
Magnus turned to her. “For what?”
“For coming back for me yesterday, even though I was so rude to you, for stopping me blundering into those outlaws. For keeping me safe.”
“It’s the least I could do, lass.”
“Yeah, well, you didn’t have to. But you did. And I’m glad.”
Slowly, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’m glad ye are glad.”
His Scottish burr softened the words, making her heart flutter with an emotion she didn’t want to name. Izzy swallowed hard. Did he have to stand so close?
Across the yard, the back door of the house opened and Morwenna appeared carrying an armload of clothing under one arm and a bucket in the other. Izzy, glad of the distraction, hurried to help her, taking possession of the bucket and carrying it into the barn.
Morwenna put the bundle of clothing down on top of a hay bale. “Here ye go, my dear,” the older woman said. “Have a look through that and see if there is aught that fits.” She nodded at the bucket. “I’ve brought hot water and cloths for washing and there’s a bit of honey soap in there somewhere as well.”
“Morwenna, has anyone ever told you that you’re an angel?” Izzy said, meaning every word. She would happily kill for a shower right now but failing that, a wash with soap and hot water was the next best thing.
Morwenna laughed. “Only my husband when he’s after something!”
Izzy began rummaging through the clothes and behind them, Magnus cleared his throat. “I’ll um...leave ye to dress,” he rumbled. “I’ll go fetch the horse.”
He walked away, his broad back retreating across the yard and around the corner of the house. Snaffles followed him part of the way and stared after him.
Morwenna came to stand by Izzy’s side and blew out a breath. “That’s a fine man ye’ve got there, my dear.”
“He’s not my man!” Izzy protested, feeling herself turning crimson.
Morwenna gave her a knowing look. “Isnae he? Are ye sure about that?” She patted Izzy’s arm. “I’ll leave ye to dress. Shout if ye need aught.”
With that, the older woman walked away, leaving Izzy staring after, Morwenna’s words echoing through her head.
Chapter 9
Magnus stepped out from the shadow of the farmhouse, the cool morning air brushing against his skin and tousling his hair. He closed his eyes briefly, his heart beating steadily under the rough fabric of his shirt. The conversation with Isabelle replayed in his mind; her words, her gestures, and the soft vulnerability in her eyes.
Thank you for keeping me safe.
