“You needn’t offer me that charming smile. Save it for your other women. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Allyson rolled away before sitting up.
“What charming smile?” Allyson’s comments baffled Ewan.
“That one.” She waved her hand toward his face. “I’m not your mistress, and you’re not my lover. You don’t need to do that.”
“I never considered taking you as my mistress, but I wouldn’t be opposed to being your lover. And your husband. But I don’t know what smile you’re talking about. Honest.”
“Stay there. Don’t move. Don’t change your expression.” Allyson scrambled to her feet and moved between several large pieces of furniture before struggling to carry one back to Ewan. She ripped off the sheet that covered the looking glass before pointing to his reflection. “That one. The one that’s meant to make women take off their clothes.”
Ewan sat up, allowing his plaid to show his bare knee as he bent it and rested his arm on it. “Is that what it does to you?”
“I said women, not me.”
“You are a woman.”
“Aye, that’s why I understand your intentions.”
Ewan stood and lifted the looking glass from Allyson’s hands and set it aside. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. “Allyson, I don’t look at myself that often, but I can tell you, this smile is not one I’ve offered any other woman. I’ve never woken up to a woman beside me who I just wanted to hold. I’ve never woken up and wished to fall asleep just to do it all over again, so I might enjoy that moment I realized you were beside me.”
“Who did you assume was there?” Allyson pushed her arms between them and crossed them.
“I didn’t think of anyone else. I knew it was you. I knew that it can only ever be you from now on.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“And why should you? I wouldn’t if I was you and knew my reputation. But I still want to prove to you I’m earnest about my intention to court you.”
“You’re going to have to figure out how to do that without trying to seduce me. You won’t be sleeping near me again.”
“Ally, I wasn’t trying to seduce you.” Ewan’s hands cupped Allyson’s elbows. “I enjoyed talking to you last night, and I’ve never slept as well as I did last night, despite being on the floor. It’s because you were here. That’s the only explanation.”
Allyson dropped her arms and sighed. She wasn’t in the mood to argue with Ewan, and she wouldn’t lie to either of them about enjoying their time together. “I did sleep well, but I got jealous when I imagined every other woman who’s been on the receiving end of that groggy voice and handsome smile.”
“Handsome smile?” Ewan chuckled.
“You and modesty are not likely friends. Don’t bother trying.”
“Others may have called me that before, but I find it only matters coming from you.”
“Aye, because there’s no one else here to do it.” Allyson’s was a rueful frown, but she lifted onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I hope I’m the only one from now on calling you handsome when you awake.”
“You can be sure of that.” Ewan brushed his lips against Allyson’s, and she opened to him. It was a slow kiss as they built trust and tenderness between them. Allyson arched her back, pressing her breasts against Ewan’s broad chest as he cupped her backside. His sporran kept him from feeling the full length of her, so he pushed it aside. Allyson gasped when his sword rubbed against her sheath, but it soon turned into a moan as Ewan’s grip on her bottom tightened. She inched her hips closer until there was no space between them.
“I want to be the only woman,” Allyson murmured.
“I promise you, Ally, you are.”
Allyson wasn’t inclined to question him about that pledge when she’d rather enjoy the last few minutes they would share alone before returning to her family and the real world. When their kisses ended, she rested her head against his chest, the rhythmic thud of his heart giving her strength to face another day at Redheugh.
“We have to go. If we stay much longer, people will notice we’re both missing. They’ll assume the worst of me.”
“Aye, and I need to find Eoin. I still haven’t forgiven him for his stunt last night.”
“Let it go. I’m not angry anymore, and I realize he intended well. The fault lays primarily at Mary’s feet, even if he didn’t stop her.”
“I need to learn whether Mary said aught else after we left and what Eoin intends to tell your father.” Ewan glanced toward the stairs. Allyson sighed and shook a weary head, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue with either twin about talking to her father. She could predict how it would go, and if Eoin wasn’t careful, he’d end up married to Mary before Ewan could get Allyson down the aisle. “You go first, and I’ll follow you down when I’m certain no one will realize I was up here with you. I’ll meet you belowstairs. Would you like to go for a walk?”
“Aye, I’d like that. I’d like to show you the river if the weather is fair.” Allyson turned toward the stairs but stopped. She spun around and went onto her toes to give Ewan a hard kiss, but when she went to pull away, Ewan backed her against the wall. Their kiss combusted into a roaring inferno as their hands sought every inch they could reach. Ewan cupped her breast, and Allyson’s moan signaled she appreciated the sensation. She covered his hand with hers and increased the pressure as he kneaded the mound. His fingers trailed along the neckline before dipping beneath. His fingers brushed her pebbled nipple as Allyson’s head fell back. Ewan nuzzled her neck with soft kisses and swept his tongue along her collarbone until Allyson’s hands found the firm contours of his backside. The sensation of her hands on him unleashed a beast that wanted to consume her.
