The way her body had responded to his had left her dazed and confused.
And curious.
Unable to stop herself from speculating what kissinghimmight be like.
Perish the thought.
She sat up at once, staring out at the ocean, reminding herself of Mr. McKenzie’s deceit. His audacity. Of the amusement he’d had at her expense. Of his...Scottishness.
Heaving back her arm, she threw the polished stone into the waves where it disappeared with a splash.
And thought of how very grateful she’d be if she never saw him again for the entirety of the summer.
AS GAVIN TRUDGED up the steps, he was certain of one thing: he’d never met a more stubborn woman than Arabella Hughes.
He wanted to dismiss her. Wanted to dislike her and her infuriating arrogance. Wanted to relegate her to a forgotten corner in his mind and never think of her again.
But she was Nan’s granddaughter. Which meant all of that was impossible.
Because Nan loved her.
And becauseheloved Nan, he had to make an effort with Miss Hughes.
But deep down, if Gavin was honest with himself, there were other reasons he couldn’t dismiss the lady out of hand.
Her enchanting blue eyes, for one.
Maddening as she was, he found himself mesmerized by their depths. Blazing blue crystals that flashed like the hottest flames in a fire.
And grudgingly, he had to admire her spirit. He’d never much enjoyed the company of English women, for most were too soft, too missish. Miss Hughes was anything but. Much as she tried to affect the airs of a gently born lady, she was a stubborn lass and one whose temper flared quite regularly.
At least when he was present.
Nan was waiting for him at the top of the path. “Well?” she demanded.
Gavin rubbed his chin, stalling. “It did not goexactlyas well as I wished it to,” he admitted, unable to be anything but honest. “She merely needs a bit of time for her temper tae cool.”
Nan pursed her lips. “I should not have listened tae ye.”
“Strange. That is exactly what Lord Andicott said after I advised him on some of his wagers at Newmarket.”
“Cheeky lad.” Nan scowled, but he knew she wasn’t truly angry. Just worried.
Gavin offered her his arm.
As he led Nan along the path that divided their two estates, his mind wandered back to that moment on the steps, when he’d tried to offer Miss Hughes some advice. She was a difficult woman to read, but he’d been almost certain something he’d said had pierced her. “She’ll come around. I promise ye. But it may take some time and patience.”
Nan looked up at him, a wry expression on her face. “Gavin Alexander McKenzie, I think ye ken I’ve patience aplenty after dealing with ye all these years. ’Tis the matter of time that worries me.”
Gavin grinned. “A person’s opinion can change a great deal in three months, ye ken. She won’t be able tae help but love ye.”
“It’s her opinion ofyethat worries me.”
“Ye need not...” But suddenly, Gavin knew exactly what she was thinking. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen it coming. “Nan—”
“Ye’ll forgive an auld woman, but I had high hopes for the two of ye.”
“Even if I had any interest in...” Gavin shook his head. “Your granddaughter hates everything about Scotland. She’s been poisoned against Scots her entire life.”
