“You’re not staying,” she reminded him.Desperation clouded her tone.She had to keep repeating it because if she started to believe in happily ever after, her heart would be torn to shreds when he left.
“Looks like I am, until I convince you to come home with me.What are the odds that the woman I married by proxy, as a favor to my gran, turned out to be the one woman destined for me?”
Mairi shook her head.“I will not let you break my heart again.”
He cocked his head, looking confused.“Again?What do you mean,mo leannan?”
“I amnotyour sweetheart.”
The door to the storeroom was suddenly yanked open, and Keegan glanced between them.
“I thought for sure I’d find you two fucking,” she mused.“Or at least kissing.Also possibly killing one another, although not death by orgasm.”
“Oh my God,” Mairi muttered.“Get.Out.”
“Okay, okay,” her cousin replied with her hands up.“Take all the time you need, and know I will help you bury the body.”
She closed the door once more, just as Tavish let out a little chuckle.
“You wouldn’t be laughing if I told you she was serious.”
“Oh, I have no doubt she would.”He picked up her hand and entwined their fingers.“Listen, we have a lot to talk about.”
“We do?”
“Mmm-hmm.”He brought her knuckles up and placed a soft kiss upon them.It was hard to think straight when his warm breath caressed over her hand.“Lots of private stuff.”
“But ...but you’re leaving.
“I’m not,” he countered.“Not until you agree to come home with me.”
She cocked her head.“But you didn’t want a mate.”
“IthoughtI didn’t want a mate, but something in me is telling me to stay—”
“It’s your wolf,” she interjected quickly.“He’s feeling the bond.It’s not you, per say.Just him.”
“Maybe it’s my wolf, maybe not.”He shrugged.“However, I do think this pull between us needs to be explored.”
She searched his eyes, trying to discover whatever game he was playing.This wasn’t the Tavish MacAlary she’d overheard years ago.The man who basically called her a gold-digger and a slut who’d sleep with him to get what she wanted.ThatTavish was missing.In his place stood a man who had determination in his eyes, not mockery or cruelty like she expected.
“I have to get back to work,” she said because she couldn’t think of anything else.She had no idea what to say to him.
“All right.”He stepped back, giving her a little breathing room.“Have dinner with me tonight.”
“Is that an invitation or a command?”
“Both?”
She bit her bottom lip.“I don’t think so.”
“Command, then.”
“Still no.We can talk tomorrow.”
“Why not tonight?”
“Because I need breathing space!”she snapped, then was instantly contrite.“Sorry.That came out strong.Give me tonight to think things over.Please.”
