He was wearing her patience. “And ye’ve given them to me, so now what am I to do with them?”
“They are for ye to wear.”
Confusion was quickly followed by excitement. “For me? My own trews? Instead of theléine?”
“On occasion.”
She jumped up, holding the pair up to her waist. They were cut smaller than her brother’s and looked as if they would fit her quite well. “How did ye do this?”
Darragh shrugged and stood alongside her. “I saw no reason not to have some made for ye to use when ye’re with me if it makes movement easier for ye. The thought of ye wearing yer brother’s did not sit well with me.” He crossed his arms about his chest, looking quite proud of himself. “And I wished to see that appreciative look on yer face.”
Brighit moved in close, throwing her arms about his shoulders to pull him against her, and kissing him thoroughly. “Ye have made me very happy.”
With a firm arm about her waist, he twirled her around until she couldn’t catch her breath from laughing so hard. Setting her on her feet again, he gazed down into her eyes. “I never cared to have a dull woman at my side, predictable and staid. Ye? Ye are exciting to me in every way. Forgiveness, please, for not doing a better job of letting ye know that sooner.”
She pulled away to again look at the trews, trying to imagine how they would fit her small frame.
“Will ye try them on?”
A sudden shyness overtook her, but she stamped it down and gave him her back to unlace her gown. His knuckles lightly touching her back sent chills of excitement down her spine. Her eyes closed in pleasure. She assumed he was caressing her by accident until his lips touched her as well.
“Ye have such lovely, soft skin.”
Reaching beneath the edges of her dress, he slipped his hands along her skin to push the material down and over her arms. He kissed her again, one bare shoulder blade and then the other, the tip of his tongue just grazing her. “Very lovely indeed.”
Her breath caught and she leaned back toward him, giving his hands free access to her exposed bosom, which he took advantage of without hesitation.
“What am I to wear with the trews?” Her voice was husky, and his laugh in response made her smile.
“I see ye only have one thing on yer mind.”
“As d'ye,” she replied.
Darragh slid his hand down her belly. It constricted under his light touch. He pushed the material off until it gathered at her feet, but he stopped short of touching her more intimate area.
“I have a tunic for ye as well.”
He whispered the words close to her ear, his voice low, and she waited for the kiss she expected to follow. The firm slap on her bottom made her jump.
“Ouch!” Brighit turned around, her mouth gaping open. “What was that for?”
“It was either that or take ye as is my wont.” He raked his gaze down the length of her, taking in all of her nakedness, then moistened his lips. His breathing was slightly heavy when he looked at her again. “Dress quickly before I change my mind.”
Brighit squealed and moved to don the trews. He tossed a tunic to her, still warm from his body. She gave him a questioning glance and was struck by his solid torso, lightly covered in dark hair, in all its naked splendor.
“Best ye cover those delectable breasts sooner rather than later.” He abruptly gave her his back, moving toward their supplies.
Surrounded by his musky scent, Brighit couldn’t deny the quiver of desire that prickled along her skin to settle between her legs. She pulled the garment close around her, closing her eyes as she took in a deep breath.
“Mmm, now that was a pleasure I hadn’t anticipated.” Darragh had silently returned and was right there in front of her, fully clothed now. Tenderly stroking her cheek, he said, “The sight of yer longing for me.”
She exhaled slowly, unable to deny what he could clearly see with his own eyes. “This can wait. Mayhap we should wait to go out until the morrow?”
Darragh searched her face with narrowed eyes, then shook his head and took another step back. “Tonight will be soon enough for us. Anticipation will only heighten yer pleasure.”
Feeling swamped by her sudden desire for him, Brighit swallowed, hoping to clear the lust from her voice. “Ye are certain we should wait?”
She was certain they should not. Never had she wanted something more.
