“Let me know what ye find out about the soldiers.”
“I will.” He stood there awkwardly. When did she become important to him? When did her welfare matter more than an obligation to an old friend?
Cait was looking at him, so fresh and pretty. As always, her hair was falling out of its pins and curling down her neck. Her lips were rosy and slightly parted, and Iain found himself leaning toward them.
And then he was kissing her. She made a surprised sound but didn’t pull away. It was a light touch, barely a whisper, but it fueled his desire for her. A desire he’d not known he possessed until this day, and all it once it was consuming him like flames leaping onto dry tinder and taking flight.
He put his hands on her upper arms, lightly, so as not to startle her. She was much like a bird, ready to take flight at the least expected movement. He didn’t want her to fly because he had no hope of catching her again. So he went slowly, touching lightly, moving hardly at all. She trembled. With the need to run? Or did she want him as much as he wanted her? That was his hope but probably not the reality.
Tentatively, she kissed him back, her mouth closed, but that was fine. The anticipation was killing him, but he would go at her speed. He would let her take the lead if that meant she didn’t bolt.
She stayed, much to his surprise and delight. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her and he took them in his, gently unwrapping her fingers from her palm until their fingers were intertwined.
She parted her lips, and it took everything inside of him not to shout out in joy. He touched his tongue to her bottom lip, sliding it slowly inside. She tasted of cheese and ale, and if sunshine had a flavor, it would certainly be this.
The tip of her tongue touched his, and it was his undoing. He groaned despite the fear of making a sound. And just as he had predicted, she jumped back, yanking her hands from his and staring at him in shock.
He dropped his head and rubbed the back of his neck, his body so inflamed that she had to see it.
“Ye should go,” she said hoarsely.
He nodded and walked out without saying anything. He had no idea what to say, and he was afraid of the words that might spill out if he let them.
Chapter 13
That night Cait lay in her cold, lonely bed, staring at the shadow-dappled ceiling.
She was exhausted, but sleep eluded her among her tumultuous thoughts. She’d relived her conversation with Iain so many times that she was weary of it, and yet she couldn’t stop herself.
If he had feelings for her, they were of guilt.
Of course the dead soldiers were a concern, and their discovery on Campbell land was troublesome. It focused the English’s attention on the Campbells, and no one wanted to be the center of the English’s attention. This was the one time she hoped Iain’s friendships would protect the clan.
And then there was that kiss.
She rolled over and buried her face in the pillow like a small lass hoping that hiding would make the memory go away. That damn kiss had fundamentally changed everything and made her doubt her belief that Iain’s feelings for her were not sincere. Oh, how sweet it had been. Sweet and tentative, as if he was afraid to startle her.
She’d been pleasantly surprised that the kiss had been so…enjoyable, and an all too familiar ache had settled low in her stomach. She’d not wanted it to end. Instead, she’d wanted to wrap her arms around him, pull him tightly to her, and rub against him.
Smothered by the pillow, she turned her head to the side. Her body was hot and aching. Restlessly, she threw the blankets off and let the cool air wash over her heated skin. Her breasts throbbed, and the heat low in her belly spread outward.
She turned her head to the other side and closed her eyes. Beneath her lids she saw Iain coming toward her, his dark, unfathomable gaze on her mouth. He’d licked his lips right before he kissed her. She wasn’t sure why that was such a vivid memory, but it was.
Almost against her will, her hand inched up and touched her aching breast. Her other hand found her moist center, and she pressed her palm to it. Instantly, her hips rose and she whimpered. It had been so long since she’d been with a man. She missed it so much. The closeness, the feel of another body pressed against hers. The release after the buildup of suspense. It was the release she craved now.
She slid her finger inside her folds and touched the hidden nub there. She was wet. Had been since Iain kissed her hours ago. She’d been walking around in suspended need.
She pressed down on the nub with the pad of her finger. Her hips rotated and she gasped. The release, when it came, had her pumping her hips and crying out.
Afterward she lay spent and hollow. She’d relieved the need, but the rest of her felt cheated. She didn’t want her finger or her hand.
She wanted Iain.
—
The next morning Iain was waiting on his front steps as Captain Palmer rode through the gates. Iain didn’t have guards posted at the gates like some of the Highland chiefs. He preferred to be a bit more civilized and treat his home as a home and not a defense. But that didn’t mean he was without protection or a warning system to let him know when visitors arrived. He’d been waiting for this particular visitor and was surprised it had taken Palmer this long to come to him.
The captain looked grim as he dismounted. “I’m here on official business,” he said by way of greeting.
