Hope whipped around to see Graham standing before her, his tall frame barely fitting in the little shop. He gave her an inquisitive stare beneath the auburn locks that fell over his forehead. Suddenly frantic, she twisted back to the shop owner.
“That's fine,” she said in a soft tone. “I'll be back in an hour for it.”
“But—”
Hope's brow lifted and, with wide eyes, she shook her head slightly. She didn’t wish to be caught with a piece of MacKinnon plaid in front of Graham. Understanding seemed to dawn on the man and he winked.
“Very good, my lady.”
“Back for what?” Graham asked.
“Belle wished for me to get her a swath of McTavish plaid, so that she might wear it during the ball,” Hope said quickly.
Graham eyed her suspiciously. “She never has before.”
Hope shrugged.
“You know Belle. She's a bit of a wild one, isn't she?” Hope said with a smile, hoping to distract him from the shop keeper.
It seemed to have worked because in a moment, Graham's gaze became heated. Hope flushed in response. She nodded and edged past him.
“If you'll excuse me,” she said to the shopkeeper before exiting the building. “Thank you!”
“Yes, my lady,” he said back as she hurried out the door.
“Not so fast,” Graham said, following her out into the crowded street. Hope did not wait. “Where are you going so quickly?”
Away from you, she thought.
“It's of no concern of yours, Mr. MacKinnon.”
“Aye, but it could be.”
She observed him as he fell into an easy stride alongside her. Her eyes dropped to his legs as they walked, and she couldn't contain her curiosity.
“Why were you in the kilt shop?”
He gave her a sideways glance.
“I was in need of a new kilt pin,” he said, though she wasn’t sure if she should believe him.
Once more, she peered down at his trouser covered legs.
“You’re not wearing a kilt.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Then why would you need a kilt pin?”
The corner of his mouth pulled up.
“For when I do wear one.”
“And when would that be?”
“You’re a somewhat forward thing, aren’t you?” he asked but before she could answer, he continued. “Do you think every Scotsman must wear a kilt at all times?”
“No. It’s just that the McTavishes wear them. It looks as though most of the men here in the village do. I was just curious as to why you don’t.”
