"Can't get rid of her," Roy agrees gruffly, but with a clear note of affection for his son."She's a keeper, this one."
The entire exchange feels like something out of a sitcom, but it's also surprisingly sincere.I expected a grill session, hostile stares, maybe even a polite suggestion that I should head back home to Tennessee right away.
Kirk hops off his stool, ambling up to me, and claims my hand."Shall we go,mo leannan?We do have plans for the day, ones that don't involve my brothers trailing after us."
"Go on, Kirk," his mother says."Get to know a lass before ye shag her, for once."
"Mam!"he almost shouts, his lips tight."My dating habits are none of anyone's concern."
Neil barks out a laugh."Dating?Yer more interested in sex than getting to know a lass."
The man who screwed me like crazy a couple days ago and had no shame about doing that suddenly acts like a defrocked priest.I clasp Kirk's hand, urging him to walk toward the door.The other Balfours watch from the half-open door as Kirk and I climb into his Porsche.
I relax into my seat."What's next, Mr.Balfour?"
He smiles and wags his eyebrows."It's a surprise."
Chapter Fourteen
Kirk
As we leave my family behind, I keep my eyes on the road ahead and try not to drive too recklessly.I rarely worry this much about something like that, but with Gretchen in the car, I've become oddly concerned with safety.I even slow down when I'm navigating sharp curves.What on earth has happened to me?I've toned down my wild side.
Mhac na galla.I've become a weakling.
"Is everything okay, Kirk?"Gretchen asks, leaning toward me."You look like you might throw up.Maybe these crazy curves are getting to you."
I scowl at her."Only children vomit in cars."
"Then why are you acting this way?"
"In precisely what manner are you accusing me of behaving?"Christ, now I sound like a petulant bairn.I do my best to tame this bizarre instinct I've acquired in the last few minutes.
She flattens her lips and squints her eyes."Something is definitely wrong with you.What gives, Kirk?"
I grip the steering wheel with one hand, trying to seem unaffected even though my other hand wants to reach for hers."Ahmno acting any particular way."
She gives me the side-eye."Youareacting weird, Kirk.Did your family liking me somehow break your brain?"
I cough out a laugh and try to loosen my white-knuckled grip on the wheel."Dinnae be a dafty."
Gretchen grins, barely suppressing a laugh."Okay, if you aren't weirded out by me getting to know your family, then you must have another reason for driving like an old lady.I mean, a badass stunt man like you couldn't be afraid anything."
The lass is right.I'm acting like an old woman.No more of that ye, dafty.
I slide a hand onto her thigh."How would ye like to learn about stunt work?I reckon you've got a daredevil streak hidden inside you."
She leans closer until her breaths tickle my cheek and whispers, "I must be a daredevil.Why else would I let a hot Scot seduce me five minutes after we met?You are an adventure all your own, Kirk Balfour."
"Is that a yes?Ye do want to learn stunt work, if only for a lark?"
"Or maybe I'll become an adrenaline junky like you."
The idea arouses me more than I expected.Gretchen gone wild?Aye, that makes me randy as a bull.So.I take the next hairpin with a little more flair.Gretchen yelps, clutching the passenger seat with both hands.I'm rewarded with her laughter---open, delighted, the sound not of a terrified woman, but one who expects the world to bend to her will.
"Holy shit, Kirk!I thought you were being careful!"
I tap the brakes just in time to slide onto the shoulder and cut the engine.We're perched above the loch now, the entire valley spread out before us like a Renaissance masterpiece.Gretchen's eyes are feverishly bright, her hands clinging to the edge of her seat as she gawps at the water.Adrenaline and fear have made her look even bonnier.
