I swing my legs over the side of the bed, pulling the sheet with me like a makeshift toga.With Dougal's intrusion still fresh, I'm not about to stand around naked.My brain is bouncing between Dougal's threats and the image of Kirk tumbling down a mountain in a fireball."When is this stunt happening?Tonight, you said?"
"Aye, right after sunset.The crew wants the explosions to show up against the night sky."
Kirk stands up and stretches his muscular body, seemingly unconcerned about his nudity or the fact that a criminal broke into his bedroom---our bedroom---not more than ten minutes ago.The man genuinely believes a bat-shit crazy stunt like that is no big deal.
"And you're fine with all the risks?"I grab a T-shirt from the floor---his, not mine---and pull it over my head."Some psychopath breaks in while we're sleeping, threatens your family, threatens me, and your response is to go jump off a mountain blindfolded?"
Kirk huffs."I'm not fine with any of it.But the stunt was arranged weeks ago, and I've got people counting on me.The film has already spent a fortune on permits and equipment.I can't back out now."
I search for some sign that he understands how insane this is."And what about Dougal?You'll just ignore what happened?"
"Of course not."Kirk's voice drops to a deeper, darker register."Ahm going to deal with Dougal tomorrow, after the stunt.I have a plan."
"Tell me about it.Please."I set my hands on my hips."Is it as well thought out as jumping blindfolded off a cliff with explosives?"
Kirk moves closer, resting his hands on my shoulders.Somehow the warmth of his touch soothes me through the thin cotton of his T-shirt that I'm wearing."Gretchen, I can handle the stunt and Dougal."
"I hope so."Though I push against his chest, he easily catches my hands and holds them.His heartbeat is strong and steady under my palms.
"Listen to me," Kirk says, his eyes locking with mine."I understand your concern.But this is what I do, Gretchen.This is my life's work.Either trust me or don't."
Though I want to argue, but there's something in his expression that stops me---a certainty, a focus that reminds me he's been doing this for years while I've only known him for a few days.Who am I to tell him his business?
I pull my hands away."I'm coming with you.And if you die, I'll be seriously pissed off."
Kirk smiles."I have no intention of dying, lass.Not when I've finally found a reason to stay alive---the best reason of all."
The words hang between like an unspoken promise, a tether that binds.I swallow hard, trying to ignore the fluttering in my tummy.I hesitate, unsure of how to respond to his fervent declaration."That's a pretty smooth line, Balfour."
"It's not a pickup line,mo leannan.It's the simple truth."
"Yes, I'll be there tonight.But I need you to promise me something."
"Anything within reason, lass."
"No improvising.No last-minute heroics.You stick to exactly what you've planned and rehearsed."I poke his chest for emphasis."And when it's over, we deal with Dougal together.Cut the lone wolf crap."
Kirk's mouth quirks up in the hint of a smile."I can agree to the first part.But as for Dougal...I won't put you in danger."
"I'm already there.Or did you miss the part where he broke in and watched us sleeping like some creepy stalker?I'm involved whether you like it or not."
A muscle ticks in Kirk's jaw.For a moment, I assume he's going to argue, but instead, he lets out a long breath."We'll discuss Dougal after the stunt.One problem at a time, aye?"
I want to push harder, but something in his expression stops me.I notice a weariness behind his eyes that wasn't there before.Not physical exhaustion, but something deeper.The weight of responsibility, I think.Maybe he's not as devil-may-care as he pretends to be.
Kirk enfolds me in his arms and sweeps a few stray strands away from my eyes."Let's forget about Dougal and the stunt for now.I'd like to show you a few of my favorite, most relaxing places in the Highlands."
"Now that I can handle."
We get dressed, then make a quick trip to The Loch Fairbairn Arms so I can check out of the hotel and retrieve my bags.Mrs.Agnew seems crestfallen when I tell her I'm leaving.But she perks up when I admit I'll be spending the rest of my vacation with Kirk.
"It's a secret, okay?"I tell her."At least for a while."
Kirk lifts one brow."But you met my family, Gretchen.Our relationship is hardly covert.Do you really believe anyone in this village doesn't already know?"
I shrug."I guess you're right."
He leads me toward the Porsche with a gentle hand on my lower back."The second I brought you to meet Mam and Da, my brothers too, the entire Highland telegraph system activated."
