He shrugs."To prove who's tougher."
Thane pats my arm."Dinnae fash, Gretchen.No one has ever died from participating in the games."
"Uh-huh."I can't produce any real words.My bafflement is all-consuming.
As the whisky maker walks away, Kirk shuts the door."Relax, lass.You'll enjoy the games, believe me."
"Sure, whatever."
He kisses my cheek, then leads me back to the bedroom so we can get dressed properly.Kirk seems unusually cheerful, but I suspect that's because he's raring to go at the prospect of winning every event.He assured me that will be the case.And yeah, believe him.Having seen Kirk Balfour leap off a huge mountain and survive, despite equipment malfunctions, I will never again doubt him.
"This is Kirk Balfour's turn to triumph, lass."He kisses me hard and quick."If anyone can trounce an entire crowd of Scots, it's the stunt man.Aye?"
"I will, naturally, root for you all the way."I wince."But don't be surprised if I shriek in horror when you're doing hazardous things.I love you too much to be blasé about that."
"And I love ye all the more because of that."He kisses my forehead."Now, are you ready?"
"Highlands Games, here I come."
Kirk escorts me out of the flat and the building.He parked the Porsche along the curb, as he often does, which makes it easier for us to make a quick getaway.I've grown quite fond of that sports car.One of these days, I really need to ride Kirk like a bucking bull while straddling him in this Porsche.
He gazes at me with his brows crinkled."Something wrong, lass?"
"No, nothing.Just daydreaming."
Kirk grins."About sex, aye?"
"How did you know?Please don't tell me you're psychic.Not sure I could handle a crazy stunt man who's also clairvoyant."
"Oh, it isn't hard to tell when you're horny, Gretchen.Yer nipples tighten so much I can see it through your shirt."
Oh, damn.Was I that obvious?Kirk Balfour always gets me turned on with the slightest provocation.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Kirk
The Highland Games have begun in earnest.Dùndubhan is one of the best venues for the games anywhere in Scotland, though I admit I'm somewhat biased.No other castle could evoke the Middle Ages better than Dùndubhan.The first event will be the hammer throw, which I've often won at various times.Gretchen seems anxious as I approach the throwing area.The lass grips her canvas bag so tightly her knuckles have gone white.
"Are you sure you won't injure your back?"she asks, chewing on her lower lip.
I kiss her forehead."Dinnae worry, lass.I've been throwing hammers since I was a wee laddie.My technique is flawless."
"That's what worries me.Your extreme confidence is terrifying."
"Ye love me, that's why you're afraid.But trust me, lass, you'll be cheering me on before the games are over."
All around us, the Games are in full swing.Bagpipes wail across the field, and the scent of meat pies and haggis fills the air as vendors peddle their wares.Spectators line the perimeter of each event area, cheering and jeering in equal measure.Most of the men competing wear kilts, myself included.I catch Gretchen eyeing my bare legs more than once.
"See something ye like?"I ask with a smirk.
She raises an eyebrow but cannae hide her smile."Just making sure you don't injure anything important."
"All my parts are important, lass.Especially the ones ye seem most interested in."I wink, and her cheeks turn a bonnie pink.
Tam saunters over, his kilt swinging as he walks.The smug bastard's already has a ribbon pinned to his shirt from the shot put.
