Instead, her stomach did that same inconvenient thing it had been doing for three days. She pressed a hand to it briefly, then dropped it.
Just lunch. Same as every other day.
“Ava?” Esther tugged on her sleeve. “Are ye all right? Yer face is all red.”
“I’m fine, sweetheart. Just... warm.” Ava stood, smoothing down her dress—one of the new ones that had appeared in her wardrobe, soft green wool that actually fit properly. “Let’s go eat, aye?”
The great hall was already bustling when they arrived.
Long tables filled the space, with castle residents claiming their usual spots. Servants moved between the tables carrying pitchers of ale and platters of food. At the high table, sitting in his chair like some ancient king surveying his domain, was Noah.
He looked up as they entered, his dark eyes finding Ava immediately.
He’d changed out of his training clothes; she had seen him in the courtyard earlier, working with his men despite his healing arm. Now he wore a clean shirt and vest, his hair tied back, and his jaw freshly shaved.
He looked every inch the Laird MacGregor. Powerful, commanding, and entirely too attractive.
“There ye are.” Noah’s voice carried across the hall. “I was beginnin’ to think ye’d gotten lost.”
“The castle is enormous,” Ava replied, guiding Esther toward the high table. “I’m still learnin’ me way around.”
“Ye’ve been here for three days.”
“And the castle has existed for how long? I think I’m allowed some time to adjust.” She lifted her chin, refusing to be intimidated even as her heart hammered against her ribs.
Something that might have been amusement flickered in Noah’s eyes. “Fair point. Sit. Both of ye.”
Esther scrambled into her usual seat between them, and Ava took her place on Esther’s other side, fully aware of how close she now was to Noah. Close enough that she became immediately, inconveniently aware of the warmth coming off him.
She fixed her eyes on Esther’s plate and kept them there.
“How were yer lessons today?” Noah asked Esther as servants began placing food on the table.
Esther glanced at Ava, seeking permission.
“Go on,” Ava encouraged. “Tell yer uncle what ye learned.”
“I... I learned m-me words,” Esther said softly. “Many new words that I can read on me own now.”
Noah’s expression softened in a way Ava was learning meant he was pleased. “That’s excellent, lass. I’m proud of ye.”
Esther beamed, and Ava felt her chest warm at the sight.
“And how did ye find teaching her?” Noah’s attention shifted to Ava, pinning her with that intense gaze. “Was she cooperative?”
“She was wonderful.” Ava busied herself with filling Esther’s plate, needing something to do with her hands. “Very bright. Quick to learn. With proper encouragement, I think she’ll be readin’ simple sentences words within the month.”
“Good.” Noah reached for his cup, and his arm brushed against Ava’s.
The contact sent sparks racing up her arm. She jerked back so quickly she nearly knocked over her own cup.
“Careful.” Noah’s hand shot out to steady it, his fingers wrapping around hers in the process.
His hand closed over hers, and Ava went completely still.
She waited for him to let go, the way he always did, the way he’d been doing for three days, pulling back the moment anything came too close. But he didn’t. His thumb moved, just slightly, a slow drag across her knuckles that could almost have been accidental.
Almost.
