Mac dropped to one knee when Gus greeted him at the door. Mac’s deep laugh rumbled in his chest as he ruffled Gus’s coat and endured an enthusiastic succession of sloppy licks. Their affection was clearly mutual.
Gus had believed in Mac all along, and though Brie’s instincts had, as well, her head had urged caution. They’d both grown far too fond of Mac for such a short time. For some reason, his presence both stirred and soothed her, disrupting her carefully constructed world.
She and Gus had made their way alone for a long time now, and she wasn’t looking for anything else. But somehow, Mac had slipped in so seamlessly, it felt as though he’d always belonged with them.
Stop it, Brie, she scolded, escaping into the kitchen to brew some tea. Mac would be leaving soon. For all she knew, he was married with two-point-five perfect children, a picket fence, and a mini-van with little people stickers in the back window. He probably even had the requisite cocker-spaniel.
She slapped the box of tea on the counter and banged the cupboard door shut. Why did she care? She had what she wanted right here. Gus. A career she loved. This cabin to spend her summers in; peaceful and safe. Or, at least it had been, before tonight.
Where are the blasted lemons?
She rummaged through the fridge and finally gave up. She didn’t need a lemon. She didn’t even want tea. What then? She got a pan out to make hot chocolate, then changed her mind and tossed it back, banging it against the others.
“Brie?” Mac came up behind her, close enough she could feel the warmth from his body. “Is it what ye saw outside that upsets ye so?”
He touched her arms, gently stroking them from elbow to shoulder. She knew it was merely a gesture meant to comfort her, but she leaned against him, anyway. Just for a minute, she told herself. “I don’t know. I just—” She shook her head. “I guess I’m upset that whoever was out there shook my confidence a little. I’ve fought hard to banish my fears, from clear back in my childhood when my father told me how foolish they were.”
Mac’s arms came around her, tucking her inside his embrace. He dipped his head, so his mouth brushed her ear. “Ye ken I’d protect ye, do ye no’ lass?”
She turned in his arms, pressing her palms to his chest to keep herself from giving in to wanting to be held. Accepting the comfort he offered would only make his leaving harder.
“You’re not free to say that, Mac. Besides, nothing was damaged or broken into, so I’m sure I’m just being foolish.”
He stared hard, into her eyes. “Ye’re no foolish, Brie. But ye’re right. I dinna ken who or what waits for me, nae where I’m tae go from here. And ’tis wrong tae say in so short a time, but I’ve…” He seemed to check himself and rethink what he’d been going to say. “ ’Twill always be my strong desiretae see ye safe and happy.”
She nodded, knowing that was all he could give her. He spoke from a temporary void between two worlds he couldn’t remember. The quiet in the storm they were experiencing couldn’t last and no matter what she thought she’d begun to feel for Mac, she’d be crazy to set herself up for another loss. Eventually, he’d remember where he truly belonged. And to whom.
When she began to pull away, he smoothed a hand over her hair, down her spine to her lower back. She could feel the span of each finger as he pulled her into a tight embrace. Despite her resolve, she gave in, just for a moment, closed her eyes, and surrendered to what she couldn’t have.
She had no idea how long it had been since she’d allowed herself to lean on anyone, physically or emotionally, but the sense of respite washing over her frightened her. She suddenly felt pathetic and a little angry at how badly she’d needed it.
“I’m okay, Mac.” She leaned back, determined not to let her weakness show. She’d lost control. She couldn’t remember feeling so tired. Tomorrow, she’d be better. Stronger. Able to stand on her own, again. “Really. I’m fine.” She began to push away, but he held her a moment longer, studying her face with arresting, intuitive eyes.
“Aye lass,” he whispered. “Verra fine, indeed.” He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead, released her, and touched her elbow. “Come, sit wi’ me, and if ye’re up to it, ye can tell me why those tracks had the power to shake yer confidence, so.”
He guided her to the sofa, and she sank into the soft cushions, suddenly so weary she could hardly keep her eyes open. When Mac sat beside her, and slipped an arm around her, she let her head rest against his shoulder. She’d fight all her weaknesses tomorrow. Right now, it was just too much work.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Alistair…
Mac stirred, had Brie said something?
Alistair…
“Aye?” he answered, coming fully awake. The woman’s soft, lilting voice echoed in his mind.
’Twas so familiar!But he couldna put a face with it. He closed his eyes and tried to sink back into the dream to recapture the memory. ’Twas there, just out of reach…then gone.
He groaned, then grimaced, not meaning to put a voice to his frustration and wake Brie, as he had Gus, who blinked sleepily from his spot near Mac’s feet.
“Mmmm,” Brie moaned, shoved her hair away from her face and blinked her surprise. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe I feel asleep! What time is it?”
Mac looked at the fire. It hadna burned down far. They’d both dozed, but no’ for long. “Still evening. Ye only dozed a wee while.”
She shifted, but thankfully, dinna pull out of his arms. “It feels like I did more than doze. However long it lasted, I slept reallyhard.” A startled look crossed her face. “I didn’t snore, did I?”
Mac laughed. “If ye did, ’twas while I slept, as well.”
