“But…?”
His fingers trembled as he traced her lips. “There are things ye dinnae ken about me, Lauren.”
Her brows dipped in thought. “I know all I need to,” she whispered. “I told you why I fell in love with you. I even told you when. Nothing has changed.”
“No’ yet.”
“Then don’t change it,” she demanded. “You asked me to remember this night. The stars, the glen. And I assume, you. So, let me do that. Don’t spoil this Reggie. All I want is for you to tell me you love me. Kiss me like you mean it and let me have the kind of night I’ll never get my fill of. Not in a million lifetimes.”
If he couldnae give her the whole truth, he would give herthis. He captured her lips, determined to say everything he couldnae say, with words.
Chapter Nineteen
The house had been a flurry of activity all morning, and Reginald’s primary goal was to stay out of female range for the day. For breakfast, he’d grabbed some ham and a scone from the dishes Lauren set out and retreated to the safety of the shed.
After a yearning glance at Crayton’s rocker, he’d pulled gloves over his nearly healed hands and tackled the sooty job of ripping out the burned boards.
’Twas close to midday when Lauren peeked around the door. “I thought you might be hungry. I brought you a sandwich.”
“I’m always hungry for the sight ofyelass.” Reginald grinned setting aside some charred pieces of wood. He winked as he took off his blackened gloves. “And maybe a wee taste as well?”
“Hmm.” She put a finger to her chin, to consider. “A tempting offer, I must say.”
His heart filled, watching her come closer. Would he ever get used to the wonder of loving her and seein’ his love reflected in her eyes?
Anxious to embrace her, he reached out, then glanced down at his sooty clothes. “Och! I fear I’m no’ fit tae hold ye, love.”
“You do sort of resemble the inside of a wood stove,” she laughed. “But I suppose you’re worth the risk.”
She came into his arms, lifted her face to his. “Would you care for just a nibble, or a whole bite?”
“I’ll take the nibble,andthe bite. But I fear ye’ve awakened a ravenous appetite.”
“Well then.” She raised on her toes to meet him. “Let’s see what we can do about that.”
He reflected on the kiss and the feel of Lauren in his arms all afternoon, and by the time he noticed the sun was well into the western sky, he had a respectable pile of charred wood outside, and a clean area ready for new planks, on the inside. Butheclearly resembled the pile outside, so ’twas time to start showering off the layers.
He dinnae ken exactly what black tie meant, but Phoebe had assured him, his plaid would be ready. ’Twas good enough for him.
Sitting on the porch step, Reginald pulled off his boots, giving them a disparaging look, before he set them aside. ’Twould no’ do to trail soot across Phoebe’s clean floor. He’d have to come back and see if they’d clean up enough he dinnae embarrass Drew, tonight.
The house was clear. Quiet even. The lassies must be doin’ whatever it is lassies do, to capture the hearts of men.
The door to his room hadnae quite closed behind him when he heard a light tap. He opened the door, hoping ’twas Lauren, come for more kisses.
“Phoebe!”
Would there be a time when the dear lady dinnae march into his room, with her arms laden with clothing?
“Since you’ll need some formal dress things for tonight and you and Crayton are about the same size, I thought you might want to borrow his. Along with a shirt and jacket, I’ve included hose, garters and Ghillie Brogues—I noticed your boots were a bit worn,” she said under her breath. When she glanced up at him, she actually took a step back. “Oh, my. You are a sight!” Suddenly, she broke into laughter, and Reginald couldnae help joining her. “I guess there’s no question about you earning your wages.”
She laid the most of the items on the bed. “Everything is here; bow tie, a ribbon to tie your hair back—if you’d like. I’ve even brought his fancy sporran. And, as promised, your plaid. I had it professionally cleaned and mended. I think it turned out beautifully, don’t you?”
“Aye.” Though he’d become fond of jeans and Tee-shirts, the idea of wearing his clan plaid again, tripped something in his chest. “Thank ye, Phoebe.” His eyes burned from more than just soot. “Ye cannae ken what all yer kindness means tae me.”
“Well, I did take a liberty. When I sent your plaid in, I also commissioned a small kilt, in your clan colors, of course. I didn’t even know about the party, then,” she laughed. “Funny how things turn out, isn’t it?” She laid the kilt on the bed, as well. “Just an option, you understand.”
She reached out to touch his arm, but immediately pulled her hand back, wrinkled her nose and wiggled her fingers. “Don’t you dare touch those lovely things until you’ve used up a whole bar of soap!” she chuckled, heading for the door.
