“No. I’m alright.”
She steps forward, a breath away from me. “That’s good. Maybe you can block the wind for me.” She grins up at me, her turquoise eyes shining with mischief. Like she’s taking advantage.
If she only knew.
“I can do better than that.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her to me. For a moment, it seems like she doesn’t know what to do, but eventually she relaxes into me. And it feels like home. Somehow it’s more powerful than her comforting hug last night. Or it’s compounded into more. It feels as if something I’ve been missing has clicked into place. And wherever she is, is where I want to be.
“Youarewarm.”
Oh, I’m definitely warm now. I splay my hands on her back, hoping to infuse her with all the warmth that I can, and she burrows into my chest. Nothing in my history compares to this moment.
“Do you think we should wait it out or just go on to the car?” Her muffled voice comes from below.
“We should wait.” The words are out of my mouth before I actually give her question any thought. If the situation were different, I’d say we’re already wet and don’t know how long this will last, so we might as well go. Instead, my mouth took over and claimed as much time as it could to stay in this moment with Makenna.
“Okay. As long as your back doesn’t get cold.” She rubbed her hands up and down my back, trying to warm it.
“I’m plenty warm, lass.” And getting warmer by the minute.
“I guess that makes sense. You’re more used to the cold than I am.” She’s quiet for a moment, then she clears her throat, the vibration transferring to my chest. “Is this weird? You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s not weird at all. And what sort of gentleman would I be if I stood here comfortably warm and let you shiver ’til your teeth fell out?”
I feel the shaking of her laughter before I hear it. “Alright. If you’re sure.”
We’re quiet for several minutes. I fight the urge to lie myhead on hers and pull her closer. I fight not to sway with her to the music of the rain.
“Malcolm?” Her voice is soft and content.
“Aye?”
“I … well, who knows how long this storm will last. Maybe we should just go for it. Turn the heat on in the car.”
She’s right. I know she’s right. I can’t see the rain, but my ears tell me there’s been no change since we stepped back in here. But I want to live here now with Makenna in my arms. Who knows when another opportunity will arise.
“You’re probably right. If we wait, it could be a while, and we’re already wet.” I release her, trying not to make my hesitation obvious. I’m having a hard time getting a read on her. Is she interested? I don’t want to make things weird if she isn’t.
Makenna grins. “I’d say race you to the car, but that’s not really an option. You could run ahead, though, if you’d like.”
“I’ll stay with you. You ready?”
“I did want to look at this rock some more.”
Makenna makes as if she’s leaving to go elsewhere in the tower.
I snort a laugh.
She looks over her shoulder and smiles. “Alright. I guess I’m ready.”
We walk across the grassy castle grounds and Makenna starts laughing. She stops and turns her smiling face to the sky.
“Ya alright over there?” I ask, not minding in the least standing in the rain with this sweet and fun woman.
“You know. I really like rain.”
“And that made you laugh?”
“No, I laughed because you look handsome as ever and I’m certain I look like a drowned rat.”
