Page 16 of The Lady of Her Highland Clan

His eyes twinkled. "I mean, opening the door an' seeing a beautiful lass there... It's enough tae give a lad a fright!"

Without talking, the pair of them were walking side by side down the corridor to some unnamed destination. The heady summer air cloistered them, making Fiona feel gay and light.

Even in the harsh light of morning, Clyde's skin was fresh and clear. The light bounced down, reverberating off his hair and setting his complexion alight.

"What, ye’re saying I look a fright?" she asked, but with mischief in her eyes.

Clyde came a little closer. His arm brushed against hers. Now they were standing close enough to touch but self-consciously not doing so.

Clyde glanced at her thoughtfully. Then, he cast his eyes away. Changing the subject, he looked around the corridor.

"So, ye make a habit o' standing outside guests’ doors?" he asked, a strange look in his green eyes.

"I..." Fiona stopped speaking and fell into his gaze. Together they were standing still, bathed in the golden sunlight.

All Fiona could think about was their kiss. The tenderness of Clyde's touch and how he had caressed her overwhelmed her. It was all she could do to physically stop herself from leaning in and tasting his lips all over again.

Behind his light-green eyes, Fiona wondered what Clyde was thinking. Because from where she was standing, it certainly looked as if he was thinking the same thing.

But he did not kiss her. Instead, he glanced around, as if expecting someone to be there. Fiona felt instantly bad. Perhaps she could not blame him for being suspicious. The fact was, in this castle it always did feel as if someone were looking in. Maybe because they were.

"I'm sorry," said Clyde unexpectedly. His green eyes fizzled with energy, but instead of approaching, he took a step back.

Taken aback, Fiona frowned. "Sorry for what?" she asked.

Clyde's features took on a rueful expression.

"Sorry for kissing ye yesterday," he said. Then he paused. Fiona felt something cold go through her. She scrutinized him closely.

"I mean, I am sorry for causing ye trouble yesterday," he clarified.

Fiona's heart gave a little jump. She did not know what to think. Did he really regret what happened between them yesterday? Or just the doddery interruption by the clan elders?

"I—" faltered Fiona, who right then did not care much for what the clan elders thought. "Dinnae fash..."

Her thoughts had grown conflicted. Swiftly, she cast her eyes downward, away from Clyde's curious gaze. All she could think about was the tenderness of his kiss and how much she wanted him to embrace her again.

Of course he could not, and Fiona swerved a little, moving stiffly away from his touch.

"I should have thought more," Clyde continued. "About yer position. It's difficult for ye right now."

He smiled. The fact he was being so nice about it just made it harder.

"Dinnae fash." Fiona smiled. She tried to regain control of herself. "Och, I just need tae find some way o' impressing the clan elders. Then maybe they might let me become the leader one day."

Once again, they had begun walking again, edging closer toward the stairs. She still did not know where they were headed. It was early, far too early for any formal clan business to be conducted. As they inched toward the stairs, Fiona wondered what, if anything, they were going to do.

A vision of a horse ride with Clyde chasing her through the woodland vales came to her. A small smile snuck around her cheeks.

"So, any help ye can give me would be gratefully received." She smiled as she said this but was not really expecting Clyde to say anything.

"Well, maybe I can help ye," said Clyde mysteriously. Fiona looked up. "In fact, maybe we can both be helped..."

"Och, aye?" said Fiona, intrigued. They had completely stopped moving at the head of the staircase.

Looking carefully about, Clyde touched her arm and indicated that they walk downstairs. All the while, his eyes darted fitfully from one side to the other.

"Aye," he said uncertainly. "But nae here. Walls have ears."