Page 120 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

Och! Sinking back down into her chair, Nora let him tease her, his arms gradually coming all over, slowly stroking her hair, and by stealth, her shoulders and neck too.

It was unexpected and also deeply sensuous. Light in the head, Nora glanced quickly, making sure no one else was within sight before sinking deeply into his touch.

"I'll tell ye a wee thing," said William, with mischief. Nora turned to look at him. In the candlelight, his blue eyes glinted impishly. "I've nae kissed a lass with red hair."

Nora let that wash over her, although somewhere in her head, she felt a drop of panic. He was talking of kissing her. Really, she should be steering the conversation to weddings and moving it forward. Her father had been adamant. No kissing until it was decided! She was only meant to seduce him once the end was in sight.

But her father was not there. Finishing another dram of wine, Nora looked at William and smiled.

"Well, I'll tell ye something else; perhaps ye still wilnae!"

Her eyes flashed combative as she looked his way. His surprised look gave way to a smile. Nora could not help laughing. It would not hurt to keep him on his toes.

"Och, well, if it's gonnae be like that, hen," muttered William. He donned an expression of fake outrage that was so sincere it made Nora squeal.

"Help ma boab," she spluttered. The look on William's face had turned her into a giggling wreck. "My father does that face. Nay, stop it! Wheesht!"

William pouted, leaving Nora breathless with laughter. Softly, he stroked her hair. Then her chin, embracing her lightly. Taking his index finger, William ran it down her cheek, sending a shock of pleasure running through her.

It was a very sudden collision between their cheeks and their eyes. He was too close, almost upon her. Shaking herself quickly, Nora started.

"Och," she said, pulling away. Suddenly, the room was warm. Waving her hands, Nora attempted to make a draft. She felt drowsy and weak.

"What is it, hen?" asked William, noticing. Now he gave her room, moving backward and fanning her with his hand. Quickly, he snapped his fingers, and within moments a servant appeared with a fan. There, William began cooling her.

Watching him fanning so assiduously, Nora giggled. It was faintly ridiculous. She tried lifting her head up to tell him, but was immediately nauseous and weak.

"Dinnae move," said William softly, urging her back down. He helped her rest her head against the table. To Nora's surprise, she was almost laid down there, flat, into her dinner.

Sheer embarrassment forced her up.

"Och, nay," she murmured, straightening herself. Looking around, she panicked. Her hair was free, falling around her shoulders. Frowning, Nora searched about. At some point, her headdress had fallen.

Watching her eyes, William handed her the remains of her caul. "Here," he said somberly. "Although, if ye permit me, I think ye look better wi'out it."

His eyes went to hers, but still, he handed her the rolled headdress. But the segments had become unfurled. Taking the unclipped headpiece, Nora placed it aside. It was a midden and in pieces rather like the rest of her.

"Please excuse me," she said formally. Maybe she could not dress her hair, but she needed to straighten herself. Pink-cheeked, Nora scolded herself. She was meant to seduce him. Not get blootered, almost pass out, and boke1. Chastened, she sat up rigidly.

"Dinnae fash," said William, eyeing her with concern. "Perhaps 'tis a wee bit heated in here."

He cast an unsure head across the great hall. In fact, it was fairly cool. The fire in the grate had gone out some time ago, but he diplomatically avoided that. Instead, he smiled in concern.

Taking her hand, he urged her. "I tell ye what, let's grab a wee breath o' air." He pulled her, bringing her up out of her chair. Standing dizzily, Nora took a breath of air. There was no back on the seat she was sitting in, which took her by surprise, and swiftly, she swayed, needing to be steadied by him.

"Alright?" he asked, catching her.

Nora reddened. She had forgotten the narrow bench she was sitting on had no backrest. No wonder, she had flumped forward onto the table.

Arranging herself carefully, she grinned. "Aye," she said slowly. "An' thanks."

She looked at him with what felt like new eyes. He was fresh and bright, the opposite of her jaded sheen. Then she looked about. The hall was empty and darkening about her. Night had fallen, and it seemed the candles had burned to the end. A bit like her.

Shakily, Nora walked, her arm supported by his, as gradually they made their way from the hall.

A few moments later, the cool night air rushed at her. Nora felt the glow in her cheeks and a fresh kiss on her brow.

"Better?" said William, looking right at her. A glint of moonlight crossed his cheek.