Page 10 of Highlander’s Dangerous Love

3

As soon as she heard the telltale sounds of her father’s snoring, Gemma knew it was time to go. Their bedchamber was right across from hers, which she usually hated, but tonight it was a godsend. As she listened at the door, she could confirm that he was asleep enough that he wouldn’t notice her absence. When he snored like this, her mother stuffed rags in her ears so she didn’t have to hear it. With both parents in a state of sleep and deafness, Gemma was free to do as she pleased. She’d already sent Muriel to bed, too, so she was truly alone.

She was to meet Colin that night, down at the shore. The very thought of it made her giddy. Although she did not relish the walk in the dark or facing her father’s wrath when he woke, she knew it would be worth it. She just had to be careful. With her lantern in hand and her petticoats hiked up, she made her way down.

Their house was not far from the castle, but that did mean it was a little further from the seaside. She could still see the blue expanse from her window on a good day, but it was a substantial walk to get there. And the place in which they were meeting was a little further than just going down to the shore — it was the cove that she and Colin had played in as children. It was not exactly secret, but in the dead of night, it would be all theirs. During walks on the beach, she often saw small children playing in it, just as she had done several years ago. The sight always made her smile.

The moon reflected so beautifully on the surface of the water. It wasn’t a full moon, which had made navigating down to the water a little more difficult, but luckily Gemma had thought to bring a lantern with her. Colin’s letter had instructed her to meet him there at that particular cove. She’d waited until both her parents retired to their chambers before sneaking out. It wasn’t technically a crime to go down to the sea…but at night, to meet with a man? Well now, that was a different story. Her father would tan her hide if he knew what she was up to.

She’d taken a little extra care to make herself look as pretty as possible for this occasion. Her gown was a deep green wool, and she’d swept up her dark locks into a bun with pretty braided details on the sides. She’d even put a small wildflower at the top as a little extra garnish. After the kiss with Colin in the corridor, she knew there was no denying her feelings for him any longer. He was hers and she was his; she was sure of it. As she waited, she took the letter out from her bodice. Colin had written her a fine letter telling her to meet him there, saying he looked forward to gazing upon her beauty. It was a lovely letter indeed — and something she’d made sure to hide from Muriel and her own mother. Both of them knew everything that went on in the castle, so Gemma enjoyed keeping this little morsel to herself. If Muriel let it slip by accident, Gemma would surely be the object of all sorts of gossip. Colin would be too, but he was a man. It was easier for him to shake off ugly words. However, the same words stuck to women and followed them wherever they went. It would be so much more difficult for her if the gossip turned malicious.

There was a small ball of light in the distance, coming closer. It must be Colin, she surmised, so she folded up the letter and put it back in her bodice before perching herself on the rock next to her lantern.

Sure enough, Colin rounded the tall rock, his own lantern bobbing in his hand.

“I wasnae sure ye’d be here,” she teased.

“Och, I wouldnae miss this for the world,” he said, setting his lantern down on the opposite rock. Now there was enough light to comfortably navigate the tiny cove and nearby tidepool.

“Ye’ve brought some things, I see,” she said, pointing her head at the bundle under his arm.

“Aye, I didnae want ye tae sit in the sand, so I brought a blanket. And a few wee treats,” he said, the moonlight illuminating his wide grin.

“Ye didnae have tae do that!”

“Oh, I ken. But I wanted to.”

He would not let her help, no matter how she fussed. It was sweet to watch him do this. Colin took the utmost care to make it look pretty and comfortable. He spread the blanket out and held it in place with some large stray seashells, then took Gemma’s hand and helped her to sit down comfortably on the little wool blanket.

“This is so sweet, Colin. I dinnae ken what tae say,” she said as she sat down next to him, relishing the closeness of their bodies.

“Ye dinnae have tae say anything. I just wanted tae see that pretty smile,” he said, tilting her chin toward his with his fingertips. The simple action made her shudder, though not from fear or concern. No, this was a pleasant kind of shudder, the kind she’d felt when she’d seen him without his shirt while training. She’d only seen the sight once, but it had awakened something in her she did not realize was possible. All that to say…that was how she felt in that moment.

He spread out the little delicious treats he’d brought; some sweet bread, butter, jam, and a small flask of wine for the both of them. It was little indeed, but it was perfect. The fact that he’d even thought to go to all this trouble was sweet enough.

It was rather quiet as the two of them ate their little treats and drank the wine. But it was a beautiful night, so Gemma didn’t really mind. The sound of the waves crashing ashore while the half moon reflected on the shimmering waters was perhaps the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen, and there was no one she’d rather share it with than Colin.

As she chewed her sweet bread thoughtfully, she looked over at Colin. He too was looking up at the moon, his sharp jawline highlighted in its soft white light. He looked to be deep in thought, and she wondered what could have possibly happened for him to suddenly make him act so reserved. She scooted closer to him. If she scooted beyond that, she’d be in his lap, but the movement elicited the action she sought. Colin turned his face to hers and smiled. It was then that she saw the weariness in his eyes.

“Goodness, Colin. Are ye a’right?” she asked, reaching up to cup his cheek with the palm of her hand. At the contact, he held it close, covering her hand with his own.

“Tired, is all. ‘Twas a big day.”

“I would understand if ye wanted tae go back. Ye look like ye need a good night’s rest.”

“Och, I’ll be fine. Actually goin’ back tae the keep will make me even more tired. ‘Tis there that responsibilities await. I’d much rather be here with ye.”

“Well, dinnae let me keep ye if ye are not up to it,” she warned, but she still did not move. Instead, she rested her head on Colin’s shoulder and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of the sea air and listening to the gentle crash of the waves.

“The moon is pretty taenight,” Colin observed.

Gemma opened her eyes to discover he was looking at her, as if asking her approval on whether or not the moon was pretty.

“Aye, it is. Oh! That reminds me!” she said, sitting up suddenly. Colin looked at her curiously, one eyebrow raised.

“What’re ye on about, lass?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice once again.

“The letter,” she said, procuring the piece of paper from the spot in her bodice. Colin looked away reverently. Such a good man. Although…she would not have minded if he’d peeked a little.