Page 59 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Brodie... Chief," she blurted. Her face blazed at her bungled greeting, eliciting another grin from him.

He gave her a covert wink.

Happiness beamed through her.

That night at the cèilidh, while most everyone was dancing to the loud music, he'd whispered that he wished to talk to her in private. She'd suggested the laird's lug.

Trying to calm her wild heart rate, Elsea waited inside with the door open a crack. A few minutes later, his boots clunked lightly on the stone steps. His dark head appeared, and she widened the door, the hinges squeaking a bit. He turned and grinned, then ducked inside the low doorway, joining her, then closed the door.

"'Tis a wee room," he whispered, unable to stand to his full height. His obsidian eyes glinted in the light from the candle she had brought and set on the floor.

"Here, sit on this stool." She motioned.

"Nay, you." He took her hands into his warm ones, his rasping skin teasing hers, and helped her sit on the low stool.

"We must be quiet," she said. "They might hear us through the spyholes." Though she did not ken how, with the loud and lively music of "Strip the Willow" and the foot-stomping sounds of dancing emanating from below.

Nodding, he knelt.

"I'm sorry there are no more stools," she said.

"This is perfect."

Since their faces were at the same level, she hoped he would kiss her. Excitement and anticipation flared in her chest.

"Lady Elsea." He kissed her palm, sparking off a heated longing, then his serious gaze locked on hers. "Since we met, you've taken over my heart and soul. I've hardly been able to sleep. Will you do me the grand honor of becoming my bride?"

She gasped, thrilling emotions consuming her, happy tears flooding her eyes. She threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, Brodie. Aye! 'Twould be my dream come true."

His muscular arms surrounded her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Och. Sweet lass. How did I get so lucky?"

"I am the one who is lucky and blessed. I missed you so much this week." She drew back to look into his captivating eyes. "You stole my heart."

Framing her face with his hands, he leaned in and kissed her with gentle sweetness. Wanting more, she parted her lips. He hummed a rasping, male sound and flicked his tongue against hers in a brief but potent stroke. Dropping his hands to her waist, he drew her against him. She inhaled his delicious male scent. Oh, how she craved him! Her fingers twisted in the inky silk of his hair, holding him. He indulged her once more with a deeper, feral kiss that reached down to her heart and claimed her as his.

He pulled back, breaking the kiss, breathing hard. He pressed his forehead to hers. "Saints, lass."

"Aye." Her heart raced with the thrill of him, and she knew not what to say. A fervid intensity flashed through her, and she could not wait to wed him.

"I wanted to ask you first, before I speak to your father, to make certain you're interested," Brodie said.

She grinned. "You knew I would be."

Pulling back a bit more, he searched her eyes and observed her with complete devotion. "I'd hoped."

He indulged her with a few more lingering kisses, and she never wanted him to stop. Her body was coming alive in ways she didn't comprehend.

He drew back. "I regret that I must get back to the great hall before we're discovered. Your da and brothers would call me out if they should find us here like this."

Her face burned, but he was right. "'Tis possible."

After another scorching goodnight kiss, she retreated to her chamber, her entire body buzzing with excitement, while he returned to the great hall. Giddy but also worried, she only slept for an hour or two that night.

While Brodie was meeting with her father in the solar the next day, asking for her hand, Elsea's stomach ached with severe anxiety. What if Da didn't approve? She would be devastated.

She waited in the dim corridor, trying to eavesdrop, but the thick oak door prevented her from understanding the words. Brodie, smiling, stuck his head out and motioned for her. Trying to clamp down on the tears of happiness that threatened to burst forth, she strode forward on shaking legs. She bit her lip, hoping to conceal her eagerness.

Da stood behind his desk, his eyes a bit misty. "My dear lass," he said gruffly and came forward to take her hands. "This remarkable young man has just asked for your hand in marriage. Do you wish to marry him?"