Page 38 of A Dangerous Highland Affair

The shaft of moonlight illuminated his eyes, bringing them to life with a spark she had never seen before, and just as she thought he was going to go to sleep, he suddenly surprised her.

“Good night, lassie,” he said softly, bringing his lips near hers, hovering over her face tentatively. Lying beneath his tilted face, Teasag shivered. He was so close now; she could barely stop herself from reaching forward into his kiss.

But she didn’t have to because he just pressed his petal-soft lips straight to her forehead, leaving behind the impression of a kiss. Smiling, he bid her goodnight and rolled slightly away, yet still within reach.

Just when she thought he was asleep, he murmured, “I nae told ye the story o’ the moon…. but it’ll keep, for another night…!”

His voice faded as his loose hand flopped down by her side, and Teasag knew that he was asleep. A smile unfurled around her cheeks at the sight of the sleeping lad. And, just as he’d prophesied, a chink of moonlight fell upon him once more, shedding its silvery beam upon his upturned face.

In the mellow light of the night, Neacal looked even more lovely than before. The way that the pale light took his features and cast them against the black landscape was too perfect to waste.

Quickly, Teasag searched through the haversack at her side, fumbling in the dark for the charcoals she had begged from the smithy. It took an age to find them, but when she did, she grabbed at the small scroll of parchment tucked into the side of the bag. Within minutes, she was working, deftly, to put down his features, all the time aware she was battling against the elements.

Not only was the wind rippling through the landscape, running its fingers through Neacal’s hair, but it was making drawing him hard. Teasag had to take care to ensure her sketch didn’t fly away on the errant wind.

It was hard to see correctly, but Teasag worked quickly. When she was satisfied with the result, she swiftly buttoned the drawing back into the travel bag before lying down again.

For a moment, she hesitated. Teasag had been intending to sleep by herself, just a few inches away from Neacal, but just far enough to maintain propriety.

However, now she was so near, she could almost feel his heart beating. Everything about him was screaming her name, pulling her in, hooking her into him.

As the wind lashed around the open glen side, bringing with it a liberal helping of rain, Teasag shivered, suddenly cold beneath her sodden brat. Suddenly, sleeping alone didn’t seem enticing.

…And just inches away, Neacal’s cozy body beckoned her with its warm aura.

There was no contest. Before knowing what she was doing, Teasag lay down next to Neacal, placing her haversack by his side as a pillow and delicately stroking his hair.

Throughout his sleep, Neacal’s arms reached for her, welcoming her into his world. And Teasag could not help it.

With the buzz of his touch still upon her, she felt a dizzying slew of emotions. Every little gesture sent a fury of heat racing through her until Teasag was no longer sure she could trust herself in his presence.

Through his sleep, Neacal stroked and caressed her, working from her arm to her fingertips. Tentatively, his fingers scanned her hair, glossing through it to the waist-length ends.

Neacal had a way of instinctively letting her know that he was in charge, leading her on to caress and touch him some more.

Teasag’s fingers reciprocated his touch. Slowly, she teased his spine, bringing her hands up and down all over his naked flesh.

Snugly, he brought her towards him in his bare arms, giving her a squeeze, which sent a rush of adrenalin all the way across them both.

Just as Teasag struggled to contain herself, she felt herself melt, sinking into his flesh like a featherbed. Yawning, Teasag’s only thought was to pull him even closer, as the night closed in on the pair of them.

It was but a few hours later, and the sun rose over the remote Highland Glen once more. Blinking, Teasag opened her eyes as the fearsome morning sun blazed into her face.

“Come an’ get some while it’s still cold!” teased Neacal, indicating the now cooled leg of rabbit in his hands.

It hadn’t felt like more than two minutes since she’d shut her eyes, cuddled up close in Neacal’s strong arms. Yet for a second or two, she wondered if it had been just a dream.

Memories of yesterday flooded back. He had put his arm around her; it was real. It hadn’t been a dream. Yet now, he was no longer by her side.

Uncertainly, she looked to Neacal, grinning at her from by the fire he was hastily trying to get started. Had he regretted their closeness last night? Was that what was behind his sudden keenness to make breakfast? Or was he merely hungry?

Teasag watched as he labored away at the fire, filling a small pot and assiduously placing it above the flame.

“What have ye got there?” she asked curiously. “Ye didnae ha’ this last night?”

“It’s a good bit o’ kit, this,” said Teasag, guardedly. She picked up the small pot cautiously but almost immediately dropped it again. It was scalding hot.

“Tsk!” admonished Neacal, bustling over to her. “Some kitchen maid ye are. Couldnae ye see it was hot?” he asked, to Teasag’s blushes.