Page 19 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

Classically handsome and fair, he also had a kind cast to his eye and a softness to the mouth which looked ever ready to stretch in a smile. It was a face that would never carry an ignoble notion. If only she’d looked at him properly before, they would have been out of this maze minutes ago.

“Thank ye.” She dabbed her forehead lightly. The scent of lemon and soap wafted from the handkerchief soothing her headache. “Please, lead the way.”

“Before I do allow me to introduce myself. John Winchester.”

“You’re Ashton’s brother?” Evanna laughed. “Well, now I know for a fact you’re no rogue.”

For the second time that evening Evanna wanted to kick herself. What could have possibly possessed her to say something like that to his face!

“If Ashton gave you that impression, then I don’t trust your judgement. He is the finest rogue in the family.”

There was no trace of humor in his expression, but his eyes sparkled.

“I do apologize. I didnae mean to cause offence.”

“It will be difficult for me to accept your apology.” John Winchester pursed his lips.

“But why?” Evanna felt terrible. The evening was tumbling towards ruin fast. “I am sincerely very sorry for what I said.”

“How can I accept your apology, madam, if I do not know your name?” The twinkle in the eye again. He was teasing her.

“Evanna MacLeod.” John took her gloved hand in his and kissed her knuckles gently.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss MacLeod. I can safely say I have not met a more interesting person all season. In fact, my first thought on seeing you earlier was that Lady Fulton had managed to capture a real-life fairy from the glens of Scotland and let her loose in the maze.”

Evanna blushed. She didn’t know what to make of these compliments, let alone how to respond to them.

“Ye tease me, my Lord.”

“I never tease fairies. I’m afraid they might curse me with a burnt dinner.”

“Ye really are famished.”

“Ravenous.”

“Then ye should lead us out of here quickly.”

“What makes you think I can do such a thing?”

“Ye said ye knew the maze well.”

“I said I got lost in the maze as a child. If that inspires confidence, I can see how easily Ashton has duped you to think he is a gentleman.”

“Yer teasing me again.”

“Never.”

Evanna was enjoying their back-and-forth. It was amazing to her how easily she had fallen into step with a man she’d only just met. He was charming, attentive, and exciting. And handsome. We must not forget how handsome he was. She wondered if she could erase one of the names on her dance card to accommodate him. Would he want to dance with her?

“If ye were looking forward to dinner, why were ye strolling through the maze?”

“I was looking for something.”

“May I ask what?”

“A fairy to grant me three wishes. Lo and behold, I have found her.”

“And what is yer first wish?” Evanna asked, playing along.