Page 18 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

“This isnae a game. I cannae just jump,” she cried.

“Then ye’ll be stuck up there a while, and I definitely will look,” Benedict teased.

“Nae!”

“Then jump, woman.”

“All right.” Her voice sounded as quaky as it did before.

“On the count of three,” Benedict said, releasing his grip on her calves. “One, two, three.”

He felt the pressure leave his shoulders, and a second later, Evelyn was in his arms. Breathlessly, she gazed up at him, her face red from the effort. As he held her like a husband might a bride, he felt completely proud of her, and their eyes locked. At that moment, he didn’t care that this woman was marrying his brother. Nor did he care that he was supposed to be playing a part. His stomach churned and the desire for her rose, and all the reminiscing he had done about that night in the library returned.

She’s yer braither’s bride. What the devil are ye doing?

His conscience roused him out of his stupor, and feeling suddenly guilty, he grappled for a way out of the situation. He had to ruin this moment. With a wide smirk, he said, “I always wondered what there was under a woman’s frock.”

Evelyn’s face bloomed bright red, and still smiling, Benedict gently lowered her to the ground.

“What is under a woman’s frock?” the young boy asked.

“Och, me God,” Evelyn looked even more mortified. This sent Benedict into peals of laughter, but clearly, by her dark scowl, Evelyn was not at all amused. “Here.” She handed the kitten to him, and the lad squeezed it so hard Benedict wonder if he’d kill it. “It’s about time we got ye home.”

With the boy home safe, and after many grateful thanks from his mother, Benedict and Evelyn made their way back through the dense wood.

“Well, I dinnae think that could have gone any better,” Benedict said. “Ye’re a brave lass, Evelyn. I ken men who wouldnae have pulled that off.”

“We only managed tae pull it off because ye are so strong, B-Audor. Thank ye for helping that wee boy. Ye’ll be his hero forever now.”

“We’ll both be his heroes,” Benedict replied, gazing down at her with a smile. “I couldnae have done it without ye.”

“Or without looking up me skirt,” she quipped back with a grin.

Benedict burst into laughter again, and they continued walking until they reached the horses. He lifted Evelyn onto her horse, and then mounted his own beast. There was no race back to the castle, which was a relief. There had been enough excitement for one day. Too much, in fact.

There was a moment there, where Benedict’s common sense had gotten away from him. A moment where he had nearly lost himself completely. Perhaps it would be wiser and safer for both of them if he stayed away from Evelyn Sinclair. He did not want a broken heart. Evelyn had gazed up at him with desire in her own eyes, but given the fact that she thought he was Audor, her affection had not even been aimed at him.

Protect yer heart, Benedict. Before it is broken intae a thousand pieces.