Free The Highlander's Temptation by Eliza Knight

smelled just as heavenly as she would have imagined and Lorna caught herself breathing deep of his earthy, spicy scent.
    “Pardon me,” she said, her voice breathy and distant to her own ears.
    As if she’d only just recalled where her hands rested, she jerked them away. Blood rushed through her head, making her feel light-headed. Oh, why of all things, did this have to happen now? The ladies were sure to be gossiping about an upcoming wedding after that display.
    Lorna cringed, gritting her teeth.
    “Apologies, my lady. I was hoping to escort ye to the table.” He held out a large elbow, obviously wanting her to take his arm, and blatantly ignoring her discomfort.
    Lorna stared at the appendage, unsure of how to act. If she did take it, he’d feel how her fingers trembled over the sinew of his arm. And if she didn’t take it, that would be rude.
    Being rude to guests was unacceptable. Even if said gue st made her heart go pitter-pat and caused the clanswomen to waggle their tongues.
    Her gaze rose from his arm to his face, studying him. He raised a sculpted brow and shifted his arm closer. The man was invading her space, and shame on her, Lorna liked it.
    “May I?” he asked.
    Lorna gave a curt nod, forcing her hands to still as she wrapped her fingers around his upper arm. Dear Lord, he was nothing but sinew. Thick and hard. Her breath caught. No touch had ever made her feel so… Oh, she couldn’t even describe it. Only that her breath left her, her heart beat faster and her belly felt like it had given birth to a colony of butterflies.
    “My thanks,” she answered, hearing the sound of the women whispering behind her.
    Shame on them! Had they no decency? They embarrassed her more than anyone else. She’d not be surprised if by morning a wedding gown had been prepared. Just the thought of marrying the towering warrior made her belly flip again. Having a wedding meant having a wedding night…
    Flames must have touched her face, for suddenly she was as hot as Hades.
    She fanned her face as Jamie escorted her to the head table, while those around her also found their seats. When they reached her seat, he tugged it out and waited for her to sit before tucking her back in. So chivalrous. Of course, he wasn’t the first man to pull out her chair, but for some reason it meant all the more that he’d done it.
    Maybe because it showed that beneath his brute exterior, he was a gentleman? Or was it because s he liked his singular attention? She was, after all, the only woman he’d chosen to escort to the table.
    Lorna turned around, flashing their guest a smile—one that she hoped didn’t convey just how much she was starting to like him. “My thanks.”
    “Ye’re verra welcome.” His voice stroked along her nerves in a delicious way, and she suddenly wondered what it would sound like if he whispered in her ear.
    Ugh. Too many fairy tales. Growing up, her nursemaid had told many, and Lorna had taken over the task of telling them to Heather. Living in a world of fantasy and romance must have addled her brain.
    Everyone took their places, leaving only one empty chair for their guest—right beside her.
    Magnus swept his arm out toward Jamie. “Sit . Be our guest.”
    Jamie nodded and grinned down at Lorna before turning back to her brother. “My thanks, Laird Sutherland.”
    “Magnus, remember?”
    “Aye, my friend.” Jamie pulled out his chair and sat down, his heat and presence overwhelming in its closeness.
    How could sitting beside a man give her such… Heart palpitations. Sweaty palms. Wicked thoughts. She found herself leaning closer to him and taking in extra-long breaths.
    Jamie picked up a jug of watered wine and held it out to her. “Shall I pour ye a cup, my lady?”
    Lorna nodded. Might as well. She could use a bit of wine to settle her nerves, else she ’d end up crawling into his lap as she shoved her nose against his throat to breathe him in up close.
    Jamie poured her wine, then offered to