Free The Accidental Highland Hero by Terry Spear Page A

also.” Looking up, she smiled like the sun sparkled on a clear blue loch, refreshing and inviting. “I think I like all flowers, my laird.”
    He couldn’t help but smile back, which made him realize it had been many months since he had felt so lighthearted. “Call me James, lass.”
    She rose to her feet and clutched her hands. “I fear our plan will cause trouble with your Catriona. I have already told your mother this, but she would not listen.”
    He shrugged and tried to sound as nonchalant as he could. “Then I shall seek another lady’s hand in marriage.” But it was his most fervent desire Catriona would quit this foolishness and agree to marry him.
    Reaching out to Eilis, he pulled her hands apart. Her eyes widened, but she did not step back. He leaned over and brushed his lips against hers, not sure why. Mayhap to see her reaction, to judge whether their ruse with Catriona would succeed.
    ‘Twas the most chaste of kisses, although even so, he feared her refusal or quick rebuke. Neither occurred, and when he pulled away from her velvet mouth, she leaned forward as if expecting more.
    ‘Twas not at all what he anticipated, and his lips curved up.
    Was she more well-versed in dalliances than he had at first presumed?  Yet, there was something innocent and naïve about her reaction. Mayhap a ruse as well?  He had known women to act one way and feel another.
    Did she truly fear for her life if he should learn she was a Dunbarton?
    Taking a deep, settling breath, he put space between them. She didn’t look shyly away but studied him with widened eyes. Even with such an unpresuming kiss, she had started a slow burn deep inside him. He reminded himself ‘twas only the fact he had left the lassies alone for a fortnight, readying himself to take a wife to the marriage bed that sparked his desire for the lass.
    His lips curved up at the sight of her, the silky strands of hair fluttering against her cheek, her skin flushed like a blushing bride, and her eyes darkened. Whatever clan she was from, she was remarkably attractive.
    He reached up and touched her hair, remembering the way it looked splayed upon the pillow in the chamber adjoining his. She tilted her chin up, her eyes challenging him to go further, yet her hands clung together again in a death grip. She didn’t reach out in an attempt to force his hand, to get him to partake in more. No, this one was innocent all right.
    He should have left off where he had begun until he knew which clan the lass belonged to, but what harm would it do to kiss her once more?
    Cupping her face, he leaned down and kissed her again, only meaning to press his mouth against hers more firmly, naught more. But when her fingers tentatively touched his waist, the notion concerning which clan she belonged to and the fact she was probably an untried maiden were tossed asunder. Instantly, he deepened the kiss, wishing to plunder the lady from the sea, his treasure, his find. He expected her to swoon, or step back, or slap his face, but she parted her lips and gave a soft mew.
    ‘Twas his undoing as his trewes tightened uncomfortably. And again, he had the incredible feeling he knew her. He moved his hands to her shoulders in case she became faint while he pressed his advantage.
    ‘Twas he who was shocked when she gave into his probing tongue and mated tentatively with his. Her lashes brushed her cheeks, hiding her eyes while her fingers clung to his waist. Aye, she was ready to swoon, the beat of her heart rapid and wine-sweetened breath shallow.
    If she had been one of his usual conquests, a lass who wished a quick romp and no attachments, they would have been naked and buried in the fragrant flowers already. Seemed strange to be with a lass, plying her with kisses, wanting to take his actions further, but knowing he could not, even if she wished it so.
    She did not know who she was, whether she was betrothed or widowed, or in love with another man, who her family’s clan was,