Free HISTORICAL ROMANCE: Scottish Romance: Scars of a Highlander (Highlander Alpha Male Romance) (Historical Fantasy Scottish Time Travel Romance Short Stories) by Cassandra Michaels Page A

that was full of honest misunderstanding.
    “You intrigue me.” Peter said.
    “I’d like to have dinner with you very much.” Tilly said after a moment.
    “I’ll have someone pick you up at eight.” Peter said and then he watched Tilly walk back into the mass of chores she was yet to finish.
    He finished his breakfast quietly and then walked out of the café. She had been right. The food had helped to conquer the pain in his head and the sunlight no longer hurt his eyes.
    She was in his thoughts though. She had been since she had walked up to him in the bar the night before, but now it was more than a simple annoyance. There was something about her that he couldn’t quite understand. It was like she was scratching at his curiosity, but he couldn’t quite reach the itch.
    He walked back to his manner and thought about what he might say at the meal the next night. He was still unsure about why he had asked her. He knew that no good could come from his undeniable attraction to her, but still the urge to see her was too great, and he found himself for the first time in his life, a weak man.
    ******
    The restaurant was busier than he had expected, and he could feel himself growing anxious over Tilly’s arrival. He had picked one of his favorite restaurants in town, but now that he was sitting in the fancy room surrounded by wealthy people, he wasn’t so sure that he’d made the right choice.
    He thought about Tilly and what she might think. He hoped that she’d picked out something nice to wear. He hated the thought of people looking down on her because she couldn’t afford to wear silk out to dinner.
    He could hear his fingers drumming against the surface of the table and he pulled his hand away. His eyes hadn’t moved from the door since he had arrived. He could feel his heart racing in anticipation and his brain scolding himself for being so drunk with folly.
    The door opened and he saw the bright red curls that could only introduce one person. He stood and waited for her to walk over. She looked beautiful. She looked better than any of the other girls in the room. Peter’s worry had been about nothing, and he kissed her hand gently when she stopped at their table.
    “You look astonishing.” He said and then he pulled her chair out for her to take a seat.
    “Should that be taken as a compliment?” Tilly asked with a slight playful smugness on her face.
    “I believe it should.” Peter said with a smile.
    “I hope you weren’t expecting me to turn up in rags.” She said with a small gentle laugh.
    “I wasn’t sure.” Peter said honestly.
    “Well then, I guess I’m full of surprises.” Tilly said with a smile.
    “Do you like the place I’ve chosen?” Peter asked her.
    He watched as she looked around the room. It was one of his favorite buildings in London ,with its high arched roof and intricate wooden molding around the trim.
    “Well, I’m unsure.” Tilly said after a moment.
    “Why is that?” Peter asked with a look of confusion.
    “Well, I was under the belief that we had come to eat?” Tilly asked.
    “Your belief is correct.” Peter said with a nod.
    “Then how should I know until I’ve tried the food? Surely I should be judging them on their standard of cooking and not on their location?” She asked with a glimmer of playfulness behind her eyes.
    “I suppose you’re quite right.” Peter said with a stiff nod.
    “The building is, however, beautiful.” Tilly said with a smile.
    “Have you ever been to dine here before?” Peter asked her because he was sure that nothing was out of her reach.
    “I can’t say as though I have.” Tilly said softly. “Although I have heard the food here is quite delightful.”
    “I’m sure you will find it so.” Peter said.
    “So might I ask what it is about me that intrigue you?” Tilly inquired.
    “You might ask, but I’m unsure you would be happy with the answer.” Peter said.
    “I’m quite sure I didn’t ask about its effect on