KILTED DESIRE - Sands of Betrayal

by A. B. McKINLEY

  The restaurant was not only classy, but terribly romantic and they enjoyed their meal by candlelight. They began with smoked salmon and lobster roulade, which was delicious, followed by fillet of Scottish beef, potatoes and vegetables for the main course. For their desert, they enjoyed a traditional Dundee cake with custard accompanied by sampling a selection of local delights from the Whisky Bar. It was a fantastic, romantic meal and they were both pleasantly full when they left for Edinburgh Castle.

  Katie was back in her element as she explored the castle and continued to snap photographs. She wanted to show the girls all that she had seen. It was getting late and they were both exhausted from their flights. Plus, the samplings from the Whisky Bar weren’t helping, as they battled to stay awake. Reluctantly, Katie agreed it was probably best if they went back to the hotel. She didn’t want to leave. She had decided she wanted to live in the castle.

  The moment they stepped back into their room, it was all they could do to get their clothes off before they fell into bed. It wasn’t particularly late, just shy of midnight, but the jet-lag and traveling was taking its toll. Scott lay on his back and she snuggled up and rested her head on his chest. He kissed her and reached over her and turned off the light.

  “Guid night, gorgeous. I hope yer enjoyed yer first day in Scotland.”

  “Goodnight, babe. I sure did! Thank you so much for my surprise, it was great. I’ll never forget it.”

  Scott laughed and hugged her tightly.

  “That was nae yer surprise. Tomorrow is yer birthday. That’s when yer get yer surprise.”

  “Oh, wow, there’s more? How can you top this?” she looked at him questioning.

  “Just yer wait and see. Trust me, it will be better than today.”

  “I love you. How did I ever live without you?”

  “Nae idea,” he replied, and laughed again.

  She was laughing, too. She was so happy. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy before.

  “I really want tae make love tae yer again, baby, but I’m so tired, I’m scared I’ll fall asleep on yer and offend yer. So it’s probably best we just go tae sleep. Och, I never thought I’d ever say that.”

  Now she was really laughing. It was a mixture of being so happy, the whisky and him being so funny. She kissed him and snuggled up again with her head nuzzled into his chest.

  “Goodnight, Scott. I love you.”

  “Love yer, too, babe. Guid night.”

  Chapter 12

  Scott awoke the next morning just after 7:00 a.m. and jumped in the shower. It was not as interesting as the last shower! With a quick shave, he decided he would get dressed pretty soon. Katie was still asleep. He sat on the side of the bed next to her for a long while and just watched her sleep. He loved to look at her. He thought she looked like an angel, so beautiful and peaceful lying there. He gently stroked her hair and the side of her face, knowing they would need to leave at a reasonable time. He would not be able to let her sleep too much longer. He touched her hair, moving it from her face to wake her, but that didn’t work. She was fast asleep. After a few minutes, with no luck, he got dressed and went down to the restaurant to see what was on the menu for their breakfast. He thought it would be nice to surprise her with breakfast in bed for her birthday. A few minutes later, he came back with coffee and a large tray graced with fruit, cereals and pastries. Katie was still sleeping; she didn’t even wake up when he came into the room or set the tray down next to her. The previous day’s flight and adventures had worn her out. Scott knew he was going to have to wake her if they were going to stay on schedule for the day. He stroked the side of her face again and ran his fingers through her hair, talking to her softly.

  “Katie. Katie, wake up.”

  She stretched and turned over, but was not completely awake.

  “Come on, birthday girl. It’s time tae wake up,” Scott continued.

  “What time is it?” she said, in a sleepy voice, as she rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms above her head.

  “It’s well after eight. We need tae leave fairly soon, so yer have tae get up and get ready.”

  “Okay,” she groaned, as she stretched again.

  “Happy birthday, my beautiful princess,” he said, as he presented her with morning coffee and breakfast tray of pastries and fruit.

  “Awww, thank you,” she replied. Smelling the coffee, she started to feel more awake.

  “Yer welcome. How are yer feeling?”

  “I’m good. So where are we going today?”

  “We’re going tae head up into the highlands, so yer can see how beautiful this country is. I have nae been up that way fer a while myself, so I’m looking forward tae it.”

  “Sounds great, I can’t wait. So what’s my surprise?” she said, trying to trick him into answering her, although she knew he wouldn’t.

  “I think yer already know that I’m nae going tae tell yer that, but nice try.”

  “Hey, you can’t blame a girl for trying.”

  “How’s yer birthday breakfast?” he asked, laughing at her attempt.

  “It’s wonderful. So when do I need to be ready to leave?”

  “I’d like tae be oot of the hotel and on the road in the next half hoor or so, but dinnae rush yer food. We’ll be guid.”

  “Okay, it won’t take me long to get ready.”

  Within forty minutes or so, they were heading out of Edinburgh. Katie was still enjoying the diverse view and continued to snap pictures, even from the moving car.

  As they moved further north, the lowlands and cities gave way to the highland terrain and small towns. The weather was a little overcast, but showed signs it would brighten up as they climbed into the highlands. The sun broke through the clouds giving the dramatic scenery a sun kissed glow.

  “This country is so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m actually here with you for my birthday. Thank you so much,” she said to him as he turned a corner, giving them another magnificent view.

  “Yer welcome, baby. I’m glad yer having a guid birthday.”

  “Oh, this is the best birthday ever.”

  “It’s only going tae get better. I can promise yer going tae love it.”

  “This day is already special. What more could I want than being with the man I love in such a stunning place?”

  Scott smiled, He knew it was going to get a lot better, or at least he hoped it was. He still didn’t know for sure how she’d react to his birthday surprise, but there was no reason not to think she would love it.

  They stopped for a late lunch at a small rustic restaurant in a tiny town deep in the highlands. They ate outside on a deck that afforded breathtaking views of the surrounding glen and a crystal clear stream that ran right by the restaurant. The sun had come out and the day was turning into one of the summer’s finest days. The temperature was only in the high 60’s, but that was good for this part of the highlands. It was as if Scott had ordered the sun and temperature for her birthday. When they sat down at their table, Katie was again snapping shots of all around her. They both decided on the smoked salmon and salad for lunch and they sat enjoying each other’s company and the view. Before long, it was time to venture further.

  “How are yer doing?” Scott asked her, as they got back into the car.

  “Fine, why?”

  “Well, where we’re going now is where yer surprise is. I dinnae want yer tae get any clues. So, would yer mind reclining yer seat and letting me blindfold yer fer a while so yer dinnae see anything. I promise yer will nae miss any scenery as we have tae come back doon this way tomorrow. So yer will see anything yer miss today. It should only take an hoor or so.”

  “I can do that. I was feeling a little tired, so it may not be a bad idea if I try to take a little nap.”

  “That sounds perfect. Thanks fer playing along babe. It will make things even more special if yer completely surprised.”

  Katie was very intrigued. Every time she thought she’d already been given her surprise,
he said there was more to come. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but she was happy to play along with his plan, since he’d put so much thought and time into it. She reclined her seat and Scott helped her wrap one of her scarves around her eyes. She closed her eyes, lay back and relaxed as he drove the car towards their next destination.

  An hour later, the car stopped and Scott rested his hand on her shoulder.

  “Are yer awake?”

  “Yes. I’m just relaxing. Scott, can I look yet?”

  “Nae, nae yet. I have tae get oot of the car and get something. I will only be five or ten minutes. Yer perfectly safe here. Nae one can see yer, so please just stay where yer are fer a few more minutes.”

  “Okay, I will. I trust you.”

  “Thanks, baby. Yer being a really guid sport. I’ll be back in a few.”

  A few minutes later, Katie heard the car door open.

  “Reet, I’m back. Are yer still doing okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’m actually very relaxed and very excited.”

  “Great. We have a wee bit further tae go, but we have tae go on foot now. Will yer promise tae keep yer eyes closed or should we leave the blindfold on?”

  “I’ll keep my eyes closed, but I don’t want to fall.”

  “I’ll nae let yer fall. I’ll guide yer and I promise I will nae let anything happen tae yer.”

  “Okay, I know you won’t.”

  “We have tae go doon quite a lot of steps and then up a few too, but yer know I’ll look after yer.”

  “I promise. I won’t look until you tell me.”

  Scott took her hand and led her slowly away from the car and down what seemed like hundreds of steps. When the downward steps ended, they walked for a few minutes on flat ground before climbing more steps. All the time Katie could hear voices, mostly Scottish, but foreign ones, too. She could also hear the sound of water and was pretty sure they were by the coast or by a lake. There were birds making a lot of noise too, but it still seemed very peaceful. She did feel silly walking with her eyes closed and was worried about what the people who could see her were thinking. She gripped Scott’s hand tightly and pulled him close to her.

  “Are we nearly there?”

  “Will be aboot one minute, baby, then yer can open yer eyes.”

  “Okay, the suspense is nearly over then.”

  “Aye it is. Just a few more steps.”

  “Great, I can’t wait! This is so exciting!”

  Scott stopped her and positioned her facing a certain way. Then he stood behind her and held her.

  “Okay baby, yer can open yer eyes now.”

  She opened her eyes gradually and the view took her breath away. They were standing in part of a medieval castle that over-looked another part of the castle which, in turn looked over a beautiful loch. There were a few small boats on the water and the hills that surrounded the loch were covered with beautiful, purple heather.

  “This is Loch Ness. We’re standing in the remains of Urquhart Castle looking oot over one of the most beautiful parts of the Loch. What do yer think?”

  “It’s amazing! I don’t know what to say.”

  “How aboot say yes,” he said, as he stepped in front of her, took her left hand and placed a diamond ring on her finger. He had changed into his kilt and traditional Scottish dress and was now kneeling in front her, smiling.

  “Katie, will yer make me happiest man in the world and be my wife?”

  She couldn’t speak for a few seconds; she was in complete shock and was so happy. She thought earlier that this day couldn’t get any better, but it had.

  “Oh my God, yes, of course, yes, yes, yes, yes!” she said, as she burst into tears.

  By now, there was a small crowd of onlookers and they all started to cheer and clap. Katie blushed a little, but she was so happy at that moment, it didn’t matter. Scott stood up and kissed her, a long lingering kiss, and when it was over he spun her around again so she could look out over the Loch. He stood behind her, wrapped his arms around and held her tight, enjoying the view together.

  “Are yer going tae look at yer ring?”

  “It doesn’t matter. It could be a ring top from a can of soda for all I care,” she said, as the tears continued to stream down her face.

  “I wish I’d known that afore. That would have been a lot less expensive.”

  She laughed, trying to stop the tears from falling, but that wasn’t going to happen for a while. She looked at her ring. It was a two-carat, princess-cut diamond in a white gold, antique-setting, with a thick-band setting which contained over a carat of smaller diamonds. It was a beautiful ring for a beautiful occasion. Several onlookers approached them and offered their congratulations, as they continued to look out over the Loch. Scott was still standing behind her with his arms wrapped tightly around her. He had his love in his arms and was not about to let go. Eventually, when she stopped crying and reapplied a little makeup, she asked someone if they’d mind taking a few photos, so they would have pictures to remember the day. Of course they were happy to oblige. Katie was excited to have the memories captured forever. Plus, it was one more thing to show the girls and her parents when she got home.

  “I take it yer happy, baby.”

  “Oh, you have no idea how happy I am. I still can’t believe how amazing this whole weekend has been.”

  “I get the feeling I’m going tae get lucky tonight,” he said, with a big smile on his face.

  “Oh, you can count on it! I think I am the lucky one.” She said.

  She didn’t want to go. Since it was such a special time, Scott agreed and they stayed a little longer. Sooner or later they would have to leave. He had booked a hotel which overlooked the Loch and it was a half hour drive from the castle.

  As they climbed the steep steps back to the parking lot, she saw the path she walked down earlier. It was beautiful. Even the view from the parking lot was stunning! From where they parked, you could see the entire castle. But, actually standing inside the castle when he proposed to her was so special, she would never forget it as long as she lived. Soon they were back in the car and driving down another beautiful road to the hotel.

  “I don’t think I can stand much more excitement this weekend,” she said to him, as they were driving.

  “We can just relax tonight at the hotel. It has a restaurant there, so we dinnae have tae go anywhere. We can just enjoy a quiet evening fer yer birthday.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “Aye, it does, we’ll be there soon. It should nae take any longer than aboot half an hoor. It’s nae too far away.”

  Sure enough, in just a little over half an hour, they pulled into the parking lot of the luxury hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. It was a beautiful, old, traditional building, the perfect location for the end of a perfect day. Flowers and champagne were waiting for Katie in the room for her birthday. The room was elegant, with a four-poster bed and a working fireplace. It had an overall warm, romantic feel to it.

  After freshening up and getting changed, they went down to the dining room to enjoy their engagement dinner. They both thought the surf ‘n’ turf was a fitting meal for such a special occasion. They realized they both had enjoyed every moment together and would always remember this wonderful day.

  The hotel put the finishing touches on the meal and brought a birthday cake to the table. Katie and Scott appreciated the gesture and it was quickly eaten. All they really wanted was to be alone and enjoy each other. When they arrived back in their room, they went out on the balcony with their glasses of champagne to share the amazing view that overlooked the Loch.

  “I’m nae used tae getting guid food like we’ve eaten this weekend.”

  “Nor me. It’s been amazing, although I admit I probably get better food than you do over in Iraq.”

  “Aye, fer sure yer do. All I get tae eat is soggy pasta and sandwiches. They do have meat available at the hotel, but I dinnae trust the look of it. I could never tell what animal it was
supposed tae come from.”

  She laughed at his humor, but she felt sorry for his predicament. The only good thing about their situation was his contract was a bit more than half over. In a little less than three months, he’d be coming home.

  “Here’s tae us, to an amazing day, yer birthday and the future,” he said, as he tipped his glass towards her. She touched her glass to his and smiled before taking a sip. The sun was lowering on the horizon and it was beginning to get a little chilly. They decided to step inside and get warm together.

  “Now, it’s my turn to give you a surprise,” she whispered, in his ear.

  “Really? That sounds interesting.”

  “Take your clothes off and lay on the bed. I will be back in a few minutes,” she said, in a very authoritative manner, as she took her suitcase into the bathroom.

  He’d never known her to sound like this. He smiled. He kind of liked it. He did as she asked and stripped down to his boxer shorts and lay on the bed. He turned off the main light just leaving a small lamp on. A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened and Katie stepped out. Scott couldn’t believe his eyes! She looked so sexy, it was unbelievable. She was wearing thigh-high, black-leather boots with high-platform stiletto heels; they must have been six inches high. Plus, a matching black leather thong and bra set which didn’t leave much to the imagination. She was carrying something in one hand, but he couldn’t make it out. He didn’t care what it was, he was so excited. He couldn’t take his eyes off her! Her hair was tied up into a high ponytail. He thought she looked amazing! Katie walked very slowly and provocatively across the room towards him. He was getting very excited just watching her walk towards him. He couldn’t wait to touch her.

  “You like?” she asked him, with a sexy smile.