Ghosts of Culloden Moor 25 - Kenrick (Diane Darcy)

by LL Muir

  He watched with interest as another one blew past. “I suppose I am. I’ve not seen these big vehicles in Scotland.”

  They arrived at the clinic and she settled Kenrick in a chair, presented him with the TV remote control, and a stack of magazines before retreating into the back.

  She took care of two cats, a dog, and in between appointments noted Kenrick was in and out of the building. He was looking around, and even chatting with some of the pet owners. Charming them too, if the laughter was anything to go by.

  A pretty girl holding a Chihuahua seemed particularly interested in talking to him and Allison moved the girl’s appointment in front of another customer, quickly taking the girl and her dog into the back room.

  Even as she did it, she knew she was being jealous and possessive but she didn’t care. She’d met Kenrick first, and she wasn’t going to let some other girl swoop in and snatch him away.

  Because of the way she’d lost Isaac?

  She didn’t think so. More likely, because of Kenrick. The man did something to her, made her want to latch onto him and keep him close.

  After she’d given the dog its shots, she walked the flirtatious blonde out so she couldn’t talk to Kenrick alone.

  Yep. Definitely possessive.

  “I have a short break now.” She sat down next to Kenrick. “Are you doing okay?”

  He nodded. “Doonae fash. I’m doing fine.”

  “Great.”

  Carter came out, saw her sitting there, and strode over. “What are you doing?”

  “Taking a short break. “

  “We’ve had a new shipment come in that needs to be inventoried. I don’t pay you to dally, so get off your butt and do your job.”

  Her mouth dropped and she flushed and jerkily stood. “I’ll get right on that.”

  Kenrick stood, snatched Carter by the collar, and yanked him close. “I’ll not have ye talking to Allison in such a manner.”

  Carter wrenched away from Kenrick, looked at Allison then back at Kenrick. “Are you kidding me? You bring your boyfriend in here to intimidate me? Do you want to be fired?”

  Kenrick reached for Carter again, and Allison quickly grabbed his hand and stepped between the two men. “I’m sorry. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be in the back.”

  “See that you are.” Carter said grumpily as he shot Kenrick a glare and quickly left the room.

  As soon as Carter was out of sight, Allison turned to Kenrick. “What was that about?”

  “He should not speak to ye in such a fashion.”

  “He’s my boss! He can talk to me however he wants.”

  “Not in my presence.”

  She drew in a shaky breath. His protectiveness did funny things to her insides, and maybe she even liked it. But he couldn’t talk to Carter that way. “Perhaps you should wait in the truck. I won’t be too much longer.”

  He shook his head.

  She threw up her arms. “Fine. Wait here. By yourself.” She lowered her voice. “But if you try talking to my boss again, you’re going to get me fired.”

  Regardless of what Carter said, she was taking a short break. She glanced at the receptionist. “Cindy, if anyone asks, I’ll be right back.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Without a backward glance, she left the clinic.

  Chapter 9

  She headed out the doors and took her favorite path around the side of the building. It led through some trees and down to a small pond. A walk around the pretty area would allow her to calm down a bit.

  When she made it to the trees she finally glanced over her shoulder, both relieved and irritated to note Kenrick was following her.

  She waited for him to catch up. “What are you doing?”

  He turned his face away and she could see he didn’t want to answer.

  “Kenrick, I told you I would be right back.”

  “’Tis my job to see ye safe.”

  She glanced around. “Safe from what?”

  He shrugged.

  She took a breath. “Look, I don’t know what you thought you were doing, talking to my boss like that. The last thing I want is to lose my job.”

  He shrugged. “I did not like the way he spoke to ye.”

  “I didn’t like it either, but I have to put up with it because he’s my boss. Besides, he’s going through a rough patch at the moment so I’m kind of giving the guy a break.”

  Kenrick glanced back at the building, and if looks could kill, Carter would already be dead.

  Fine. Her Highlander refused to understand, and she was still too upset to stand there and explain it to him. “I’m just gonna walk around the pond, and then I’ll be back.”

  She started to walk again, and when she looked over her shoulder he was following once more. She stopped and faced him. “What are you doing?”

  He clasped his hands in front of him and simply looked out over the pond again.

  “Stop following me. I mean it.”

  She started on the trail again.

  He followed.

  She started walking faster.

  He kept pace, staying about twenty feet behind her.

  She would not lose her temper. As she hit a patch of trees, her fast walk turned into a run. It was childish, but the guy wouldn’t listen to her!

  When she glanced over her shoulder, he was still keeping pace!

  She stopped, took a deep breath and walked back toward him. As she passed him he ducked his head, but she saw his uncertainty and stopped. It wasn’t his fault he was such a guy. They were made that way. At least, some of them were. She turned around again, to see him facing her, watchful.

  She held out her hand. “I’m sorry, I’m being kind of a beast, aren’t I?”

  Careful, he reached for her hand, and she clasped it within her own and they headed back up toward the clinic. “Look, just don’t talk to my boss again, okay? I really like this job, and I did just take out a mortgage payment. So I pretty much need it.”

  “He should not talk to ye in such a fashion.”

  “I thought you were going to hit him or something.”

  He didn’t say anything.

  “Look, as a veterinarian I’ve seen a lot of abused animals. That’s a case of the strong not protecting the weak. The situation with my boss, it isn’t the same at all.”

  “If he treats ye with respect, he’ll have naught to worry about.”

  He meant it. He wasn’t backing down on this. “I’ll tell you what. The next time he talks to me that way, I’ll stop him. Not you. Me. All right?”

  He hesitated, then nodded.

  Which pretty much meant he’d do whatever he saw fit.

  Maybe the best idea would just be to keep the two of them separated. If she stayed in the back room, then Kenrick wouldn’t see them talking, and it wouldn’t be an issue.

  She sighed. It wasn’t like Kenrick’s overprotectiveness was such a bad thing. The part of her that was simply pure woman, thrilled to the fact he was such a man.

  But that was the part that didn’t have to pay the mortgage.

  Impulsively she stopped him. “Kenrick, I really like you. I know you’re doing me a favor and only planning to stay for the weekend, but do you think that maybe we could still see each other after? I mean….date?”

  “I cannae stay, lass.”

  She breathed in deeply. Oh, gosh. She’d sort of expected him to say that, but hoped he wouldn’t. “Oh, no. That’s okay. I mean, of course you can’t stay, what was I thinking?” She turned away, but he caught her by the shoulders.

  “Understand me. If I could stay, I would. Nothing would keep me from ye if I but had the choice.”

  His words gave her new hope, but when she turned, the closed expression on his face gave her none. “I guess … I guess I’ll just hope you’ll change your mind.”

  He looked agonized. “’Tis not my mind, sweet lass, that requires changing. ’Tis beyond my control.”

  Minutes later he opened the clinic door for
her.

  Her heart ached. Why hadn’t she kept her desperate pleas for affection and permanence to herself? Did she have to embarrass herself by begging? She couldn’t look directly at him. “I’ll get my work done as quickly as possible, and we can get out of here. In the meantime, just relax, all right?”

  His jaw tightened as he glanced around the waiting area, but he nodded. Was he upset about Carter? Or about rejecting her outright?

  Either way, it was probably the best she was going to get.

  She headed into the back room and her spine stiffened. She wasn’t giving up on him so easily. They’d think of something. Some way to be together. She’d make sure of it.

  Carter found her unpacking a box of medical supplies and she froze up, hoping Kenrick hadn’t spoken to the man again. Or worse.

  “So, just to be clear, you did put the dog down, right?”

  Allison could feel her throat tense and she swallowed before nodding. She glanced at Carter, and tried to keep her expression blank as she opened her eyes wide, trying to look as innocent as possible. “Of course.”

  His gaze turned suspicious. “You’re sure?”

  “Of course I am.”

  “Okay.” He turned away, then back again. “Look. I know I haven’t been easy to get along with lately. The divorce has been … well it’s been hard. But, my attitude aside, there are some animals you just can’t save. Just like you can’t save a nasty, snarling marriage.”

  He hesitated for a moment. “But I should have done it myself, and not left it to you.”

  “It’s all right. I understand.”

  She went back to work and heard him finally move away.

  She knew he was right and that some animals couldn’t be saved. But Bonnie wasn’t one of them.

  Allison was just sprinkling a bit more paprika on top of the potato salad when there was a knock at the door.

  “Just a minute,” she called out and pressed the lid into place.

  She heard the door open, followed by a familiar voice. “Hello?”

  “Tara! I’m in the kitchen!”

  She heard Tara’s bracelets before she saw her, and her friend floated into the room, a vision in tight capris, a see-through lace top with a pink undershirt, and even more jewelry than usual. Her long, dark hair was done up on top with a big, pink, Gerbera daisy stuck on one side. She wore tons of makeup, and a brilliant smile.

  “You look gorgeous.”

  “Do you like the hair? I was going to wear my favorite cowgirl hat, but it felt like a flower kind of day.”

  Lips curving, Allison winked. “Good choice. I wondered if you were coming today.”

  “I practically grew up at your house. Everyone would be confused if I didn’t show. Besides, no way would I let you face the stares yourself.”

  “Thanks. So, you plannin’ to stay away from Nathan?”

  “Nope.”

  “Good. It’ll give everyone something else to talk about.” Allison took a breath. “I haven’t had a chance to let you know what’s been going on over here.”

  Tara spun, brows raised. “Good or bad?”

  “Definitely good.”

  Tara grinned. “So, spill. What’s been going on?”

  Just then, a newly showered Kenrick walked into the kitchen in his freshly laundered shirt and brushed kilt.

  Tara put a hand to her chest and gaped. She looked him over, up and down and giggled. “Well, well, who do we have here?”

  “Yeah, that’s who I wanted to talk to you about.”

  Tara threw her head back and laughed. “Are you kidding me? This has been going on over here and I was not the first person to know?”

  “It’s not like that.”

  She looked between the two of them. “Uh huh. Spill. Now.”

  “After we left the state park the other night—”

  “You mean after you wished upon the star.”

  She sorted cringed a little bit as Kenrick’s brows rose. “Yes, whatever, after I made the wish upon the star, on the way to the clinic, I might have run over Kenrick.”

  “You mean you ran into Kenrick.”

  “No, I mean, I him with my truck.” She shared a look with Kenrick and his smile washed over her. “He came out of nowhere and he wouldn’t go to the hospital, so I brought him home with me.”

  “So, what you’re saying is after you wished upon a star, he dropped out of nowhere, and you kept this information to yourself?”

  Allison opened her mouth to come up with a better explanation, then finally nodded her head once. “Yes.”

  Tara mock-punched her in the shoulder. “Way to go, girlfriend!”

  Allison laughed. She could always count on Tara to say the unexpected.

  “So introduce us already.”

  “Tara, this is Kenrick Macfie. Kenrick, this is my best friend in the entire world, Tara Romano.”

  Tara held out her hand, and when Kenrick took it in his, she smiled and said, “how do you do.”

  Allison groaned, not at the words, but at the suggestive way she said them.

  “The two of you wouldn’t happen to be engaged, would you?”

  Allison rubbed her neck. “As a matter fact—”

  Tara gaped, then howled with laughter, bending over to hold onto one of the kitchen chairs. “Oh my gosh, this is too good to be true.”

  Allison crossed her arms and propped a hip against the counter, showing mock anger, but actually feeling lighthearted and hopeful. Tara would give her good advice. She’d help her keep Kenrick. “Are you done yet?”

  The laughter stopped but she was still grinning. “Okay, don’t worry, I have your back. Anybody asks any questions, I have known all about this relationship and thoroughly approve.” She eyed Kenrick. “Did Allison happened to mention I’m a witch?”

  “A witch?” Kenrick looked impressed rather than disbelieving, and Allison couldn’t help but remember his belief in fairies. She still wasn’t sure if he’d been serious or not.

  “Yes, a witch. Well, a witch in training, anyway. A white one, in case you were worried.”

  “I know a good witch when I see one.”

  Tara preened, and Allison couldn’t help but be impressed. The man got along well with dogs, kids, and witches.

  Tara turned to look at her. “Now do you believe?”

  “In what? Witches or shooting stars?”

  “Both.”

  “How would I dare argue?”

  “Now you finish getting ready while I question this delicious man you’re intent upon marrying.”

  She had that right. As Allison headed out of the room, she smiled at Kenrick. “I just want to apologize in advance for what you’re about to go through.”

  When he laughed, she grinned back at him and went to check her hair.

  Today she needed to look her very best.

  For more reasons than one.

  Chapter 10

  “I have some questions for you.”

  Kenrick swallowed nervously, having no doubt he needed to impress the woman before him if he wanted her to speak well of him to Allison.

  And that mattered to him. He might not be able to stay, but he did want to be missed by someone when he was gone. This time, mayhap his beloved would think of him upon occasion, and remember him kindly.

  Tara pointed to a chair and he sat himself down. She gracefully sank across from him, and studied him. “Hmm. Now, about those questions.”

  “I will answer them to the best of my ability,” he promised.

  She pinned him down with a piercing gaze. “I don’t want lies now, ya hear?”

  Solemn, he nodded.

  “Where are you from?”

  “Scotland.”

  “Why are you here?”

  The woman didn’t hesitate to get to the heart of the matter, did she? And he found himself wanting to answer. He’d not have the guts to lie to a witch, regardless. “I believe I have been sent to assist Allison.”

  That seemed to please the witc
h very much. “You won’t hurt her, will you?”

  “On my honor, I’d do naught to harm Allison .” He felt a pang of guilt as he said it. Would kissing the girl senseless and then leaving her afterward constitute hurt?

  Surely not. She’d only know him for two or three days. While his heart was engaging for the first time in centuries, opening up and letting Allison in, he was certain she’d not feel the same in such a short amount of time. Hopefully, she’d miss him, if only a bit, but he didn’t believe any real damage was at hand.

  “Do you have a girlfriend, or a fiancé? Wife?”

  “Nae. No’ beyond Allison.”

  Again the witch looked pleased. “Hmm. So you like Allison?”

  “Verra much.”

  “She’s told you about her ex-fiancé and her sister?”

  He nodded. “Aye. We spoke to them last night, in the town.”

  Tara’s mouth dropped. “Did you punch him?”

  He smiled. “I’d like to have, but the man caused no offense, as he stood by like a dullard. Allison and her sister had words.”

  “Sounds about right. If you’re not talking about him, he has nothing to say on any other subject.”

  He liked the witch. Very much. She seemed quite insightful.

  “So, what do you say, between the two of us, we make sure Allison has a lot of fun at this picnic?”

  “’Tis my goal.”

  They smiled at each other and Kenrick felt they’d come to an understanding.

  They both loved Allison and neither wanted her hurt this day.

  They’d both make sure that didn’t happen.

  They rode to the reunion together in Allison’s truck, and when they arrived, Tara jumped out first.

  Allison was quick to place her potato salad on a table groaning with food. Nearby, family members gathered under the covered area, chatting and sitting across from each other at cloth-covered picnic tables. Aunts, uncles, cousins. It was good to see everyone and when Allison realized Linnie wasn’t there yet, she felt her spirits lift.