Damaris groaned. “The boss’s daughter. That’s a recipe for disaster.”
“I resisted her for weeks, but she was determined.”
“Wait. She seduced you?”
“She did.” He looked over at Damaris. “I have a weakness when it comes to a bonnie lass.” Especially one with a mouth like ripe cherries. Damaris had such a mouth. Kissing her would be—
“I’m confused, Rory. If she wanted to have sex with you, why are you in trouble?”
“First of all, because she was a virgin. I didn’t know until it was too late.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that it was her idea to—”
“Second of all, she thought that since I’d claimed her virginity, we must marry.”
“That’s archaic!”
“I told her so. I also said I didn’t love her.”
“And?”
“She didn’t care. She wanted me and was convinced I’d come to love her once we were married. She promised me swift advancement in her father’s distillery. I’d finally be able to use my chemistry degree instead of slavin’ away in the warehouse on the night shift.”
“Sounds tempting.”
“Aye, if you’re willin’ to sell your soul.”
She met his gaze and her mouth tilted at the corners. Her kissable mouth. “Well, there’s that.”
“Anyway, she said her da would ruin my future in the distillery business if I didn’t go along with her grand plan. On top of that, her three brothers would batter me somethin’ terrible if they ever caught me alone on some dark night. I could handle the beatin’. It’s the suspense of not knowing when it would happen that I’d hate.”
“Isn’t that kind of threat illegal?”
“It is, and my brother Aleck—he’s a solicitor—wanted me to bring charges against her.”
“And why not bring charges if you have a brother who would take care of the legal part for you?”
“Didn’t seem like a gentlemanly way to handle it, bringin’ charges, embarrassin’ everyone. Better to make myself scarce for a while.”
“She’s lucky you’re a nice guy. How long do you think it’ll take before you can go back?”
“Not long, I hope. If I’m lucky, she’ll latch onto another Prince Harry lookalike who’s only too willin’ to marry her and become a part of her wealthy family.”
“Prince Harry?” She couldn’t see it. Sam Heughan from Outlander? Definitely.
“It’s my ginger hair. Catriona reads everythin’ she can find about the royals and she’d love to be part of that world. Guess I look enough like Prince Harry that I satisfied at least part of her fantasy.”
“That’s some story. The good news is that it motivated you to visit your relatives.”
“I don’t want them to think that’s the only reason, though. I’ve always dreamed of makin’ the trip.”
“And what do you think so far?”
He gazed into her green eyes. “It’s goin’ to be an adventure.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“A very good thing. I’m thirsty for adventure. Even though I’m worn to the nubs, I—”
“Of course you are. You’ve traveled halfway around the world, ridden a horse for the first time and leaped into an icy creek to save a fawn. Maybe you should call it a night. I’m sure everyone would understand.”
“Call it a night? When there’s a party goin’ on? I’m a bit tired, but I’ve never felt more alive. The band’s soundin’ fine. Fancy a turn around the floor with me?”
“Oh!” She seemed startled. “I don’t—”
“I’m a fair dancer. I promise not to step on your wee feet.”
“My feet aren’t wee and I’m more likely to step on yours. I haven’t danced in…I can’t remember the last time. And I wasn’t very good at it then, either. You might want to ask someone else.”
He smiled.
“What?”
“Didn’t you see me vault clear over that beast today?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“You can’t do worse than that. I expect you’ll do much better.” He stood and held out his hand. “Gather your courage and dance with me, lass.”
“You asked for it.” She put her hand in his and stood. “Can you dance the two-step?”
“Is that what you call what they’re doin’?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Different from the two-step I know, but I’ll give it a try. Let me watch for a bit.” He paused at the edge of the wooden platform and studied the movements of the dancers. “I believe I’ve got it. Let’s go.”
“That didn’t take you long.”
“I love to dance.” He led her up the steps. “Always have.” Tucking her in close, he spun them into the whirling dancers. Immediately his feet tangled with hers and he was forced to stop.
Her face turned pink. “See? I warned you.”
“Easy does it. We’ll get this.” He wanted to more than ever after holding her for those few seconds. She felt so good in his arms. Warm and soft. “Let’s leave the platform for a bit.” He guided her back down the steps.
At the bottom, she turned to him. “Look, now that you know I’m not very good, you don’t have to dance with me just because you asked. I’ll bet Tansy Emerson is a much better—”
“Hey, hey. None of that. Come over here where we have a good view of the footwork.”
“That won’t help.”
“It might. Why do you have equations on your dressin’ gown?”
She stared at him.
“Bear with me. Are you a scientist?”
“Theoretical physicist.”
He nodded. “Thought it might be somethin’ like that. I don’t know that field well, but I’ll take a guess that sometimes you study patterns.”
“I do.”
“Then just find the pattern in the footwork. And then the complimentary pattern.”
“Oh, I can do that just fine. I can analyze the movements from all angles and have it down cold. But in the heat of the moment, I—”
“Performance anxiety?”
She took a deep breath. “Partly. I’ve never been talented at dancing, so I anticipate screwing up and sure enough, I do.”
“I have an idea for fixin’ that problem. Come with me.” Taking her hand, he led her away from the barbeque area to a shadowy spot where they’d still be able to hear the music. “We’ll dance here. No one can see if we stumble.”
“I can’t imagine how that will be any fun for you, dancing on the grass. The wooden floor is way better.”
“I can dance anywhere. Let’s try it.” He coaxed her into his arms.
Her breath hitched as he started to move. “I really think this is—”
“Relax and visualize the pattern.”
She stumbled against him and swore softly. “I’m hopeless, Rory. Give it up.”
He should have agreed with her. Should have let her go. But her curvy body fit so perfectly against his. Instead of releasing her, he pulled her closer.
Her breathing was unsteady as she gazed up at him.
Even with her face in shadow, the wine-red lipstick she wore stood out. It was still perfect, as if she’d just applied it. Must be the kind that stayed on no matter what.
She swallowed. “I thought we came out here to dance.”
“I swear that’s all I meant to do.”
“We’re not dancing.”
He took a shaky breath. “Strictly speakin’ we’re not.”
“Then what are we doing, strictly speaking?”
“The truth is, I’m tryin’ very hard not to kiss you.”
Her breath caught. “You want to?”
“I’ve wanted to since I first laid eyes on you, lass. Your mouth is the perfect shape for kissin’.”
“It is?”
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you?”
“No.”
“Well, it is.” He brushed his thumb over her silken lower lip. “Been temptin’ me for hours.
But I don’t need to be kissin’ anyone.”
“I wouldn’t mind.”
“You wouldn’t?”
She slid her hands up his chest. “It would be an adventure. I’ve never kissed a Scotsman before.”
“I’ve never kissed an American lass before, either.” He leaned a little closer.
“Do you suppose we’d notice a difference?”
“I doubt it.”
She pushed up on her toes, putting herself within range. “Let’s test it and see.”
“Good idea.” Closing his eyes, he completed the journey, touching down on her ripe mouth with a groan of pleasure. What a treat to savor the plump curve of her lower lip and the perfect bow above it.
Raising his head a bit, he traced the outline of her mouth with his tongue before going back for more. He delved deeper, sipping and tasting as she gradually relaxed in his arms.
Then he lifted his lips away, just a wee bit, so he could whisper his request. “Dance with me.”
Her answering sigh stirred his loins, but he resisted the urge to return to that seductive mouth. The band launched into a new tune and he moved in time with the drummer’s rhythmic beat.
She followed. He tried a gentle turn, breaking the dance into slower, more measured steps. She stayed with him. He picked up the pace and she didn’t falter.
A shaft of moonlight bathed her face. She was smiling.
He smiled back. “Havin’ fun?”
She nodded.
“Want to go back?”
“No.”
“Me, either.” He whirled her around the grassy space and she didn’t miss a step. When he spun her under his arm, she executed the maneuver like a pro, so he spun her the other way.
Her soft laughter spilled over him, a deluge of happiness. “I’m dancing.”
“That you are, lass. And makin’ a fine job of it.” He’d shared the dance floor with dozens of partners, but none of them had filled him with more joy than Damaris.
As the tune ended, he twirled her once more, pulled her in and lowered his head for one more kiss. Just one.
With a soft whimper, she leaned into him.
Ah, lassie. He savored the press of her warm body and the softness of her lips a moment more before reluctantly lifting his head and taking a breath. “Enough.”
“Says who?”
He chuckled. “Kissin’ you is a pure delight. But I dropped out of the sky and landed in the middle of Ryker’s weddin’. That’s disruption enough without…without….”
“Front and center! Time for cake!” Ryker’s commanding voice drew everyone’s attention.
Rory gazed at Damaris. “That means us.”
“Uh-huh.”
“We should go.” He offered his hand as they started back. “Do you like cake?”
“Not as much as I like kissing you.”
He choked on a laugh and had to clear his throat before he could respond to that. “It appears I started somethin’.”
“It appears you did.” She glanced up at him. “What are you going to do about it?”
“That’s a very good question.” He had no bloody idea.
“Let me know if an answer occurs to you.” She squeezed his hand, slipped hers free and hurried over to the head table to join the rest of the wedding party.
Chapter Seven
Damaris wasn’t good at flirting or playing romantic cat and mouse games. Never had been. As she sat at the head table eating the best chocolate cake she’d ever tasted, she chatted with old friends and the new ones she’d made since arriving a couple of days ago. She didn’t search the crowd for Rory’s whereabouts. They could both use a little time to think.
He’d been the one to suggest dancing in the shadows, the one to admit he wanted to kiss her, although dancing in the shadows had given her that idea, too. Turned out he was a great kisser. If they’d been interrupted by Ryker’s call to action, so be it.
She pointed a fork at her half-eaten slice of cake. “This is incredible. I haven’t taken the time to stop at Pie in the Sky, but now I definitely will.”
“Abigail and Ingrid do a stupendous job.” Mandy scraped up the last crumbs. “If I weren’t on my best behavior, I’d lick the plate.”
Zane leaned closer. “Go ahead. I dare you.”
“Nah. I’ll just plan a visit there soon. The specialty coffees are good, too. You know what, Damaris? We should go there next week.”
“If you have time, I’d love to. I’m on vacation but you’re not.”
“I have time. I’m ahead of schedule on clothing orders. April and I talked about having me make the dresses for this, but the vintage pattern with the split riding skirt was going to be super complicated so I bailed.”
“It would have been too much to ask.” April got up and came over to join the conversation. “Did I hear you two making a coffee date for next week? Now I’m jealous.”
Mandy laughed. “Then by all means cancel your fabulous San Francisco honeymoon so you can hang out with us next week. I would if I were you.”
“I would, too,” Faith said. “Coffee dates are way fun. Can I horn in?”
“Only if you bring Noel,” Mandy said. “Hey, Nicole and Olivia, want to do coffee next week, say Wednesday afternoon about two?”
“I’ll be there,” Nicole said. “Coffee dates are a special treat now that I’ve left Shear Delight.”
April glanced at her. “Do you miss doing hair?”
“A little, but it was too crazy, performing regularly and putting in full days at the salon. Olivia, can you make it now that tax season’s over?”
Oliva looked up from her phone. “Just checked my schedule. I can come.”
“I have another great plan,” Mandy said. “Besides the coffee date, let’s do a movie night at my house next week. Thursday would be good.”
Zane stood. “I think that’s my cue to suggest Cody should host a guy’s poker night at the A-frame on Thursday night.”
“Do you see that?” April turned to Ryker. “They’re making their plans right in front of us.”
“I do see that.”
“We have no choice,” Mandy said. “We have to grab Damaris while she’s in town and before our Scottish visitor monopolizes all her time.”
“Right!” April walked over and put a hand on Damaris’s shoulder. “What was that dancing in the dark routine all about, chica?”
She glanced up and smiled. “No clue. You’ll have to find him and ask him.”
“She doesn’t have time,” Mandy said. “She still has to pack.”
April groaned. “Don’t remind me. We can’t stay much longer.”
“So true,” Ryker said. “Let’s go have one last dance, though.”
“You’ve got it, bridegroom.” They headed over to the dance platform.
“Then I’m nominating myself to search out our bonnie Scotsman.” Mandy pushed aside her plate and winked at Damaris. “See what he has to say for himself.”
Damaris laughed. “I was kidding. I’ve got this.”
“Good thing you two sorted that out,” Nicole said. “Here he comes.”
“You are so right.” With a shiver of anticipation, Damaris left the table and met Rory before he reached it. “You look like a man with something on his mind.”
“That’s a fact.” He met her gaze and lowered his voice. “Been thinkin’ about those kisses.”
“Me, too. Still am.” And it was making her short of breath.
“The thing is, you’ll only be here a week and I might not be stayin’ much longer.”
“True.”
“I’ll return to Scotland and you’ll go back to California. We’ll be thousands of miles apart.”
“Also true.”
“Logically, whatever happened could only be a…temporary diversion.”
“Are you opposed to that?”
He hesitated.
“Because I’m not.” That outrageous, so unlike her statement had popped right out, but now that she�
��d said it, she didn’t want to take it back.
“You’re not?”
She glanced around. Not the best venue to be talking about such intimate matters. “My contacts are bothering me. I need to go inside and get my glasses. Want to come with me?”
“I do.” He fell into step beside her as she walked toward the ranch house. “I wondered if you wore contacts.”
“Why?”
“When I first met you, you were squintin’ as if you couldn’t see clearly.”
“That’s an understatement. If I don’t have my glasses or my contacts, I’m blind as a...I started to say bat, but I need to ditch that expression. Bats aren’t blind.”
“They use echolocation.”
“They do. I’m fond of bats.”
“Same here. Amazin’ little creatures. Thought of goin’ into wildlife management.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“It can break your heart. Mine, anyway. Makin’ Scotch is fun, and it’s a time-honored tradition in my country.” He climbed the porch steps with her and lengthened his stride so he could open the front door.
“Thank you.” Laughter and cheerful female conversation poured from the kitchen.
“Hey, Quinn,” Kendra called out. “If that’s you, we’re almost out of ice. If you’d bring over what we stashed at your house, that would be—”
“It’s not Quinn,” Damaris called back. “I came in to swap my contacts for my glasses.”
“Oh.” Kendra walked out of the kitchen. “I tried texting him, but—hi, Rory.”
“Hi. Want me to go tell him about the ice?”
“Sure, that would be great.”
“Wait a sec.” Damaris hurried toward her bedroom. “Let me grab my glasses and I’ll go back out with you.” So much for a quiet conversation with no potential eavesdroppers.
“I’ll be here.”
“Thanks.” She quickly popped out her contacts and put on her glasses before going back to the living room. “There. Do I look smarter?”
He laughed. “Aye, but Kendra already told me you were very smart. Valedictorian of your class.”
“She did, huh?” She walked with him out to the porch. “Was that before or after you kissed me?”
“Before. Right after I arrived.”
“And you kissed me anyway?”
“Why not?”
“Some guys would wonder if I’m smarter than they are and decide against it.”
A Cowboy’s Worth: The McGavin Brothers Page 5