by Marie Tuhart
Last night, she’d finally decided to just enjoy their time together. She hadn’t the courage to ask him if he was going back to Scotland, maybe because part of her didn’t want to know. She wanted to deal with the here and now. That was her motto for today.
“Tents are in the back,” Kristen said. “That needs to be put up first.”
“Let’s get this show on the road,” Alec said, opening the back door.
Within a half-hour, her tent was set up along with all her tables, and now, the guys were carrying the food. Some would stay in the van where she had coolers and two small refrigerators. Specialized electrical cords had already been run to where she was set up.
The sun was rising. There were a few clouds in the sky, but all in all, it promised to be a nice day. Not too hot and not too cold. A good mix for late April in the Pacific Northwest.
“Coffee.” She handed them both cups from the big carafe she’d brewed before leaving the café.
“Life saver.” Alec sipped his brew and let out a satisfied groan.
“Oh good, the guys have done the hard work,” Skye said as she strode up.
“Don’t you look great?” Kristen admired Skye’s kilt that flowed right around her knees. It was a mixture of deep maroon, yellow, green, and a blue-green—the clan McMillan colors. Kristen was familiar with them.
“Thanks.” Skye gave a little curtsy.
“Isn’t that skirt a little short?” Alec asked.
“It’s fine.” Skye frowned at her brother. “You two better go get dressed.”
“True.” Cameron snagged Kristen around the waist. “Be back shortly. Did you bring any blueberry scones?”
“For you, I did.” She grinned. “I’ll keep them warm.” She had them in insulated bags with warming gel packs.
“A woman after my heart.” He dropped a soft kiss against her lips before sauntering off with his brother.
His words lingered in her mind. They hadn’t spoken of more than just dating, and with the possibility of him going back to Scotland, she wondered if she really had his heart. Maybe food-wise.
She glanced around at the empty tables. “Let’s get things set up,” she said to Skye.
“Things look delicious,” Reid McMillan said as he and his wife strode up to her tent an hour later.
Kristen smiled. They looked so adorable dressed in the McMillan tartan and holding hands. Had her parents ever held hands?
“I’m so glad you’re set up already,” Reid said, his black hair gleaming in the light. “Bear claw and coffee, please.”
“Reid.” Tira let out a sigh and shook her head, the hair piled up on top waggling.
“Hush, woman, it’s just one day.”
Kristen’s gaze went from Tira to Reid and back.
“His sugar has been a little high,” Tira said.
“A little. I’m fine.”
“Men,” Tira huffed but nodded.
Kristen got him his food and drink. “Tira?”
“Strawberry scone and juice, please.”
She quickly got Tira’s order while Skye helped another couple who had walked up.
“How much?” Reid asked.
“Put your money away.” Kristen shook her head. “On the house.”
Tira nodded her thanks. “Make sure Cameron takes you around so you can check out all the vendors. Reid and I have to make sure everything is set up for the dance competition.” With a wave, the couple set off.
Kristen moved to help another couple then turned to ask Skye a question and stopped dead.
Cameron strode toward her in a long sleeved white shirt with a vest made of tartan and… Her brain short circuited. Yes, she’d seen him in a kilt before, but today…the maroon, yellow, green, and green-blue colors brought out the blueness of his eyes, and he looked utterly lickable.
“Hello again, lass,” he said, using a Scottish accent.
“My lord.” She gave him a little curtsy. “And may I say your knees look quite handsome today.”
Cameron burst out laughing. “They’re behaving just for you.” He motioned her to come out of the tent.
She grinned and stepped out.
He said, “Turn around, back to me.”
“Okay.” She turned, wondering what he was up to.
“Raise your arms slightly and close your eyes, please.”
His “please” had her doing as he asked. His body heat singed her back when he leaned close. His hand spread between her breasts as he held something in place, then it was draped around her shoulder, wrapped around to her back, and tugged until tight.
“You can lower your arms and open your eyes.”
Kristen did and looked down. Tears sprang to her eyes. Cameron had taken some of the McMillan tartan and fashioned a sash for her to wear. It was held together with a pin in the shape of a sword.
“Oh my goodness.” She turned to him. “Thank you.” She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“My special lady should be decked out in my colors with my family crest.” He hugged her close. “Later, I want to see you draped in nothing but my family tartan.”
Kristen ducked her head and heat invaded her cheeks. But anticipation shot through her body, causing her nipples to harden.
“But for now, I have work to do. I’ll be back later to take you around and to show you something special.” He released her and ambled away.
Kristen went back into her tent, feeling like a princess, and Skye smiled at her.
“That looks good on you,” Skye said.
“Thanks.” Kristen couldn’t keep the grin off her face. He’d given her the family tartan…that had to mean something, right? Maybe, just maybe, it meant he would stay.
****
“Go.” Skye said hours later as she made a shooing motion with her hands. “I’ve got this covered.”
Kristen looked from Skye to Cameron and back to the tent’s counter with waiting customers. It was early afternoon, but they had a steady stream of business, buying coffee, cakes, and cookies. She didn’t want to leave Skye alone. “We’ve been really busy.”
“I’m fine.” Skye huffed out a breath. “Get her out of here Cameron before she thinks up an excuse. She’s been wanting to explore all morning.”
“Come on.” Cameron slipped his arm around her waist and guided her away from her food tent. “So what’s first on the agenda?”
“Meat pies.” Skye was right; she had been wanting to get out and see everything and taste the food.
“As my lady wishes.”
“So many vendors,” Kristen said after they had gotten their meat pies, motioning with her hand to the rows of tents as she and Cameron walked toward a picnic table with a tray of food.
“Yep. I’ll take you shopping in a bit.” Cameron set their tray onto the table.
“I can’t believe you got all this.” She gestured to the overflowing tray.
“You said you were hungry.” He waited until she sat down before taking a seat next to her.
“Hungry, yes. But how much do you think I eat?”
Cameron laughed. “Just means more for me.” He picked up the knife and fork, cutting a piece of the meat pie and holding it out to her.
“I can feed myself.” She looked at the tray. Cameron had made sure to only grab one set of utensils and one plate. This reminded her of the night at the restaurant. She hadn’t minded then, and now…she glanced around. People weren’t paying attention to them at all.
“Yes, but it will be my pleasure to take care of my lady.” He put the morsel up to her mouth. Her lips parted, and he slipped it in.
“That is delicious,” she said after swallowing the savory beef.
“Good. Just think…tonight while you’re lying in bed, wearing nothing but my tartan, I can feed you more delicious treats.”
“Cameron.” She glanced around, but no one was close enough to hear him.
“Just letting you know that tonight, you’re mine.”
Anticipation flowed
through her blood. There was nothing she wanted more than to be his.
Chapter Twenty
An hour later, Cameron guided Kristen past the bags and pipes players, dancers, and the Highland Game’s check-in stations set up in the shelter of the trees. His nerves tingled with anticipation.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” Cameron said, keeping their destination a secret. He wanted to surprise her. How would she react to the Kinky Highland Games? It had taken some convincing, but he was allowed to use one of the back buildings to set up an area where adults could be educated on kink if they wanted.
He led her past the wooden stalls toward the big, wooden building in the back that used to be a dance barn in the old days. There were a few people wandering this way, and he was glad. Since he’d championed for this, he hoped people would take advantage in this setting.
He escorted her up the ancient plank steps to the oak door guarded by his brother, Graham.
Graham said, “I wondered when you’d bring her back here.”
“What is in here?” Kristen asked.
Cameron grinned down at her as Graham pushed open the door. “Welcome to the Kinky Highland Games.”
Cameron guided Kristen into the old dance barn, checking to make sure everything was going well. Thanks to Jack, he’d been able to convince the Highland Games committee to allow him to run the Kinky Highland Games. He was pleased to see a lot of people inside the barn, watching the demonstrations and talking with Doms and subs.
After his six months in Scotland in an educational swap, he’d come home with renewed energy and had been convinced that education was the key to having people understand the alternative lifestyle. Having such education at the Highland Games was a chance to reach a larger group of people since there were people her from neighboring cities.
The two main stages were draped in various tartans and set up for demonstrations or lectures. The adult “goodies” vendors were set up along the walls as well. There were floggers, adult toys, whips, DVDs, books, and there was a separate educational table. Several couples milled around, looking at items and talking with those educating and the vendors.
There were chairs and tables spread around the old dance floor were filled. Those were set up so people could sit and talk, plus several of the Doms and subs from the club were available to answer questions and do whatever else was needed.
They’d opened their doors at eleven, and now at almost one, attendance was looking good. Graham was manning the entrance to make sure no one without a red wristband entered. And everyone was dressed in traditional kilts, much to the dismay of some of the Doms who balked at wearing what they considered a skirt. But the Doms wore them out of respect for the Highland Games.
“Holy crap, how did you manage this?” Kristen exclaimed.
“Jack helped. Well, actually, a lot of the Doms from Decadence did.” He guided her over to the side, out of the walkway.
“This is… I don’t know what to say.”
“I wanted the community to have more education, and this seemed the best way.”
Kristen looked around. “How do you stop kids from coming in here?”
“By always having someone at the door…and this.” He flicked her red wristband.
She smiled. “I wondered what that was for.”
“Yes, everyone is given a flyer when they arrive about the Kinky Highland Games. If they’re interested, they sign a waiver and are given a red wristband.”
“I didn’t sign a waiver. Ian just put this on my wrist.”
“That’s because they all know you’re with me.” He grinned. “Want to look around?”
“Hell, yes!”
Cameron couldn’t help but laugh at the excitement in her voice. “Let’s go.”
Kristen grinned at him when he pulled her to a stop at one of the demo stations. Paul and Will were set up there, giving massages and discussing techniques. The woman they had on the massage table let out little moans of pleasure as they massaged her back.
Cameron turned his head to see the mayor and his wife. He nodded at the mayor, who nodded back. Kristen stiffened in his hold, and he snapped his attention back to her.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
She shook her head, but he wasn’t going to let her get away with that. He guided her away from the massage area to a space that was empty at the moment. He turned her to face him. “Tell me.”
Kristen let out a sigh. “The mayor saw us.”
“So?” What was going through that pretty head of hers?
“Cameron, I have a business. I didn’t think this through, people seeing me here, knowing I’m interested…” She waved her hands in the air.
“And they’re here for the same reason.” He cupped her cheek. “Sweetheart, if they judge you because they saw you here, then they are the hypocrite. There is nothing wrong with being curious or being in the lifestyle.”
“I know here.” She placed her hand on her heart. “You are right. But here…” She touched her temple. “It’s a little harder to reconcile.”
“Do you want to leave?” He did understand her point, and he would defer to her on this if she wanted to leave.
“Please.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve been gone from my tent for over an hour, I really need to get back and help Skye.”
“Then we’ll go,” Cameron reluctantly agreed. He was disappointed, but he did understand. She was still nervous about people knowing she was into kink.
Hand in hand, he escorted her back to her tent. “I’ll see you later.” He brushed a quick kiss over her lips before sauntering away.
Kristen stood in front of the tent, staring at Cameron, admiring the way his ass looked in his kilt before turning to see Skye smiling at her.
“Did you have fun?” Skye asked.
Kristen glanced down to see the red wristband on Skye’s wrist. “You knew?”
Skye nodded.
“Does everyone know?” She shook her head. What did it matter anymore? She was sure people had already seen her inside the Kinky Highland Games. She was her own woman. There was no reason for people to look down on her. She was an adult, capable of making her own decisions. But she hoped people didn’t judge her for her decision.
“Probably not, only those who are into kink or curious.” Skye touched her arm. “There’s no shame in it.”
“No there isn’t.” And there wasn’t. Now she wished she hadn’t said anything to Cameron about being uncomfortable. They could have spent more time together. Kristen glanced around. “Are your parents aware?”
“That all us kids are involved? Yep.” Skye grinned. “They shake their heads at us, but then Mom says, ‘To each their own.’ And Dad says, ‘Go get ‘em.’ ”
Kristen laughed. “Why don’t you take some time for yourself now? I’ll handle everything here.”
“I’ll be back to help you close down.” Skye danced off, and Kristen couldn’t help but laugh.
****
Kristen hid a yawn behind her hand. The games had closed at five, and because she was virtually sold out of everything, there wasn’t much to pack up. The tables and tent were left up for the next day.
“Meet you at your place,” Cameron said as she started the engine on the van.
“Okay.” She pulled away after Cameron stepped back. The day had been fun, and she really wanted to explore more of the Kinky Highland Games tomorrow. Once back at the café, Kristen quickly unloaded the empty trays and turned on the ovens.
Tim had left her a note that everything had gone well today, that he’d put all the money in the safe, and that he’d be in at six thirty Monday morning. Kristen let out a sigh. She had to bake enough stuff for tomorrow, and then tomorrow deal with Monday. Some days, it really did seem never-ending.
A knock sounded at the back door.
“Who is it,” she asked as she padded over to it, very aware she was alone.
“Cameron.”
She unlock
ed the door and pulled it open.
“Thank you,” he said, dropping a kiss on her forehead.
“For what?”
“For asking who it was.” He pushed past her, and Skye and his brothers followed.
Her mouth dropped open. “What are all of you doing here?”
“We’re going to help you,” Skye said, going over to the rack and grabbing a handful of aprons.
“What?” Kristen shook her head as tears blurred her vision.
“Help. All of us.” Cameron chucked her under the chin. “I know you have a lot to get done, so it will be easier if we help.”
This time, the tears did spill over.
“Baby.” Cameron drew her into his arms.
“I’m okay.” She sniffled. “Thank you,” she whispered. Then with a big inhale, she pushed away from Cameron. “Thank you, all.”
“Just show us what to do, and we promise not to eat all the profits,” Ian said.
By ten that night, all her goods were baked or ready to be baked first thing in the morning. Her kitchen was clean, and Cameron was seeing his brothers and sister off.
Kristen’s heart was bursting from amazement.
She’d never had people so unselfishly take time away from their lives to help her out. A very unique experience for her. The shutting of the back door and click of the lock had her turning to see Cameron. Tears clouded her eyes.
“Sweetheart, what is it?” His long strides carried him to her, and he took her by the shoulders.
“You, Skye, and your brothers are so wonderful,” she whispered.
“And that is making you cry?” He frowned, confusion written on his face.
“Yes.” She gave a laugh. “I’ve never had anyone who cared so much aside from my grandmother.”
“Oh, Kristen.” Cameron brushed a tear away with his thumb. “I do care, and I didn’t want you coming back here and spending all night baking. Skye had already volunteered, and when my brothers heard, nothing could keep them away.”
“It was perfect.” She slipped her arms around his waist and hugged him.
“What will be perfect is you and I taking a quick shower and then curling up in bed together.”
“You’re staying?”
