The Highlander's Hope - A Contemporary Highland Romance

by MacKay, Cali

  “That would be Dr. James Tanner. He’s a fellow historian, but he’s also a bastard.”

  And a hell of a lot more, Iain thought, by the heat in her tone. “Does he know what ye’ve been researching?”

  She shook her head no, though she didn’t look convincing. “He hasn’t made the connection yet, but he followed me up from Cambridge. Turned up in my hotel this morning, which is going to make it damn hard to come and go without him taking notice. Actually… I have a confession to make. And I swear, I would never do this sort of thing under any circumstance—except that I panicked.”

  “Cat. What did ye do?” A sliver of dread pierced his chest.

  “I really am sorry.” Her brows were drawn together, her eyes pleading with him for understanding.

  “Cat.”

  She cringed and looked away. “I told him I was here to see my boyfriend—and if he happened to follow me here, then he’ll think you’re him. My boyfriend. Crap! I’m sorry. I don’t even do relationships anymore, so don’t think it’s some sort of weird play for you just because you’re Scotland’s most eligible bachelor.”

  He swallowed the laugh that wanted to erupt. Now wasn’t that one hell of a corner Little Miss Librarian had just backed herself into. Not that he’d be letting her out of it just yet.

  “I’m not sure I believe ye, love.” He watched her eyes go wide as she stammered in shock, looking deliciously mortified. “Ye wouldn’t be the first to try tricking me into bed for a shag, love. Though I’ll admit, I hadn’t really been expecting it from ye.”

  To say her face had gone red would be an understatement, and it utterly delighted him. “You can’t possibly think I’m trying to sleep with you. Of all the absurd things. I’ve never…”

  “Never?” He feigned mock horror, and then burst out laughing. “I’m kidding. Ye’re fine, love. I understand why ye did it, and truth is, it’s a believable excuse—as long as we’re able to convince everyone of it. If we can’t, then he’ll know ye’re hiding a far bigger secret.”

  “You’re such a jerk. I can’t believe you did that to me.” She swatted at him and then collapsed back on the sofa. “And I need a new place to stay, or I’m liable to murder James—and you too, while I’m at it.”

  “Ye’ll be staying here. Remember? You’re my girlfriend now, and I’m not going to risk having others find out about the necklace just because one of your exes is snooping around.”

  “I never said he was my ex, Iain.” Suspicion had her glaring at him.

  “Calm yerself, lass—a blind man could tell there was something between the two of ye and it all went wrong. I’ve no interest in yer relations or where ye lay yer head at night, except for the fact that this now involves me and mine and I need to keep them safe. People get crazy when a treasure’s involved, and the last thing we need is others catching wind of this.” Better to be paranoid and safe. “We’ve plenty of room here, and it’ll make it easier for us to work together.”

  “What about James?”

  “Ye made yer bed, love. And what a nice bed it’ll be with the two of us sharing it.” He leaned in and brushed her cheek, a laugh bursting forth when she pursed her lips in annoyance and slapped his hand away. “Besides, even if ye told him ye were researching something completely unrelated, he’d still linger to see what ye’d find. But our little ruse should do the trick. Even if ye split ages ago, no man wants to see his ex with another. He’ll not be able to take it for long.”

  “Then why didn’t I just stay here to start with? He’s already seen me at the inn, Iain. He must suspect something’s up.” She went back to being panicked. “And it’s not like we look like lovers. We’ve argued every time we’ve met, and James may be an ass, but he’s not an idiot. He’ll see right through it.”

  “Will he?” Iain leaned in, his gaze soft but unwavering, his eyes locked on hers as he tucked a curl behind her ear, his fingers lingering as he took a deep breath, her scent filling his head. She blushed like a girl after her first kiss, and he had to laugh, his little experiment over. “It will work, aye? But only if ye don’t go red every time I touch ye or slap me away.”

  “Well, what do you expect? I’m supposed to be here for research, not a romp.”

  “Don’t go worrying that pretty little head of yers—I’ll think ye no less professional if ye relax a bit and pretend to enjoy my company.” By the gods, the woman could drive a man to drink. “As for why ye were at the inn, we’ll make sure he overhears my excuse of getting caught out of town on business and my apologies that it forced ye to stay at the inn.”

  It could work. Hell, it had to. In a small village like Dunmuir, a rumor of any treasure, let alone the Highlander’s Hope, would spread like wildfire, especially if this James fellow started to openly question Cat’s motives where others could overhear.

  She shook her head, her lips pursed and worry tainting her eyes. “I don’t know, Iain…”

  “Come.” He stood and grabbed her hand, hauling her to her feet.

  “Where the hell are we going?” He got drawn brows and a scowl from her. She was interesting—and hard-headed to boot. This could be fun.

  “First things first.” He spun her around and pulled out the large clip that held her long curls in place. It tumbled down over her shoulders as she futilely protested and he ran his fingers through her hair.

  “What the hell, Iain?”

  Refusing to let her ruin their plan, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, their bodies pressed together. “Ye want this to work, right? Then we’re going to wander through town, pretending to be lovers, before we go back to yer hotel to grab yer things. And no clips—my women wear their hair down.”

  She stammered and cursed as he laughed. By the gods, this was going to be fun.

  ***

  Once in town, Iain and Cat walked into the pub hand in hand, and took a seat by the window, knowing they’d need to lay the groundwork to make their relationship believable. He could tell she was still uncomfortable with the role she was playing, but knew most wouldn’t notice the slight tension in her body when her eyes still sparkled in his direction, and a sultry smile tugged at her lips.

  He knew the rumors would be flying. Gossip was easily the most popular pastime in Dunmuir, and this news would go the rounds faster than lice through a schoolyard. Though there were several places to get lunch, the pub was the most popular, especially with the locals. Busy as it was, it wouldn’t take long for word to get out that Iain MacCraigh, confirmed bachelor and local laird, was getting intimate with a pretty brunette. Though he dated plenty, he seldom brought anyone home to Dunmuir—and that alone would be enough to get the rumor mill churning.

  “The daily menu’s there on the board, love.” He gave her a seductive smile and linked his hand with hers across the table, knowing all eyes in the pub were on them.

  They chatted about nothing of importance, flirting and smiling their way through ordering and their meal. She was doing a good job of hiding any awkwardness she felt, the only sign of it in the occasional widening of her eyes each time he pushed the flirting to the next step. No one could see it but him, and frankly he liked to put her on edge, liked to make her heart race.

  A man Iain had never seen before approached their table, and the way he was eyeballing himself and Cat, it had to be James.

  “Cat, what a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected to find you here.”

  Any unease that may have been present in Cat’s demeanor was now gone. As if not wanting to pull her attention away from Iain, she lazily turned towards her ex, her seductive smile quickly fading as she let out a weary sigh. “Why are you here, James? Are you now stalking me when I come to visit Iain? It’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

  James gave Iain a quick once over before straightening his back and puffing out his chest. “Iain, is it?”

  “Aye, it is. Cat, is this man bothering ye then?” Iain glared at James. “Cause I won’t have anyone giving ye unwelcomed attentions.
”

  She reached across the table and linked her fingers with his, her gaze soft and seductive, looking at him as if he was the only one in the world who mattered. Though he knew she was only playacting, it made his heart race to have her look at him that way.

  When she spoke, her voice was like a heady port, rich and sweet, her gaze lingering upon him like a lover’s touch. “Don’t worry, my love. He’s of absolutely no consequence, and I do believe he was leaving.” She turned to James, her eyes hard as glass. “Weren’t you?”

  James looked from Iain to Cat and back, his lips curling in an ugly snarl. “No, as a matter of fact, I wasn’t leaving. We have unfinished business to deal with, Cat.”

  Cat just laughed. “Yes, you never were any good at completing the task at hand, but you need not worry. Iain takes very good care of me, and nothing is ever left unfinished.”

  James went red, stammered a response he never managed to get out, and left, bumping into several people on his way out the door.

  “Bloody hell, woman. Remind me never to anger ye—again.” He looked at her with a whole new respect.

  “Shall we go get my things, then?” She ran her hand up his arm, continuing her act with a new found confidence.

  “Aye, love. I do believe our work here is done.”

  ***

  By the time Iain got her settled in one of the guest rooms, his father had returned from his bird-watching. “How was it then? See anything of interest?”

  His father tossed his vest on the back of the sofa and took a seat, his brows drawn in annoyance. “Ne’er mind the birds, son. What is this I hear about ye having a new lass? Mrs. McGillis said she’d ne’er seen two people looking more in love. I’m nothing but happy at the prospect that ye’ve found someone, but next time, I’d rather hear it from yer mouth rather than another’s. Caught me off guard.”

  Iain sighed, not wanting to disappoint his father, who wanted to see him settled with a wife and family. “Da, it was just a ruse. What I’m about to say, ye can’t repeat to anyone—not to Mrs. Wallace, nor my brother or sister.”

  “Ye have me worried now, lad.”

  “I’ll not tell ye there’s no reason to worry, but all is well for now. It’s Cat, Da. She’s looking for the Highlander’s Hope and thinks there’s a good chance it’s on our lands.”

  Slack-jawed, his father sat back, the color draining from his face. “I can’t believe it.”

  “That’s the reason we were about town as a couple. One of her colleagues followed her to Dunmuir, and we can’t have anyone thinking she’s here on a treasure hunt. No one can know what we’re up to. It could get dangerous if anyone found out.”

  “Where’s the lass now? I hope ye’ve not left her on her own if there’s trouble brewing.”

  “She’s staying here, if that’s all right? Getting settled in upstairs, as we speak. We need to keep up impressions, and it seemed to be the best way to work together on finding the necklace and keep everyone safe.”

  “Of course she should stay. And I promise to not say anything to anyone.” Callum shook his head, a smile springing to his lips. “The Highlander’s Hope. I can’t believe it. And she’s sure?”

  “It looks like there’s a good chance.” He returned his father’s smile, happy to not have him worrying. “One more thing. I think it best ye go and visit Malcolm or Moira. Just for a little while until we have a better idea of what we’re up against.”

  “Ye always did worry too much, though I’ll go if it’ll keep ye happy.” He got to his feet and grabbed his vest. “But ye better treat the lass with respect.”

  “Aye, Da. Ye have my word.”

  Chapter Five

  While Cat reviewed the journals Iain had set aside, he went through the letters she’d collected. She jotted notes and took photos of the pages with her phone. It was a quick and easy way to maintain access to the original texts, especially when she often had to return them.

  They were once more in the library, sprawled out on either end of the large sofa with their reading material in hand, and a cup of tea within reach. They had been at it for hours, and the tea was doing little to keep her going.

  The rush of adrenaline she’d gotten from running into James had worn off. She still couldn’t believe they’d pulled it off. The whole thing was so unlike anything she’d ever done before. And her snarky response to James? Tansy would have been whooping for joy had she been there.

  It left her feeling empowered, especially after what he’d done to her. It even seemed to have eased some of the tension between her and Iain. Maybe their arguments would be a thing of the past, now that they were finally working towards a common goal.

  “Anything in the letters?” Cat kept hoping Iain would come across a section laced with hidden meaning, and would understand it for what it was, given it was his clan’s history.

  “Nothing yet.” Iain sat up from where he’d been hunched over reading, running a rough hand through his thick locks and down his face. With his face cast in shadow, his mussed-up hair, and the dark stubble on his chin, she could see him as a highlander of old, his ancestors’ blood running strong.

  “I need to get up and move around. Clear my head.” Cat stood and stretched, her head going lightheaded for a moment.

  “Come on then. It’s too late to go out, but this place is large enough to wander around in. Ye might even find it interesting.”

  Cat followed him out of the library and down the corridor. From what she’d seen of the exterior, it was obvious they weren’t using the house in its entirety. As with many ancient homes, upkeep was often difficult and costly, leaving many to close off the sections not in use or in disrepair.

  “I’m driving my father to Edinburgh first thing in the morning, so he can stay with my brother. Thought ye might want to come along.” Iain guided her through a door.

  “I wouldn’t want to be a bother.” They turned down another corridor and then down a flight of stairs.

  “No bother at all. My father’s quite fond of ye, and it’d keep me from worrying about ye alone in this house.” Iain held open a door for her, and they stepped into a massive room that likely served as a ballroom once upon a time.

  “You mean you don’t want me to find the necklace while you’re gone, and run off with it?” Though she was only kidding, she wondered if it was closer to the truth than she’d like.

  He spun on her, closing the distance between them, his arm wrapping around her waist before she had a chance to react, his lips curling like a hunter who’s found his prey. “No. If I’d meant that, then that’s what I would’ve said. And if the necklace were so easy to find, do ye not think my clan would have already stumbled across it? And here I was worried about ye.”

  She looked up at him, but he was so close it had her heart stumbling over itself. It took all she had to force her voice to be steady. “I was kidding.”

  “Were ye?”

  She pulled out of his arms and turned away, not quite sure what the hell was going on between them. It’d be hard to deny she felt a certain attraction to him, but she had no time for that sort of thing, and she’d too recently gotten burned by allowing her love life to interfere with her work.

  Not wanting the awkwardness to linger between them and make it difficult to work together, she tried her best to move past it. “Edinburgh sounds lovely, if you don’t mind me tagging along.”

  It would feel too awkward to be in their home when they weren’t there—not to mention it could open her up to liabilities and headaches she didn’t need. The last thing she needed was for someone to accuse her of taking the Hope while they were away. Not that Iain or his father would do such a thing, but… better to be safe.

  “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want ye to join me.” He shook his head, grabbed her hand, and started walking towards the door at the far end of the large room.

  “Where are we going?” Tall as Iain was and with the pace he was suddenly keeping, Cat had to hustle to keep up with h
im. “And would you please slow your ass down? I’m only five three.”

  “For a Ph. D., ye certainly have a mouth on ye.” His pace slowed at least, though he’d yet to let go of her hand or stop.

  “Are we just wandering about then? Or is there a point to you dragging me around?”

  With pursed lips, he gave her a quick glare. “I remembered something and want to check it out. Mind ye, I haven’t been in this portion of the home since I was a kid, so I’m not quite sure what to expect.”

  A few more rooms and long corridors, and they entered another large chamber. The temperature was cooler here by several degrees, and the lighting was now nothing more than a bare bulb barely throwing off enough light to fight back the darkness. Dust clothes draped over amorphous mounds, leaving the room cluttered with mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

  “When they closed off the rest of the home, or some rooms became too damaged to repair, anything of importance was brought here to keep it protected. I remember there being several paintings, some of them portraits. We have the journals and the letters, but it could be they hid clues there also.”

  Her body tensed with excitement as it occurred to her how right he may be. “It’s actually a brilliant idea to think of the paintings, especially when few could read back then.”

  “Aye, not to mention it’d be easier for a book or letter to get lost.” He wandered around the room looking at the various mounds as if deciphering what was hidden underneath. “Here, give me a hand.”

  She moved to the opposite side of the pile he was standing at, and together they lifted the covering, sending up a cloud of dust. Several chairs and small tables huddled together. They draped the cloth back over the items and moved to the next grouping with the hope they’d get lucky. After striking out a few more times, they hit pay dirt. Propped against the wall were several paintings, each wrapped further for additional protection.

  “These are them.” Iain picked up a few of the smaller paintings, setting aside the larger ones for himself. “Can ye carry these? We’ll take them back to the library.”