The Highlander's Hope - A Contemporary Highland Romance

by MacKay, Cali

  “Aye. It’s just me and my Da now, so I primarily take care of it.” He flipped the eggs for just a second, and then transferred the food to the plates he’d heated in the Aga. “My mother used to do most of the cooking.”

  “Your dad mentioned her.” She looked over at him, worried. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine.”

  “It’s been a few years, and it gets easier with time.” He changed the subject, not wanting to think about how his mother would have adored her. “Angus will be here in the next hour or so—earlier if he catches wind of food.”

  Iain got a good look at her, and what he saw made his heart catch. By the gods she was gorgeous with the remnants of sleep clinging to her. Wearing on oversized sweatshirt with a scoop neck cut out of it, it hung precariously over a bare shoulder. She’d paired it with thermals that showed off shapely legs and rag wool socks. She looked casually delicious, especially with her dark curls misbehaving as they escaped the braid trying to tame them.

  “I like Angus.” She put a few buttered slices of toast on each plate and then carried them to the table.

  “Most women do. How he’s managed to stay single while at the same time having women fawn all over him is beyond me.” Despite the night they’d had, he looked over at her to see if she too had fallen victim to his friend’s charms. What he saw gave him hope.

  “He seems awfully sweet.” She gave him a smile and a shrug. “But I think I’m glad you’re the one who nearly ran me over. It must have been your grand scheme from the very start, ensuring that I fell… for your charms.”

  Was she going to say something different? And why didn’t she? Didn’t she know how he felt about her? Yet he had to laugh at himself, when he’d yet to admit to himself what she meant to him.

  So he took that step, even if it was in the silence of his own head.

  He loved her. Utterly and completely.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Cat followed behind Angus with Iain taking the rear, the trail too narrow to accommodate them all at once. The solitude of their surroundings and the fresh air were exactly what she needed to clear her head and ground herself.

  She had no problem with the occasional casual fling—not that she got much opportunity with her nose constantly buried in a book—but she’d let this go far beyond casual. Even with her pulling back after Iain’s confession, she’d been unable to remain angry with him, still craving his touch and his company. It was hard for her to ignore the way she felt about him, even if she should be keeping him at arm’s length.

  She’d just have to hold her ground and not give in. After all, she’d done such an amazing job of it up until now. Sarcasm aside, she knew he could tear her heart to pieces if this didn’t work out, and the odds were against them. He lived and worked in the highlands, and led a glamorous life with parties and the famous, whereas she was in Cambridge and hadn’t worn a pair of heels since her brother’s wedding.

  Her heart told her he seemed comfortable living a quiet life, and she could certainly lose herself in the history of the surrounding area, but it was her mind that kept weighing the facts and telling her she’d be a fool.

  “We’re nearly there.” Angus looked back over his shoulder with a smile, his blue eyes alight with intelligence and humor.

  She had to wonder if Angus picked up on her internal conflict about Iain. It would seem the man missed nothing.

  Best to keep her mind off Iain then. “It’s so beautiful here. I’d love to spend some time exploring once this is over.” She took a deep breath, her lungs filling with the scents of pine and heather. She’d be sorry to leave this place when the time came—and it’d be even harder to leave Iain.

  Damn it if her heart wasn’t kicking her mind’s ass.

  Iain stepped to her side as the path opened up a bit, matching his pace to hers. “Does that mean ye’ll stay a wee bit longer?”

  “It’s hard to say. I’ve got my studies and grad students to get back to, and I’ll have used up my free time if we don’t find the Hope soon.” Though there was disappointment in his eyes, it looked like he might also take it as a challenge—and she might very well enjoy him trying to convince her to stay.

  “There’s the tree. And we’re not far from the Bleeding Heart, aye?” Iain tilted his head towards a large oak, the branches of it splayed in an odd configuration. The lower branches pointed down towards the earth, whereas the upper ones tangled together, stretching upwards. Just like in the painting. “Look just behind it, at the stony outcropping.”

  A craggy cliff face jutted up out of the ground, sparse with greenery. Cat searched the stony wall from where they stood, but didn’t see any openings. “Do you think there could be another cave?”

  Squinting to focus, Iain looked past the tree as if searching the shadows. “Aye, love. Let’s take a closer look.”

  Standing at the bottom of the cliff, it was still hard to see any openings. Yet despite all the obstacles, Cat’s heart raced with anticipation and the hope they might be close to finding the necklace.

  Angus pointed. “There. Is that something? Or am I seeing things?”

  The area was partially hidden by brush, the leaves gone for winter. It was hard to tell whether or not there was anything there from where they stood, but the texture and shading seemed slightly different. Better yet, it wouldn’t be noticeable unless you were looking for it, making it all the more likely that it might have been used to hide the jewels.

  “Aye, I think it might be. Let’s have a look.” Iain gave her hand a squeeze. “It’s a bit steep. Do ye think ye can manage it or would ye rather wait here until we know more?”

  She laughed. “You are kidding, right?”

  He shrugged with a smile. “Just thought I’d ask—not that I expected ye to stay here waiting.”

  They started the upwards climb, the path all but disappearing in places, so they were forced to grab hold of shrubbery. Iain lent a steadying hand where needed, and truth was she was happy for his help, especially the higher up they got.

  Having taken the lead, Angus looked over at them with a smile and then disappeared into the cliff side. Excitement overtook fear, and along with Iain’s help, Cat managed to not go crashing to the ground below, but was instead pulled into the opening by Angus, with Iain following just behind her.

  When she looked out the hole to the drop below, it left her so dizzy, she was forced to take a step back to clear her head. “I sure as hell hope there’s another way out of here, because I can tell you now, there’s no way I’m making it back down unless I suddenly sprout hooves and horns, and magic myself into a billy goat.”

  Angus laughed. “It’s always easier to go up than to go down, and even easier to crack yer head open like an egg.”

  “Ye always know how to put a girl at ease.” Iain smirked at his friend, and then, ignoring Angus’s shit-eating grin, he pulled the flashlights out of his pack along with some heavy twine. “Just in case the tunnel branches off. I’d rather not get lost if I can help it.”

  Angus flashed his light around, and took a few steps towards the darkness. “Looks like it continues.”

  “Aye, let’s get started then.” Iain found a branch at the entrance and anchored the twine to it. Grabbing his flashlight, he hoisted his backpack over a shoulder. “After you.”

  Cat noticed how the two of them always kept her in the middle, like a pair of floppy-eared sheepdogs watching a lone sheep. It was sweet of them, and even sweeter that they’d come about it without discussion, their protective nature automatically leading them. Then she thought of the necklace and why Iain had thought of using it as collateral, and it made even more sense. It was his nature to try and take care of the people around him. It didn’t mean he’d been right to lie to her, but she understood why. The people he loved came first above all else.

  Iain handed her a flashlight. “Just in case ye need it.”

  Wandering behind Angus, she was happy he’d taken the lead. The amount of cobwebs he was sweeping to the si
de made her hair stand on end. No doubt she’d spend the next week trying to ignore the feeling that bugs were crawling all over her. Ten minutes in, the tunnel forked.

  “Left or right?” Angus turned to them in question.

  Iain stepped past her to give the tunnels a quick examination. “I don’t think it’ll matter either way. May as well start with the left and then back-track to search the right.”

  The tunnel continued for some time, the air damp and cold, laden with the scent of the earth. And then it continued some more.

  “This seems to be one long tunnel. I can’t imagine it’s completely natural.” Maybe part of it had been, but Cat suspected a good portion of it was extended over the centuries.

  “It’s not unusual to get some pretty long tunnels this close to the ocean, but this one’s had more than a little help, especially if it ends up where I suspect it might.” Iain moved up to her side. “With the direction we’ve been heading, I think we may very well end up back at the house—or not far from it.”

  “It would make sense since we know they were likely housing Jacobites.” Cat thought of the hidden room they’d found when MacTavish showed up. Though it would make sense to keep the jewels hidden someplace close like these tunnels, they may not want them directly linked to the house. There’d be too great a chance the English might find the tunnel while looking for Jacobites—and then find the jewels. “They may not want the tunnel linked directly to the house, though, especially if the necklace is hidden here.”

  Iain nodded. “Aye. I see what you’re getting at. There’d be less chance of finding the openings to the tunnels.”

  They followed the tunnel to the end, peeking out the narrow opening to get their bearings. Of course, Cat hadn’t the foggiest of clues as to where they were.

  With an arm around her waist, Iain came up from behind her, making her forget she was likely covered in cobwebs. “We’re not far, love. The house is just over the hill there. Are ye up for heading back to check out the other tunnel?”

  “I am, if you guys are up for it.” She pulled a water bottle from her backpack and took a long drink, the others following suit. “James is still sniffing around, and I want the necklace found. I can’t let it fall into his hands.”

  Angus sighed. “He seems to like causing trouble. Was he always such an arse?”

  “You mean, why the hell did I date him?” Cat had to laugh. How many times had she asked herself that same question? “James is good at masking his true nature—for a little while, anyway. Luckily, I learned my lesson the first time around, and it’ll be a cold day in hell before I fall for him again, try as he might.”

  She felt Iain stiffen at her side. “And has he been trying?”

  “I’ve been quick enough to put an end to his nonsense, and it’s not like it was ever anything more than a way to get to the necklace or my research. He’s never cared about anyone but himself.” Cat didn’t want to think about the mistakes she’d made. She felt like an idiot for having fallen for James in the first place—and the last thing she wanted to do was discuss her stupidity and her prior relationships. “Can we go? I want to make sure we finish searching this tunnel, and try to find any others by the Bleeding Heart.”

  “Angus, could you give us a moment? We’ll catch up.” Once Angus had gone, Iain took her hands in his. “Cat, ye can’t give James a second thought. I know it bothers ye that ye trusted him when he didn’t deserve it, but it’s in the past. Dinnae fash yerself, love. There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t made that sort of mistake.”

  She felt weary, but his words did help. Sliding her arms around his waist, she leaned her head against his chest, the pounding of his heart soothing her. “Are you always this nice?”

  He shrugged. “Aye. When I’m not running people over or into ditches.”

  Laughing, Cat went onto her toes and kissed his cheek. “You’re a sweet man, Iain. Now let’s go find that necklace.”

  “As ye wish, love.”

  ***

  “It looks odd, right?” Cat looked at the end of the tunnel, wondering if she was imagining it, the shadows casting things in an odd light.

  Having backtracked to where the tunnel split in two, they’d followed the right side this time around, though it wasn’t long before the tunnel came to an abrupt end. No rubble or a rough stone wall. Instead it looked… off. Not terribly different from the surrounding walls, but no one would likely notice the difference unless they were really looking.

  Cat touched it, rubbing her hands together. “Almost feels like clay mixed with stone.”

  Iain did the same, as if trying to determine the composition of the wall. “Aye, it does, though I wouldn’t say it’s unusual. There’s a wee bit of clay to be found not far from the loch.”

  “But it seems like it was formed to look like the tunnel came to an end. Somehow, it just doesn’t look completely natural to me.” Cat shined her light on the area again, taking a closer look. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part. “You guys would know better. I don’t exactly get to go crawling through caves and tunnels on a regular basis.”

  Angus tilted his head in Iain’s direction. “And ye think he does? All suits, meetings, and corporate takeovers. He hasn’t been climbing through these tunnels since he was a lad.”

  Dropping his backpack on the ground, Angus started rooting around in it and pulled out a small folded camping shovel, as half of the other contents in the bag spilled out in the process.

  Cat had to laugh. “Bloody hell, how much stuff do you have crammed in there? It must be like the Tardis—bigger on the inside.”

  “A Doctor Who fan?” Iain’s voice was laced with humor. “Who knew?”

  “Who, indeed.” Angus chimed in with a laugh.

  Cat gave the two men a warm smile. “Have to say—there’s nothing I like more in a handsome man than a touch of geek. Even better when there are two of them.”

  “Och, we’re happy to oblige ye, lass.” Angus folded back the handle of the shovel and clicked it into place as he stood. “Shall we have a go, then?”

  The way he held the shovel, there was no doubt in Cat’s mind what he intended to do with it. Iain pulled her back. “He’s dangerous with this sort of thing. Nearly took my head off when we were kids.”

  The thwack of metal against the solid wall left Cat cringing, the sound bouncing off the walls. Angus hit the wall again and again with the point of the shovel, pausing occasionally to check on his progress.

  “Ye know, if it’s solid, ye’ll be digging awhile.”

  “Well, if ye’d been as well prepared as I am, ye could help. I mean who comes on a treasure hunt without a shovel?” There was a teasing humor in Angus’s voice as he ribbed his friend. “I guess I’ll have to go it alone, though ye can pay me back with a nice pint.”

  “Just the one?”

  “Och, well, if ye insist, ye could make it two or three—and a bite to eat wouldn’t go amiss, either.” Another blow at the wall. “I’m working up a thirst and an appetite here.”

  The sincere friendship between Angus and Iain set Cat at ease, making her like the two of them even more. Not that Iain hadn’t already managed to finagle his way back into her good graces. He had a knack for that, it’d seem.

  “Would ye look at that.” Angus put down the shovel and ran his hand over the wall.

  Iain stepped forward with his flashlight, shinning it onto the ragged hole Angus had managed to create. Giving her a smile over his shoulder, he said, “Ye were right, love. Looks like there might be something behind there.”

  Cat’s excitement could be barely be contained, racing through her like a lightning storm. Experience told her it would likely be nothing—or perhaps they’d find another clue—yet she couldn’t help but be hopeful. All the signs they’d found kept leading them to the lands surrounding the MacCraigh home, and this tunnel seemed as good a place as any to hide the necklace.

  Angus turned to Iain who was trying to peek through the small hole.
“Step back so I can widen the hole. Don’t want ye getting in the way. Liable to get yer eye poked out, and I’d be the one to blame.” With the shovel raised and at the ready, Angus patiently waited until Iain was out of the way.

  “Ah yes, because it wouldn’t be yer fault when ye’re the one swinging a camping shovel like ye’re Thor.” Though Iain teased his friend, he still got out of the way; also taking the time to make sure Cat was at a safe distance. To Cat he said, “I couldn’t see much, but it looks like there’s something back there. There were iron bars, love. Someone’s gone to an awful lot of trouble to keep people out.”

  She leapt at him with her arms wrapped around his neck as he held onto her and gave her a kiss. “Even if it turns out to be nothing, it makes me optimistic that it’s only a matter of time before we find it.”

  “Aye, love. We’ll find it before long.” His voice trailed off towards uncertainty, and she knew it was because she’d be leaving once they found the Hope.

  Though she couldn’t tell him she’d stay, she gave his a hand a squeeze and then leaned into him, her lips lingering on his in a slow, sweet kiss. Knowing it’d be too easy to keep kissing him, she forced herself to put some distance between them.

  “I should take some pictures for my research paper.” She pulled her pack off and gently lowered it to the ground so she could dig out her camera. There was a decent flash on it, so hopefully it’d do. “Let me know when you’re ready, Angus.”

  “Look at that, would ye?” Angus stepped back out of the way, wiping an arm across his forehead. The hole was a foot and a half wide and close to three feet long.

  “Here, let me get ye a bit of light.” Iain stepped to the side so the beam would fall where Cat needed it, but he wouldn’t get in her way while she took her pictures.

  Cat pulled off the lens cap and immediately started clicking away, taking only enough time to make sure her pictures were focused. She stepped closer, her heart racing as adrenaline pumped through veins.