by Patty Taylor
His eyes widened, fascinated with the outline. His gaze returned to his horse. “I’ll stick with Goliath.”
A warm feeling filled her chest. Her body relaxed. The tight knots in her stomach began to unwind. Keara couldn’t help herself and chuckled. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Her face flushed warm. Between juggling a heavy work load at her job and planning her wedding the past few months, she couldn’t remember the last time she even felt like laughing.
Duncan’s stunning turquoise eyes studied her face. His smile broadened in approval of her laughter. Dennis, her ex-fiancé, used to get irritated whenever she laughed. The Highlander’s genuine candor gave her joy, and she found herself enjoying his company. Even during the short period of time she’d been around this man, he’d made her feel safe. She sensed in her heart he would never do anything to purposefully harm her.
“Aye, lass, ‘tis grand to hear ye chuckle.” His mouth twitched in amusement. “Aye, ye need to make it a regular practice. It brings a pleasant color to yer fair cheeks.”
She pulled her cell phone from her pocket. Damn. She sighed. Duncan gave her a side-long glance, eyeing the phone.
“I’m afraid the battery’s dead. All this dampness probably isn’t doing it any good either.”
“I’ve nev’r seen anythin’ like that before. ‘Tis called a phone, ye say?” he asked, raising his eyebrows and leaning over to get a better look.
“Are you serious? You’re really kidding me now. Right?” She stared at him, her mouth open. “Haven’t you ever seen a telephone? Maybe you’re just used to the old styles that hang on the wall. Gosh, the last one of those I remember seeing was at my grandmother’s house when I was a kid.”
Like an excited little boy, his face split into a wide grin. “Would ye mind if I took a gander at it? What does it do?”
And Dennis accused me of living in the backwoods. She handed him the phone and watched him rub his fingers over the keys before rolling it around in his hand and turning it upside-down. “You really don’t know what it does, do you? You talk to people and send text messages, take photographs, email . . .”
“I see. More of yer magick.” His jaw clenched, Duncan hastily handed it back to her. His fingers were warm as they brushed against hers.
Her pulse quickened at his touch. She studied his handsome features while he turned his attention back to the fire. Her fingers traced the outline of the phone where he had touched it, and she quickly shoved it back inside her pocket. Frustrated, she exhaled and pushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. Well, this certainly isn’t going very well. “It’s not magick, Duncan, it’s like a miniature computer. Oh, never mind.”
Goliath neighed and pawed at the ground. He must have finished eating his carrots.
Duncan’s horse. Of course, why didn’t she think of that earlier? She’d never ridden a horse before, but there was always a first time, especially if it meant getting home. Maybe she could convince Colin to go with her and bring the stallion back.
“Since there aren’t any cabs nearby, would you mind if I borrowed Goliath?” she asked, not expecting the scowl on his face. “I’m willing to pay, of course. Once I get to a motel and a phone, Beth, my sister, will be glad to wire me enough money for airfare and your inconvenience.”
“I wouldna’ accept yer money. I’m afraid Goliath is not for sale at any price.” His jaw tightened as he rested the knife on his knee. “These strange things ye speak of, I dinna’ understand. Yer home must be grander than all the castles in Scotland to have such valuable possessions.”
“Duncan, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.” She sat back, bewildered by his response. What kind of remote place was she stranded in that people didn’t know what a motel was, or even a simple telephone? She reached over and laid her hand on his arm. “I didn’t realize you weren’t familiar with these things I take for granted every day. What about the nearest train station? Certainly traveling by train should be something you know about?”
Duncan held the tip of the knife close to the flame and shook his head no.
“Are you sure there aren’t any of these things anywhere in Scotland?” she asked.
“Aye, I know me way verra well around the Isle of Skye and been to Edinburgh and Glasgow. I havena’ seen or heard of these things ye ask about. I promise ye, lass, I’ll help ye find yer way back home as soon as I settle some important business first.”
Bewildered, her heart skipped a beat and she swallowed a lump in her throat. She decided to drop the discussion of finding the nearest city or sign of civilization for the time being. At least until after supper. Maybe after a good meal, Duncan would start to remember something. Besides, why would he lie to her after he saved her life?
His gaze suddenly dropped from her eyes to her shoulders, and then to her breasts. He turned his head in a hurry and resumed skinning the rabbit.
“I think I’ll take a quick stroll to the stream and wash my hands. I’m not much of a cook, but if you like, I’ll try to help once I get back.” A fire blazed through her limbs. She stared at the ground, avoiding his face.
“I found a wee sliver of soap wrapped in some linen tucked inside Colin’s bag. His mum packed items for the lad I dinna’ carry. I’ll call for ye in plenty of time before dinner.” He tossed a rabbit foot on top of the boulder as he went about skinning the enormous hare.
“Thank you, I shouldn’t be long.” She ambled in hast and grabbed the small items next to Colin’s sack. With a quick glance at Duncan, she was glad to see his focus was centered on his task. She scampered down the trampled grass path and headed for the stream to get washed.
She knelt by the water’s edge and stared at her reflection. Her fingers wiggled beneath the cold, trickling water. She sighed, praying her fears and recent suspicions weren’t just confirmed by the genuineness of the rugged Highlander.
It just doesn’t make any sense. She combed her fingers through her hair trying to untangle tight masses. The bump on her head seemed smaller. No phones. Strange clothes. No cabs or motels. Old weapons. No streetlights or nearby roads. No power lines. And he never even heard of a train?
She shivered. Her stomach twisted in knots—she had a bad gut feeling something was drastically wrong here.
The name Darby kept nagging at her. Since she woke, her mind was hazy and sheltered as if a pair of wooden shutters was blocking everything out. The memory of a certain voice popped in her head like sunlight filtering through a pair of lacy curtains.
She hurried and finished washing her face and arms and wrapped the pleasant-smelling sliver of soap inside the small linen cloth. Her skin clean and tingling, she felt much better. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and tied it with a small strip of material she saved from her ruined capris. Her spirits lifted. She closed her eyes and tried to remember anything that might trigger her memory.
Darby. That’s it! It must have been his voice I heard yesterday evening before I fell unconscious. I remember now! By the Goddess, it’s all starting to come back now. There was a terrible storm, and Samson and I went looking for Beth. The golden amulet! That’s how I must have gotten here.
She rose and scrambled up the steep hill. For the life of her, she wondered how she was going to get out of this mess. She feared her dream just turned into a nightmare. “It’s time Duncan and I have a serious talk.”
Bloody hell! Keara’s enticing presence was causing a rush of mixed emotions. Like a doomed bug caught in a spider’s web, Duncan felt like he was trapped in this mess until Darby made it back with Colin. Duncan wasn’t sure how he was going to handle being alone for an entire day with the woman. The feisty lass enchanted his very soul every time their eyes met. If only things had been different. Right now, he certainly couldna afford to be distracted by romantic notions.
Nay, ‘twas mere foolishness to eve
n be thinkin’ of such thoughts. He’d make sure both her and Colin were sent packing at first light the day on the morrow. Furious at his vulnerability to her, the sharp tone of her voice still lingered in his mind. She’d practically accused him of not carin’ about Colin’s welfare. Och, the confoundin’ woman didna’ have any right to question him or his decisions.
A metal horse. What nonsense. These foolish contraptions she rambled on about. Aye, the phone he had seen with his own eyes and held in his own hands. There was no denyin’ she’d made up that thing in her head. These things she spoke of only confirmed she was a powerful witch or had a fierce imagination. Maybe she was still sufferin’ from her recovery. He had the strong suspicion she had a hard time admittin’ she was a witch. Still, this could be a ploy on her part.
Images of her strange undergarments flashed through his head. If these other contraptions were anythin’ like what he got a wee glimpse of, he was willin’ to take a closer look. He still had the golden amulet. Why hasn’t she asked for it back by now?
The recent confrontation with Gabrielle confirmed his suspicions. Another problem he faced, wondering when he should give it back to her. Afraid it would put her at greater risk, he would probably hold onto it until Darby could get her and Colin to the nearest village.
Irritated they were still stuck at the same spot, he should have already been to the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle by now and concentrating on arriving at his final destination. As soon as Darby got back with Colin he’d start out on his own like before. Good thing he had given himself extra time. There was still less than two weeks before Samhain Eve.
He grabbed a gristly piece of the hare’s innards and chucked it in the flames. The fire spluttered and crackled, sending sparks flying. Samson hissed and ran off. Duncan swore beneath his breath and caught sight of Keara’s wavy head popping over the hill.
Her hair was tied at the back of her head, exposing a sleek slender neck. Auburn curls dangled in front of her dainty ears. Her peach-blossom cheeks reddened from the exertion up the steep hill. The lass had no idea the effect she had on him. Or for that matter, the spell she’d unknowingly cast on his beastie. His hands clenched in his lap. His fingernails raked his palms. He rose and motioned with his hand for her to join him. His anger was immediately forgotten at the sight of her wide eyes and the taut muscles in her face.
Duncan bolted to her side and gripped her shoulders. “What’s happened, Keara? Did Gabrielle come back and try to hurt ye again?”
Her gaze locked with his, her hands gripped his wrist and her fingernails raked deep into his skin. “I just remembered how I got here. Please, Duncan, it’s important. My sister may be hurt or in trouble. I need to know. What year is this?”
Chapter 11
“‘Tis the year 1797, lass. Why do ye ask? What is this all about? And why do ye think yer sister is in trouble?” he asked, brushing the curls away from her sweaty forehead.
Keara stood staring at him, momentarily unable to move or utter a sound.
“Keara? Keara, answer me.”
Keara closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She remembered the last conversation she’d had with Beth. They were discussing living in the past and finding a real man. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She wanted to scream and start running. Petrified, her stomach still twisted in knots. She trembled, concerned for Beth’s safety. There certainly was nothing she could do here to help her sister. She tilted her head and screamed, “Damn it!”
Disgruntled birds soared from the trees, fluttering their wings above them.
“Here, throw this. ‘Twill help ye feel better.” Duncan placed a rock in her hand, still gripping her arm.
Keara chuckled then laughed so hard tears streamed down her face. The hysterical outburst quickly turned to anger. She hurled the rock as hard as she could and watched it ricochet off the stump and bounce across the blanket of grass, disappearing over the steep bank. Several sheep bleated and scampered away.
“Do ye feel any better now that ye got that off yer chest?” Duncan asked, and dabbed tears from her face.
“Not really.” She sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “I live in the twenty-first century, Duncan.”
Duncan grabbed her arms and guided her to the ground, sitting beside her. “Now calm yerself, lass. Ye’re still recoverin’ from when I found ye and had a rough day yesterday. Ye must have a nasty lump on the back of yer head. Lean over and I’ll take a wee look.”
“You don’t believe me.” She pushed his hands away. Her face flushed and her temper flared. She shot up and paced back and forth in front of him. She grabbed her cell phone from her pocket and repeatedly hit the power button, mumbling beneath her breath, before pitching it to the ground. She stopped and glared at him. Images of that stormy night flashed through her head. “I’m serious, Duncan. There was a terrible storm and the high winds blew down the power lines. Do you even know what electricity is? I went looking for my sister and couldn’t find her. She could be lying hurt or unconscious somewhere. Do you have any idea what it’s like to wake up in a different country and meet creatures that you only heard and read about in fairytales? And then to find out that somehow you traveled back several centuries in time and you might never be able to get back home and see your family again?”
The Highlander sat studying her with deep concern. He rose, catching her arm, and turned her to face him. He flinched from her touch like he’d gotten stung by a bee.
It served him right if their touch had the same effect on him as it did her. Now maybe he could see how she felt.
His voice was calm and soothing when he replied. “Ye have to admit, woman, this all sounds a bit farfetched. If I hadna’ seen what ye did with Colin and the strange clothes I found ye in along with yer phone, I still wouldna’ have believed ye meself. I can feel yer pain and fear. I believe ye’re tellin’ me the truth. And I’m sorry to hear about yer sister. Do ye have any idea how ye got here in the first place?”
“I think . . .” Her gut reaction was to tell him about the amulet, but she decided to keep quiet about it until she had more time for everything to sink in. “I’m not sure about anything right now. I just want to go home and find Beth and make sure she’s okay, and now I’m stuck here, lost in the past without my family, my clothes, and the damn cell phone batteries have died, or else I could show you pictures and prove what I’m talking about.”
Angry that for once she didn’t have control of her situation, she threw herself in his arms and started crying. Her body wouldn’t stop shaking.
Duncan wrapped his arms tightly around her and stroked his fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry, lass. I canna imagine what I’d do if I woke up in yer time. I could only hope I’d meet someone as kind-hearted as ye that would believe me. I promise, I’ll try to find a way to get ye home.”
She stopped crying and ripped a small piece of material from the bottom of the bulky nightshirt and blew her nose. She swallowed small gulps of air and tried to take a few deep breaths, realizing she must come to terms with the circumstances. There was nothing she could do to help Beth right now. Certainly someone had come around looking for them by now and hopefully found Beth safe and sound in the greenhouse. Until she decided what to do next, at least for now she wasn’t alone.
She had to convince herself things could always be worse. She could still hear Beth’s voice from that night of that terrible storm.
Do you ever get the feeling we were born in the wrong time period?
Feeling totally lost and helpless, the thought of that conversation with her sister made her grin. If only Beth were here with me to meet Duncan. Wouldn’t she be surprised! Let’s face it, if Beth were here, she’d be in her glory, enjoying every minute. Why me?
Duncan stood patiently surveying her sympathetically, his legs spread apart. He smiled that boyish grin wh
en he caught her attention and held his hand out to her.
Keara stepped forward, placing her hand inside his, and was drawn into his arms. With her emotions in turmoil and her adrenaline running amuck, his masculine, musky scent drove her hormones into a wild frenzy. A fire spread through her loins like never before. She couldn’t help herself. Her fingers dug in the center of his shoulder muscles and worked their way to the front of his broad chest. She craved his touch.
A small groan, almost like a soft growl, escaped his lips. He lifted her chin and lowered his inviting mouth over her parted lips. His hands touched her neck and lowered down her shoulders to the hollow of her back before cupping her bottom. He pulled her body close to his and effortlessly lifted her feet off the ground. His mouth covered hers, his kiss slow and hungry for more.
Keara shuddered from the passion he aroused deep inside. Her pulse spinning, his kisses left her mouth burning with fire, awakening fiery passions she never knew existed, begging to be released.
Her lips brushed his chin before she buried her face in his neck. He gently eased back to the ground, his mouth recapturing her lips with a fierce strength. His body shielded hers in a blanket of mounting arousal. The Highlander had awakened a magick she wanted to discover. And only with him. But now was not the right time.
She kissed the side of his face and whispered in his ear, “I’m afraid we need to stop before we both do something we might regret.”
Chapter 12
The enchantment of the moment was broken by the sound of her voice. Bloody hell. What was he thinkin’? Mo creach, I was ready to make love to her!
