Page 82 of Highland Stars
I’ve seen many versions of Makenna. The strong hiker. The mermaid. The rain-soaked. The one made up for date night, and the one in pajamas, settled in for the night. I’ve been very much attracted to all these versions, but tonight she’s knocked the wind from my lungs.
“Oh, lass. I’ve never been happier to have perfect eyesight. Though had I been born blind, something tells me I’d find other ways to appreciate you in this dress.” I step closer. Keeping her just out of reach for now. “You’re always bonnie, but tonight … tonight I have no words for what you’re doing to me.”
Her blush shows up especially well against the green of her dress, and I notice that it also makes her eyes appear more green than blue. Oh, I love her eyes. The air between us is thick with electricity as I watch her eyes slowly move down my body. Pausing at my dress kilt, she smiles, then finishes her perusal. Meanwhile, I feel like a cobra ready to strike, but hypnotized by a charmer.
“You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, and I love your kilt. You look … like a dream.”
“I was having very similar feelings, lass. Thank you.” I pull a long, blue velvet jewelry box from my inner suit pocket. “I have something for you.”
Makenna’s eyes widen. “You shouldn’t have gotten me anything. You already bought the dress and shoes.”
“You’re doing me a favour by coming with me to the gala.” I put the box into her hands.
“This hardly feels like a favor.” She looks down at the box, then smiles back at me. “This is exciting, even if you shouldn’t have.”
“I’m glad, and I should have. Go ahead.”
She looks down once more and opens the box. Her sudden intake of breath tells me she probably likes it. It’s a small gold chain with a deep purple amethyst stone pendant.
“I chose it, then checked with Fiona to make sure it would go with your dress.”
“It’s perfect. I can’t believe how beautiful it is.”
I remove the necklace from the box as Makenna holds it. I step behind her and fasten the necklace around her exposed neck. Her long hair has been curled and pinned up, reminding me of the styles you’d see in a Jane-Austen-type movie.
I slide my hands around her waist and pull her to me, then place a slow kiss to the side of her neck. “I’m gonna have a very hard time socializing tonight having you within arm’s reach.”
Makenna lays her head back on my shoulder. “So you’resaying I should find some people to talk with across the room?”
I pull her tighter. “That isnotwhat I’m saying.”
“Alright, you just let me know if you change your mind.”
“I definitely won’t.” I let her go and come to her side. “Ready to go?”
She angles toward me. “Yep. But before we go, I have a very serious question.” Her tone is somewhere between seductive and teasing, and I know I’m gonna like whatever this is.
“Oh, aye?”
Her beautiful eyes are absolutely sparkling. “Aye.”
That’s it. I want to pick her up, forgo the gala and run to anywhere that isn’t my parents’ living room.
“Can I take those socks with me when I leave?”
I’m so shocked at this being theserious questionthat I throw my head back and laugh. I glance down at my dark green kilt hose, then back at Makenna.
“Anything you want, sweetheart. You can have anything you want.”
45
Makenna
MalcolmandIstepinto the hotel ballroom, and I’m immediately underwhelmed. The people are dressed nicely, but the decorations and general atmosphere are sterile and bland. I know the purpose of the gala is to raise funds, but I already have so many ideas of things that could have been done differently for likely the same price.
“Are you alright?” Malcolm asks. Obviously my thoughts have been written all over my face. I shiver as the warmth of his hand seeps through the silk of my dress as he snakes his arm around my waist.
“I’m fine. It’s just not what I expected.”
