Page 11 of The Highlander Is All That
She could. The answer was one. “It does not signify,” she said, waving her hand dismissively.
“It most certainly does.”
“You are here to help find us husbands, not catalog my kisses.”
He seemed vexed by the reminder, but said, “Just so. I was sent here by the duke to do a job, and I assure you, kissing his cousin was no’ what he had in mind.”
“I disagree. I think he should be pleased.”
Hamish stopped short and stared at her. “What?”
“How can I know what kind of husband I want if I don’t, ahem, test the waters?”
His nostrils flared. “Egads, woman. Tell me you doona mean what I think you mean?”
“I think I should kiss several men. You know. To get a feel for it.”
His brow darkened. “You shouldna do this.”
“Why ever not?”
“When you allow a man such a liberty, he feels welcome to take more.”
Was he really lecturing her? She felt the irresistible urge to goad him, to rile him as much as he was riling her. “So . . . do you?”
“Do I what?” he snarled.
“Do you feel welcome to take more?” She batted her lashes at him, but only because it made him uncomfortable.
He paled and stared at her for a moment while that muscle in his cheek worked. “This conversation is highly improper.”
“Is it? I feel it’s rather apropos. Did you enjoy that kiss, by the way?”
His ears went red. “That is none of your business.”
“I disagree.” She pulled away and propped her hands on her hips. “I think it is very much my business. I mean, how should I know if I even did it right?”
“Did it—?”
“Perhaps I should try again.”
His eyes narrowed. He licked his lips, though she was certain he was unaware of the slip.
She shot him a sweet smile. “Ah, well. No doubt Bower would be willing.”
“He bluidy hell would not!”
“Honestly, Hamish. There is no cause to yell.”
“I’m no’ yelling,” he yelled. Three birds in the apple tree took wing. He sucked in a great breath, fighting for composure, scoured his hair again, and then muttered, “You will drive me to drink, lass.”
Elizabeth’s smile widened. She batted her lashes. “Is that a good thing?”
“It most definitely is no’.”
“I shall have Henley supply you with some brandy.”
“I prefer Scots whisky.”
