Page 59 of The Highlander Is All That

Which was patently unfair.

“Come and sit,” Esmeralda commanded, patting the seat between herself and Elizabeth.

Ah, God. Even though they didn’t touch, his heat enfolded her. His scent, some glorious and manly fragrance that was purely Hamish, surrounded her in a cloud. She longed to fill her lungs with it.

“I want to hear everything,” Esmeralda said. “Every. Thing.”

Hamish shrugged. “Not much to tell,” he said, picking up a cake and wolfing it down.

This, Elizabeth did not mind in the least. In fact, it was fascinating to watch. Those lips. That throat working. The stubble on his chin. All fascinating.

She caught Mary’s too-intent attention on her, and she sniffed and looked away.

“I want to hear nonetheless,” her aunt insisted.

“Is Bower with you?” Anne asked in a too-desultory manner.

“He’s coming. He had some business to take care of on the way. But Duncan and Catherine are staying in Scotland for a bit.”

“So they did elope?” Victoria’s eyes shone.

“They did indeed.”

“And Tiverton?” Esmeralda asked.

Hamish lifted a shoulder. “No idea. Apparently they stranded him somewhere in Cumbria.”

“No, they didn’t!” Esmeralda cackled at that.

“Indeed they did.”

“No less than he deserved. Imagine, kidnapping Catherine.” Elizabeth was still overset about that. She had been so worried and outraged and annoyed.

“It all worked out for them. Catherine is quite happy,” he assured her.

“I should think so. She’s loved Duncan for years.”

“And hated him,” Victoria added, picking up another cake.

“It is a thin line, my gels,” their aunt warbled.

“How comforting,” Anne muttered.

“Well, it’s true. I am glad you are back.” Esmeralda patted Hamish on his knee. Fortunately, he was wearing breeches, or Elizabeth might have smacked her hand away.

“I am too, truth be told. Hieing about the countryside is tiring.” He shot them all a smile. “If you don’t mind, I shall turn in.”

“Of course. Of course. We were just heading up as well.” Their aunt leaped to her feet and clapped. “Come, gels. It’s been a long night and we have calls in the morning.”

They all groaned as they came to their feet, but it was a genial groan. They had their Scottish guard dog back and the season was back on.

Elizabeth, for one, was delighted.

* * *

As tired as Hamish was, he couldn’t sleep.

Seeing Elizabeth had awoken something in him. Something that felt like hunger.