Chapter 11 #2
“If nothing else, I can at least say hello for you,” she smiled warmly at Sara.
“That would be so great,” Sara said.
“It’s been fun getting to know you. I don’t know if our paths will ever cross again …”
“You never know. Edna can arrange it. Wait there.” She ran back inside, leaving Logan to talk with them.
“I thought ye wished to time travel, Hamish,” he said.
“I do. Edna doesnae believe this is the right time.”
Now Logan was eyeing him strangely. He seemed to want to say something, but he kept silent.
Sara joined them again and handed Elle a paper. “That’s Zeke’s contact info.”
“I promise I’ll call him.” Elle tucked the paper into her pocket.
“Can I give you a hug?” Sara asked.
Elle looked to Hamish. He dismounted and helped her down. Sara immediately engulfed her in a hug. Oddly, she also hugged Hamish.
“I’m nae leaving fer long, Sara,” he said.
“I know. I just felt like hugging you.”
Logan clapped him on the back. “Take care.”
Why were they behaving so strangely? He shook his head at it, helped Elle back up onto Aylwen, and then joined her. She nestled into his embrace and he sighed, thinking this was going to be a very long ride.
They waved goodbye. Logan and Sara appeared ready to burst with laughter, leaving Hamish thinking he should know what they found so funny, but for some reason he had no idea. Logan made an obvious point of winking at him as they rode off.
***
“They’re so sweet,” Elle said.
“They’re up to something,” Hamish answered.
“What?”
“Did ye nae see the way they were behaving?”
“I didn’t notice anything.”
“Humph,” he exclaimed.
“What’s wrong with you, Hamish. You’re acting really weird.”
What could he say? I don’t want you to go. If you do go, I want to go with you. “Nothing’s wrong with me.”
Lost in his own thoughts, Hamish remained silent and grumpy.
He had to tell her how he felt, but it wouldn’t make a difference and he’d only end up looking the fool.
He had to save some semblance of dignity.
He’d had plenty when she first arrived. Slowly but surely over the course of her time here, he’d lost his ability to think about anything but Elle.
It was best he keep his mouth shut and hope he could keep from getting down on his knees and begging her to take him with her.
***
Mr. Grumpy, as she was coming to think of him, hadn’t said a word since shortly after leaving Sara and Logan.
She was acutely aware of the birds singing in the trees and the sound of rustling leaves and grass as a chill breeze picked up.
It smelled like rain, which didn’t bode well for their upcoming night of camping.
She couldn’t be sure, but it seemed they were heading in a different direction than they’d taken on their way to Breaghacraig.
They’d left the path and were heading through a grassy field when the first raindrops fell.
Hamish drew his plaid up and over both of them.
She snuggled into his warmth and he pulled her in even closer, seeming to know she was cold.
“Where are we going?” she asked, speaking for the first time in hours.
“The ground is still wet from two days of rain, and it looks like the clouds have a bit more in store for us. There’s a small hunting lodge just ahead. ’Twill be enough to keep us warm and dry for the night.”
Of course he would have a plan to keep her safe and dry. He’d protect her from anything that might arise.
Hamish pointed to something up ahead. “There ’tis.”
A small stone cottage built at the base of a rock wall lay straight ahead. “Does someone live there?”
“Nae. ’Tis a place for hunters to rest when they are in this area and away from home.”
“It’s lovely.” The long lost romantic in her thought it looked like something out of a painting.
“’Twill serve our needs,” Mr. Grumpy said.
They dismounted and Hamish opened the door for her to enter. It was dark and cold inside, but she could see that with a fire blazing, it would be a comfortable, warm and dry place to spend the night.
She turned back to see Hamish unsaddling Aylwen, leaving him to graze in the lush green grass surrounding the cottage.
Watching him she felt a sense of loss. He was a handsome man, but he was so much more.
He was thoughtful, caring, strong, funny, and on top of all of those amazing qualities, he was a talented musician.
He was a man she would truly miss when she returned to her own time.
If they weren’t about to be separated by five hundred years, she could imagine a life with him.
Elle stood in the doorway, waiting for him and as he walked towards her, she found herself wanting him.
Wanting to have the chance to experience a night in his arms. He couldn’t go with her, but they could have this one night.
A night she would remember for the rest of her life.
“I’ll get a fire started,” Hamish said, brushing past her and heading to the hearth. “Close the door, lass,” he called back over his shoulder.
She was going to have to do a better job of letting him know what she wanted.
She’d already made the first move once when she’d kissed him.
Could she do it again? This time it would be much more than a kiss, but Elle knew Hamish well enough to know he wouldn’t so much as touch her unless he knew it was what she wanted. This was going to be up to her.
She could barely breathe as she walked up behind him. He knelt at the hearth. Concentration etched his face as he worked. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she said, “This is perfect.” The words came out in a husky whisper.
“Aye. The laird and his men have all stayed here a time or two.” He blew on the small flames and when he was sure they’d caught, he added more kindling and finally a good sized log. “That should keep us warm.”
Elle hadn’t removed her hand and as Hamish stood and turned to her, her hand moved from his shoulder to his chest. His heartbeat drummed strong and steady, pulsing through her hand and into her own heart. She gazed up into his very serious face and lost her nerve. “Did you bring your lute?”
“I did, but I dinnae much feel like playing.” Low and husky, his voice sent a thrill of anticipation through her. He didn’t move away, instead placing one large hand over hers.
She wasn’t sure if it was the heat from the fire or from Hamish that was causing her to flush.
Whatever it was, a cool breeze would be most welcome in this moment.
She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted a man.
In her eyes he was perfection in every way.
Elle was anxious for him to make his move, but she didn’t want to rush this.
They had all night. The thought of spending the night entangled in his arms and all that came along with it caused her breath to catch in her throat.
Her lips parted. His eyes followed her tongue as it flicked out to wet them.
Maybe she wouldn’t have to make the first move.
***
Hamish couldn’t help himself. He knew it would only be this one night, but he wanted it and if he was reading her correctly, she did as well.
He gently tipped her chin up with one crooked finger and just as gently kissed her parted lips.
“We’ve the one night, lass.” Shimmering pools of sapphire gazed into his eyes.
He wanted her to remember him, as he would always remember her.
She touched his face. He captured her hand and held it to his lips, kissing her palm and fingers.
He held her close, afraid to let go. Afraid that if he did she would change her mind and run from him.
Tomorrow she’d be gone from his life for good, but tonight she would be his.
His lips captured hers with a fiery passion and she responded in a way that took him by surprise.
Yes, tonight would be the only night they’d spend together. It would be memorable.