The Highland Laird (Lords of the Highlands #8) - Amy Jarecki Page 0,60
wee dip in the Firth of Lorn as the sun rises,” he said, clanging the pots by the hearth. “I’ll put a kettle of water on, and by the time we’ve returned it will be piping hot.”
“Returned from out of doors?”
“I have no idea where else we might enjoy the firth.”
“But I cannot swim.”
“Then we’ll have to rectify that, will we not?”
Emma gulped. She’d waded in the surf before, but she had been wearing her shift at the time. “Outside without our clothing?”
“’Tis a good way to keep your things dry, lass. Besides, you are well aware I swam yesterday in the raw.” Ciar took her hand. “You have a blanket, and we’ll stay hidden in the cove just as I did.”
Though not enamored with the idea, swimming with Ciar piqued her interest. In seclusion. Without clothing.
An adventure.
He pulled her outside, where they found Albert already in the midst of taking a dip, yapping and splashing through the waves as he chased a flock of irascible terns.
Ciar slowed the pace. “We’re about to step off the path onto the beach stones.”
Emma slid her foot forward. “Will they not hurt without my boots?”
“They’re smooth as the tiles in my great hall.”
“Hmm.” She stepped, the rocks soft and cool under her toes. “Do you realize I’ve never been to Dunollie Castle before?”
“No? Well, that’s something I hope to rectify.”
She grinned. Wouldn’t it be fantastical to visit Ciar’s castle? Mayhap find herself lost in the corridors and wind up in his bedchamber. Oh, how naughty she had become overnight. And to think, only a handful of sennights ago when they’d arrived at Achnacarry she had abhorred leaving Glenmoriston.
He stopped, wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. “We can leave our blankets here on the driftwood.”
“I reckon I like it better right here,” she said as a chilly breeze curled around her legs. “Are you certain ’tis a good idea to swim so early in the morn?”
He urged her to release her grip on the blanket. “There is no better time. Besides, the water feels warmer when there’s a bite to the air.”
As soon as he pulled the plaid away, Emma’s teeth started chattering. But she let him lead her into the surf, the water washing over her toes.
“See? It is refreshing.”
“If you s-s-say so.”
“Come deeper.”
She followed willingly until the water slapped her thighs. “I think this is far enough. ’Tis so cold I’m surprised there’s not ice floating in the surf.”
“Ice? It is August, lass. There’s nay chance of ice.” He gave her hand a tug. “Do ye ken the only way to brave the Highland sea?”
“Naaaaay,” Emma said, positively certain she did not want to know.
“Like this!” he shouted, sweeping her off her feet and hurtling her into the surf.
“Aaaaaa!” she screeched while saltwater filled her mouth as she plunged downward. Flinging out her arms, she grappled for Ciar, kicking futilely while she sank. As water enveloped her, she fought harder, straining to keep her head above water, gasping for air.
Just as the waves pulled her under, the Highlander’s powerful arms slipped beneath her and pulled her flush against his bare chest. “Refreshing, is it not?”
Shaking her head, Emma coughed. “I-I-I thought I—” She gasped. “Was going to drown.”
“I’d never let you drown.” He laughed, spinning her around, his deep voice resounding off the cove’s walls. “I will always be here to catch you.”
“Stop!” she hollered as he pulled her through the freezing surf. “Stop, you barbarian!”
But he didn’t. Instead, he urged her to climb onto his back. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”
“Why?” she asked, clinging to him with all her strength.
“Mayhap not quite as tightly as that,” he croaked.
She loosened her arms, her teeth chattering. “S-sorry.”
“I’m taking you on a wee swim across the cove. Lesson one.”
“N-no, wait!”
But before the words escaped her lips, she was riding on his back as Ciar worked his arms and legs, making the water splash everywhere. When he stopped, he wrapped an arm around her waist and coaxed her around to his front—skin to skin, her breasts molding into his chest. “Are ye still cold, lass?”
“Aye, though not as much as before.” Unable to touch bottom, she wrapped her legs around him, needing warmth, needing him. “Y-you?”
“Invigorated. Och, I reckon the water on the hob ought to be steaming by now. What say you we go fill a half barrel and warm our bones?”
“Oh, yes.” Her teeth chattered. A warm bath never sounded so good—as long as they were together. “We mustn’t delay