started shouting as the men in the two teams took their positions on either side of the muddy hole. “So every clan will have a turn and eventually, the two strongest teams will compete for the prize money?”
“Aye.”
The tug-of-war started and shouting ensued, not only from the people sitting around her, but the two teams. Feet slipped, arms strained under the pressure, faces turned bright red as the men, all of similar weight, tried to pull one another over.
Abby’s attention snapped to Aedan’s legs, his kilt doing nothing to hide the strong, corded muscles that ran up their lengths. His arms flexed, tightened, and it was hard to imagine he’d held her against him with nothing but care and softness.
The bout went on for some time; both teams feeling the strain, as they seemed well matched in strength. But a member of Clan Ross slipped onto his bottom near the front, making some of the men lose their footing. It wasn’t long before Aedan’s team used the men’s disadvantage and pulled them over the allotted line.
Gwen swore as Braxton landed on his ass, his kilt covered in mud.
“That’ll be a bastard to wash,” her friend said, making Abby laugh.
“I should imagine so.”
Aedan clapped his men on their backs, joining them in ribbing the following team that they’d be next to end in the mud pit. Abby laughed and found herself enjoying the day immensely. What wasn’t to like? She was in the Highlands, surrounded by good people, even if they weren’t of her time. Everything was crystal clear here, the air, the people’s morals, likes and dislikes.
It was quite refreshing and not a little addictive.
Aline ran up to Aedan, her enthusiasm over his team’s win seemed a little overdone, even for her. The young woman gushed, practically re-living the event, while smiling up at Aedan with obvious longing.
Abby inwardly cursed the girl before putting a stop to such thoughts. Why shouldn’t Aline look at him like that? He was a good-looking man, certainly one who pulled many female gazes his way. He leaned down and said something in the woman’s ear, her face flushing a little, making her more attractive than she already was.
Abby looked away and concentrated on the hills in the distance. She should be happy he was forming an attachment to another woman. She wasn’t staying to fill the position. As soon as she could, she’d be returning home, back to her own life.
It may not be the most extravagant life, but it was hers, nonetheless. The thought of her tiny apartment in Salem, and the amount of friends she could count on one hand, made her a little sad when surrounded by people born centuries before, who seemed to have hundreds of people who cared, loved, and looked out for one another.
Her parents had died before she even knew them, and her foster parents had never really bothered to exert themselves too much. And she’d never had what others would call close friends. Laughter pulled her attention back to Aedan, and she watched as Black Ben slapped him on the back, Ben throwing an odd look toward Gwen before both men walked off toward a group of tent-like structures that’d been erected for the games so that men could change and warm up, and women could relieve themselves. Abby narrowed her eyes on Ben’s retreating back. What did that look mean toward her friend? Did Ben seek out Gwen in some way? Want her approval or attention?
“He doesn’t fancy Aline, you know.”
Gwen’s statement startled her. “Who?” she asked, already dreading the answer. Was her attraction to Aedan obvious? Did she even have an attraction? She’d have to pull her libido in line if she wanted to remain anonymous.
“My brother has known the Grants all his life, and while he may flirt and tease the ladies of the house, he wouldn’t trifle with any of them unless he was intending to ask for their hand.”
“I told him to kiss the next woman that intrigued him enough to feel the smallest amount of affection. Do you think he’ll listen to my advice?” Had she made a mistake asking him to do such a thing? Would he take her suggestion and run with it? Kissing anyone who was female, attractive to him, and in need of a husband? The thought of his lips on hers, how he’d ignited a fire that, damn it, wouldn’t go out, not even hours after it had occurred, drove her wild with jealousy.