A Lass to Love (Brides of Scotland #1) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,17

leaned out. “Watch out fer Edna, she’s in a mood tonight.”

Mood? He didn’t have a chance to ask more as Colin swung the door out and stepped back for Tom to enter.

He gazed about the room, finding Fiona on the far side next to the table that was already covered in dishes of food. His body hummed in awareness. He’d thought of little else but her throughout the day and he drank in the sight of her now as if he’d been starving.

“Ye must be hungry, Mr. Mayweather,” Edna said from next to Fiona.

He startled, wondering if she’d read his mind. “I am rather peckish,” he answered. Inwardly he added, but not for the food.

“I can tell the way yer staring at the buffet.” Edna stepped in front of her niece, her cane thumping on the wooden floor.

The sound reminded him of the hard rap she’d given his shin. He’d have to make sure to cut Edna a wide path this evening. He didn’t need any more bruises.

“Well, if that’s the case then we should eat.” Colin came to stand next to him. “It’s a good night to spend together, with food and a bit of wine.” And then he crossed to the buffet and opened the door, revealing several bottles of wine that were tucked in the locked cabinet.

Fiona unbolted the other side and pulled out four glasses. It always amazed him, the comforts that could be stored on a ship. The inside of the cabinet was not unlike a wooden crate, keeping the glasses safe despite the pitching ship.

Soon they were seated at the table, Fiona to his right and Colin to his left. Edna sat across from him, giving him a hard stare as they raised their glasses in a toast. He gave her a bland smile in return, his shins didn’t stand a chance.

Which was why he nearly jumped out of his skin when something brushed his knee under the table. It wasn’t the hard hit of cane, but a delicate touch that whispered across the tight knit cloth of his breeches. He glanced to his left and Fiona gave him the tiniest wink. He had to blink, wondering if he’d imagined the gesture.

But then light fingers settled on his thigh. Warmth sifted through the material. Every muscle in his body tensed in response as he tried to keep his facial features in a neutral position. His gaze fixed on a spot along the wall as her fingers slid slowly higher on his leg.

Not that he didn’t appreciate the touch. He did. But Tom had to wonder what Fiona was thinking. This was a bold move for a woman who’d only had her first kiss yesterday. Still, he craved her touch even more than he had the day before.

“Tell me, Tom,” Colin started speaking from his right. “How did yer trip to Scotland go? Did ye find the wool ye needed?”

Tom took a healthy swallow of his wine. Making polite conversation with Fiona’s hand skimming up his thigh required a bit of fortification. “I did, thank you. The Prince Regent should be most pleased with the selection.”

Edna cocked her head to the side. “Did ye say the Prince Regent?”

He nodded but it was Colin who answered. “Dressmakers and patrons alike agree that Tom makes the finest wool for garments. Even with the popularity of lighter fabrics, he has a booming business, Auntie.”

Edna sniffed, her cane thumping the floor. “What exactly are ye trying to convince me of?”

Tom leaned forward, placing his hand over Fiona’s on his thigh. Now was not the time to be distracted by attraction. Right now, he needed to convey his affection and commitment. “I am only trying to make certain that you don’t hit me with that wooden club you carry around.” He gave her what he hoped was his best smile.

She narrowed her gaze, titling her chin down. “I’ll not hit ye if ye’re behaving yerself with my niece.”

He leaned forward, giving Fiona’s fingers a squeeze. “I have nothing but the most honest intentions toward your niece.”

Edna’s cane thumped the floor and he stiffened the smallest bit. “Ye should have no intentions toward my niece.”

“Auntie,” Fiona’s melodious voice washed over the conversation. She gave his thigh a squeeze. “I’m sure we’ll all feel better after we’ve eaten.”

Edna pressed back into her chair. “I’ll feel better when we’ve reached London and delivered ye to yer fiancé.”

Tom drew in a sharp breath. He didn’t see that happening. Not if he had anything to