A Lass to Love (Brides of Scotland #1) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,18

say on the matter.

Chapter Ten

Fiona flushed with heat as she gripped Tom’s thigh. She’d never in her entire life done anything so bold. She loved it.

She was tired of being a mouse. Of letting life happen to her instead of being an active participant in her own destiny. And last night Tom had proved that he would allow her to experiment without pushing beyond her limits of comfort.

She’d touched his leg, not to win a new suitor, or to push away the old one. Fiona just wanted to enjoy the feel of his muscles under her hands. She didn’t even wish to think about the future. For once she wanted to enjoy the here and now.

Colin uncovered the dishes and she’d been forced to use both her hands for the meal. But as she cut the delicate piece of lamb, she amended that the night would not be over after they finished eating their dinner. There would be no moonlit walk rendezvous on the deck but there could still be a midnight meeting.

Her cheeks heated again and she dipped her head as Colin discussed the merits of farming. While his shipping business that he’d inherited from his father was thriving, she knew he wished for a life on land. Momentarily putting her own feelings aside, she decided to help him in any way she could. Colin would most certainly have to be one of her future projects.

But her current recipient of her aid was…herself. Today, right now, she was going to experience a bit of what she’d missed these past three years while engaged to a man who didn’t want her.

Fiona was giddy with the thought and gripped her fork tighter to keep from jumping about, or grinning foolishly, or grabbing Tom’s thigh again. Anticipation made her foot tap under the table.

Edna emptied her wine glass and Fiona picked up the bottle, refilling her aunt’s drink. The action was devious. In her old age, two glasses of wine would have her aunt sound asleep and snoring within the hour. Fiona poured a bit more, topping the glass off with a healthy pour.

“Thank ye, my dear.” Her aunt gave a small hiccup as she lifted the drink. “Most kind of ye.”

Colin, however, shot her a warning glare from across the table. Would it be terribly suspicious if she refilled his wine too? Setting the bottle down, she widened her eyes in an angelic pose. “It’s a party. We should all have fun.”

“It is,” her aunt agreed as she brought the glass to her lips. The meal continued on punctuated by light conversation and driving rain beating against the boat.

But Fiona didn’t mind. It added to the air of intimacy as they sat together. After taking their last bites, they rose from the table and returned to the buffet. Colin whispered in her ear. “We’ll have to wrap up early thanks to yer heavy hand with Aunt Edna’s wine.”

She shrugged, not willing to confess she’d given Edna extra wine for the sole purpose of putting the woman to sleep. “She’s been far kinder to Tom since she finished that first glass.”

Colin’s brow rose. “That is very true.”

Edna sat in the only other chair available in the room and leaned her head back against the wall. Fiona stood next to Tom, wishing there was a way to set up a meeting with him for later in the night. But Colin never moved out of earshot and soon Edna’s soft snores punctuated their conversation.

“We should get Edna to bed.” Colin said, frowning over at their aunt.

“I agree,” Fiona replied with a bit too much breathy excitement. She stopped and took a deep breath.

Colin picked up her aunt and carried her across the room to the alcove that held the bed. Fiona spun about to Tom. “I’ll meet ye in the storeroom tonight,” she whispered quickly.

He gave a jerk of his head. “No.”

That single word jolted through her. No?

“I’ll explain tomorrow.” He touched her elbow and then headed for the door.

Colin, having deposited their aunt in her bed, turned back to them. “Ye’re leaving?”

“I’d better,” Tom answered. “I’ll see you both in the morning.” And then he was gone.

Fiona thought back to Tom’s words earlier when he’d assured her aunt that his intentions were honorable. She nearly harrumphed. Why did he have to go and grow a code of ethics now?

Colin cleared his throat. “Whatever yer planning, ye can just stop.”

“What?” she asked, turning to Colin.

He crossed the room again. “I spoke with Tom today.