Too Scot to Hold (The Hots for Scots #8) - Caroline Lee Page 0,37

herself,” Davina whispered, still shocked. “I just caught the wee lassie.”

Before Merewyn could ask, Graham nodded. “I cut the cord at the appropriate time, but I’ve done naught else. Now, have ye been running?”

Hearing the stern tone in his question, Merewyn scowled at him and waved a hand dismissively as she stepped toward the bed. “I’ve tried everything under the sun to convince my bairn to get a move on and arrive. A bit of running willnae hurt.”

“Nevertheless, please sit down as ye boss everyone around.”

Before Merewyn could object, Moira touched her elbow. “He’s right, lass. Sit down and tell us what to do to help Evie.”

And as the focus of the room turned to the bed, Graham tugged Davina toward the door. “Come along, lass. Let us get ye cleaned.”

She was silent and leaned on him more than he expected as he led her toward her chamber. Once there, he held her at arm’s length as he studied her.

“Vina,” he murmured, “are ye aright?”

She shuddered. “It was horrible. Horrible and wonderful. Och, Graham, I was so scared!”

Pulling her into his arms, he rubbed his hands up and down her back. “Ye did a wonderful job. Ye brought Evie’s daughter into the world. Ye did that, Vina.”

“I ken. It was incredible to see her in so much pain, and then just—pop! The bairn was there!”

Remembering his brothers had called it popping as well, Graham had to chuckle. “I’m sorry ye were put in that position. An unmarried lass shouldnae—”

“I’m nae innocent, if ye remember?”

She wasn’t, but she was still a virgin. Technically, at least.

Lifting her head, she poked him in the side. “Ye could ensure I was nae longer—”

“I’m no’ going to fook ye, Vina,” he growled, setting her away from him so he could scowl down at her.

She sighed. “No’ ‘til we’re married, aye?’

Remembering the conversation he’d been having before the servant lass had found him with news from Vina, Graham scowled. “ ’Twill no’ be as simple as that.”

She listened silently as he recounted the argument he’d had with her grandfather.

“So ye see, he still considers me unworthy of marrying ye.”

“ ’Tis because he’s stubborn and unwilling to admit he might be wrong,” she bit out, reaching for the ties of her gown. “He’s always been like that: pigheaded to the point of being dangerous.” One shoulder slid free. “ ’Tis no’ a good trait for a laird, in my opinion.” Then the other shoulder. “We need to convince him ye are a good choice, and he’ll see ye’re worth more than ten other men.”

Her gown pooled around her waist, and his throat went dry.

“Um, what are ye doing?”

Her chin jutted in determination. “My gown in filthy, and my hands are as well. As are yers. Ye need to pour some clean water into that pitcher so we can wash.”

With a wriggle, her gown pooled around her feet, and he couldn’t help glancing down to watch it. When he looked back up, she was grinning mischievously.

“And after we’ve washed our hands,” she said in a low, seductive tone, “I fully intend on making ye wash all of me.”

How was he supposed to deny that order?

“Aye, my love,” he murmured, reaching for her.

Chapter 9

Mayhap she shouldn’t have encouraged him to stay the night, but after having the experience—even if ‘twas only a few times—of sleeping in Graham’s arms, how could she ask him to leave? For his part, although he’d refused to make love to her completely, he hadn’t seemed to mind holding her all night.

Despite what he’d told her of her grandfather’s stubbornness.

Oh, curse the stubborn old fool! How could he hurt her the way he had, destroying all of Graham’s letters? And her own letters to Graham? She’d been foolish to trust her grandfather! All winter, the old man had seen her pining and moping, and had clearly known the cause!

He’d been the cause, curse him. He’d kept her from the man she loved, just because he didn’t think he was good enough to be the next Laird MacKinnon.

Graham was just as worthy as any of the other Oliphant bastards, which Grandda had been eager to marry her to. Kiergan would likely have the role after all, so why should Davina not marry the man she loved? A man who was kind and strong and intelligent and caring?

“Ye’re squeezing me, my love.”

‘Twas her first indication Graham was awake. She let out a rueful laugh. “My apologies. I was thinking of my grandfather.”

“Aye, me as well.” There was