Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“I’ve missed you too.” The foliage above thickened, blocking what little remained of the late afternoon sunshine, but Colin’s solid presence warmed her through as it always did. “Last month your visit to Dunvegan Castle was so short. We didnae even get to speak.”


“I’m sorry about that, scamp.” He squeezed her hand, his voice tender as he used her childhood nickname. “I had only a few hours to spare afore I had to return to Duart Castle.”

“Is that when your chief was first captured?”

“Aye, and we expected the MacDonalds to attack with their full force upon hearing the news. That was why I came to Dunvegan, to seek Rory’s aid and some additional men for the battle, only I discovered from him both the MacDonald of Sleat and the MacDonald of Dunnyveg too had been captured by the king’s men. Rory confirmed the two MacDonald clans were in as much turmoil as ours by the loss of their chiefs.” He stepped ahead and held up a low branch so she could pass through. “Come, less about my problems when I need to consider yours. If you wish aid in finding a husband, then allow me to see who’s at court this eve and consider any possible prospects.”

“Elizabeth has introduced me to almost every unmarried man since I arrived, even Lord Sinclare who must be at least seventy.” She rolled her eyes, not impressed at all that she had to consider a man who needed two canes to walk stably with.

“You mean old Batten-face Sinclare is a possible suitor?” He chuckled and she slapped his arm.

“Dinnae laugh. I have no desire to be that man’s wife.”

“Ah, but consider the benefits. He’d have years of wisdom to offer you.”

“Aye, but no’ years to give it. When he and I spoke, he made it quite clear he’s here to find a young wife in order to provide him with an heir since both his sons passed. I do feel sorry for him, but no’ enough to accept a proposal.”

“His sons perished in a battle that took many lives. They were good men. I knew them.” Colin withdrew his sword and slashed a thorny bush blocking the thin path before stepping through. “We’re almost there.”

“Almost where?” Birds twittered from their nests above, the forest so thick that nothing but the trees surrounded them.

“On a past trip, I discovered this loch, though ’tis well hidden.” Colin returned to her, bent and brushed a soft kiss against her forehead. “Look ahead. I’ve cleared the way.”

He stepped aside and she gasped.

The loch was small, private and completely hidden, its glassy surface dancing with the reflection of the towering trees encircling it. “’Tis beautiful.”

“And all ours. How about we have some fun? Like old times.”

“You hardly need to ask.” His form of fun spoke to her heart and always had. She skipped to the water’s edge, lifted her skirts and knelt on the spongy moss. With her hands cupped, she dipped them into the clear water and sipped. “Is this place completely secluded?”

“You wish to swim?”

“You know I do.” He’d been able to read her mind for years. She loosened the ties of her burgundy jacket, slipped it off her shoulders and laid it overtop a boulder. “Will you come too?”

“Aye, I can wear my tunic.” Turning, he gave her his broad back.

“Thank you for bringing me here. This is exactly what I needed.” He’d always been able to ease her worries as none other could. She unlaced her gown’s front stays and shed it along with her stockings, leaving her sark as adequate coverage. Then with care, tugged the pins from her hair and swished her head from side to side and released the long golden length. “Do you feel better too?”

“I always do around you, my wee scamp.” He divested himself of his weapons, a sword and dirk before shrugging off his doublet. His dark hair wisped with blond ends brushed his shoulders as he bent and hauled off his boots.

She should avert her gaze, but she wasn’t nearly as chivalrous as Colin. Instead, as he shucked his leather trews and his white tunic fluttered against him mid-thigh, she smiled with appreciation at the sight of his muscled legs. “Oh, Colin, I’m having the most scandalous thoughts.”

“Are you watching me?” He glanced over his shoulder and sighed, rather raggedly. “You’re looking for trouble with that kind of expression on your face.”

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help myself. Let’s swim.” Smiling, she rolled her sark’s thin ivory cotton sleeves to the elbow. At the bank’s edge, she dove into the pool and almost lost her breath at the frigid impact with the water. ’Twas beyond cold, but still refreshingly so. After breaking the surface, she treaded water and called, “’Tis wonderful, and you’re missing out.”

With his gaze on hers, he advanced. “I believe the last time we swam together would have been in the loch near my old tree hut.”