Joanna's Highlander (Highland Protector #2)(9)

“Yer a fool, Grant. Just pull yer head outta yer arse and apologize for shamin’ her here in the restaurant,” Ramsay said with a thud of his mug to the table. “Beg forgiveness for yer…awkward social clumsiness,” he added with a proud bob of his head. “Aye…awkward social clumsiness. That’s what our dear little sister Esme would call it.”

“Aye,” Ross chimed in with a grin that set Grant’s blood to boiling even hotter. “Ye sat there and let that beauty slip right out of yer arms and hit the floor. Máthair and Esme both wouldha boxed yer ears for such.”

Grant turned without another word and stormed out of the restaurant before he forcibly shut his brothers’ mouths with his fist. Damn them both straight to hell. He wouldna go so far as t’say that his nettlin’ brothers were right, but he would admit that if he didna go and attempt to leave sweet Joanna with a better impression of himself than she currently held, his days of spending time with the beauty until he was ready to make her his own would be over. The air betwixt them would be too strained, thanks to the foolhardiness of this evenin’.

He steered the Jeep through the back alleyways to Mistress Martha’s bed-and-breakfast. The much shorter route still might not get him there before the tour bus, especially as fast as the lass usually drove, but he should at least arrive before Joanna and the herd of old women disappeared into their rooms. From what he’d observed of Joanna’s previous tours, it took the poor wee lamb a good hour or so to get her charges off the bus, their luggage unloaded, and everyone checked in for the night.

As he braked and slowed the Jeep up even with the stop sign at the corner, the tour bus passed in front of him. Good. He’d get there nearly the same time she did. If he offered to unload the luggage whilst she settled the old hens into their rooms, perhaps she’d forgive him for acting so poorly in the restaurant. Grant dipped his head in a decisive nod. Aye. That’s what I’ll do. Surely, then all would be settled between them and back to the way they used to be.

Grant shifted in the seat and rubbed his thumbs against the worn leather of the steering wheel. Is that what I really wish? He slowly shook his head, fighting the possible repercussions of such thinking. She was such a tempting lass. Fiery hair. Flashing eyes. Curves that made a man ache to sink into her. And from the conversations they’d shared over the months—quick-witted, kind, and a genuine pleasure t’be around. But what would happen if he showed her his heart? What would happen if he showed her the Heartstone?

“Surely, she’d accept the stone and the truth of the MacDara legacy.” He knew as soon as he’d said the words aloud that they were a lie. What woman of this century would understand? Aye…Sadie, Alec’s wife, had finally understood, but it had been no small task for Alec to make her see. But Joanna? Doubtful. Maybe even impossible. His Joanna was different. And that truly bothered him no small amount. He’d survived the loss of one great love. He couldna bear such pain again and he feared the risk, especially if the higher powers had noticed his interest in the girl and decided to withhold their blessings yet again.

Surely, the damn goddesses and the dreaded stone’s attentions were busy elsewhere by now, nettling other lives with heartache and ruin. Besides—’twas high time they left him the hell alone. They’d murdered his betrothed and taken his unborn child. Torn him away from all he’d ever known. They’d taken enough from him. “Cruel and heartless demons, they are,” he muttered under his breath.

But surely now they ken I meant what I said. Surely, I’m finally free of them. Grant sat taller behind the wheel, his earlier tension shifting to a determined knowing.

He pulled the Jeep around the corner, spirits lifting when he spotted an empty parking spot right behind the tour bus. Perfect.

Grant’s pleasant realization was short-lived as Joanna rounded the side of the bus and saw him. The woman froze in her tracks as though she’d just walked up on a wild animal. Her wide-eyed look of surprise quickly shifted to a scowl in the glaring headlights of the Jeep. The woman was clearly anything but pleased to see him.

Hell’s hounds and damnation. Grant hurried to shut off the engine and exit the vehicle before Joanna could bolt. This century didna seem t’take to a man chasing a woman down and holding her fast o’er his shoulder until she’d heard all he had to say, so he’d have t’keep his wits about him. I best get me arse in gear afore she escapes. He jogged around the Jeep, placing himself between Joanna and the bright headlight currently turning her a pasty white. Surely, the infernal things would flicker off shortly.

He dipped his head and held out his hand. “I thought it only right that I stop by here and help ye get yer ladies settled in after the kerfuffle at the diner. ’Twas a sorry incident, indeed.”

The headlights finally clicked off, but there was still enough light coming from the bed-and-breakfast’s security light that he could tell Joanna had a fair-sized case of the red arse. Whether her ire was directed at him or the ladies from her group, he didna ken. All he knew for certain was she looked sorely displeased and her fair cheeks were stained a rosy red.

Joanna glanced down at his hand, then shifted in place as though she’d rather be anywhere but standing in front of him. She finally looked him in the eye and forced a smile that looked like she was clenching her teeth. “It wasn’t your fault, Grant. Thanks anyway, but I’m sure you’ve got much better things to do on a Friday night than play bellhop.”