The Highlander's Secret(20)

Conrad scoffed, though his eyes were fixed on her like a wolf. “Ah, dancing. What a ridiculous custom, dinnae ye think?”

Heather blushed from embarrassment at the intensity of his gaze, saying, “Actually, I thought it looked rather fun…”

Conrad’s expression shifted, and he leaned in so their arms were practically touching. “Perhaps for those who have a partner. Alas, I have come here alone and without anyone to celebrate with.”

She dropped her gaze and smiled. “Ye could always ask someone.”

“I’m afraid that’s impossible. Nae person in the village likes me, so all attempts I’ve made have fallen on deaf ears.”

Her stomach fluttered at his confession and she could feel her heart beat faster. “I-I like ye,” she told him quietly. As the words escaped her lips, Heather felt exposed. She immediately became vulnerable to his rejection and hoped that he wouldn’t tease her.

Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Ye do? What a relief it is to hear ye say that, fer I am rather fond of ye as well.”

Heather’s smile widened. He brushed a finger across her hand, causing it to ignite with delicious tingles. “We could dance together if ye like,” she offered.

The warrior shook his head. “There’s too much noise. I’d much rather spend my time over here getting to ken ye better. Do ye mind if I join ye for a while?”

“Of course…”

She had always admired Conrad from afar, with his chiseled jawline and dark brown eyes. It was safe that way because he remained at arms-length, but this was real. Perhaps the other girls in town just didn’t understand him. Perhaps he was shy around other people. There was nothing shameful in that.

Conrad grinned, leaning in so that she could feel his breath upon her skin. “Ye’re very beautiful,” he told her. “Why have we never spent any time like this together before?”

Heather’s blush ignited once again, and she could feel the heat of it on her cheeks. “Mayhap ye dinnae notice me.”

Conrad reached out to place a finger beneath her chin. “Of course I have. As I said, I’m rather fond of ye.”

“Really?”

“Indeed,” he muttered softly. “Would ye care to take a walk with me? I’d like to show ye something.”

She glanced back towards the fire nervously and said, “What about the festival?”

“The festival can wait. I’d rather be alone with ye. All the noise between the music and chatter, it gives me a frightful headache. I can barely hear myself think. Wouldn’t ye just step outside with me for a moment?”

“I cannae just leave,” Heather insisted. “What would my parents think?”

“Oh, but ye can,” Conrad told her with a smile. “I thought ye liked me.”

Heather glanced one last time towards the fires and gave him a subtle nod. He smiled widely leading her out of the village green to a quiet path around the corner. Her body tingled with excitement as they snuck away together. A spotted horse was tied to a post outside with its reins and tack still in place for an evening ride.

Heather became suspicious at the sight of it and asked, “What’s this?”

“It’s a bit of a ride to get there,” Conrad explained. “I just want fer us to have some time alone together. Dinnae ye trust me?”

She gazed up at him trying to figure out what to say when Conrad slipped his arm around her waist. “Isn’t this what ye wanted?” he asked her softly. “We could forget all about this festival and ride together, just ye and me. What can I do to convince ye?”

Heather sighed at the promise in his words. Her lips parted Conrad placed a gentle kiss upon them. Her eyes flew open in shock, but Conrad held her captive pressing his lips hard against her. She thrilled at the warmth of his body next to her and leaned into him for support.

Conrad pulled away from her and traced a finger down her cheek, saying, “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Heather smiled when he took her hand and helped her up onto the horse. The tremendous beast was even larger than she imagined with its hairy shoulders and body under her. Her heart was pounding wildly at the thrill of his attention and running away together. Conrad untied the animal and climbed onto the horse in front of her, with the reins tightly clasped within his hand. Heather leaned forward to wrap her arms around his waist and said, “Just a short ride.”

“Aye,” the warrior chuckled. “They’ll never even ken we’re gone.”

He cracked the reins while digging his heel into the horse’s side, leading it down the hill and out of the village gate. As they left Elign behind them, Conrad brought the horse into a gallop and followed the river at the base of the hill. It led into a grove of trees and soon they were surrounded by a forest of towering oaks and evergreen.

“Where are ye taking me?” Heather giggled.

They rode on further until she got an uncomfortable feeling in her stomach. She didn’t like going out into the woods at night, it was eerie and secluded. The branches reached out from the shadows like a gnarled arm, tearing at the hem of her tunic. Her legs were sore from riding on his horse so long and wind whipped through her hair. She clung to his body for support. It was deathly quiet and all she could hear was the hoot of an owl in the distance. He smiled, looking back over his shoulder as they rode, and said, “Ye’ll see.”