Page 29 of To Charm a Highlander

“Yes, Mr.Gunn, I would like that.”Donella took his hand and he helped her down from the dais.

“Is it permissible to walk with Lady Donella outside the keep, but within the castle walls?”Callum asked Haydon as he took Donella’s arm and linked it with his.

“Aye.”The laird’s grin encouraged more comments and laughter from the other warriors.

Once they were outside, Donella said, “I doona understand why there is such attention put onto us.Ye would think no one had ever courted before.”

Callum patted her hand as it rested on his arm.“Doona fash yerself, sweetheart.I think they’re just jealous because I’m walking with the most beautiful woman in the castle.”

Donella flushed.

It was a warm evening for the Highlands, even for early August.The mixture of the summer air mixed with Donella’s own unique scent was driving him crazy.

The sky was lit up with millions of stars, a brilliant sight, but no’ better than the beautiful lass at his side.He walked them far enough from the keep and the warriors on the castle parapet from seeing them.Once he felt they had enough cover, he leaned against the stone wall and pulled her against him.“Ach, lass.I’ve been wanting to do this for days.”He reached up and smoothed the hair from her forehead.“Yer so beautiful, it takes my breath away.”

“If ye keep this up, Mr.Gunn, ye’ll have me staring at my looking glass all day.”She grinned and placed her hands on his chest.

“I want to thank ye for taking care of me while I was injured.”

“’Twas what I wanted to do.”She rubbed her thumbs over his neck which was slowly driving him crazy.If he dinna stop her soon, he would take her up against the wall.Which would kill any chance he had with her brother to accept his proposal.

“I feel like I’m getting better,” she whispered.“Only a few weeks ago, I could never imagine standing here with ye, alone in the dark.”

“I’ll ne’er do anything to frighten ye, Donella.Ye must ken that.If e’er ye feel uncomfortable, just let me ken.”He cupped her cheeks in his hand.“I want ye for more than what we can do in bed.”He grinned.“Although that is important, too, but I want ye forever.”

Donella sucked in a breath.“What are ye saying?”

“That I want to marry ye, Donella.We came close to discussing that in my meeting with Conall and the laird today.They ken my intentions.Now I want ye to ken them.”

He held his breath as Donella studied his face.“I think ‘tis a good idea, Callum.”She moved her hands up to his shoulders.“I have strong feelings for ye, and I think if anyone can help me to face whatever I need to if my memory returns, ‘tis ye.”

“Ach, lass.”He lowered his mouth and covered hers, nipping at her lips until she opened for him.

Just as he entered her mouth, she drew back.“Nay.”She shook her head.“Nay.”

He closed his eyes, forcing himself to be patient.