Page 43 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

“Oh, I understand. David, I know what people– what families need. It is important to cater to the needs of the many, not just the few.”

“I’m willing to give anything a try, I guess. As long as it keeps my family from being homeless.”

“I’ve already sent a missive to Glasgow from the castle.”

“What for?”

“I asked my cousin’s great-grandfather, Old Man MacKeefe, to send over some of his famous Mountain Magic.”

“Mountain Magic? That’s good whisky. I’ve heard of it,” said David. “It is coveted and not easy to come by.”

“I can get it for you and at a good price too. You know, it is the best and most potent whisky in all of Scotland and England. Men will travel a far distance for it and pay good money just to try it. Plus, it will bring in more nobles. Once the word is out that you have Mountain Magic here at the Cross Hare Inn, I promise you will always be busy.”

“You have a lot of good ideas. I like them,” said David. “Thank you so much for taking your time to help us.” He gave her hand a slight squeeze. His skin against hers felt good. She didn’t stop him because she craved the touch of the handsome innkeeper.

“David, I want to thank you again for being so hospitable to me and my family in our travels.”

“I would like to think I was doing a good thing, my lady, but I have to be honest with you.” His hand slipped from hers and with it went his warmth. He reached over and poured himself a drink. She noticed it was whisky. Whisky seemed to help him relax. After all, the last time when he’d kissed her, that was what he’d been drinking.

“Go on,” she said, taking another sip of the delicious mead.

“I hate to admit it, but I didn’t want to give you and your entourage shelter that night of the storm.”

“You didn’t?”

“Nay. I am ashamed of myself now. But we were overcrowded and short on help. I was anxious as it was, and the last thing I wanted in my establishment was a noblewoman having a baby.”

“Oh,” she said. “I guess I can understand and I cannot say I blame you. The last thing I wanted to do was to be delivering a baby that night.”

That seemed to break the tension between them. David and Martine were able to speak easily to each other now. Plus, they were the only ones in the tavern since it didn’t open until later. She liked that. Martine enjoyed being in the presence of David. He was nice to look at and easy to talk to. She felt as if she could let down her walls and be herself around him.

“David, can I ask you something?” Her heart beat rapidly, waiting for him to answer.

“Of course. Ask me anything, my lady.”

“Do you like being around me?”

“Do you really have to ask?” He leaned in to her, putting his elbows on the drink board. Their faces were close together.

“I do have to ask,” she said. “I mean, I guess I just want to know how you feel. Around me, that is. Being with me.”

“Nervous, yet excited, is how I feel around you,” he said in a soft voice. He reached up and pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I also feel lucky to be in your presence. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my life.”

“Really?” She smiled, looking first into his eyes and then down to her cup. Her body was heating up just being close to him. “Would you like to– to kiss me again?” Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his. He was staring at her as if he were captivated. If he said no now, she’d know he was a liar.

“Very much so, my lady.” He said the words but still didn’t do anything about it.

“It’s all right,” she gave him the permission she thought he was waiting for.

“What’s all right?”

“You can kiss me if you want to. I won’t stop you.”

“I want to but I’m not sure I should.”

“Why not?”

“Because, once I start I might not be able to stop.”