A Highland Heist A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Three by Cali MacKay Page B

was just teasing about yer family. Actually, they were rather entertaining, especially with yer mother there. And damn funny once they got started.”
    She managed a smile, not wanting him to worry. The poor man had been through enough without making him discuss their relationship. “I’m just happy ye didn’t get scared off.”
    “Takes more than that, love. And family’s important. I’d not have it any other way.” His eyes were still taking her in, and she knew he wasn’t wholly convinced. “So, why don’t ye tell me what’s really going on? I’m not some wee laddie, aye? I can handle it. And I don’t want anything getting in the way of our weekend together. Is it something yer brother said?”
    “No, love…” When he nuzzled her and gave her a sweet kiss, it gave her courage the boost it needed. “It’s just that…you were never meant to be more than a bit of fun. A way to pass the time while on the job.”
    With pursed lips and his eyes narrowed, he wasn’t looking happy. Not one bit. He pulled away from her and started to pace. “What are ye trying to tell me, Maggie? That none of this matters? That I’m just here to keep ye from getting bored?”
    Bleedin’ hell, he’d misinterpreted what she meant. “No, you fool. The exact opposite.”
    His pacing stopped and he turned towards her. Though he said nothing, she could see his jaw was still clenched tightly, despite his thick stubble.
    She took his hand and moved to his side, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m trying to tell you that I’ve fallen for ye. Stupidly, head over heels, fallen for ye.”
    “So what’s the problem, Maggie?” He shook his head, still serious, as her smile faded and she was back to her original concerns.
    “The problem is you’ve made it abundantly clear that ye have no interest in pursuing something serious. And that was perfectly fine when you were just a distraction.” She leaned her head against his chest, unable to look at him. “I don’t know when things changed or why, but they did and…I don’t want to have my heart broken, Conall.”
    He lifted her chin up so she’d be forced to look at him. “I won’t deny not wanting a relationship-and that sure as hell was the case when we first started. But Maggie…like you, I’ve had to rethink what I truly want. It doesn’t escape me that we’ve not known each other long, but it seems not to matter.” He brushed her lips with his in a whisper of a kiss that had her leaning into him.
    He left her breathless. “What are ye saying?”
    With a sigh, he nestled his cheek against hers, the scent of him intoxicating-like a winter sea laced with smoke and leather. “I’m saying that ye’ve turned my world upside down. I never wanted this, love. Yet now, there’s nothing I want more than to be with ye. And I don’t want this to be casual, Maggie. Nor do I want it to end in a few months when ye’ve moved on to the next job and town.”
    Her breath caught in her chest, as if she might scare him away by simply exhaling. He’d been so standoffish. And now? Was he really giving her-giving them-a chance? “It’s a big step for ye, isn’t it?”
    “Aye, love. I’ll not deny it. My parents didn’t have an easy go of it, and I’m afraid my own experiences left me not wanting to pursue anything serious. But everything changed with you.” He then laughed and brushed her cheek, mischief sparking in his eyes. “From the moment I first saw ye sticking out of that hole with yer arse in the air, I was a goner.”
    She slapped his chest playfully. “Ye’re such a troublemaker.”
    “Me?” He shook his head, some of his smile fading. “If anyone’s trouble, it’s you, love. Ye’ll likely shatter my heart to pieces, yet I’m helpless to walk away.”
    His words were like a vice around her heart. She hadn’t realized until that very moment how badly he’d been hurt. He was taking a leap of faith-with her. It wasn’t just a big step. It was huge. And in