Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming by B. J. Scott Page B

circumstances, if they would have found love.
    They enjoyed their meal and engaged in light conversation. Alasdair proved to be quite entertaining, once he allowed himself to relax. He told her tales of his brothers and their antics when they were younger. She found his sense of humor refreshing. Something she would never have expected when they first met.
    Despite their pleasurable evening, she was plagued by thoughts of her recent dream. Efforts to remain focused on Alasdair and their discussion were fruitless. She had to discover the truth. If she returned to her own clan, she would soon be married, mayhap to a man she dinna know or love. Should she tell Alasdair she remembered more about the man on the ship, that while she was not married, she was spoken for? Or should she keep her secret and pray that if they had more time together, he might find her appealing and fight for her hand? She decided on the latter, but if he believed her on the mend and ready to travel, time was running out.
    Lauren covered her mouth and yawned. “I am verra tired and think it might be wise tae return tae the pallet.” She placed her hands on the table and rose.
    “Your ankle appears tae be healing nicely. We should be able tae leave soon. Mayhap on the morrow.” He handed her the walking stick. “But I dinna think it wise tae overdo. Mayhap I should carry you?”
    “I can do this.” She took a step, but her legs gave way and she collapsed to the floor.
    Alasdair was at her side in seconds.
    “I guess my ankle isna as strong as I’d thought.”
    He lifted her and carried her to the pallet. “You need tae rest. If you canna travel yet, another day willna make a difference.”

Chapter 8
    Guilt tugged at her belly. Alasdair had shown her nothing but kindness and she hated to deceive him. Withholding information about the vast improvements in her ankle and the events she’d remembered in her recent dream was wrong. But she was convinced telling him might hasten their departure, not postpone it.
    Despite her efforts, she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that squeezed her chest each time he mentioned the name Sinclair. If anything, the trepidation she experienced grew stronger. Her only option was to make Alasdair believe she was not quite ready to travel and use any means in her power to do so. She crossed herself when he wasn’t looking and vowed beneath her breath to make amends, somehow.
    “I am sorry tae be such a bother.”
    “You’ve no need tae apologize, lass. I should have taken things a wee bit slower. Can I get you anything afore I say goodnight?”
    Why did he have to be so gracious? Lying would be easier if he’d show his gruff, stubborn side again.
    She shook her head. “I’ve everything I need and appreciate all you’ve done for me. Tapadh leat.” She glanced away, unable to meet his eyes for fear she’d give herself away, or worse, surrender to temptation and ask him again to share her pallet.
    The thought of another kiss caused her pulse to race and her cheeks to heat. But after the first one they’d shared, Alasdair had made no attempt to repeat the act. True, he’d cleaned up his appearance and freshened his breath with fennel. He had shared a little about his past and even brought her flowers, but he also vowed he would never make improper advances again. Her heart sank. Mayhap he didn’t find her appealing and was more anxious to be rid of her than she’d thought.
    “Sleep well, Lauren. Hopefully, you’ll feel better on the morrow.”
    When Alasdair turned to leave, she touched him. “Please . . .”
    “Is there something you need?” His brows knit together as he stared at her fingers resting on his forearm.
    “Last night when you kissed me—”
    “It was a mistake and I promised it wouldna happen again,” he said, then withdrew his arm. “I thought we agreed tae put it behind us.”
    “If you dinna find me appealing, I understand.” She lowered her gaze and nibbled on her lower lip to