hall. Partially dozing, they were content to sun while the scents of cooking and cleaning wafted out the kitchen door.
They had put in a good day of training and were looking forward to a good meal. Eating in a clean hall was an appealing prospect. Boyd and a second lad, Crayton, returned from the pond down stream with a cartload of rushes and reeds newly cut. Ailene had the greenery spread on the floor of the hall. The two youngsters then carried the fire wood back into the hall. The evening's firewood had been placed outside to remain dry. A fire was laid then Ailene went in search of the two men.
She found Gideon and the MacGrough sitting in the sun against the side of the wash shed. Their eyes were closed, both men looked asleep. Ailene doubted they were sleeping. She enjoyed the sight of the two braw men, their trews slightly damp from splashing in the burn.
Her father's still red hair was lightly salted with gray. His chest was still finely muscled, but bore scars here and there. Gideon was reclining a little distance away. He had his arms folded across his chest, his dark eyelashes lay on his olive tinted golden cheeks.
Ailene thought both men might be a wee mite too comfortable, Gideon certainly. She quietly slipped over to the burn then dipped her hands in the water. Darting over to Gideon, she shook her fingers at him, splashing his bare chest with water. With a yelp, Gideon jumped upward, he spied the culprit immediately. Grabbing Ailene up in his arms he strode over to the burn. Cadell was laughing behind him and egging him on.
"Aye, Gideon. Dunk the lass!"
Ailene screeched then began to fight, trying to escape his arms. When that did not work, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She begged him to not put her into the cold water.
"Please Gideon, dinna dunk me! Gideon, please!"
Gideon held her out over the swift running cold burn. Ailene clung to him. He was smiling as he swung her outward.
"Nay! Gideon! I beg ye, please!"
Cadell was laughing as she pleaded. He had risen to watch the fun. Idelle, Edeen and the others who had been helping with the cleaning chores joined Cadell on the back steps. They were all howling with laughter as they watched.
"What will you give me if I do not throw you into the stream? What will you offer me Ailene for that favor?"
Gideon looked at her questioningly.
"What would ye have husband?"
Ailene smiled up at him. She took a chance and lifted one hand to his face. She ran a finger across his lips. Gideon took her finger in his teeth then shook it with a low growl. He released her finger with a smile.
"I think your father would not like to see what I want from you right this minute."
Ailene ran her fingers down the line of his throat. Knowing no one could see what she was doing, Ailene ran one finger over his exposed nipple with a grin.
"Careful woman! I still might throw you into the water."
Gideon could sense that those standing behind them knew something was happening they could not see. It had become far too quiet.
"What will you give me Ailene?"
She pulled down his head to whisper into his ear.
"Everything! All! Anything you might wish Gideon."
With a chuckle, Gideon backed away from the burn, he lowered her then bent his head.
"We shall seal this bargain with a kiss, than later."
He brushed her lips with his own. Ailene splayed her hand against his chest.
"I will collect what is due me."
Gideon lowered her to her feet. He took her into his arms with Ailene's arms caught between them. Gideon slowly kissed her. His lips were soft and gentle at first then she found she was wishing she could free her arms to hold him as tightly as he was holding her. He did not release her but deepened the kiss. Her mouth opened to him, she sighed as his tongue explored her mouth.
When Gideon released her Ailene fell against him for a moment before she was able to right herself. Back straight, she walked toward the kitchen door with a smile on her face. Ailene pushed past
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