Highland Wolf (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman

asked.
    The moment hung suspended between them. But finally, she pulled herself from his gaze with a jerk and glanced toward the kitchen, "Listen, it's time ta go so—"
    "Should I be flattered?" he repeated.
    But she wouldn't be drawn in again. "Go ahead if'n it makes ya feel better, Scotsman," she said. "But ya're gonna 'ave to be flattered someplace-else, cause we're closing ..."
    "I've been thinking," he interrupted, letting his voice slur just a little. He'd spent the past five hours in that inn, had spoken to a dozen patrons and ordered nearly as many drinks, only two of which he had tasted himself. "It canna be safe for a bonny lass such as yerself ta walk home in the wee hours of the morning."
    "So you're worried for my safety, are ya?" she asked, then leaned down to grant him a view of her splendid cleavage as she looked into his face. "Or are ya plannin' ta give me somethin' ta worry about, Scottie?"
    "Me?" He motioned toward his chest with a wobbly hand. There were only two other patrons in the place. One was the young Norseman who claimed to have tamed her. He had passed out with his head on the table. The other man wasn't quite so lucky, and lay sprawled on the floor at an unlikely angle. "Ye surely mistake me for someone else."
    "Aye," she said. "For a moment I thought ya was the bloke what barged into me house last night."
    "Nay. I assure ye I would do na such thing ta a lady."
    "But what would ya do ta me ?" she asked.
    "Ye surely misunderstand me intentions," Roman said, sounding offended.
    "Do I now?"
    "Aye."
    "'Twould be the first time, then, luv. Usually I understand men's intentions perfectly well."
    "Is yer experience so vast, then?"
    She nodded. "I've had my share."
    Leaning closer, he narrowed his eyes and caught her gaze. "I dunna deny that ye draw at something in me, lass."
    "And I can guess what that something is," she said, dipping her gaze to the tabletop, as though she could see through its surface and beneath his plaid.
    She turned to go, but he caught her wrist and rose to his feet. "Ye belittle me affections," he said.
    "Watch out, Scottie." She shifted her gaze down to where his plaid was slightly misplaced. "Your belittled affection is showing."
    He grimaced. "Ye do know how ta wound a man."
    "A girl's gotta protect 'erself somehow."
    "Let me walk with ye ta yer home, and I'll do the protecting."
    "Go away, Scot."
    "As soon as we reach yer door."
    She paused. He didn't miss the opportunity her silence afforded.
    "I'll worry the night through if ye dunna let me accompany ye."
    "Ye'll pass out and not think about me again," she argued.
    "Na," he said, and found that his denial was strangely honest.
    She drew a heavy breath. Her breasts rose and fell prettily with the inhalation. "Ya promise ta leave once we get there."
    "Me vow is me blood," he said solemnly.
    "Aye, luv, and it'll be all over the ground with various body parts if ya don't keep your word." She turned away. "I'll fetch my things."
    The opportunity seemed too perfect to pass up. Taking one step forward, Roman patted her behind.
    'Twas amazing how quickly she could spin back toward him. Grabbing his hand, she raised it between them. "This will be one of the first body parts to go," she vowed.
    "Ye've a way with words, lass," he said, and, lifting her hand in his, lightly kissed her knuckles.
    Something sparked between them. Stark surprise showed on her face, but in a moment, she regained her composure. Yanking her hand from his, she turned quickly away and hurried toward the kitchen.
    Roman expelled air through his teeth and watched her exit. He'd felt no hint of her true figure through the gown that covered her hips. How many layers did she wear under that faded garment? he wondered. And why would she wear more than necessary in the heat of the inn? Was her figure padded? And if so, why? Some men liked plump females, he knew. But was that her reason, or was there something more?
    Every time he saw her it seemed she but added to