Read Online His Heart's Desire by Kristi Ahlers - Free Book Online Page A

to get a little sleep. Yeah, right. Sleeping next to her dream man would be a piece of cake. NOT.
     
     

CHAPTER TEN
     
    Catrìona spent the next day trying to dress both Braden and Alec in modern clothes. She was not against the whole men-in-a-kilt thing. Both men pulled the look off with panache. But for her own peace of mind and the need for crowd control, she thought it best to get them clad from head to toe with something . . . bulky.
    Finding clothes to fit was no easy task and now, after several hours of shopping, Catrìona had to wonder if it was such a brilliant idea to put Braden in Levis. The denim did things to his backside that made he r blood rush and her body ache.
    “I care little for this garment,” Alec groused as he ran his hands up and down the stiff fabric. “It chafes.”
    His complaint was cut short when he looked up and met the eyes of a woman who made no effort to pretend she was looking anywhere else but at his body. “Now, there is a beauty.” Alec rubbed his hands together. “I must say I love the way women dress now. Nothing better than looking at a fine set of legs. I could put up with this strange fabric if this is a side benefit.”
    Catrìona couldn’t keep herself from laughing. “So, you’re a leg man?”
    “Aye.” He turned and winked at her. “Although I can’t comment on yours since I don’t wish to have my head separated from my body.” He tipped his head in Braden’s direction. “He’s already growling.”
    “I am not growling.” Braden moved closer to Catrìona.
    “Aye, you are.” Alec looked back and forth between the two. “I think I’m going to wander around a bit. Give you both some time alone.”
    “You don’t need to do that, Alec. Besides, do you think that’s such a good idea? You don’t know the area all that well.”
    “Lass, this is my home. I vow I know it better than you. I’ll be fine, and I will return to our quarters soon enough.”
    With a jaunty wave, Alec turned on his boot-shod foot and headed over to the woman who had been admiring him.
    “Do you think he’ll be okay?” Catrìona said.
    “Aye. He’s a grown lad.” Braden walked over to her and picked up their numerous bags. “Maybe we should take this opportunity to talk.”
    Catrìona shook her head in surprise. A man who wanted to talk and discuss feelings. How extraordinary. “Very well. I confess I have a great deal to ask you, and I’m sure you have questions too.”
    They made their way back to the hotel. Fortunately, for Catrìona, they had been able to secure adjoining rooms. The night before she’d had a hard time falling asleep. Braden’s spicy scent had reached out to her, making her ache for his arms, his touch. And Alec had snored.
    Tonight they would have their own room, and hopefully she ’d have a little peace of mind.
    Once they were in her room, Catrìona began to feel self-conscious. She knew this man and yet she didn’t. Not really.
    “You’re nervous.” Braden sat on the bed and made no attempt to get close to her.
    “No. I’m fine,” Catrìona managed to stutter.
    “No, you’re not. I have eyes. You have nothing to be fearful of. I’d sooner cut off my own arm than hurt you.”
    The sincerity in both his tone of voice and facial expression allowed her to relax her guard. “I know you’ll never hurt me. I know you in so many ways.”
    “Aye, you do, lass. Our lives are forever bound together.” He stood and moved over to her, pushing her chin up with a gentle finger, so she was forced to meet his solemn gaze. “You must trust me and promise you’ll listen to what I have to say.”
    Catrìona wet her lower l ip. “I promise,” she whispered.
    Braden led her to the bed and she sat. “Later we must go and meet with Elspeth.”
    “You know Elspeth?” Why that should surprise her she didn’t know, but it did.
    “Aye. Elspeth has great magic about her.”
    “Of course she does.” Catrìona noticed Braden smiling at her. “What has