Kilts and Kisses Read Online Free PDF

given her word that she would speak to him. She tied off her mount to a tree and sat on a rock at the loch’s edge the next morning. The water lapped gently against the shore and two big birds, perhaps hawks, flew into a branch not far overhead.
    “Thank ye for meeting me.”
    Ceana rose as Samuel approached her. He wore a loose tunic over the Gunn kilt, and a plaid hung over his shoulder. His wavy, reddish-brown hair touched the top of his shoulders, and she noticed his dimples when he smiled. From his boyish good looks, she could see why Anna favored him.
    He gestured toward the rock and sat beside her. “Please, sit.”
    “I’ve come to understand that ye’ve been courting my sister.”
    “Aye, your sister is a fine lass.”
    “And what exactly are your intentions with Anna?”
    His face reddened. “I can assure ye that I have the utmost respect for her. I enjoy our talks. She’s witty and makes me laugh. I donna know what the future holds for us, but I...” He lowered his gaze to the ground. “I love her. Ye are her sister. She wants your blessing.”
    “Your brother—”
    “Is a daft fool. I donna listen to his words, nor do I take his advice. I gave my vow to Anna. He doesnae know anything as long as ye donna want him to.”
    “My sister is all I have left in this world. If ye cause her harm, I will kill ye.”
    When he noticed the playful expression on her face, he returned her smile. “I understand. Your father was a good man, and he’s sorely missed.”
    “Thank ye.”
    They sat silently for a long time, and then he rose in one fluid motion.
    “Do I have your blessing to court your sister?”
    Ceana studied him for a moment. “And why is it that ye’re nae asking my uncle for such permission?”
    He lifted a brow and gave her a knowing look.
    “Aye, as long as my sister wants ye in her life, ye are welcome in mine.”
    “Thank ye.”
    “Samuel, how long have ye been in my uncle’s guard?”
    “I turned eighteen a fortnight ago so I’ve been with your uncle for nearly two years. I’m sorry to say that I ne’er had the honor of serving your father.”
    “I see.”
    He gestured Ceana toward the mounts. “Should we return together, Mistress Gunn?”
    “If ye’re courting my sister, ye may call me Ceana when we’re alone. I’ll remain here for a while longer.”
    “Having your blessing means a lot to us both.”
    As she watched Samuel, she noticed that even his walk had a sunny cheeriness. He mounted his horse and rode off. She had to admit, she couldn’t stay her smile that broadened with approval. When a large shadow loomed over her head, she gazed above her. Three birds were perched on a thick branch—close, almost too close. Perhaps they had a nest somewhere high up in the tree.
    “And we meet again, lass. Tell me, what are the odds?”

CHAPTER FOUR
    C eana’s eyes darted back and forth. She knew Samuel had already taken his leave, but it was worth trying to look for him in the hope that he could rescue her. With no other choice, she gazed at the man who stood there tall and straight like a towering pine. Oh yes. He was without a doubt the same guard she’d met at the standing stones.
    He wore the MacKay plaid of blue, green, and black, and her eyes froze on his long, lean form. She tried not to pay any heed to the large broadsword that was sheathed at his waist. When she looked up at his powerful shoulders, she saw they were covered in leather. He was devilishly handsome. She was surprised she didn’t remember that from their first encounter, but she’d been trying to escape his daunting presence at the time. The shadow of his beard gave him a more manly air, and his emerald eyes were startling against his fair skin and light-brown shoulder-length hair.
    “What are ye doing here?”
    He gestured toward the tree. “I came to fetch my birds.”
    “The hawks are yours?”
    He walked around her. “Aye. They’ve been with me for quite a while.”
    “They’re beautiful. I