The Highlander's Accidental Marriage (Marriage Mart Mayhem) Read Online Free PDF Page A

her maid not notice the warm, hard body that had just plopped itself down, taking up so much of the space?
    She certainly didn’t need to be mindful of him, either. Reaching into the satchel at her feet, she pulled out a book. She opened it and stared at the page, her thoughts wandering.
    “Lass, how can ye read without light?”
    She slammed the book shut and glowered at him. Was he going to annoy her the entire trip? “I wasn’t reading, I merely wanted to be sure my book was handy.”
    “Aye, I understand.” He nodded at the book in her lap. “I believe ’twas upside down, too.” The grin on his face told her he hadn’t believed her lie. Hopefully, he didn’t realize how much he disturbed her. Even in the dim light she could make out his handsome features. She’d known so few men who wore glasses. Rather than detract from his comely visage, the wire-framed spectacles added to it. As did the silky black curls that fell onto his forehead.
    She took herself to task. This was ridiculous. It would be a very long, tiresome journey if she didn’t get her emotions under control. It was so unlike her to react to a man.
    The carriage started up with a jolt and then moved into a smooth cadence. Professor McKinnon had hired a driver and two footmen. When questioned about the extra man, he stated parts of the route they would travel were known to be plagued by highwaymen. She shivered, thinking of being confronted by robbers, which was why she’d put her jewelry in a sack underneath the seat.
    “Are ye cold, lass?”
    “No. I was just contemplating how frightening it would be if we were confronted by highwaymen.”
    “Nay. Dinna fash yerself. We have three men outside, and I have my pistol with me.”
    “Pistol? You are carrying a weapon?”
    He reached into his jacket and withdrew a rather alarming gun.
    “I hope you know how to use that.”
    “Aye, lass, and one bit of advice. Never carry a weapon you don’t ken how to use or are afraid to use.”
    “I hope to never learn how to shoot a gun. Just the thought of hitting someone with a bullet makes my stomach roil.” Carrying a gun and teaching at Edinburgh University did not seem to mix. Who was this man who had so captured her attention?
    “Please excuse my rudeness, Professor McKinnon, but I can’t help but notice you seem quite young to be a professor at Edinburgh University.”
    In the faint light the slow lazy smile he cast her almost stopped her breath.
    “Aye. ’Tis not a rude question, lass. I hear it all the time. First, as ye pointed out, I am a tad young, so please call me Braeden. Professor McKinnon stands in front of a classroom. He doesn’t ride in carriages with a beautiful lass.”
    Blushing despite trying to ignore his compliment, she said, “I’m not sure that is proper.”
    “ Ach . There ye go again with yer English ‘what is proper.’ By necessity we will be spending a lot of time together over the next few days. I think, given those circumstances, we can dispense with the formality.”
    “Very well. But only in private. I don’t want to give anyone the wrong impression.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “And that would be?”
    Heat rose to her face as she thought of how improper her thoughts had been since she’d met the man. Why, oh why did he affect her so? It had to be the close proximity, because she’d never experienced these strange feelings, nor had these disturbing thoughts before, with any other man.
    “In Polite Company gentlemen and ladies do not use their given names when addressing each other.”
    “Ah. So we are not in polite company now? ’Tis impolite company? Should I hurl insults at ye, then?”
    The quick retort on her lips faded as she caught the sparkling humor in his eyes. She would have to remember that, despite his serious appearance, he enjoyed teasing her.
    “No. No need to hurl insults. But you have not answered my question. How is it you are a professor at such an esteemed institution?”
    She