The Highlander's Bargain Read Online Free PDF

next to you.” Michael, the man Anne had been dating for the past three months, grumbled, straightening his crown.
    “Whatever.” Anne shrugged as the trumpets heralded the beginning of their march.
    Erin took up her place behind the queen, motioning for her time traveler to join them. He came to stand beside her, crooked his elbow and looped her arm through his, setting her hand on his forearm. His well-defined muscles shifted beneath her palm, and her stomach did a somersault or three.
    He leaned close. “What are we doing, lass?”
    “We’re about to parade through the fairgrounds. It’s all part of the show, part of what people here pay to see.”
    “Humph. The villagers must pay to enter your fair?” His brow creased.
    “Villagers?” She laughed. “I’ll explain later. Just try to look noble.”
    “I am the nephew of the earl of Fife and a knight.” He straightened, lifting his strong chin a notch. “I’ve no need to appear so. Nobility runs through my veins.”
    “Which adds up to a whole lot of who cares here,” she whispered. His scowl made her laugh. “You really have no idea, do you?”
    “None whatsoever.” He winked at her. “’Tis why I need you to guide me.”
    Again her breath hitched. She turned away, hiding the way he affected her. Best to immerse herself in her role as they passed through the spectators. Oh boy, was this guy tempting. Thank goodness he’d only be around for a month at the most. She could handle a month, especially as busy as she was. Somehow, she’d have to carve out some time to show him the sights, expose him to the marvels of her century. It would be fun to see how he reacted.
    When had she decided she believed he really was from the past? Ah, well. She had no reason to doubt him, and she had witnessed his arrival. She had always been curious and open to the possibilities, and having the abilities she had, she’d suspected there was way more to this world than met the eye. Now she had proof.
    “You have a lovely smile, my lady.” Robley placed his hand over hers and gave it a brief squeeze. “I swear, your beauty alone is reason enough for my journey to your time.”
    Gah! Her insides fluttered, and her knees wobbled a bit. That had never happened before. Never. Her cheeks heated. “It’s really hot out, don’t you think? That wool you’re wearing must be unbearable.” She stared out at the crowd and pursed her lips. The low rumble of his chuckle went right through her, setting off a slew of physical sensations she’d be better off ignoring.
    “You are unaccustomed to receiving compliments, I think. ’Tis hardly credible. Are the men of your time so dense? Do they no’ fall at your feet?”
    “Jeez, lay it on a little thicker, why don’t you?”
    This time he laughed out loud, drawing Anne’s attention—drawing the attention of every female within range. She’d known Robley all of thirty minutes. How could she possibly be jealous? Yet she was. Erin inched closer to his side and glared at the women whose appreciative looks lingered a bit too long on his very fine form.
    Stop it! She searched the crowd for something to distract her, all the while trying to keep her knees from buckling. “We’re going to have to stop at Target after the fair. You can’t walk around dressed like that while you’re here.”
    Yep. Robley of clan MacKintosh was dangerous, all right, and she’d have to gather up all her defenses if this arrangement was going to work.

CHAPTER THREE

    R obley covered Erin’s hand where it rested on his forearm, anchoring himself to the enchanting lass into whom he’d fallen. They hadn’t met by chance, he was certain. As they made their slow promenade through the throng of twenty-first-century villagers, he took it all in. So many booths with wares to sell: works of art, crockery, windows forming pictures out of bits of colored glass, jewelry, clothing of all sorts, scented oils and soaps, toys and leather goods. And the smells!