The Highlander's Hope(41)

“It’s not too expensive, considering all you do for us. I insist.” The last thing he needed was for her to get stuck in the cross-fire with all that was happening. With strangers wandering about hitting people over the head, he couldn’t take the risk. He grabbed the tray of tea and biscuits. “And I insist you start your holiday now.”

After he finally managed to hush her protests and get her out the door, he headed to see Cat, even though his enthusiasm was now dampened, Mrs. Wallace’s words still haunting him. It was nonsense to think he’d fallen in love with Cat.

He’d only known the girl a week, and for half that time they’d driven each other to drink. Certainly, he liked her—a lot—but he wasn’t the sort to fall in love, even if he was enjoying himself. His life was too complicated and busy. He’d already put his work on hold to deal with his brother’s mess and to help Cat, but before long, he’d need to get back. Business deals didn’t close themselves, and he had a company to run.

“Here ye are. Tea with and a side of ibuprofen.” He settled the tray on the side table and managed a smile, while attempting to push Mrs. Wallace’s words from his mind.

Yet he was fooling no one.

“What’s wrong?” She took his hand in his, her eyes searching his face.

“Just worried about you. How’s your head?” He brushed a dark curl from her face, wanting to kiss her, but knowing he’d only second guess himself now.

“Iain… what’s going on?”

He got up and paced, needing to burn off some energy and frustration. “It’s nothing. I just want to find the necklace so this can all be over with and we can get back to our lives. I know you’re trying your best to find it, but it’s gotten dangerous. And I’ve got work I need to get back to.”

“Well, I’m sorry that I’m keeping you from it. I hadn’t realized.” She looked at him, confused and a bit hurt, which only made him feel worse about the way he was acting.

Though he certainly wasn’t in love with her, it didn’t mean he had to be an arse. He sat by her side with a weary sigh, still unsure of what exactly they were doing. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’m just not good with this sort of thing, and frankly, I don’t want you getting the wrong idea.”

“And what idea would that be, Iain?” Gone was the worry, now replaced by annoyance, since it was clear what he’d been referring to. “I think you’re reading too much into what happened last night. But if you can’t handle it, then that’s fine. I’m more than happy to keep our relationship purely professional.”

“Ye think I can’t handle it, aye? And what about you?” His temper was up, fueled by uncertainty and pride.

“What about me? I thought we could have a bit of fun. Isn’t that what you’re normally looking for with all those women you date? My career and studies are my first priority, Iain, so don’t go thinking I need a ring and a wedding dress just because we had a quick romp.”

“I didn’t think it that quick.” His lips quirked in a smile, his anger with her and their situation put on hold in the face of her dismissal of him.

“No. I’ll give you that. You took your time and were not only thorough, but rather accomplished.” She bit her lip, her eyes locked on his—and then as if a switch had flipped, she dismissed him once more with a shrug. “Pity you can’t handle it without getting all worked up over what it does or doesn’t mean. And here I was thinking it’d be fun to have another go.”

“You think I can’t handle it?” He pulled her close, nuzzling her and nipping at her lips, needing to prove her wrong.

She put a finger on his chest and pushed him away, a smug look on her face. “I believe that’s exactly what I said. Admittedly, I find it a bit odd. If the tabloids are to be believed, you’ve never gotten even remotely attached to the women you’ve been with in the past. Or were you not interested because they did want more from you?”

“So now you think you know me?” He wanted to tell her she was wrong, and yet she wasn’t far from the truth, even if she had the wrong end of the stick. “Well, you don’t. I won’t deny they were looking for more from me, but if you think those women were remotely interested in me beyond my power and wealth, then you’re mistaken. Think what you will of me, Cat, because it doesn’t matter. I just want to find the jewels so we can each be on our merry way.”

With a teasing smile she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Are you sure that’s all you want?”