Under the Highlander's Spell(22)

“Why?”

She pressed her hands tighter to her ears.

He grabbed her hands, yanking them away from her ears. “Don’t be ridiculous. The kiss was fantastic. What difference does it make whether it was planned or spontaneous?”

“Ridiculous? You think how I feel is ridiculous?”

“Did you hear the part about the kiss being fantastic?” he asked, befuddled.

“I agree it was fantastic.”

“Then what is the problem? We shared an absolutely thrilling kiss. Nothing more needs to be said.”

“That seems sensible,” she said softly.

“Of course it does,” he said, reaching out for her.

“One problem.” She stepped out of his grasp. “A first kiss shouldn’t be sensible.”

Then she turned and walked into the cottage, closing the door behind her.



Artair swore beneath his breath. She certainly wasn’t sensible; she was pigheaded and foolhardy. Their kiss was incredible, like none he had ever tasted in his entire life. It had nearly buckled him at the knees, not to mention the punch to his gut and the heat to his loins.

A first kiss…

It had been their first kiss, or had she meant her first kiss ever? Were his lips the first to ever touch hers? He grew excited at the thought. Maybe she was right. It was about the kiss and nothing else. No rhyme or reason, just pure passion, and he had certainly tasted that on her. Zia’s zest for all she did could prove to make life more interesting. Besides, as he got to know her, he’d be able to determine her nuances and deal with them in a more reasonable fashion.

He laughed as he walked away. Reason would win over passion. It was inevitable.

“Be careful. She is more of a handful than you think.”

Artair jolted to a stop as Bethane appeared from the shadows, Nessie close to her side. “You saw?”

She shook her head slowly. “No, but your look tells me all I need to know—slightly dazed, but still confident.”

Artair nodded. “That’s how I feel, thanks to your granddaughter.”

Bethane wiggled two fingers at him. “There are two of you.”

“Admonishment or advice, which are you giving me?”

“Which do you need?”

“Zia is very much like you,” he said.

“Then you are a lucky man.” She smiled.

“I’m beginning to think that.”

“Keep that thought strong and it will never fail to help you.”

“I’ll do that,” he said, aware that she offered wisdom. “Where do you go?”

“It’s where I have come from,” she said, and pointed to the woods.

“The woods are so dark at night. Why go there?”

Bethane pointed to the night sky. “There are medicinal plants that can only be harvested under the waning moon or they lose their potency.”

“You should have asked. I would have gladly gone with you.”

“Nessie kept me company. Besides, you would have only slowed me down.”

“I meant no disrespect. And as for my dog, it seems she favors a new master.”

“I know it’s the warrior in you always looking to protect. As for Nessie,” she added, with a pat to the dog’s head, “she doesn’t require a master.”

“You understand far more easily than your granddaughter, and far more than I do,” he said with a nod toward Nessie.

“I have lived far more years and have gained far more wisdom.”

“Then I can safely assume that Zia’s passionate nature will soften with age.”

Bethane chuckled. “Now you’re asking for a miracle.”

Artair laughed. He liked Bethane. It didn’t take long to realize that she was a remarkably wise woman, and obviously loved her granddaughter very much. He also was aware that she served as leader of the village, and did so with distinction and honor. Not that she would admit it, but it was her who the people turned to, not only when ill, but to settle grievances and to lend an ear when necessary.

“The sun is only a couple of hours from rising. You should get some sleep,” Bethane said.

“And you?”

“I go to see if Zia needs help.”

“You both could use some sleep. Are you sure I can’t help?”

“No, though thank you for asking. Zia and I are accustomed to getting little sleep. I will see you in the morning,” Bethane said, and with a pleasant smile, walked on, Nessie keeping step with her.

Artair drifted back toward Zia’s cottage. He didn’t feel sleepy, his mind overrun by their kiss and his limited time here. He couldn’t stay much longer. He had to return home and discuss with Cavan what he’d discovered. But he didn’t want to leave Zia. He’d love her to come with him and meet his family, but she wouldn’t leave here, unless—