Lily (The Highland Clan Book 3) (8 page)

“Lily? Truly?” Sorcha’s eyes widened and she bounced in her seat. “Who would you like to kiss? They’d all love to kiss you.”

Maggie added, “You could choose any one you want, and…”

“And what?” Lily asked.

Molly leaned toward her, her voice dropping to a whisper. “If you kiss another, Kyle will get verra jealous.”

Sorcha’s hand flew to her mouth to hide her gasp, but then she nodded. “I think you should do it. He will get upset.”

Lily thought for a moment as she perused the hall full of lads. A quick glance over her shoulder told her that Torrian was so entranced by Heather he was paying her no attention at all, and her sire had gone above stairs, probably because his knee pained him so. Mayhap her cousins were right. She could not deny she wished to make Kyle jealous. Would he not recognize the error in his ways if he saw her kissing another? Would he not wish to push the lad away from her and wrap his arms around her instead?

She tapped her fingers on the table, considering the possibility, and then leaned in toward her cousins. “Nay, ‘twill not work. Kyle only yells at me of late. He will not care. He yelled at me yesterday morn because I distracted his guards. He yelled at me when he found me out in the meadow after I was chased by the man in chain mail. He yells at me so much that he will not give a care at all.”

Sorcha leaned toward her, poking a finger at her. “You deserved to be yelled at for running in the meadow alone. My sire would tie me to the stables if I ever did such a thing.”

Molly agreed. “Aye, you should not run alone. But trust me, you’ll make him jealous.”

Lily pinched her lips together as she glanced about the hall. “I think not. He will not care, and that will hurt me more.”

“He will care,” Molly said, “but we can leave him out of it. Do you not wish to see how another lad kisses?”

She jerked her head back to Molly. “Why? How many have you kissed?”

Her cousin snorted. “Enough to know I want no one here.”

Lily’s mouth fell open. “You’ve kissed more than one or two?”

Once Molly nodded with a chuckle, Lily peered at Maggie. “And you, too?”

“Lily, Maggie and I are a wee bit older than you. Of course I have. Sorcha’s a few years younger than you, and she’s already kissed a few. You’ve missed out because you’ve saved yourself for Kyle. ‘Tis time to change that. And if it makes him jealous? All the better.”

Sorcha patted her hand. “And you’re the chieftain’s daughter.”

“
Sister
. I’m the chieftain’s sister, a role that no longer carries any importance, I must remind you.”

“Only in your mind, Lily. Do not belittle yourself just because your brother married.” Molly fussed with her hair, brushing her wild curls back from her face. “Once the lads discover Kyle is no longer interested in you, they’ll be around you like honey bees.”

“Molly, you have such an imagination. The lads already know Kyle’s not interested, and do you see any bees around me?”

“You have no idea of your worth, do you? Have you not looked at your reflection? The only reason they have not flocked around you is because Kyle still stands in the hall. If there’s even a chance the laird’s second fancies you, they know he’ll make them pay in the lists on the morrow.”

She still did not think Kyle would be jealous, but mayhap it was time for her to grow up, to explore life a bit more. Any one of the lads would suit, but she had to choose carefully. Her gaze narrowed on three in particular. “Aye, I see the wisdom of your words, but how could I possibly choose one? And how would I ask him for a kiss? The lad must do the chasing, not the lass.”

Maggie waggled her eyebrows at Lily. “We’ll take care of it for you. You name the place and we’ll send a lad or two your way. Trust me, they’ll all want to follow you.”

Lily twisted her hands in her lap. “I’m not usually that forward. And I have no idea who to choose.”

“What about Bothan or Cawley?”

“Aye, I like Cawley. Or what about Henson?” Sorcha asked.

“I suppose Cawley is braw.” Her gaze crossed the hall again, dissatisfied with her choice, but she knew exactly what the problem was. None of them had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes, eyes that reached deep into her soul, eyes that could curl her toes, eyes that only searched for hers.

“Cawley it is,” Molly said. “We’ll not give you time to back down. Where, Lily? Where shall we tell him to meet you?”

Lily frowned, trying to think of exactly the right place, but came up with naught. She did not wish to get caught.

“Outside in the bailey, but where?” Lily chewed on her finger in thought.

“By the bench in the far corner. No one is ever there,” Sorcha whispered.

“Nay, I wish to be able to hide if I change my mind. And I do not wish to be caught by my aunt or uncle. You know how your sire is.”

“Where? Just name your place?” Molly said. “Da is jesting with Gavin and Gregor. He’ll not bother you. I think he’s had a few ales.”

“All right. Outside Tilly’s stall.”

Sorcha grinned, but Molly’s smile left her face completely. Molly said, “You cannot do it there. ‘Tis not safe. What if he tried to take advantage? What if he wanted more than a kiss? We will get in trouble if aught happens besides a kiss.”

“That’s where it will be. I’m not worried about Cawley, he’s not that bold, and Tilly is still in the stall with two entrances. Tell him to meet me at the outside door to Tilly’s stall in about half an hour.”

Sorcha whispered, “We’ll go with you.”

“Nay,” Lily ground out. “I do not need you three watching. I’ll do this alone.”

“Nay,” Maggie said calmly as she looked around the hall. “We’ll not be far. If you are in trouble, just scream. Now, we’re going to talk to Cawley. You go.”

They bolted out of their seats before Lily could stop them.

There was no changing her mind now.

Chapter Eight

Lily kissed Tilly’s neck. “Nay, Tilly, not this eve, but someday soon I’ll braid your mane again with pretty ribbons.” She always knew what her horse was thinking. “Now you must be quiet, my sweet. Do not scare him away.” She combed her horse’s fur, humming a quiet tune, one she hoped would calm her own beating heart.

She’d chosen Tilly’s stall because it had two doors, one to the outside and one to the stable corridor. Was she out of her mind? Nay, she needed to know. Kyle had tasted delicious, and she’d felt so safe and cherished whenever his arms had wrapped around her. Yet he had rejected her. Why had her sire ruined everything by forcing the issue?

A whisper interrupted her thoughts. “Lily?”

Lily jumped at Cawley’s voice, but squared her shoulders, brushed her hands on her gown, and made her way over to the door. She unlatched it and opened it for Cawley. “Aye?”

“Molly said you would let me kiss you. ‘Tis true?” His face held the happiest expression she’d ever seen.

Lily surveyed Cawley’s messy red hair, his freckles, and the smile on his face. He was truly good-hearted, so he would be safe enough. She nodded, and before she could even tip her lips up to him, he wrapped his arms around her and tugged her close, covering her lips with his. He ground his mouth against hers, pushing at her lips with his tongue as saliva collected on her cheek and her chin. She shoved at his chest, not wanting his wet tongue inside of her mouth since it reminded her of the lapping tongue of one of her brother’s Deerhounds. He stepped back, a wide grin on his face, and she said, “Enough, Cawley.”

He jumped as he stepped back, his gaze locked on hers. “I cannot believe it. I love you truly, Lily.”

As he raced down the side of the stables with a low whistle, Lily wiped his saliva from her cheek and retreated to the safety of her horse’s stall. She glanced at her horse, a scowl on her face, “Tilly, I believe you would kiss better than that. Our plan is failing. This makes me want Kyle’s kisses even more.”

Before she could turn around, another voice greeted her from the doorway. “Lily, ‘tis true? You’ll allow a kiss?” Henson stood in front of her, hopping from one foot to the other as he awaited her answer.

She shrugged her shoulders and made her way to the door, though she halted and stared at Henson first. “Do not slobber on me, Henson.”

He paled. “Nay, never, my lady.”

She cautiously leaned toward him, allowing herself room to back away if necessary. “And no hands, Henson.”

He nodded vehemently, thrusting his hands behind his back. “Whatever you say.”

She leaned forward and his lips settled on hers, warm and wet.

And he tasted like boar meat. She yanked back, forcing herself not to spit in front of him. Henson was a nice lad—he just happened to taste like a boar or a hedgehog. She was not quite sure since she’d never tasted a hedgehog before. But surely it would bring to mind the flavor of Henson’s kisses.

“Many thanks, Lily. ‘Twas a good kiss, was it not?”

The hope in his gaze forced her to do something she instantly regretted. Saying a quick prayer begging for forgiveness for the lie she was about to tell, she stared at him and said, “Aye, Henson. ‘Twas nice.” She ticked another count on her fingers behind her back. Was that lie number five or six? Tilly snorted and dragged her front foot across the dirt a couple of times. Lily swung her head around and glared at her dear horse. “Tilly, must you remind me of my failings? All right, I’ll add another.” Tilly’s hoof stomped again. “Aye,
two
more, if I must.” She dragged her gaze back to Henson to find him still staring at her, a daft grin plastered to his face.

He smiled and ran off, but not before he said, “Your turn,” to the next person by the door.

Your turn? What in hell was he talking about? She stuck her head out the door only to see a line that extended to the end of the stables and beyond. Lads, lads, and more lads. Lads kneading their hands, primping their hair, puffing their chests out, some of them even winking at her.

Fiddle, what had she gotten herself into this time?

***

Kyle had scowled and frightened away every person who had attempted to talk to him. He’d already spied his Lily sitting at the dais looking lost, but she was alone. How he wished to sit by her side and bring her beautiful smile back to life. Every so often, she would force a smile, but it never reached her eyes, so Kyle knew she was distraught.

How had everything taken such an unwelcome turn? A fortnight ago, he’d been ecstatic with his new life. He’d been appointed as his best friend’s second—a promotion that had guaranteed him the right to be around the lass he loved at all times because it was now
his
job to protect her.

It had been wonderful for a short time. Then disaster had struck in the form of Quade Ramsay’s betrothal request.

Torrian came up to his side. “Your face tells all.”

“What are you talking about?”

“If you frown any more, you’ll have deep wrinkles everywhere on your face. We all know why you’re unhappy.”

Kyle glared at his friend. “If you know so much, then why did you not warn me about what your sire would ask of me?”

“Because I did not know. He asked me about your interests, but he never mentioned a betrothal. Lily is his daughter, not mine.”

“But now she hates me.” He cast a quick glance her way, unable to stop himself.

“Then why did you turn my sire down? I always secretly believed you loved my sister, and I know she has feelings for you. I think you’d be perfect together.” Torrian shrugged his shoulders.

Kyle turned to face him directly. “I do not wish to give up my job as your second.”

“But no one ever said you needed to. You can marry and still be my second.”

“Torrian, I see how you are with your new wife. Your mind is often wandering. I could not afford that at this early stage. You are the chief’s heir. Your position is not at risk from anyone below you, but there are probably many lads waiting to step into my job.

“So you’re thinking I would not reward someone who has always been loyal and steadfast?”

“Nay, ‘tis not what I’m saying. But would I still be steadfast if I had a lass to take care of all the time, a lass to distract me from my purpose?”

“Aye. I do not see why not. Look around the hall. Plenty of my sire’s men are married.”

“Seamus never married. Mayhap being second to the laird is too much to handle along with a marriage.” Kyle did look around the room, and it seemed there were happy couples everywhere. “Had I been given time to think, I may have asked your sire if I could postpone the betrothal for a year or two until I was ready. It happened too quickly.” He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to decide what he should do.

Nay, he had no idea if he was capable of staying away from her without making himself miserable. Already, his chest hurt so much that he wished to heave.

“I got married and took on the job of chieftain at the same time.” Torrian clasped his friend on the shoulder. “Think on it, Kyle. My sire has not betrothed her to anyone else. I know that Lily misses you. Reconsider your answer to my sire. I’m sure he would consider delaying the wedding, but not by two years.” He clasped his shoulder. “While you’re doing that, why not enjoy the company of another lass? I see plenty here who have been watching you.” Torrian tipped his head in the direction of two lasses staring at Kyle.

“Nay, I’m not interested in either of them,” Kyle shouted, almost loud enough for the entire hall to hear him.

“Proves my point.” Torrian winked at him before he sauntered away. “I knew you’d say nay. You cannot live your life refusing all.”

Kyle uncrossed his arms and tried to adjust his expression. Sorcha, Maggie, and Molly had sat down next to Lily, and they had her smiling again. He forced himself to look away—something that was getting harder and harder. Was his friend correct? Were others lasses interested in him? He glanced around the room, only to discover Torrian was correct. There were quite a few lasses looking in his direction. He had never paid them much attention before.

He moved over to the table at the end of the hall to grab another goblet of ale. Many were dancing tonight, but he was not in the mood. All of a sudden, three lasses stepped in front of him.

“Good eve to you, Kyle.” A dark-haired lass fluttered her lashes at him.

“Good eve.”

“You do not look happy. What is troubling you?”

He took a sip of his ale. “Naught. I’m having a good time. Are you not?”

“Well, we were hoping you would dance with us. You could take turns since there are three of us.”

Kyle gave them a lop-sided grin. “You want me to dance with all three of you?”

“Not at the same time,” the second lass giggled.

But even their bawdy teasing could not distract him. He found himself glancing around the hall, which was when he discovered that Lily had disappeared.

The dark-haired lass whispered, “Are you seeking out Lily?”

He shook his head, quickly denying the truth. How the hell had they known that?

“Have you not heard what Lily is doing this eve?”

The lasses giggled in unison, a sight Kyle had rarely seen. Three hands rose to cover three giggles at the same moment. He was so distracted by watching the three of them together, it took a moment for their question to register. “Lily? What do you mean? She was just at the dais a few moments ago.”

The dark-haired lass, clearly the leader of the group, responded with a delighted expression and a smug tone he did not like. “Lily’s giving kisses to anyone who wants one.”

Kyle thought the top of his head would shoot off and hit the highest beam for sure. He struggled to control his emotions and managed to say, “What? Would you repeat that?”

“Lily. I heard she’s giving kisses to any lad who wishes for one.”

Struggling to keep his fury in check, he ground out between clenched teeth. “Where is she?”

“At the stables. We did not think you would be interested since you two are not talking. Everyone in the clan knows that,” the red-haired lass finally said. “But many lads are interested in kissing Lily.”

Kyle thrust his empty goblet at one of the pretty lasses and turned to rush toward the door without a backward glance. He started counting, something his mother had taught him to do whenever his anger or impatience got the best of him. Usually it worked, but he’d be counting to a thousand before it ever worked this eve. Visions of a crowd of lads with their hands on Lily clustered in the darkest corner of his brain, and he could not free himself from it.