Page 38 of Claimed By a Ruthless Scot
Before she could reconsider or preserve even a shred of dignity she gathered her skirts, took three quick steps across the damp grass, and ran.
Then she jumped.
The splash echoed across the quiet loch, sending a wide circle of ripples spreading over the surface. He had lied. The water was shockingly cold. For one terrifying moment it stole the breath straight from her lungs, but instinct took over almost immediately. Her arms cut through the water, her legs kicking strongly as she surfaced with a sharp gasp.
Behind her came the sound of Duncan’s laughter.
“Well done!” he called across the water. “I expected ye tae tiptoe in like a cautious cat, and instead ye launched yerself at the loch like a cannonball!”
Elaina pushed wet hair out of her face and glared in his direction.
“I did nay such thing.”
“Aye, ye did,” he said cheerfully. “If the fish survive the shock, it will be a miracle.” He waded a little closer, and the water was lapping at his waist. “Though, truth be told, it’s easier if ye go in all at once, it gives the cold less time tae bite.”
She began swimming toward him with firm, efficient strokes.
“I merely chose the quickest method of proving ye wrong.”
“An admirable strategy,” Duncan replied. “Though somewhat dramatic.”
“It was because I enjoy a good swim, and I dare ye tae prove me otherwise.”
“A dare, eh?” he chuckled.
“Aye.”
He watched her approach with open amusement, treading water lazily as she closed the distance between them. Despite the cold, Elaina moved easily through the loch. Her strokes were practiced, steady, and confident, despite the weight of her dress. Duncan raised an eyebrow.
“Well now,” he admitted, “I cannae dare ye, when I stand corrected.”
“Of course ye dae.”
“Ye can swim.”
“I told ye that.”
“Aye, but people say many things.”
She shot him a look that suggested she was reconsidering the wisdom of not drowning him.
“And now,” Duncan continued thoughtfully, “I must also admit that I didnae expect ye tae run and leap intae the water like a Highland warrior.”
Elaina snorted softly. “If I had tiptoed in, ye would have mocked that as well.”
“Possibly.”
“Definitely.”
Duncan grinned. She stopped a few feet away from him. For a moment neither spoke. The surface of the loch settled around them again, broken only by the gentle movement of their arms.
Elaina became suddenly aware that she was very close to him. Water clung to the dark strands of his hair, droplets running slowly down his temples and along the strong line of his jaw. His shoulders rose from the loch with effortless strength as he moved, the cold seeming to bother him not at all.
Her traitorous gaze flickered once across the broad span of his chest before she caught herself. Duncan noticed, and his grin returned instantly.
“Careful, lass,” he said softly. “Or else ye willnae be able tae convince me that ye arenae looking at me.”
Elaina splashed water directly at his face.
