Page 85 of A Virgin for the Icy Laird
“And I ye, Callum,” she returned. “Perhaps ye can tell me more about me husband’s childhood.”
“I daenae think I will let that happen,” Adair’s voice interjected, sharp as a knife. He had a small frown on his face as he came to stand beside her.
“Why?” she asked with a pout. “I want to ken what mischief ye got up to.”
The tips of his ears reddened again, and he turned away, clearing his throat. “There isnae much to ken,” he rumbled.
“I still want to ken,” she insisted stubbornly.
“I will tell ye meself, then,” he relented. “I daenae trust Callum to tell ye anything without exaggerating.”
“Ye just daenae want me spending more time with yer wife, Braither,” Callum scoffed. “Worried I’ll turn her against ye?”
“I believe ‘tis time I found ye a wife so ye expend yer energy the right way,” Adair threatened.
“And I will take that as me cue to leave,” Callum drawled, snatching a cup from a passing tray. “Enjoy the rest of the festivities, me Lady.”
Emily turned to face Adair as soon as his brother was out of earshot and shot him a playful glare.
“Ye didnae have to threaten him with marriage, Adair,” she scolded.
“’Twas the only way to get rid of him.” He shrugged.
“Why?”
“I wanted to dance with ye,” he answered.
“Oh.” She swallowed.
He looked unsure as he held out his hand to her, and she couldn’t help but smile as she placed her hand in it.
“I would gladly dance with ye,” she said.
He led her to the dance floor, and as fate would have it, abasse dansewas being played. He moved back and bowed to her with a hand behind his back, and she curtsied, mimicking the other women. He took two steps to the left, and she copied him, but she soon stumbled, lost in the rhythm even though it was a slow dance.
He grabbed her hand to steady her, and she felt her cheeks flame with embarrassment. She had never learned to dance, and it showed painfully.
“Are ye well?” he asked.
“Aye,” she answered. “A little embarrassed. Otherwise, I am fine.”
“Why are ye embarrassed?”
“I daenae ken how to dance this dance,” she admitted, worrying her lip between her teeth. “I never learned how.”
He tapped her under the chin, drawing her gaze to him. The warm look in his eyes made her feel worse.
“Ye daenae have to feel embarrassed, wife,” he said with a small smile. “Follow me lead. Lucky for ye, I ken the steps well.”
She laughed despite herself and nodded, placing her hand in his.
“Just move as I do,” he instructed.
He led her into the dance, taking two steps to the left and then to the right. Then he led her with three steps forward and one small step back.
He pulled her closer as they swayed, and in that moment, she felt right at home. They continued dancing, and she appreciated how slowly he was guiding her.
His hand was firm around hers, his body warm every time they touched by chance, and it left her feeling as though a furnace had been lit in her belly.
