Page 41 of In the Highlander's Bed

Pleased to finally have the upper hand, Gordon said, “Come, Constance, you’ve seen a man’s chest before, and probably more, out in your wilderness. Why, I hear the Indians run around naked.”

“They wear clothes,” she assured him.

He stretched out on his side of the pallet. His bed took up most of the floor space. His leg was close to her moccasined foot. There would be enough room for her on the pallet but it would be close between them. “What’s this? Bold, fearless Constance Cameron blushing? If I’d known I could subdue you by taking off my clothes, lass, I would have removed them sooner.”

“I don’t think the Duke of Colster would approve,” she responded primly.

Gordon yawned. “Then we’ll keep it oursecret. After all, Iwantthe Sword of the MacKenna, not to be run throughbyit. But don’t worry, I’m too tired to think about anything but sleep. Although,” he added quickly, “I’m a light sleeper. You won’t be able to move without my knowing it.” He didn’t want to tie her up again. Not with her wrists as bad as they were.

“Wait,” she said, her suspicions aroused. “You are teasing me, aren’t you? You haven’t taken off your clothes.”

Constance whipped around so quickly to accuse him, her foot tripped on his leg.

She came crashing down on top of him just as he closed his eyes.

Gordon acted on reflex. He caught her and rolled over, his body settling on hers. They were leg-to-leg, hip-to-hip, chest-to-breasts…nose-to-nose.

Her eyes rounded.

He’d wager his were, too.

“Youarenaked,” she whispered. Her hands rested on his shoulders. She didn’t move them.

He could have corrected her impression, told her she was only half right—except right now all he could think about was how well they fit together. How warm and welcoming she was.

How hardhewas.

Other men weren’t alone. They lay besidetheir wives and their sweethearts. They had someone to share the burdens of the day, salving them with the sweet release that could only be had in a lover’s arms.

Gordon knew he had nothing to offer a woman. His sister had already paid a very dear price. He chose to be alone.

And yet, right now, all he wanted was another kiss. One kiss.

Was that so much to ask?

Ten

Constance didn’t move. She was paralyzed by what she saw in Gordon’s eyes. He wanted to kiss her.

Shewantedthat kiss.

For the first time in her life she understood the power of attraction.

His arousal, strong, present, demanding, didn’t frighten her. Instead, it filled her with pride, and an aching need that she’d never experienced before.

Her legs seemed to open with a will of their own, knowing better than she did how to bring him closer. His weight felt good on her body, and she couldn’t help but let her arms relax, herhands feeling the play of honed muscle beneath the warmth of his skin.

Gordon’s lips hovered just above hers.

Constance swallowed, waiting.

He lifted her braid, wrapping it around his hand, binding him to her—and just when Constance couldn’t take it any longer, he kissed her.

She parted her lips. He’d taught her that much in the first kiss…but she discovered there was a great deal more she had to learn.

Their mouths melded together. Her hips raised, as if this part of her, too, needed to be closer.

His tongue found hers, stroked, cajoled, caressed, and Constance was lost. Kissing this man was as natural as breathing. She liked the taste of him, the feel, the touch…the everything.