Page 13 of The Darkest Knight

Chapter Six

Awarm breeze blew through the cottage when Tammie opened the bedroom windows. Glad she’d taken the job of keeping the guest cottages tidied, she picked up the cleaning caddie filled with sponges, cloths, and spray bottles, and went into the other room. This cottage was to be Niall’s when he finally came to live here. She smiled studying the sturdy furnishings. She could see him living here.

There wasn’t much to do, really, since the cottages were currently not being used. Still, the light housekeeping and airing out the four cottages made for busy work.

When the wind slammed the front door shut, she jumped and screamed. Giggling at her reaction, she went to the second bedroom to dust. She stopped short and glanced around when something brushed against her arm.

No one was there. Sure it was just the jumpiness, she ignored the feeling and began to clean.

Padriag had appeared earlier the morning after she’d tried to last summon Niall to inform them they were now living in Atlandia, having sought asylum from attacks. He’d further explained they were not free to come and go at will but had to be granted permission by two royals.

Each time she thought about the beautiful princesses, she wanted to go see them and inform them that the men were to be rescued from there. Had Niall or Liam not explained that to them?

She considered summoning Niall, but reconsidered as she didn’t want to put him in danger or get him in trouble. According to Padriag the royals had not given permission for them to leave until after they fought and defended a village. It wouldn’t be good to summon him when he could be in battle, the distraction could cost him. Two weeks had passed since she’d last seen Niall, and it was much longer than she expected to have patience for.

Huffing, she ran the dusting cloth over the dark wooden surface of a dresser. Sensing a presence, she looked up into the mirror and shrieked.

It was Niall. She swung around and slapped his arm.

“You scared the crap out of me again!” Tammie yelled and hit him again. “Why can’t you pop into another room and let me know you’re here?”

“I can’t control where I appear. I concentrate on you and come to where you are,” He replied, his voice flat.

Tammie took in his appearance. His hair was longer, resting on his shoulders. He had a beard and mustache as well. Judging from the lines around his eyes and brow, the man was exhausted. His clothing was soiled and torn.

“Take your clothes off.” She told him holding her hand out.

Incredulous eyes met hers. “I will not.”

“You stink. I can’t stand it. Go in there.” Tammie pointed to the bathroom. “Take your clothes off, throw them out here. I’ll wash them while you take a hot shower.”

He looked toward the bathroom, longing apparent. “Hot water?”

Tammie lifted an eyebrow and smiled. “As hot as you want it. For a long while too.”

Without hesitation Niall bent and pulled off his thick fur lined boots and hose. He yanked his top off and threw it on the floor next to the boots. He worked the laces to his breeches as he neared the bathroom.

Tammie could not pull her eyes away from his broad back. His skin was perfect, not one blemish or mark. The expanse of his back narrowed to a slender waist. His large biceps bulged as he flexed to remove his pants. The man had a kicking body.

He ducked into the bathroom, and she sighed. Was that disappointment she felt?

The door opened and Niall’s head popped out. “Can you show me how to start the water?”

“Sure,” Tammie replied wondering if he’d removed his pants. She walked straight to the shower, not looking at him. “You turn this knob here for hot water and this one for cold,” she explained as she adjusted the temperature. “Stick your hand in it and tell me if that is comfortable.”

Darn it. His pants were still on.

He eyed the knobs, stuck his hand under the warm water and closed his eyes. “Aye, that is fine.”

“You didn’t have running water in your home in the alter-world?”

“Nay, we heat water in the kitchen and took baths,” he replied. She smiled to see that he kept his hand under the stream.

“Well, throw your pants out before you get in.” She turned and walked out to wait.

When he finally threw the pants out, she picked up the offensive garments and carried them holding them as far from her as she could. She threw them in the washer but didn’t start it, not sure if it would affect the water temperature in the shower.

She snapped her fingers at a thought and hurried back into the bathroom. Gwen had told her they’d shopped and prepared for the men’s return, maybe they’d stocked clothes for Niall here. In the closet, brand new pullovers and several pair of slacks and jeans were hung. She pulled a pair of jeans off the hanger and held them up; they seemed to be the right size. There were several pair of shoes and boots lined up on the floor. A thick jacket hung besides the shirts as well as a black suit. What would Niall look like in a suit? His beautiful midnight hair and grey eyes would surely stand out.