A Highlander's Obsession (Highlander's Beloved) by Vonnie Davis Page A

face. “Well, I must go.” He spun on his heel and stalked out of Creighton’s office.

Chapter Seven
    Creighton changed out of his kilt and regalia into jeans and a turtleneck sweater. Wanting to share the news of Angus’s will, he went in search of his brothers. Ronan stood in front of the massive stone fireplace, holding both a glass of tipple and the rapt attention of those gathered around him in the great hall of the castle.
    Creighton shook his head. What wild tales was his brother telling the clan? Once Ronan started on myths and Scottish history, there was no stopping him.
    The hall was crowded with family and neighbors who’d stayed on after the mid-afternoon meal. Some sat on the numerous chairs and sofas surrounding the huge hearth. A few men held their wives or betrotheds on their laps. Children sprawled across the Oriental carpets gracing the wooden planks that covered the original stone flooring.
    His gaze swept toward the minstrel’s gallery overhead, where the sounds of teenagers’ whispers and giggles replaced musical renderings of centuries past. He’d kissed his first girlfriend up there while Uncle Graham regaled the clan with stories, just as Ronan was doing now. No doubt a few kisses would be exchanged this afternoon too.
    Paisley sat on the floor with Colleen perched in her lap. Looking fresh from a shower, she wore grey slacks and a green sweater. A paisley scarf was tied around her shoulders like a shawl. Gold hoops dangled from her ears.
    Creighton scowled as his gaze swept the room. Why hadna one of the men given her his seat? Where were their manners? She tilted her blonde head back and laughed at something Ronan said. The exposed view of her neck stirred something within him. A primal need. A deep longing. A desire so keen it nearly took his breath away.
Ours. Our destiny
. His bear was exerting his intuitive thoughts again and Creighton fought for mental control.
    What would it feel like to slide his lips and teeth over that span of creamy white flesh? He hardened at the thought and once again failed to repress his yearning for this American. Since her arrival, he’d struggled with numerous sexual fantasies and carnal cravings—each one focused on her. Until he convinced her otherwise, she remained engaged to another man. By rights, she was supposed to be off-limits.
    No sooner had that thought formed than his legs, ignoring it completely, carried himtoward Paisley, where he settled on the floor behind her. His traitorous jean-clad legs stretched out on either side of her rounded hips. She turned to see who dared sit so close. Her face showed both surprise and suspicion.
    “Since none of these gentlemen saw fit to give ye their seat, the least I could do was provide ye with a wee bit of a backrest.” Would she go fer it?
    She replied with a scowl and a shake of her pretty blonde head. His niece, on the other hand, warmed his heart with a smile. Little Colleen moved from Paisley’s lap to climb onto his back and sit on his shoulders. She wrapped her thin arms around his neck and bent to kiss his cheek.
    “I love ye, Uncle Creigh.”
    “I love ye too, me wee sweet bairn.”
    He placed his hands on Paisley’s upper arms and drew her back against his chest. “Lean on me, lassie, while ye listen to me brother spin his yarns.”
    Paisley pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose. “No. I’m good. Thanks.” She shifted her shoulders and sat ramrod straight, which amused him.
    He wrapped a protective arm around Colleen’s back as he leaned forward to whisper in Paisley’s ear. “ ’Tis an apology I’d be owin’ ye, then. I was wrong fer what I said earlier about yer fiancé. I didna have the right to hurt yer feelings.”
    She turned her head toward him, their lips nearly touching. Her sky-blue eyes regarded him behind those glasses that never stayed where they belonged. Long dark blonde lashes, like delicate feathers, fanned her cheeks when she blinked those mesmerizing