Angus by Melissa Schroeder Page B

found herself wanting to confide in him for some reason.
    “Felt like a what?”
    “I am sure you would never understand, but I felt like an oddity in school.”
    He studied her in that way he had. It usually made her feel like a specimen in a lab, but then, his lips curved slowly. The green of his eyes deepening just a bit. The sounds of the house seemed to disappear around them as her heart tripped up a beat and her mouth went dry. How could her mouth be so dry and her palms get so wet at the same time?
    “I definitely know how it feels. Look at my family. Warriors all of them. I know how to fight, but I would much rather be in the lab, or with a book.”
    There it was again, talking about warriors and such. Maggie was definitely sure there was something different about this family. Of course, she shouldn’t pry because she had enough secrets of her own.
    “But, enough of that. Let’s get some fresh air.”
    She smiled at him. “I really want to go through this book some more.”
    “It will be here when you get back. We can hunt up Jack.”
    She shook her head. “I understand that Logan had plans with him today outside somewhere. Something about painting landscapes.”
    Angus laughed causing her pulse to do an uncomfortable tap dance. “Sounds like my brother. He’s always been like that and he feels that there isn’t enough art and music taught in school.”
    She said nothing to that and the silence lengthened. It didn’t bother her. Not while she was studying such a fine specimen of man. All of the Lennons were gorgeous, but there was something about Angus that drew her in. Maybe because she was sure he was a good man…and she really wanted to corrupt him.
    “Well, just a quick walk outside. It will clear your mind.”
    She wanted to say no. Her attraction to the man was growing by the day and it would be best to avoid that temptation. But…she looked outside. It was sunny, without a cloud in the sky. Just a little break wouldn’t hurt.
    “Okay.”
    The look of relief on his face came and went so fast she barely caught it.  
    “You might want to grab a jacket, because the wind is a bit chilly.”
    She nodded. “I’ll grab mine and meet you out front.”
    As she walked up the stairs to her room, she reminded herself it was a walk outside and nothing else. Angus was a good man and good men didn’t tangle with the likes of her.

Chapter Fifteen
     
    Maggie was laughing so hard she thought she would definitely lose control of her bladder.
    “There is no way that he did that,” she said, as Angus held the door open to allow her entry into the house. “You’re telling me that Fletcher convinced three different sisters, within seventy-two hours.”
    “Yes, although, I will say, he lost the bet he had with Logan.”
    “And that would be?”
    “He was supposed to get them all in bed.”
    “He did.”
    “At the same time.”
    She stopped in the front foyer and stared at him. Angus walked on until he apparently noticed she hadn’t followed.
    He turned to face her. “What?”
    “You’re telling me that quiet, sweet Logan made a bet like that?”
    Angus frowned. “You think Logan is sweet?”
    “Well, he is kind of quiet and he is a painter."
    The exasperated look he gave her told her how he felt about that.
    "I truly think the only reason my brother ever started to paint was because he wanted to do nudes."
    She couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up out of her. "Angus, none of you are angels, so I don't know why you are getting so crazed about it."
    He opened his mouth but Anice interrupted them.
    "Come on you two, we have a meeting in Callum's office. I have a way into Sweeney's house."
    Intrigued, she followed Anice with Angus catching up to her in just a few steps. He stopped her with his hand.
    "I'm glad you feel better."
    As soon as he said it, she knew it was true. She was so damned caught up in researching that she'd worn out her brain a bit.
    "And thank you for taking me outside for a