The Highlander's Accidental Marriage (Marriage Mart Mayhem) by Callie Hutton Page A

anticipation. As if something was about to happen that she was unfamiliar with, but longed for. Parts of her body she was not usually aware of began to throb and swell. She felt damp between her legs, and her breathing hitched. What in heaven’s name was happening to her?
    She jumped when his warm fingers touched her back and slowly began to unfasten her gown. As each fastener released she caught her breath. Down his fingers moved, one hook at a time. When the last fastener had been released, she grasped the top of her gown to keep the bodice from dropping to her waist.
    Even slower, his fingers worked to unlace her stays. His fingers fumbled, and she swore his hand shook. The sound of his panting only increased her awareness of whatever was happening between them. She could stand the silence no longer. “Braeden?”
    “Aye, lass.” He spread the panels of the stays, and she took a much needed deep breath. Before she could form any words, he kissed the side of her neck and pushed the gown off her shoulders. Any words she might have strung together flew out of her head like a flock of birds at the sound of a pistol shot.
    “Ye are so beautiful, Sarah.” He continued to kiss her neck, moving his lips down to her shoulders while his fingers pushed the sleeves of the gown toward her bent elbows. Taking both of her hands in his, he moved them to her sides so the silky fabric slid to her wrists and then off completely, the garment falling in a heap at her feet.
    Her head fell back onto his chest as his hands cupped her breasts, massaging the flesh, plucking at her nipples. She moaned and moved her head to the side as he nibbled at the soft skin behind her ear. Unhappy with the restriction of the stays, she tugged at the bottom of the garment, then shimmied until it, too, fell at her feet. Once it landed, Braeden scooped her up and strode to the bed, laying her gently on the mattress. He took her mouth in complete possession as he covered her body with his. His hands roamed over the dips and swells of her form, eventually settling his large palm on her bottom, rubbing circles over the sensitive area.
    Sarah felt the bulge in his breeches pressing against the part of her that ached. She pushed back, rubbing against him to ease the throbbing. A groan escaped Braeden’s mouth, and he brought his hand down to cup her most private part. She sucked in a breath when his fingers delved into the opening in her body that was moist and warm.
    She should be embarrassed to have a man touch her where no one else ever had. But somehow it felt right, as if she knew instinctively his touch would lead to a place where she longed to be. That her body craved. Their remaining clothing became a restriction; she wanted to feel his skin against hers.
    “Mrs. McKinnon, I have yer satchel here for ye that ye left downstairs.” A woman’s voice drifted through the door.
    Sarah came back to herself with a jolt, reminding her of where she was and who she was with. And what they’d been doing. Oh God. What was the matter with her? “Get up.” She pushed at Braeden’s shoulders.
    In a flash he was off the bed, shoving back the hair that had fallen on his forehead. His hands landed on his hips as he hung his head and took in deep breaths. Sarah swung her legs over the bed and stood, only to sit back down again. Her legs would not hold her.
    “Mrs. McKinnon?”
    “Yes. I will be right there.” Was that her voice?
    Braeden glanced down at himself and smirked. “I canna answer the door like this, lass.”
    “Oh.” She felt the heat rise to her face as she once again attempted to stand. A little steadier this time, she managed to make it to the door on shaky legs and opened it, blocking her disheveled state from the woman. Reaching her arm out, she said, “Thank you,” and took the bag from her hand.
    “Did ye want me to send up a tray for ye, lass?”
    “Nay.” Braeden stepped to the door, apparently having recovered his dignity. “I was