“You didn’t have to,” she said, “but thanks so much.”
“I was more than happy to treat you to a meal. Now about your accommodations…” he said.
“I’ll be more comfortable at a place of my own.”
“Which is why you are here and not at your own castle,” Archibald said, his tone challenging, irritated, perhaps a hint of his true nature coming through? She must have looked a little wary as he quickly added, “But all much appreciated as I had your lovely company.”
“Thanks.” She smiled a fake smile. “Yes, well, I have to go to ensure I can find a place that has a room before it gets too late.” The pickings looked slim: small village, one small inn, and just a couple of B and Bs. She hoped that someplace was available, or she wouldn’t have any choice but to return to the castle.
She rose from her seat and said, “Thanks again for dinner. It was nice seeing you.”
“Do you want me to come with you? In case you don’t find an available room?” Archibald asked, hurrying to rise from his chair.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” She left him then, before he got ideas that she should kiss him good night because he had bought her a meal.
“Call me,” he called after her, “if you have any trouble.”
“Okay,” she said, not intending to, and she got out the door and away from him as quickly as she could. She’d assumed since she’d driven for a couple of hours before she stopped, that Grant would take just as long.
Or maybe not, because she had driven slower, unsure about the roads or where she was going. She glanced at a clock tower. And couldn’t believe it. She’d spent a whole hour and half at the pub? Grant could be here in half an hour or sooner!
She had to hurry.
When she reached the first home turned into a B and B, she found it had no vacancy and had been booked through the end of the month. Disheartened, she feared she’d find the same at the other B and B. Maybe she’d have better luck at the inn.
The next place was another two-story gray stone home converted into a B and B with a pretty yard surrounded by a low, gray stone wall. When she walked inside, a dark-haired lady smiled. “Are you Mrs. Jones?”
“Um, no. I don’t have a reservation. I wondered if I could get a room for the night.”
“She has a whole castle to sleep in,” Grant said, stalking into the lobby, his voice dark and threatening.
Colleen whipped around and gaped at him. “How did you know I was here?”
“Small village. I saw your car parked out front.” He towered over her, scowling, and then turned his attention to the owner of the B and B. “You didn’t have a room, did you?”
Colleen wanted to laugh. How could he make a question sound so much like an order that the B and B owner had better not have a room?
“No, of course not,” the brunette said, frowning.
Colleen swore that if the woman did have accommodations for her, she would have quickly changed her mind once she caught sight of Grant and his growly composure.
“I haven’t seen you in forever, Grant MacQuarrie,” the woman said, her whole persona changing, becoming coyer.
Colleen wondered if he were to ask her if she had a room available for him, would she offer one right up? Her own, most likely. And Colleen had no idea why she was even thinking such thoughts. But worse, she wondered if the Highlander had stood on top of a hill in the glen and kissed the B and B owner like he had kissed Colleen.
“I’ve been busy managing the lass’s castle,” he said, casting another look in Colleen’s direction, an attempt at being very businesslike, similar to how she would think a manager of said castle would behave, and not like some growly wolf-pack leader. “Colleen Playfair, meet Lily Cameron. Lily, Colleen is the new owner of Farraige Castle.”
The woman gaped a little at Colleen, probably wondering why she would need to sleep at a B and B when she had the run of the castle. Which, because of Grant’s iron rule, Colleen didn’t. But she would keep working on it until she left for America.
“But you reserved—” the woman said.
Grant cut her a glare, and the woman quickly clamped her mouth shut.
Colleen wondered what that was all about.
“Are you ready for me to drive you home?” Grant said to Colleen. Only this time he tried to put on the charm.
She hated how much it worked. She knew he wasn’t being sincere in the least, just like she now suspected that Archibald wasn’t, either. Yet when Grant’s eyes locked on hers, damn if she didn’t feel all tingly and warm, and as much as she hated her traitorous body for it, her face flushed.
Men did not affect her in such a way. Not normally. Despite his wearing pants and a shirt and boots, she still saw him in the other way—kilted, half-naked, unshaved, and sexier than any man she’d ever met up close. Not to mention that she’d seen him wholly naked a number of times. He was just too hot for her own good.
“All right. I’ll follow you.” She hated to concede defeat, but she didn’t know why he’d say he would drive her home. They had their own cars.
“If you’re ever in the village,” the woman said, and Colleen turned to see that Lily had directed the comment at Grant, “drop by and see me.” She smiled brilliantly.
Colleen should have just walked out the door, showing no interest at all, but she couldn’t help herself. She wanted to know how Grant would handle the situation. She suspected they had been lovers or had a one-night stand or something. Which was perfectly acceptable for a wolf who was not mated, but she hated that it still bothered her.
“You know I will,” Grant said, but from the tone of his voice, Colleen knew he meant just the opposite.
She thought Lily tried to hide her disappointment behind a fake smile. “You do that.” The inference was that she wasn’t holding her breath.
Grant motioned to the doorway, then hurried to open the door for Colleen.
“Just so you know, Grant MacQuarrie,” Colleen said as they headed outside and he shut the door, “I’m only following you home because no rooms were available here tonight. You’re not—” She paused when she saw Lachlan leaning against her rental car, arms folded. She looked at Grant.
“Lachlan will drive your car. We need to talk.”
She realized then how much he’d outmaneuvered her. And how things had flip-flopped between them. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. She respected Grant for being clever enough to come up with the plan at a moment’s notice, and she gave him credit for his determination. And she kind of liked the fact that he wanted her home.