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HIGHLAND HEAT by Fiona Neal
© copyright June 2004, Carolyn Rickenbaker Cover art by Jenny Dixon, © copyright June 2004 New Concepts Publishing 5202 Humphreys Rd. Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com
Prologue
Boston, Massachusetts
"Oh, Cindy, thank God, you've come!" Tears running down her cheeks, Kerry Cameron hugged her best friend. "Sorry I took so long," the willowy blonde answered on short breath. "Driving over here, I caught a red light at every intersection. Then I had trouble finding a parking space." Disengaging, Kerry reached into her coat pocket for a tissue and wiped her eyes. "How's your grandfather?" Cindy asked. "I don't know. He's in there." Sniffing, Kerry tilted her head toward the emergency room and blew her nose. Cindy nodded. "What happened?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (1 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"I...." Slumping into one of the black plastic chairs along the wall of the crowded waiting area, Kerry put her hands over her mouth and cried silently. Cindy sat next to her, sympathy in her big blue eyes. "It's okay, Ker. You don't have to talk if you don't feel like it." Kerry swallowed the lump in her throat, again drying her tears. "I know, but I think talking about it will help." She took a shaky breath. "I came home early from work and found Gramps unconscious. I really freaked out, but I managed to phone 911. Then I called you at work. I hope I didn't mess things up for you." "You didn't. I told my boss I had an emergency and left the office right away. Besides, the Morgan Advertising Agency won't fall apart if I left an hour early. I stay late plenty." "Thanks, Cindy." "No problem, but it's a darn good thing you happened to go home early." Kerry swallowed back a sob, trying desperately to control her emotions. "I didn't think so at the time, but I just couldn't stay at the office another minute because I lost my job. Oh, Cindy, I felt so horrible when my editor gave me notice." "Oh, geezes, Kerry! Talk about having a bad day. I'm so sorry." Cindy sat back. "Now, being unemployed doesn't seem like such a big deal. Gramps getting sick sure puts things into perspective." "What the heck happened with your job?" "They're reorganizing the company 'cause of the slump in the economy, and my position was eliminated." She brushed back a lock of dark hair that had slipped from behind her ear. "Well, that's the Boston Herald's loss, but I know how much you love being a reporter." "Well, I'll deal with that later. Right now, I've got Gramps to think about. He's my first priority." "Sure, and you can always find another job, but...." Kerry put her hands over her ears and shook her head. "Don't say it, Cindy. I can't bear to think about loosing him. He's the only family I have left." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (2 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"I was going to say, it might take a while to find the kind of work you want. As for Gramps, he's as tough as New Hampshire granite. He'll pull through. Come to think of it, in all the years I've lived next door to the two of you, he's never been sick." Suddenly, the door to the emergency room opened, and a tall dark-haired man wearing a white lab coat approached them. "Miss Cameron?" "Yes?" Knees wobbly and her stomach in a knot, she stood. "I'm Dr. Scott. I'm afraid your grandfather has had a stroke." Kerry fought for composure. "Will he...." A sob choked off her question. "Is he going to be all right, doctor," Cindy finished for her. "That's what we're working for," he answered. "But his speech has been affected, and he has some paralysis. He'll need a lot of therapy, but at his age, I'm not sure he'll regain his ability to talk." "May we see him, doctor?" Kerry bit her lip, trying to control her trembling chin. "Of course. We've sent him up to Intensive Care. Dr. Williams has taken over your grandfather's care. He'll be able to answer all your questions." "Thank you, doctor," Kerry replied. "Now, if you'll excuse me...." he said. "Of course," Kerry answered. He turned and hurried off. "Want me to call Rick?" Cindy asked. "He knows. I phoned him after I talked to you. He told me he would stop by later." Cindy didn't say anything. She didn't have to. She disliked Rick, and the subtle twitch at the corner of her mouth clearly demonstrated her contempt for him and the fact he had failed to show up right away.
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"Come on, Ker. Let's go to see Gramps." They walked to the elevator, entered, and rode up to the Intensive Care Unit. The smell of antiseptics permeated the air, and the fluorescent lights glared harshly off the stark walls. After inquiring at the nurses' station which room Gramps occupied, Kerry paused, mustering the courage to go in. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside. Still, she had to stifle a gasp when she saw how the stroke had contorted the muscles on one side of her grandfather's face. A sob escaped Cindy. "I -- If there's anything I can do, Kerry, I'm here for the both of you." Tears blurring her vision, Kerry walked to the bedside and took hold of her grandfather's hand, squeezing it. Dear God, I'll do everything to see that Gramps gets what he needs if you'll just make him well.
Chapter One
Cawdor, Scotland
"A-absolutely not, R-Robert!" Ronan Fraser slammed the end of his fist on the top of the walnut desk. "We d-discussed this b-before. Th-The answer was n-no then, and it's st-still no n-now." Robert Carstairs raised his black brows. "There's no need to over-react." Remorse sliced through Ronan. "S-Sorry, I d-didn't m-mean to shout. I know you're only d-doing your job." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (4 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Apology accepted." Robert smiled and settled back in the brown leather armchair near the library hearth. "I've heard worse before, and if I continue to work with writers, I shall again." "B-But you understand why I'm r-refusing." "I suppose, but...." "B-But what?" Caution glimmered in Robert's dark eyes. "I'm your agent, Ronan. It's my job to make suggestions that will promote your career. I don't have to tell you that there's nothing like television interviews to sell books. You can reach millions of people in just a few minutes. Most authors would kill for this opportunity." "C-Confound it, R-Robert!" Ronan abruptly stood, stretching his six foot four inch body to full height. "I'm not most authors, and there's n-nothing in my contract about t-television interviews. I d-don't care how many c-copies they help to s-sell. I won't d-do it. I want my anonymity. That's why I use a pseudonym." "All right." Robert sighed, and his shoulders sagged under his brown Harris Tweed jacket. "It's your career." Though he won this battle, Ronan knew he'd lost the war. All his life, his speech problem had been a barrier, slamming doors when opportunity knocked. The difficulty had cost him his dream of teaching Gaelic literature at the University of Aberdeen. No wonder stuttering was called an impediment. Nothing had been so aptly named. A fluent person like Robert would never understand the instant humiliation that withered Ronan's confidence whenever he stuttered. No way would he allow himself to be embarrassed in front of millions of viewers. "P-Please t-tell D-Dunsmoor P-Press and the B-BBC I appreciate the offers, but the answer is s-still no, Robert." "Fine, but everyone is wondering why the author, Robbie McIain, hasn't made an appearance. There's speculation that you have a shady past to hide. One rumor grinding out of the mill is that you're a convicted murderer who is writing from behind bars." "L-Let them s-speculate." Ronan picked up his old brass letter opener, turning it over so the light streaming in from the window gleamed off the blade. "The m-mystery should b-boost sales even more."
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"Why did you submit Celtic Dreams for publication if you wanted to remain anonymous?" "To amuse my old p-professor, Alan St-Stewart, who urged me to do it. I n-never thought Dunsmoor Press would buy it. After they m-made the offer, I agreed because I thought the b-book would appeal to just a f-few intellectuals. I never d-dreamed my anonymity and lifestyle would be disrupted." Robert leaned forward in his seat. "This could have been a great opportunity, Ronan. There's talk of a knighthood and a Noble Prize. A tremendous fortune is at stake here. Few thirty-year-old men have a opportunity like this." Ronan set the letter opener on the desk blotter. Just thinking about audiences, interviewers, and the press made his stomach churn and his palms sweat. "I'm not exactly p-poverty stricken. Heathergate p-provides me with a g-good living." Furthermore, his parents had been canny with their money and left him a decent, if not an excessive, inheritance. He turned and looked out of the big window. Across the meadow, his sheep lingered on the gentle slopes. Come September, heather would scramble over those hills in an unbridled profusion of color. "But the extra money will give you the chance to buy Kirkbrae." Robert knew how to make a point. Ronan had wanted the neighboring farm for years. "Ronan...." He faced his agent. "Enough, Robert. I'm n-not g-going on television." "I know." "W-What then?" Robert shifted in his seat. "Well, you seem to stammer only when you're nervous or upset. I was wondering if you ever thought about seeing a speech therapist." "I h-had therapy for a l-long t-time as a child." A flushed stained Robert's face, and he looked away. "Right, then." The therapy had helped somewhat, but whenever Ronan got nervous or anxious, as he was now, he relapsed -- badly. Sometimes, his jaw and tongue seemed to freeze into paralysis. Usually, a simple phone call became a nightmare.
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"Uh, well, I have to be diplomatic with Richard Dunsmoor," "T-Tell him and everyone else any d-daft thing you want. The f-fact remains that I d-don't g-give interviews or do b-book signings. C-Case c-closed."
**** "That's great, Gramps." Smiling, Kerry sat by him at the picnic table on their patio. "I can't believe the progress you've made in just six months." "Neither can I." Cindy reached for her cup of cappuccino. "It just goes to show you that doctors don't know everything. They said you'd probably never talk again." His facial muscles no longer disfigured from the stroke, the elderly man returned their smiles. "I was determined," he answered slowly through his Scottish brogue. Kerry blinked away her tears. "Gramps, I'd give anything in the world to stay and help you finish your therapy, but you know I have to go." "Don't worry." Extending his formerly paralyzed arm, he reached for her hand. "I have a good feeling about this trip. I think it will change our luck." He nodded, and the brilliant spring sunset played over his halo of white hair, making it appear like angel hair on a Christmas tree. "Of course, it will." Cindy set down her drink and wiped the frothy mustache of cream, left by the topping on the cappuccino, from her upper lip. Picking up her mug of hazelnut-flavored coffee and taking a swallow, Kerry certainly hoped their fortunes would improve. "I wish I could go with you to Scotland," Gramps added. "I always wanted to go back to Ballater." Gramps often expressed the desire to return to his birthplace. Now, it was doubtful he would ever go, Kerry thought regretfully. "I suppose the little town has changed since I left it fifty years ago." He looked at Cindy. "It's near Balmoral Castle, you know." Determined not to break down in front of him, Kerry swallowed the lump expanding in her throat. "We'll do it, Gramps, just as soon as you can travel." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (7 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Maybe next year, Mr. Cameron," Cindy added, her voice breaking with emotion. Kerry almost lost the battle with her tears. Setting down her mug, she turned away and caught sight of her own reflection in the sliding glass door leading into the family room. She looked pale, and dark circles shadowed her blue-green eyes. Furthermore, the hollows in her cheeks gave her face a gaunt look. But, then again, since Gramps had taken ill, she had lost fifteen pounds. Interrupting Kerry's inspection, Mrs. Reilly, her grandfather's caregiver, slid open the door. "Time for your medicine, Mr. Cameron," the thin gray-haired woman announced, marching to him. Kerry turned to him. Leaning over, she kissed her grandfather on the cheek. "See you in a little while, Gramps. I want to do some weeding." "All right, lass." "Take care, Mr. Cameron." Cindy smiled. "I will," Gramps answered. Mrs. Reilly wheeled him up the ramp and into the house. Kerry stood and pulled on her gardening gloves. "Let me help you weed, Kerry. We don't have much daylight left. If we both do it, we'll cover twice as much ground." "You won't get an argument from me. I'm going to miss this garden, though. Working here sure releases a lot of stress." Cindy slipped on the padded gloves. "I can't believe your new boss would insist that you leave the country when he knows Gramps needs you." "Dan is not the kind who cares about people. He says the magazine needs this story because we're a New England-based publication, and it will boost circulation. That's not the real reason, though, because we have a lot of readers, and we sell plenty of advertising. I think it's an ego thing with him. He wants The Inquisitor to scoop the big publications like People or Us. "No matter what it costs?" Cindy pursed her lips. "Apparently. Under other circumstances, I'd tell him what he could do with his job. I hate tabloid journalism, but being out of work for six months was scary. Those little free-lance articles I wrote didn't file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (8 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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bring in much. Meanwhile, the medical bills kept piling up." "And Medicare doesn't cover everything," Cindy remarked. "My Aunt Jeanne is helping my grandmother pay for some of her medication. By the way, who'll stay with Gramps at night? I'd volunteer, but I'm not trained. If something went wrong...." "I know. Besides, I couldn't impose on you like that. You have to get up for work the next day, so I already hired another caregiver to stay at night." "God, Kerry. How are you going to afford that?" "I'll just have to do the best I can, especially since the supplemental insurance Gramps had dropped his coverage." "Does he know?" Cindy's eyes widened. "No. He doesn't need anything to worry him and cause a setback, so I have to leave. I can't quit my job and deprive Gramps of the treatment he needs, not when he's doing so well." "I sometimes glance at The Inquisitor while I'm at the checkout counter in the grocery store. Judging from what I've seen, I assume they're sending you to Scotland to dig up the dirt on someone. You never said who it was, but I assume it's someone big, like a rock star." "No rock star. It's Robbie MacIain." "The guy who wrote Celtic Dreams?" Kerry nodded. "Yeah." Cindy rolled her eyes. "Well, good luck. Everyone knows the guy is a recluse and refuses interviews. He doesn't even have his picture on the book jacket. I've read the book, incidentally. It's wonderful." "I know." Kerry knelt by a bed of white azaleas, thinking that the novel had moved her in a way that no other book had. "I wonder why this guy is so shy?" Cindy dropped to her haunches. "Maybe he has a scar on his face." "Or on his psyche." "Leave it to you to think of that," Cindy answered, yanking out a clump of crab grass. "I'll bet he's an old eccentric, living in some crumbling cottage on a lonely windswept moor." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...oks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (9 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"You're probably right about that." "How does Dan expect you to get an interview with MacIain? I mean, you don't know where he lives or what he looks like. How will you even find him?" "Dan hired a private eye to infiltrate Dunsmoor Press, MacIain's publisher." Kerry grappled with some stubborn dandelions. "I hope this so-called investigator didn't break in illegally. I don't want to be involved in anything criminal." "No, you don't." Weeds in hand, Cindy stood and dropped them in the green plastic trash bin standing beside the bed of perennials. "Anyway, MacIain lives on a sheep farm outside of a town called Cawdor." Still on her knees, Kerry looked up at her Cindy. "His real name is Ronan Fraser, by the way." "I never heard of Cawdor." Cindy brushed the loam from her jeans. "It can't be a big place like Edinburgh." "Just the opposite." Kerry got to her feet and deposited the weeds in the bin. "It's a tiny village." "So where are you going to stay?" Cindy asked. "I bet they don't even have a bed and breakfast there." "Dan did some investigating. The owner of the neighboring farm to Fraser's lives in Edinburgh and rents out his farmhouse to vacationers, so I'll stay there." "That's convenient, but how do you get in to see this MacIain or Fraser person?" Cindy removed her gardening gloves. "From what little I've heard about him, I don't see you walking up to his front door and asking for an interview." "Hardly. I guess I'll have to get friendly with the natives and pick up some information about him from them." "Umm, I don't know, Kerry." Cindy glanced at her skeptically. "People who live in small towns can be suspicious of outsiders until they get to know you." "Dan says my Scottish surname will help the locals accept me. The plan is to say I'm in Scotland to recover from burnout. I'll let the locals get to know me. Once they begin to trust me, I'll ask subtle questions at first then get more information as I go along." They walked to the patio, and Kerry released a long sigh. "But I feel so bad about deceiving everyone and being instrumental in plastering the details of MacIain's life on the front page of some cheap tabloid, like The Inquisitor."
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"I can't picture you doing it." Cindy put the gloves on the table. "You're too honest." "By the way, Gramps would have a fit if he knew the truth about this assignment, so please don't breathe a word." "Not to worry." Cindy shook her blonde head. "There's no way I'm going to mention it. For what it's worth, I'll check on Gramps every day. I'll even cook him supper once a week." "Oh, Cindy, knowing you're doing that will make my going so much easier." "It's no big deal. I right next door, and who knows?" Cindy smiled mischievously. "Maybe you'll meet some handsome Scot who'll make you forget all your troubles." Kerry dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "If they're anything like Rick Mallory, they'll run when they hear I help care for Gramps." She could still hear his ultimatum. Put your grandfather in a nursing home, or we're through. Cindy wrinkled her nose in disdain. "Rick was a major creep. You're better off without him, but don't swear off all men. You still may meet someone dreamy." "Cindy, you're a hopeless romantic." Kerry tugged off her gloves and threw them on the table. "You bet, and after all you've been through, I think you could stand a little romance in your life. So could I, for that matter. Besides, when you find the right man, he'll understand about Gramps." "Right," Kerry answered doubtfully.
**** A week later, Kerry sat at the kitchen table of the two-story Scottish farmhouse, drinking a cup of tea. No wonder the rent was so cheap. While structurally sound, the place needed painting and major updating. In some spots, the worn linoleum exposed the wooden floor beneath, and the throw rugs throughout the place were threadbare. The house was definitely not on the Scottish Tourist Board's list. Still, the room had its charm. Inside the huge fireplace, the old Rayburn cooker was still in working order. It also efficiently heated the household water and kept the room warm, and the big windows let in lots of light, giving the space a cheerful ambiance. Still, Kerry hoped she wouldn't stay here long. She missed Gramps -- terribly. Too bad she wouldn't be file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (11 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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able to enjoy Cawdor because the village, complete with castle, was picture perfect, and the people she met at the local pub, The Tavern, made her feel welcome. She looked out the window. The rolling countryside provided a breath-taking panorama. Stone fences, which the Scots called stane dykes, divided the land into verdant pastures or neat fields where crops grew abundantly. In the distance, mist-crowned hills provided a spectacular backdrop. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, and she started, frightened it was bad news about Gramps. Get a grip, girl. She snatched it up from the table. "Hello." "You've been in Scotland three days now, and I haven't received one line of e-mail from you." Though Dan Harold spoke softly, the hint of menace remained ever present in his voice. His call was just what she needed to make her day. Kerry could just picture him, leaning back in his chair, feet up on his desk, his reptilian stare glaring through a haze of cigarette smoke, his teeth and fingers yellowed from nicotine stains. "The first day, I was wiped out with jet lag, Dan." "So, what about the other two days," he needled back. Kerry didn't have the nerve to tell him that she hadn't even worked up the courage to walk over the hill to look at Ronan Fraser's farm. "I'm doing the best I can, Dan. It's not like I can ring Fraser's doorbell, tell him I'm from The Inquisitor, and ask for an interview. It takes time to establish a rapport and build some trust with people." "A real professional wouldn't have to hide behind excuses." His jibe really got under her skin. "That's just it, Dan. I'm a professional journalist not a private detective. Besides, I didn't ask to come here. I wanted to stay with Gramps." "Do you want this job, or don't you?" No. She didn't want the lousy job; she needed it, and Dan's unveiled threat made her stomach knot. "I've been making contacts," she fibbed. "Oh, really? Who are they?" "Ronan Fraser," she lied again. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (12 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Why didn't you say that in the first place?" he shot back. Damn! "I wanted to wait until I had something substantial to report." "That had better be soon." She heard a sharp click, and the line went dead. "Oh!" Frustrated, she hit the off button and slammed down the cell phone on the table. Kerry suddenly felt as if the walls were closing in on her. She jerked her new cream-colored Aran Isle cardigan from the back of the kitchen chair and slipped it on over her black turtleneck jersey and old pair of jeans. Grabbing her key from the hook by the kitchen door, she slipped it in her pocket and stepped out. Beyond the stone wall enclosing the back yard, the meadow undulated in soft hummocks before sweeping up the steep emerald slope. Ubiquitous bushes of golden gorse dotted the landscape. A flock of sheep grazed calmly, and the bleat of a new lamb carried to her on the stiff breeze. She hopped the fence and started across the pasture and up the incline, grateful for her walking shoes and thick woolen sweater. Though the middle of May, the weather remained quite cool, and the stiff breeze sent silver-etched clouds across the sky like a fleet of clipper ships in full sail. Reaching the summit, she paused and looked below to Ronan Fraser's estate. The big whitewashed house with six chimneys and a slate roof sat squarely in the wide swale of the surrounding hills. Its windows winked in the bright daylight like a flirtatious woman. However, the huge garden behind the structure hypnotized Kerry. Flowering shrubs shimmered in hues of scarlet, pink, lavender, and sparkling white. Captivated, Kerry just had to get a closer look at the horticultural paradise. You'll be trespassing. She scanned the property, but didn't see anyone on the premises. She could slip down the slope, dash around to the back, and be in and out before anyone knew she had been there. Without another moment's hesitation, Kerry hurried down the incline. High on an adrenaline rush, she found the scrolled wrought-iron gate unlocked. Passing a white hawthorn in full flower, Kerry entered the garden and stood transfixed. A sea of forget-me-nots swayed in a wave of baby blue blossoms inside a curving bed. Pink cyclamen file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (13 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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ringed the huge trunk of the copper beech. A swath of daffodils held their golden trumpets above a bluegreen carpet of low-growing juniper. The scene outshone anything Kerry had ever seen on the HGTV. Why hadn't she taken her camera? Aside from the fact that the pictures would have made a great addition to her story, Kerry wished she could capture forever the fabulous landscape design and the dazzling display of colors. Suddenly, fierce barking shattered the magic of the moment. Oh, God! I should have known an old recluse like Ronan Fraser would have a vicious watchdog. She turned and saw a huge man coming toward her, and he was carrying a shotgun! He was probably someone Fraser hired as a security guard, and the dog was the size of a pony. A monster that size could tear her to shreds. She had better make tracks before this guy started blasting. Heart drumming, she whirled around and started to run. All at once, she tripped and fell. A blinding pain exploded in her knee as she struck the gravel and sprawled out on the ground.
Chapter Two
Oh, God! He and the dog were running towards her. She struggled to prop herself up on one elbow and raised a hand up in a defensive position as he and the dog loomed over her. "Please, don't shoot," she gasped out. "I didn't mean any harm." "Sh-Shoot?" He looked at her as though she had lost her mind. "I h-have no intention of sh-shooting. The file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (14 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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g-g-gun isn't loaded." He put it down and knelt beside her. "Then why did you come at me with it?" "I d-didn't. I j-just happened to b-be on my way to the g-gunsmith. S-Sit, Claymore. I am s-sorry if I ffrightened you." The huge gray dog obeyed, and the kind look in the man's hazel eyes allayed some of her fears. "Oh," she sighed. Now that her terror had subsided, Kerry realized that he was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. He frowned. "You're h-hurt." The fall had torn the knee of her denim of her jeans, exposing a bloody scrape on her flesh. "Uh, I'll be all right." "L-Let me h-help you up." He raised her to sitting position and brushed her hair back from her face. Kerry took in a deep breath and inhaled his clean fragrance. He smelled like a pine forest on a spring morning, and his thick auburn hair gleamed in the sun like polished mahogany. He was so sexy Kerry suddenly wished she could stay in his arms for a very long time. "I apologize for trespassing, but the garden is so wonderful that I couldn't resist coming inside." He smiled, revealing a set of white, even teeth. "T-Trespassing is a harsh word. I p-prefer to say that you're the American from K-Kirkbrae who's come to call." "How did you know?" "B-Barbara down at the Cawdor T-Tavern pointed you out to me while you were having l-lunch there yesterday. She said that you had rented Kirkbrae." He chuckled. "If you w-want to know anything, the Tavern is the p-place to go." So far, Kerry had eaten most meals at the establishment, not having the ambition to shop or cook. The restaurant seemed to serve as the center of village activity, an establishment where people socialized and exchanged news, and just the place she needed to pick up information. "I'm g-glad the garden attracted you here. I'm quite p-proud of it." He chuckled.
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That wasn't all that attracted her. Though dressed in an old brown sweater, worn tan corduroy trousers, and battered boots, he oozed sexuality and his smile and hearty laughter sent a surge of excitement radiating to the tips of her toes. Maybe he wasn't a security guard. He didn't act like one. "Are you the groundskeeper here?" she asked. "I s-suppose. N-No one else works this g-garden." Even through the stammer, his Scottish burr had the richness of Godiva chocolate, and Kerry almost licked her lips. "Maybe someday, you'll let me see your landscape design. This one is incredible." He nodded. "Of c-course, but we need to t-tend to that nasty wound on your knee. D-Do you think you can stand." "I hope so." He helped her, and when they stood, her head just about reached his wide shoulders. As she looked up and their gazes blended, she made no move to leave the circle of his arms. Time seemed to stop as flecks of emerald and gold danced in his eyes, reminding her of the glittering swirl of fairy dust. Raw, unmitigated lust assaulted her again, shaking her to the foundations of her being. Stunned, she cleared her throat and nervously stared at the ground. Kerry had never experienced such an immediate and overwhelmingly powerful attraction to a man. Unfortunately, she couldn't risk an involvement with him, not when she had to expose his employer, Ronan Fraser. She could barely keep her hands off him, but she had to break physical contact, or she would lose all perspective. "Uh, nothing feels sprained or broken, so I guess I'm okay." She moved away. "B-but your knee is b-bleeding." He looked down at the wound. "I'm s-surprised that's all that hhappened." "No real harm done. It probably looks worse than it actually is." "Come inside." He turned slightly and nodded toward the house. "Let m-me at least clean the sc-scrape." She should see the extent of the wound. It did hurt, and she didn't need an infection. Besides, he had just provided her with a great opportunity, an excuse to get inside Ronan Fraser's home. Kerry never dreamed she would gain access so quickly or so easily. How else would she get such an intimate view into the author's private world?
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Still, actually confronted with deceiving an innocent person, she trembled. "You're sh-shivering. Let's get out of this wind," he suggested. "I'll b-bandage your knee, then we'll have a late tea." He swept her up in his arms, but Kerry had no intention of objecting. He carried her to the back of the house, the big gray dog trotting beside them. As they entered beneath the dark beams of the ceiling, the kitchen welcomed them like a pair of loving arms, and the fragrance of baking apples filled the air. Sure enough, Kerry caught sight of a pie cooling on the beige granite counter. A clear glass vase of daffodils splashed sunny color on the oak table. Claymore jaunted straight for the large tartan-lined basket in the corner of the floor. Kerry recognized the red, blue, and green pattern as the Fraser plaid. Setting her on her feet, he said, "Have a s-seat." Then he pulled a chair away from the table. "Thanks." She settled on it. "Excuse m-me for a minute. I'll b-be right back," he announced, stepping out of the room. "Sure." She wondered why an employee had a free run of the house. Maybe Ronan Fraser allowed him to live on the premises. After all, the care of that magnificent garden must entail a full-time job. Kerry felt lower than a snake's hip, taking advantage of an unsuspecting person this way, but what choice did she have? If she wanted the story, she had to use whatever means she had at her disposal. In an attempt to silence her nagging conscience, Kerry turned her attention to the cozy room. A huge, cream-colored Aga, radiating waves of comforting heat, sat within an enormous hearth. She surmised a whole hunch of venison or an entire boar once roasted on a spit inside that fireplace in times gone by. Old flagstones covered the floor, and potted geraniums blushed cheerfully on the wide windowsills. Softly glowing pewter mugs stood in front of the Blue Quail stoneware lining the shelves of the oak cupboard. The granite counters and porcelain sink were obviously new additions, but the renovation hadn't destroyed the old-world charm of the quaint room. "Sorry I took so long," he declared, re-entering the room. "I forgot where I put the first aid kit." He set the metal box on the table and retrieved a bottle of antiseptic and cotton balls. "Now, let's see how bad that wound is."
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Kerry noticed that he had stopped stammering. He took a pair of scissors and cut away an area of her jeans leg, so he could work. Setting down the sears, he took a seat beside her, wet a cotton ball with peroxide, and gently began to clean away the blood. She sucked in a noisy breath. "Oh, that stings!" "Sorry." He looked as if he really was, too. "The good news is that it looks like just an abrasion." "Good," she answered. "I wasn't looking forward to stitches." To keep her mind off the pain, she concentrated on him. As he worked, the sun streaming in from the window illuminated every detail of his handsome face. Beneath its sprinkle of freckles, his skin glowed with health. His lowered gaze allowed her a full inspection of his eyelashes, dark auburn from base to tips. A square jaw, strong chin, wide brow, and a finely chiseled, straight, short nose completed the configuration of his manly bone structure. And, oh, that sexy mouth! She had the almost undeniable urge to take his face between her hands and kiss his full lips until guilt brought her back to her senses. She was using him to get information about Ronan Fraser. Her uneasy conscience blighted the lovely moment, and she shuddered. He looked up, and his glorious gaze collided with hers. "D-Did I hurt you?" "No." Kerry looked away, unable to sustain the scrutiny of his honest eyes. "I f-felt you tremble, and you look p-pale suddenly." Standing, he dropped the bloodstained cotton ball into the wastebasket. "I'm, uh, fine, really." Desperately wanting to change the subject, she asked, "How long have you worked on the garden?" "Ever s-since I can remember." He returned to her and took a bandage strip from the kit. Perhaps his father had been the gardener here before him. "So you've lived in Cawdor all your life." He tore open the bandage. "Except for the time I spent in Aberdeen and Islay." "I've seen pictures of Aberdeen. The Silver City, right?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (18 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Smiling, he applied the bandage. "Yes, because all buildings are built of gray granite. Of course, other people say that silver refers to the money brought in by the herring and off shore oil." "Did you live in Aberdeen long?" "Until I qualified at the university." He discarded the wrapper in the trash then turned back to her. "Qualified?" "Earned my degree as you Yanks say." "In horticulture?" "In Celtic Studies, actually." That seemed like an unusual major for a gardener. Still, lots of people earned degrees in one subject then made their livings by pursuing another. "But you prefer the quiet of Cawdor to the big city." "Aye." He nodded. "Where's your home?" "Boston, Massachusetts." He raised his auburn brows. "That's a big city." She nodded and smiled. "It's the largest in New England." "What kind of work do you do there?" Kerry hated to lie, but if this man told Ronan Fraser that she was a journalist, the old hermit would bar her from entering the house. Then she would never get her story. Heart racing, she forced herself to smile. "Actually, I, uh, work with computers." Well, she did use one to write, after all. Still, the lie pricked her conscience. Claymore whined as if in protest. Worse, his soulful eyes seemed to see into her soul. Obviously, intrigue was not her strong suit. She had to get out of here before she really messed things up. Kerry nervously glanced at her watch. "Well, it's getting late, and I have to get back." "I can give you a ride, but first, I thought you would stay for tea. I admit it won't be fancy. My housekeeper went to Skye to visit a sick relative, but she baked an apple pie and made some sandwiches
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before she left. And after tea, we can look over my garden designs." The tempting offer provided the perfect chance to begin to question this man about Robbie MacIain, AKA Ronan Fraser. At the moment, though, Kerry was so flustered she felt she would probably blow her cover. "I wish I could, but I really have to go. I'm expecting a phone call shortly, and I left my cell phone at Kirkbrae. Besides, I've had my tea." Still, she needed an excuse to call again and get more information about the old recluse. "May I take a rain check on that offer?" "Of course." He smiled bashfully. "Well, thanks for everything...." She smiled self-consciously. "Uh, we've been talking all this time, but I don't know your name." "Oh, sorry. I've forgotten my manners. Barbara told me you're Kerry Cameron. I assumed someone there mentioned that I'm your nearest neighbor, Ronan Fraser." Her mouth went dry, and she swallowed hard, feeling her cheeks flush. For a few seconds, Kerry just stared at him. Why did the best-looking guy she had ever met turn out to be the man she planned to trick? Collecting her wits, she extended her trembling hand. "Nice to meet you, Ronan."
**** Ronan sat in the library, gazing into the hearth fire. Kerry had left hours ago, but he couldn't seem to get her out of his thoughts. He rubbed his fingertips together, remembering the texture of those glossy strands of hair from when he had brushed them back from her face. When he had held the lovely body in his arms, his sex urge exploded like a bomb. Just thinking about it gave him an erection. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, remembering that she smelled like dew-drenched heather. Sexual attraction aside, what surprised him most was that as he began to talk to her, he had lost his selfconsciousness. For some inexplicable reason, he felt completely at ease in her presence, and by the end of their conversation, he had stopped stammering. That had never happened to him before. Usually, he had to know someone -- no, trust someone -- for a long while before he could converse with without stuttering. Perhaps he had become so captivated by Kerry he had forgotten about himself. Perhaps, their mutual interest in gardening had put him at ease. When their gazes had locked for the first time, a torch seemed to flare between them, igniting his senses and sending his pulse into a gallop. Or maybe he was getting a little too carried away. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (20 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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After his last romance, he needed to proceed with extreme caution. Mariah had deceived him. God! He hated liars. The nasty scene she'd caused still rattled him when he thought about it. Still, he couldn't judge every woman by his former girlfriend. He hadn't dated for months now. Lately, the loneliness had begun to get to him, to say nothing about the sexual frustration. However, Kerry would probably go back to the States soon, so he might as well forget her. Why set himself up for something that had no future?
**** The cordless notebook perched on her lap, Kerry sat on the old chintz-covered sofa in the large living room. She had begun the vile task of drafting her article about Ronan. Perhaps she should have waited until she got more information. Except for his gardening and his degree in Celtic Studies, she didn't know a whole lot about him. He hadn’t mentioned his age, although he didn't look more than thirty. Nor had he made any comments about his family. Kerry sat back and stared into space, wondering if he was married. It was crazy to assume that a guy that gorgeous was unattached. Usually, men that handsome had a significant other. If so, did he have children? Both notions dismayed her. Still, she saw no evidence of a wife. And if Ronan had children, wouldn't he have fastened school papers or snapshots to the refrigerator door? Well, maybe just Americans did that. As for photos, he probably displayed them in other rooms. After all, she had never ventured beyond the kitchen. The kids could be away at school. Brits often sent their kids away to get an education, and his wife could have been visiting them or shopping in Inverness. Why hadn't she asked about his marital status down at the Tavern when his name came up? Because you thought Ronan Fraser was an old, nutty coot. Still, the fact that he hadn't worn a wedding ring proved absolutely nothing. Lots of men took them off if it suited their purposes. Ronan hadn't been expecting her, though, so he had no opportunity or motive to deceive her. Stop it, Kerry. You can't afford to become involved. Your job and your grandfather's recovery are on the file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (21 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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line here. Dejected, she sighed, wishing she could find a way to avoid hurting Ronan. Sadly, she could see no other alternative at the moment. Moreover, she needed to arrange an interview with him to get material for her story. He had made a point of giving her his telephone number before she left his house the other day. Deciding to call him, she took the number from her purse and reached for her cell phone. As she dialed the number, she anticipated hearing the rich burr of his sexy accent again. Her heart slammed as the phone rang, once, twice, thrice. He finally answered, and the baritone timbre of his voice sent shivers cartwheeling down her spine. "Uh, Ronan, this is Kerry Cameron." "G-Good morning. H-How are you?" He sounded glad to hear from her, and she flushed with excitement. "Fine thanks. How about you?" "A-Actually, I was just about to c-call you." "Really?" She pictured the gold and emerald flecks shimmering in his hazel eyes. "Yes. I wanted to ch-check and see if that knee was g-g-giving you pr-problems." "Oh, no. It's fine. Thanks for asking." "I h-have another r-reason for c-calling. I th-thought we c-could look at those l-landscape designs. You do s-still want to see them, d-don't you?" "Uh, actually, that's why I called." Kerry's heart was thumping so hard her voice emerged in a breathy whisper. "Well, they s-say great m-minds think alike. Would this afternoon at f-four suit, or is that too s-soon?" "Sounds perfect. I'll see you at four then." "I'll be looking f-forward to it." "Bye, Ronan." "B-Bye." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (22 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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After his end of the line went dead, Kerry held the phone against her heart. She had to admit that this visit had as much to do with her attraction to Ronan as it did getting her story. Just the sound of his voice sent her into orbit. But she had to get over it. Ronan Fraser could be married. Besides, she had a cardinal rule: She never let her emotions interfere with work. She intended to stick to that principle now more than ever.
**** Ronan paced the library floor. He felt like a teenager with a terminal case of nerves, preparing for his first date. No woman had ever affected him this way. Suddenly, he halted, glancing at the landscape designs he had previously placed on his desk. He wondered if Kerry would like the new plans he had sketched for a walled garden. He wanted to impress her with something because he certainly couldn't charm her with his glib tongue or scintillating conversation. "Mr. Fraser." Ronan looked up from the desk. A big grin on her face, his housekeeper stood in the doorway. She moved her stocky form toward him, her footsteps muffled by the old crimson and beige oriental carpet as Claymore shadowed her. "I set up the butler's table in the parlor by the hearth, and I lit the peat, so the two of you'll be nice and toasty," she announced, eyes gleaming with conspiracy. "I used the Crown Derby tea service and the linen napkins with the crocheted edging." "Thank you, Mrs. Dunbar." Claymore curled up by the sofa and put a paw over his muzzle. "I heard your American friend is a bonnie lass. Mrs. MacNabb saw her having lunch in the Tavern." She winked. "You'll see for yourself when she arrives." Ronan smiled. "Aye, that I will." Mrs. Dunbar put a chubby hand into the pocket of her white starched apron. "I think it's exciting to have someone new in town who will actually stay for a while. After the tourists go to the castle and stop at the henge, they leave for Inverness or Culloden Field." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (23 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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The doorbell rang, causing his heart to pound with expectation. "I-I'll answer it, M-Mrs. Dunbar." "Good then. I'll put on the kettle and arrange dessert cart." She left, the bow of her apron looking like a big white butterfly perched above her hefty derriere. Ronan dashed down the corridor, Claymore skidding beside him. Jolting to a stop at the peer glass, he pulled a comb from his pocket and ran it through his unruly thatch. Why hadn't he gotten a haircut? He turned from the mirror and hurried to the door. Ronan felt compelled to smile as he opened it, and Kerry stared up at him. Her teal sweater matched her eyes, and the cut of her black slacks emphasized her tiny waist and nicely rounded hips. Soft dark ringlets nestled at her temples. Her cheeks and the end of her small upturned nose glowed pink, probably from her chilly walk over the hill. "Hi, Ronan." "It's g-g-good to s-see you." Breathe deeply and speak slowly, or she'll think you're an inarticulate clod. He moved back from the door, giving her room to enter the wide hall. "Come in," he said slowly. "I...have several l-landscape designs all ready, but I thought you'd like some tea first." Congratulations, man. You stuttered just once on the last sentence. "I'd love some." She moved inside. "I worked up quite an appetite, walking over that hill." She glanced over her shoulder. "I should have taken my car or brought an umbrella. The clouds began to close in on the way over." As he closed the door, he saw the formerly blue sky had changed to the color of pewter, and the temperature, as often happened in the Highlands, had dropped. He turned toward her. "I'll drive you home if it rains." His confidence soared. He didn't stammer once that time. "Thanks." The animal looked up at her, adoration in its brown eyes. She bent and patted Claymore's head then file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (24 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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straightened. Ronan took her arm, leading her down the hall and into the parlor where the butler's table stood with its splendid service of Crown Derby. "Make yourself comfortable." He gestured toward the table and chairs set up for tea in front of the hearth. "Thanks." Kerry sat, crossing her legs at the ankles. "Umm, this peat fire feels good, and I love its smell." Ronan smiled. "Glad you like it." His housekeeper entered, pushing the teacart laden with platters of small sandwiches sans crusts, desserts, and the teapot covered with a bright yellow and green tea cozy. "This is Mrs. Dunbar." Ronan turned to his housekeeper. "Mrs. Dunbar, Kerry Cameron." "Pleased to meet you." Smiling, Kerry stood. "Likewise." The housekeeper grinned and glanced mischievously at Ronan. "I must say I agree with Mrs. MacNabb." Ronan chuckled. "Did I miss something?" Kerry frowned. Ronan turned. "Mrs. MacNabb is one of our neighbors. She though you were bonnie when she saw you at The Tavern." "That's quite a compliment." Kerry blushed and chuckled self-consciously. "Thank you." "You're welcome. I hope you're enjoying your stay," the older woman remarked. "Very much. So far, I love everything about Scotland." Beaming, Mrs. Dunbar turned back to Ronan. "Shall I pour the tea now, Mr. Fraser?" "I think I can manage it." Ronan chuckled. "If I can't, Kerry will help me." Mrs. Dunbar removed the tea cozy. "There now, you're all set. Come along, Claymore. Time for your dog biscuit." The deerhound followed as the housekeeper left the room.
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"How do you like your tea?" Ronan asked. "Cream please, but no sugar." "Really? I take mine the same way." She smiled. "To quote you, 'Great minds think alike.'" He fixed the tea and handed her a cup. "Help yourself to Mrs. Dunbar's masterpieces." He gestured toward the teacart. "Everything looks and smells so delicious I can't make up my mind. What's your favorite?" "The clootie dumpling." He pointed to the fruity confection. "Though the broonie, which is gingerbread, comes in at a close second." "The clootie dumpling looks sort of like fruitcake." Ronan nodded. "It doesn't have any nuts, though, and it's steamed in a cloth instead of being baked." "I'll try it then." He sliced two wedges of the dumpling, serving her one, then pouring the egg custard sauce over each piece. Eyes wide, she accepted the plate. "Are you trying to sabotage my diet?" His gaze traveled over her marvelous figure. "You don't need a diet. Besides, if we don't eat some sandwiches, Mrs. Dunbar will grumble. Highland hospitality, you know." "All right, I'll try." She put a half of a sandwich on another dish. Plates fixed, they sat in the chairs in front of the butler's table and began consuming the delicious food and drinking the strong tea. After finishing a sandwich, Kerry tasted the dumpling and looked up at him. "The ginger and cinnamon flavors are just wonderful." "Have another piece then." "I couldn't." She patted her stomach. "I don't have a very big appetite." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (26 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Uh, if you're f-finished we can l-look at those designs." "Sure, I'm dying to see them." "Let's go in the library." "A library! I'm impressed." He smiled. "It's a modest one." They stood and set their china on the tea table. Then he took her arm, leading toward the walnut-paneled library. The physical contact stirred up a powerful reaction in him. This was daft. He had better control himself. He reluctantly released her, pulled another chair to the desk, and they sat. He switched on the antique brass desk lamp. "I want to use this plan for the area under the beech tree." He traced the design with his finger. "I've substituted impatiens for the cyclamen." "I've never had any luck with cyclamen." Shrugging, Kerry looked up at him. "After they wither, they won't re-bloom. I don't know what I'm doing wrong." Her teal eyes mesmerize him, making him feel adrift on a limitless blue-green sea. "Ronan?" He collected his wits. "Uh ... y-yes. Cyclamen are t-tricky, but I c-cold store mine in a dark place after they die back. The next season, I r-replant the bulbs with a little bone meal, and I usually have g-good results." "I'll have to try that. She ran her finger over the design. "I like the concentric circles of pink and white impatiens around the tree." As she looked up, their gazes melded, and he forgot about his designs. "I s-suppose you've been told hundreds of times that you have beautiful eyes." How could he have used such a worn out bunch of blather? But it wasn't blather. He meant every word. She blushed again and stared into her lap. "No. No one ... except my grandfather, but then he's prejudiced." She shyly looked up at him through a fringe of black lashes. "He's a kind person." "I h-had a w-wonderful grandfather, too." He took a deep breath and said very slowly, "Unfortunately, he died when I was twelve, but he had a lasting influence on me."
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"After my folks died in a car accident, Gramps brought me up. We still live together." "Do you now? I think that's grand." He admired her devotion. How many gorgeous young women would remain loyal to an elderly relative? "You do? Most of the men...." He frowned. "Most men what?" She shrugged and looked away. "Well, several of my relationships ended because the men involved refused to accept the fact that Gramps and I come as a package deal. But there's no way I'm going to desert him." "So, there's no special man waiting back in Boston?" His heart tripped like a hammer, waiting for her answer. "Just Gramps." She turned back to him. "What about you?" "I'm unattached." "Do you have any family, Ronan?" "Just one sister in my immediate family. She and her husband are veterinarians here. They have two sons." Ronan couldn't help smiling when he thought about David and Andrew. "How old are they?" "Seven and nine." "Are they away at school?" "No. We have a good school in the village. Besides, I'd hate for the lads to leave. They're my fishing mates." "Oh, you fish?" She smiled broadly. "Gramps has a friend who lives in Vermont. His house is a huge stone two-story place near the clearest pond you ever saw. We'd fly fish for hours. It was wonderful." The news elated Ronan. "Really?" "That was before Gramps had his stroke, that is." The joyful enthusiasm faded from her eyes.
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"Sorry." She bit her lip and blinked rapidly, as if she were trying to fight tears. "He's getting better," she added, her poignant gaze meeting his again. All at once, the background faded, and everything about her became more vivid. An intense animal energy seemed to emanate from her. In that moment, something intangible yet undeniable seemed to flare between them, like the deep bonding with a kindred spirit. Ronan felt that he knew her in a way that transcended time and space. He leaned closer, noticing her pupils dilate and her lips part. She inclined toward him as well, and the scent of her perfume intoxicated him. He moved closer, his lips hovering but a hairsbreadth from hers. More than anything in the world, Ronan longed to take her in his arms and kiss her.
****
Chapter Three
Suddenly, a knock on the door startled them, and they jerked apart. Kerry struggled to get her raging libido under control as Ronan strode to answer the knock. She felt thoroughly frustrated. Whoever stood on the other side of the door had cheated her out of a kiss she really wanted, for she had no doubt that Ronan was about to take her in his arms. Some things were just unmistakable. What was she thinking? Becoming romantically involved with him would just hurt them both. Ronan didn't seem like the type of guy you could trifle with. He impressed her as being the kind of man who would stay hurt for a long time -- maybe forever. Was that why he guarded his privacy? Maybe some woman had done a number on him.
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Kerry, you'd better do your job, get your money, and go home. Ronan swung open the door. "Isobel, this is a surprise." A tall auburn-haired beauty strolled into the room with the nonchalant poise of a duchess. A few wisps of straw clung to her hunter green wool sweater, its color matching her wide eyes. The freckles on her dainty nose clearly showed she wore no makeup. A pair of well-worn jeans clung to her long legs and slim hips. As she stepped in front of the window, a sunbeam poked through the clouds and turned her thick, wind-tussled locks to flame. Ronan picked the straw from her sweater, and the gesture of familiarity caused Kerry to burn with jealously. Who was this woman who managed to look so stunning with obviously no effort? Furthermore, Ronan had said he was unattached. Maybe this Isobel had plans to alter his bachelor status. "Have you had your tea yet?" he inquired. "No." Isobel shook her head. "Mrs. Dunbar tried to stuff me full of clootie dumpling, but I managed to escape the kitchen. That woman would ruin my figure if I let her." Patting her flat stomach, she glanced meaningfully toward Kerry. Ronan took her subtle cue. "Uh, c-come and m-meet my American neighbor." They ambled to the desk. Kerry forced a smile and stood. "Kerry Cameron, this is my sister, Isobel MacGillivray." If you hadn't been so consumed with envy, you would have noticed the obvious resemblance. The auburn hair, the slim straight noses, and the freckles were all dead giveaways. Isobel smiled, displaying her lovely teeth. "Good to meet you." "Same here," Kerry answered, feeling like an idiot, but relieved at the same time. "I'm glad Ronan finally has a neighbor. Kirkbrae has been empty for so long, and my brother has a tendency to isolate himself when he -- " Ronan coughed, sending his sister a sharp look. "Uh, when he gardens," Isobel finished, glancing at him nervously. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (30 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Kerry wondered what their rather furtive exchange was all about. Kerry surmised that Isobel was going to say that Ronan liked his solitude when he was writing, but he had silenced her with a warning glance. "We were just perusing my new designs." Ronan gestured toward the plans on the desk. "Kerry likes to garden, too." "Really?" His sister's approving gaze traveled from him to her Kerry. "She also likes to fly fish," Ronan added. "You'll have to come with us then. There's a burn that cuts through Heathergate. We'll fix a picnic hamper and make a day of it. Then we'll eat the catch at supper." "Sounds like fun," Kerry answered. "Speaking of fun, that's the reason I stopped by, Ronan. Donald and I are having a ceilidh at our house this Friday night. "Of course, there'll be dancing." Isobel looked at Kerry. Have you ever been to a one?" "No, but my grandfather talks about them often enough. He called them musical celebrations. He said he enjoyed them when he was a boy in Ballater." "He was born in Scotland?" Isobel glanced at her brother. "Yes." Kerry nodded. Ronan met Kerry's gaze, and an expression of hopeful anticipation shone in his eyes. "Do you have plans Friday night?" "Well, I...." She shouldn't go. The attraction between them was dangerous. She must stick to her rule of not getting involved, or she would never be able to betray him. Then, after Dan fired her, what would she and Gramps do? "Oh, come, Kerry." His sister smiled impishly. "It'll give you an opportunity to see Ronan wearing his kilt." "It will not!" He glared at his sister. "Oh, I forgot." Isobel arched an eyebrow. "You don't like anyone to see your knobby knees." "I don't have knobby knees, and you know it." He shook his head. "I just hate getting all dressed up."
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"You don't have to wear your dress jacket and bow tie," Isobel continued. "Your Jacobean shirt will do. Donald will be wearing his. Most of the men will." Kerry pictured Ronan wearing the open necked, full sleeved shirt. The garment would emphasize his broad shoulders and wide chest. And the Fraser tartan would look sexier than mortal sin, wrapped round his narrow waist and lean hips. Ronan walked toward Kerry. "You wouldn't want to go back to the States without having this cultural experience, would you?" The plea in his hazel eyes melted Kerry's good intentions like butter on a hot scone. Oh, what the heck! Going to the party didn't mean she would fall into bed with him. Besides, this would give her something more to write about, wouldn't it? "Okay." She smiled. "But you'll have to wear your kilt."
**** The next day, Kerry sat at the huge old oak dining table. Outside, the rain ran down the windowpanes in sheets, causing the view of the green hills to waver. For the hundredth time that afternoon, she tore her gaze away from the outside world and stared at the blank screen of her cordless notebook. Her struggle to start the story about Ronan had become an exercise in futility. She didn't often suffer from writer's block. Usually, she got her facts together, wrote, revised, and printed out her copy, but she never had to betray anyone before this. The guilt was killing her. If she weren't so attracted to him, maybe she could complete this job more easily. No, that was not right. The mere idea of this assignment turned her off, even before she met Ronan, but the fact that he made her just throb with sexual desire made this task a million times harder. Moreover, she had no right to entertain any illusions about him, not when Gramps was depending on her. She had a job to finish and a duty to rein back her runaway feelings. Even if she didn't plan to deceive Ronan, she couldn't stay in Scotland. She had to go home to care for Gramps. Judging from her past experiences with men, Kerry figured Ronan wouldn't want to get involved with caring for an elderly man either, even though he had said it was grand that she and Gramps lived together.
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Rick had told her the same thing in the beginning. Besides, the handsome Scot had no such responsibilities of his own. Why would he want to take on the duty of her grandfather, even if they did fall in love? Now, she knew she was really loosing it. They'd met exactly twice. Why entertain such an impossible scenario? She had better cool it. He lived in Scotland; she lived in the USA. A three-thousand-mile commute didn't seem exactly feasible. But Cindy's words rang in her memory. When you meet the right man, he'll understand. Unfortunately, Ronan was definitely not the right man. She had to deceive and use him. That cold, ruthless reality depressed her, and she couldn't bear to think of it. Suddenly, the phone rang. "Dear God, please don't let it be Dan," she prayed, reaching for the cell phone. "Hello." "Kerry, lass." "Gramps! It's so good to hear your voice." "The same here, love. That's why I decided to call instead of sending you an e-mail." He spoke slowly, but Kerry could understand every word. She offered a silent prayer of thanks that the speech therapy continued to work so well. "How is the physiotherapy going?" "Fine. I'm getting stronger and walking a little farther every day. Before you know it, I'll be working in the garden again." Relieved, Kerry walked to the fireplace in the living room and switched on the electric fire. "That's definitely a good sign, Gramps. I'm sorry I can't be there." "I wish I could be with you. I'll bet you're enjoying the bluebells. They should be in bloom right about now." "As a matter of fact, I have a carpet of them growing under the oak tree." "It's a bonnie sight, isn't it, lass?" "Yeah, Gramps. It sure is." A lump formed in Kerry's throat. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (33 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Cindy has been caring for our garden, and it looks marvelous. She's right here, and she has a surprise for you. Hold on, lass." After a pause Cindy said, "Hi, Kerry." "How are you?" "Fine. Gramps didn't mention that he and I had supper last night. I broiled some lobsters while his caregiver went shopping." "Thanks for checking on him, Cindy. You have no idea what that means to me." Kerry's voice broke on the lump expanding in her throat. "Well, he's become my grandfather, too. I try to keep him company 'cause even though the two of you exchange e-mail every day, he misses seeing you. So do I." Tears filled Kerry's eyes then rolled down her cheeks. "I miss the both of you, too." "Well, I may be able to fix part of that situation." "How?" She brushed away her tears with her fingers. "That's the surprise. My Aunt Jeanne gave me some frequent-flyer miles that she can't use. My vacation is coming up, and my passport is still valid, so I can be in Glasgow in a week if you can use some company. But don't worry about Gramps. Aunt Jeanne said she'd check on him." "Won't that inconvenience her? She's a busy person and has her own mother to look after." "No. Gram's in good shape and would come along. You know my grandmother has always liked Gramps, and she and Aunt Jeanne live less than a mile from here. It would do him good to see a person of his own age." "Oh, Cindy, I'd love you to visit." "Likewise, and with free plane fare and a place to stay, I can afford to come. Otherwise, I wouldn't dream of it because my finances are in such lousy shape." "Who are you telling about shaky finances?" Kerry smiled, though her eyes filled with tears again. "And I'd love it if you came. This house is so huge I just rattle around in it, so there's plenty of room. I have to warn you, though. It's not luxurious, but it is adequate."
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"No problem. I don't mind roughing it." "Good. After I finish my story, we can fly home together." "Oh, how is that going?" "Terrible." "You still hate doing it." "Right, and I guess my attitude is giving me writers' block, so please come." Kerry dropped onto the chintz-covered sofa. "When you visit, maybe you'll help me to get a handle on this thing. You know, kind of give me another perspective." "Sure. Incidentally, when you e-mailed me that you met the famous, or should I say infamous, Robbie MacIain, you didn't give me any of the juicy details. That's not like you. What gives?" Kerry felt heat creep up her inner thighs as his image flashed into her thought. "Is he a crusty old crackpot with white hair and bristly eyebrows?" Cindy laughed. "Actually, he's young and gorgeous, and so darn hot, I'd spend three nights in jail in exchange for one with him." "Whew! Sounds like you've got a case of terminal lust." "Right, but for obvious reasons, it won't do me any good. I can't get involved." "That's a bummer." "Cindy, are you standing near Gramps?" "Relax. I walked out on the patio and closed the sliding glass door." "Good. Anyway, in addition to being so hot and so damned gorgeous, Ronan Fraser is a really nice person, Cindy, which makes this assignment all the tougher." "Geeze, it has to be eating you alive!" "It is." Tears pricked behind Kerry's eyes again.
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"Well, hang in there. I'll be there a week from today, and maybe we'll find a way out of this mess." "If you only could! But last time I saw you, you weren't wearing a halo, and I didn't see wings either." "But I've bought a book called Miracles for Dummies." They laughed. "What time is your flight?" Kerry asked. "I have a rented car, so I'll pick you up." "Don't bother. I want to see the countryside, so I'm renting a car in Glasgow, the way you did. Besides, you should be writing, not wasting time with me." "The time wouldn't be wasted, but you'll enjoy the ride. It's beautiful scenery. I'll e-mail you the route I took. You'll get the chance to see a few castles and stop at local wool factories. Incidentally, there's a castle here, too." "Great. I'll take my camera and buy some sweaters." "You'll see some nice plaid skirts, too. Well, call me when you land and let me know when to expect you." "I'll do better than that. I'll phone you from time to time on my way from Glasgow." "That'll work." "See you in a week." "Have a good trip, Cindy. Bye." They hung up, and for the first time in days, Kerry felt hopeful.
**** The music from the ceilidh welcomed Ronan and Kerry even before they stepped into the MacGillivray's big, friendly living room. Arrayed in kilts, Alasdair and his band were accompanying a group of young girls performing a Scottish dance in the center of the cleared oak floor. The fresh-faced teenagers looked charming in their tartan file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (36 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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skirts, white blouses with lacey jabots, black velvet vests, diced stockings, and flat black shoes. "Oh, how pretty!" Kerry exclaimed. Her lovely face lit up with an infectious smile, and Ronan couldn't help grinning as well. She had that effect on him. When he looked at her, he just wanted to grin. Well, if he were really honest with himself, he wanted to do much more. In fact, he had a hard time keeping his hands off of her. He had better get his mind on something else. Now was no time to let his sexual urges to run amok. Still, the navy blue knit sheath emphasized her curves, and its mini skirt showcased her shapely legs. God, what he wouldn't give for one kiss! Looking at her luscious lips, he imagined that they would taste like ripe strawberries. Since the moment they met, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. Suddenly, Isobel swept forth, looking regal in her ankle-length beige dress. A MacGillivray tartan scarf hung over her shoulder, fastened by a gold Celtic brooch with a huge golden topaz in its center. "Kerry, I'm so glad you came." Isobel smiled. "Thanks, Isobel," Kerry answered. "You're not glad to see me?" Ronan quipped. "Oh, stop." Isobel dismissed his question with a wave of her hand. "But I see you decided to wear your kilt." "After you maligned me, I had to prove to Kerry I that I don't have knobby knees," he answered. Isobel laughed. "Yes and that ploy works every time. Would you like a beer? We have some Dark Isle, or maybe you'd prefer a dram." She turned to Kerry. "We have Coke and Iron Bru, if you want a Scottish soft drink." Not at the moment, thank you." Kerry looked at Ronan. "But you go ahead if you're in the mood." "I'll wait, too," Ronan answered, lost in the blue-green fantasy of her gaze. Enthusiastic applause intruded on his reverie as the teenagers finished their performance and left the dance floor. Alasdair and the group took a break, but a piper took over and began a lovely melody. "Uncle Ronan!" Kilt-clad and blonde, his nephews came bounding toward him, their Border collie, Rowdy, following. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (37 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Laughing, Ronan grabbed up one child and swung the squealing child in the air then repeated the process with the other boy. "Sit, Rowdy," Isobel commanded. The prancing black and white dog immediately obeyed. "Uncle Ronan, when are we going fishing?" the taller boy asked. "Tomorrow afternoon, Andrew." "And you promised to show us how to make a bow and arrows," the shorter boy reminded him. "I haven't forgotten, David. We can do that, too." "Show us now," David insisted. "Lads." Unsmiling, Isobel arched an auburn eyebrow. "Your uncle has a guest." Ronan knew that look. His sister meant business. "Sorry, Uncle Ronan." Andrew's wide grin disappeared. "Me, too," David added. The boys then looked up at Kerry. "Hello." She gave them a big smile. "I'm Kerry Cameron." "Pleased to meet you," they answered in unison, each child taking a turn at shaking her extended hand. "And I'm always glad to meet a fellow fisherman." The boys' big green eyes widened. "You fish, too?" Andrew asked. Kerry nodded. "Fly fish." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (38 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Oh!" David exclaimed. "Can you tie your own flies?" "I can." "Will you show us how?" David asked. "I've got some feathers." "Not now, lads." Crossing her arms, Isobel tapped her foot. "Come fishing with us this weekend?" Andrew suggested. "Then you could show us." "Please say you will," David whined. Kerry shrugged. "Well I -- " "Grand idea, lads!" Ronan cut in. "You were going to say, Kerry?" Isobel gave him a look of censure. Kerry tilted her head. "I suppose I could managed to go." She made it sound as if she had to squeeze the outing into a busy schedule, Ronan thought. Why? Wasn't she here for a vacation? "Yeah!" the boys cheered. "Enough now," Isobel ordered. "You need to play with the other children, so away with you now and take Rowdy with you." The boys and dog dashed through the open French doors and onto the patio. "They're darling," Kerry said. "Thank you." Isobel turned to Ronan. "Why don't you help Donald tend bar in the dining room for a while. Since Kerry isn't interested in having a drink right now, I'll introduce her around." Reluctantly, he let Kerry go. For a few minutes, he watched his auburn-haired sister and the gorgeous brunette mingle among the crush of guests. Then he made his way to the dining room. "Ronan, come have a dram." Behind the newly installed bar, Donald stood in the corner of the room, holding up a bottle of whisky. "I've bought a case of Glen Ord just for you." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (39 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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He walked to the bar and took the drink that Donald offered. "My favorite." Raising his glass, Ronan clinked it against his brother-in-law's. "Good health." "Slainte mhath." The huge blonde bear of a man bolted back the drink. The amber spirits slipped down Ronan's gullet with the smoothness of cream then exploded with pleasant heat, warming him throat to belly. "The waters of life." Donald smiled contentedly. "More like the elixir of the gods," Ronan answered. "I caught a glimpse of your neighbor when the two of you came in. She has this sleepy little village all stirred up." That wasn't all she had stirred up. Ronan's sex drive had shifted into overdrive the moment he saw her. "I will say this. Your American is...." He drew the curves of a woman in the air with both hands. "She's not my American." His brother-in-law quirked a golden eyebrow and leaned on the bar. "If I were you, I wouldn't waste any time in making her mine ... if you know what I mean?" Ronan stared into the single malt whisky in his glass. "I'm trying to be realistic, Donald." Except that tactic wasn't working too well. Unfortunately, he had a tendency to think with his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to take Donald's advice. "I've known Kerry less than a week. Besides, she'll be going back in the States soon." The thought depressed him, and Ronan bolted back the rest his drink then set the glass down on the oak bar. The sexual sparks she kindled in him had burst into a raging fire. Donald chuckled. "All the more reason not to waste any time, man. Besides, she can always come back, and you can visit her." Suddenly, the ripple of a harp vibrated through the air, and Janet MacKenzie began singing a Gaelic love song. A hush fell over the guests as the woman's lovely voice drifted through the house, creating a spell. The ballad ended. Applause swelled then died.
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From behind him, Ronan heard his Isobel's voice. He turned as she preceded Kerry into the dining room. "Time for dinner," his sister announced. "Gordon has set up the grill on the terrace, and the sausages smell delicious." "Good." Donald rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "I'm starving." The four of them strolled through the French doors and out onto the sandstone patio. This time of year, night never really fell. The day just faded into a long period of dove-gray twilight, making it possible to enjoy the lovely view of the glen for hours after sunset. Strung lanterns cast splashes of green and red in the gathering dusk. Guests, musician, and dancers congregated in small groups, the buzz of their conversation punctuated by laughter. The aroma of grilling meat, drifting on the brisk air, sharpened Ronan's appetite. A caravan of long tables supported such savory delights as salads, cold meats, cheeses, buttered baps, pickles, huge bowls of sherry trifle, platters of shortbread, and an assortment of beverages, polystyrene cups, plates, and flatware. His huge fist curled around the handle of a double pronged fork, stocky, dark-haired Gordon Huntly stood by the grill, turning the pump, sizzling sausages, and thick lamb chops over the charcoals. Stomach growling, Ronan followed Kerry to the tables. Dishes heaped full, they settled on the steps leading to the wide expanse of lawn, balancing the meals on their laps. Kerry ate slowly. The simple act seemed so erotic he found it difficult to tear his gaze from her. She looked up. "Do I have crumbs on my chin or something?" She put her hand to her face. Caught staring, an embarrassed Ronan shook his head. "Uh, N-No. M-May I get you something else?" "Thanks, but I'm stuffed. I overdid it on the sherry trifle, but it was awesome." "That's Isobel's specialty, but you didn't eat that much." "Donald and the kids are lucky. She's a great dessert chef." "Aye, but a bit of a nuisance at times." Kerry smiled. "You sound like a typical brother." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (41 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"I suppose." Ronan collected their empty paper plates and placed them in the nearby dustbin. Just then, Alasdair MacKenzie started to fiddle and couples lined up to dance reels on wide terrace. He returned to her. "Want to give it a go?" "I don't know how. I'm liable to step on your toes." "I'll survive, and this reel is Strip the Willow. It's an easy one." He held out his hand. Taking it, she stood. "Okay, I'm game." Kerry learned quickly and appeared to enjoy herself, but after several reels, she motioned him to stop. "That's great aerobic exercise, but my stamina is not what it used to be." "On the contrary," he answered, leading her onto the lawn. "You did really well." Ronan had enough socializing anyway. Knowing his time with her was limited, he begrudged every precious moment he had to share her with others. Right now, he wanted to leave this noisy crowded party, drive off with her into the gloaming, and hold her in his arms for the rest of the evening. With a bit of luck, maybe he would. "Have you seen the cairns yet, Kerry?" "The what?" Her spellbinding eyes widened. "The Balnuaran Clava Cairns. They're ancient tombs in the middle of a henge, and there just a little bit away from the center of town." "Sounds intriguing. I never saw them mentioned in any of the travel books I've read." "I guess we've done a poor job of promoting our tourist attractions." He laughed. "Tell me more." "Well, the site is about five thousand years old, and it's just outside of town. Care to take a look?" "Sure. I want to see everything I can while I'm visiting 'cause I don't know if I'll ever get back here."
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Her comment hit him like a cold dousing. Get over it, man. She has to leave. Just concentrate on enjoying the moment. "Ronan?" "Yes?" "Is something wrong? You looked a little depressed for a minute." "N-No. I'm fine." He took her arm, enjoying the smooth texture of her warm flesh. "L-Let's say good night to Donald and Isobel and go then."
****
Chapter Four
By the time they reached the cairns, a light mist had drifted in. Floating like diaphanous veil, the fog lent an ethereal atmosphere to the whole area. You shouldn't be here with him, Kerry. Why not? This little jaunt would add color to her story, wouldn't it? What did it matter that once the article was released Ronan's life would change forever? After all, he had allowed his novel to be published. By doing that, Ronan had voluntarily relinquished his right to privacy, and became a public figure hadn't he? Didn't the public have the right to know? Stop rationalizing. What you plan to do is reprehensible.
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Overwhelmed with guilt, Kerry could not bear to think about her dishonesty anymore. For just a little while, she wanted to put the whole dreadful business out of her mind and enjoy being with the handsomest hunk she had ever met. For a brief moment, she fantasized what it would be like if she were not here to betray him and wondered for the thousandth time what it would be like to kiss him. This is no good. You're getting yourself all hot, and nothing can come of it. Ronan got out of the Land Rover and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door for her. She slid out of the car, and they ambled to the burial sites, his hand in hers. A semicircle of huge oaks hovered over the cairns, their leafy branches offering shadowy shelter. The redolent fragrance of moist rich earth hung in the air. Somewhere in the distance, the muted hoot of an owl drifted through the foggy dusk like the hauntingly melancholy notes of an oboe. Inside the henge, Kerry saw a circular wall of stones, stacked without mortar. She estimated it measured several feet thick and stood well over six feet high. Two cairns, piled with the same stones lay a few yards away. Beyond the structures, a rolling expanse of pastureland played host to a flock of black-faced sheep. "I've never seen anything quite like this," Kerry remarked, strolling within the circle of upright stones. "There are other sites like this in Scotland, throughout Britain as a matter of fact," Ronan answered. The warm, lilting burr of his Scottish accent caressed her ears, and the clean smell of his after-shave cologne made her weak. She wanted to nestle in his arms so badly, she almost groaned. You have to stop this. "Let's go inside the cairn, Ronan." He held her back. "Fine, but I should warn you." He smiled mischievously. "Some people say the experience changes them forever." The glint in his eyes sent jolts of excitement charging through her. He made her so hot she broke out into a sweat. She swallowed hard. "Uh, sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not superstitious in the least." "Many brave souls have said that only to change their minds, especially after going into the cairns on a misty night." "You wouldn't be trying to spook me, would you?"
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"Would I do that now?" The twinkle in his eyes enchanted her. "Maybe." He shook his head. "Frightening you, woman, is not at all what I have in mind." "So what do you have in mind?" She shouldn't be flirting like this, but somehow, she couldn't stop herself. He chuckled. "I think I'll just let this place work its charm on you and see what happens." He had already worked his charm on her, Kerry thought. So much so, that at this moment, she was close to forgetting everything but him. She inhaled a deep breath and bit her lower lip as desire pulsed through her with the resonance of a kettledrum. She had to put some distance between them. Disengaging from him, she strolled through the narrow passage that led inside the circular wall of stone. Ronan followed closely, and Kerry almost felt the heat of his body radiating toward her. The man totally inundated her senses. But succumbing to her emotions and leading him on would be unfair to him. Trying to concentrate on something else, she quipped, "Uh, this place is incredible. There's such a feeling of timelessness here, as if the past and present are one." "They are in a way." She stopped in the center of the cairn and turned to him. "How do you mean?" "Well, the past and present are part of a continuum. Things that happened way back still affect us today, and they'll continue to influence the future." "I never thought of it like that before, but I guess you're right." She turned and walked along the circumference of the empty burial chamber then made her way out, trying, with no success, to get a grip on her burgeoning sexual urges. He followed, and, once outside, he leaned against one of the tall perpendicular henge stones. He looked so handsome and so virile in his kilt. The spell in his eyes enthralled her. In the misty gloom, they appeared as dark and as unfathomable as the waters of a deep well. He clasped her hand. Slowly and deliberately, he urged her into the warmth of his embrace. She should resist, but Kerry felt powerless to fight her instincts and eased into his arms, twining hers around his hard file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (45 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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middle. Heart racing, Kerry barely breathed as his lips inclined toward hers. She closed her eyes and held her breath, waiting for their touch. Upon contact, his lips tasted sweet and potent, like a sip of golden Drambuie. Her long pent-up hunger exploded with the dazzle of sun flare. Tightening her embrace, she responded to his luscious kiss and parted her lips. His tongue probed gently, teasing hers with a swirling choreography of motion, leaving her dizzy, breathless, and longing for more. His palm settled over her breast, and the warmth of his touch penetrated her dress and bra, teasing her erect nipple. Her body throbbed as powerful spasms clenched low in her abdomen. Drunk with need, she sagged against him, needing him so badly, she almost cried out. But somewhere in the back of her mind, Kerry realized that the situation had evolved past a simple kiss. They had wandered into dangerous territory. She knew with certainty that if she didn't call a halt now, they would end up making love right here on the ground. She had never wanted anything so much in her life, but how could she make love to him and then abuse his trust? She couldn't, no matter how much she craved every cell of his body. Drawing on every last iota of will power she could muster, she pulled away. "No, Ronan, stop!" "What's wrong?" The startled look on his face hit her like a mule kick. "Nothing." Everything, she thought, close to tears. Why did she let things get this far out of hand? She had come to Scotland for the express purpose of betraying him. Nothing but a miracle could change that. How she longed to abort her mission. A sensitive man like Ronan would take a long time, if ever, to recover from the deception. Kerry considered her options: deceive Ronan or abandon Gramps. No matter which choice she made, someone would be terribly and irrevocably hurt. "Th-Then why d-did you pull away?" His look of bewilderment lashed her heart. She began tearing at the cuticle of her thumb. Oh, God, I hate this. "Look, Ronan, this ... I mean ... we're moving at warp speed." Even to her, the lame excuse sounded pathetic because the magic between them was genuine, unmistakable, and infinitely precious. Kerry knew she would never feel this way about anyone again.
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Ronan walked off a few paces, his hand at the back of his neck. Dropping his arm, he turned. "S-Sorry, I m-misunderst-stood." "Ronan, please try to understand." "I t-think I d-do. L-Let's be on our w-way then. This m-mist is g-getting heavier by the m-minute." "Let me explain what -- " "N-No n-need." He turned and strode toward the Land Rover. It was just as well. Much as she wanted to, Kerry really couldn't clarify the situation. Knees wobbly, she followed him into the car. The fog had thickened, so the ride to Kirkbrae proceeded slowly, and the tension-filled silence screamed with recriminations. Physical frustration tore at her body, but it couldn't rival the guilt that scourged her soul. Unable to contain her anxiety, she continued to scratch at her thumb until pain shot through it. Kerry put it to her mouth. Tasting blood, she pulled a tissue from her purse, covering the wound. They finally arrived at Kirkbrae, and Ronan parked in the carriage sweep. The fog was now so dense Kerry could hardly discern the outline of the house. "Please don't bother to get out, Ronan. I can find my way inside." Ignoring her request, he left the vehicle and came around to her side, helping her out. He led her through the enveloping mist to the front door of the big stone farmhouse. On the verge of tears, she opened her purse and fumbled for the key as Ronan stood silently by. The tense energy that was charging between them caused her to become more anxious, and her shaking hands seemed all thumbs. Finally, she found the elusive key. He took it, opened the door, and handed it back to her. As Kerry slipped it in her handbag, she struggled for some graceful parting remark, but her tortured mind remained a jumble of incoherent thoughts. Still staring into her purse, all she could muster was a feeble, "Thank you, Ronan." "You're w-welcome." How trite their comments sounded. Full of regret, she looked up, and his gaze riveted hers. The air around them crackled with sexual tension so potent that Kerry felt dizzy. She had to get away from him, or she would succumb. She attempted to walk inside, but he barred her way.
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"B-Before you go, th-there's s-something that I have to know." Kerry hoped she could answer him without having to lie again. "What is it?" "D-Does my s-stuttering turn you off?" The look on his face broke her heart, and Kerry fought hard to keep from weeping. She shook her head. "A-Are you s-s—sure?" She lost her battle, and tears blurred her vision. "Of course, I'm sure. How could you think something so minor would matter to me?" "I'm n-not blind, Kerry. Over the y-years, I've n-noticed that p-people s-seem uncomfortable when I ststammer." If ever a person needed reassurance, he did. How could a famous author be so insecure about something so insignificant? "It doesn't bother me, Ronan. Gramps had a problem after his stroke, so I guess I'm sort of used to being patient and taking the time to listen." She sniffed and wiped her wet face. "You don't do it that often, and when you do, I think it's a charming part of you," she said sincerely. "Besides, lot of famous people stuttered. King George VI and Winston Churchill are just two, and I'd say they did all right in life." "Th-Then why d-did you pull away?" "Ronan, I very attracted to you -- " "Th-That's all I n-need to know." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard, molding her to him as he plumbed the depths of her mouth. Kerry dropped her purse. All scruples fled, and she not only yielded, she urged him on. He ravished her mouth again and unzipped her dress. Pulling down its bodice, he dropped kisses on her neck and shoulders. Anticipation tingled through her, and Kerry gasped as he slipped his hand beneath her bra and caressed her breast. Galvanized, she pressed against his touch as pleasure seized her in its dizzying thrall. His hands slid down her back to her derriere, molding her to him, his erection hard against her belly. Oh, the longing, the wanting, the needing! She was past the point of no return. Her body was screaming for his.
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Suddenly, her cell phone rang. Startled and gasping, she jerked away. Ronan pulled her close again. "Let it ring," he whispered. "Please, Ronan, it may be my grandfather or his caregiver. He calls me every almost day if he doesn't email me. Something might be wrong." "Right then." He picked up her purse, giving it to her. She pulled out the phone. Answering it, she walked inside the house, switching on the hall light. Unfortunately, Dan's cold tone greeted her at the other end of the line. "You haven't returned my emails." Fear crawled her flesh. Nervously, she rearranged her clothes. "Uh, hi. I-I'm so glad you called." She forced herself to smile because Ronan, keeping a discrete distance, was looking at her. Turning from him, she switched on the living room lights and entered the large room. "Enough small talk," Dan snapped. "Where's the story?" "Uh, it's so nice of you to do that for Gramps." "What?" Dan snarled. "Have you lost your mind? I want that story, or you and your precious Gramps will be out in the street. Is that clear?" His threat shook Kerry. Knees close to buckling, she eased into a nearby armchair. Worse, as she looked up, Ronan's sympathetic eyes searched hers, and her mouth became as dry as beach sand in July. "Uh, yes." The false smile made her face muscles ache. "Good, because failing to deliver the goods constitutes breach of trust. That's a crime, lady." Panic immobilized her. Dan was threatening her with a prison sentence. "I know." She had once sat on the grand jury and knew she could face a jail term if she didn't complete the assignment. "I have the information. I'll, uh, send it soon as possible." Kerry shuddered as Dan hung up. Nerves jangling, she hit the end button, put the phone back in her purse, and placed the bag on the nearby table. Ronan walked to her. "You l-look awfully p-pale. Is your grandfather all right?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (49 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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She nodded. "B-But...you s-seem s-shaken." "I'm all right." She exhaled a shaky breath. "I get emotional when it comes to Gramps." At least that was true. "Uh, Ronan, I hate to ask you to leave, but I have to e-mail some information about Gramps to his social worker. She's trying to get him placed in a senior daycare facility, so he'll be with folks of his own age during the day. It's only 4:00 p.m. in Boston, and she wants that information before the end of the working day." She searched his eyes, and the sympathy in their hazel depths added to her guilt. The magic they shared, just moments ago, had been replaced in her heart by naked terror. "Of c-course not, but I h-hate to leave you l-like this." "I'm fine, really." To reassure him, she again forced herself to smile. "I know you're worried about your grandfather. If you need a sympathetic ear, you know where to find me." She stood. "Thanks, Ronan, I'll remember that." "Are you still up to fishing with the lads this weekend? If you aren't, I'll explain." He was giving her a perfect excuse to opt out. She should take it, but she had promised those two precious little boys. She couldn't break her word to them. "What time shall I be ready?" "Around about ten. We usually picnic, too." "Fine." The day would be wonderful under other conditions. He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead. "I'll let myself out." He turned and walked into the hall, disappearing behind the wall. She heard the door shut and the lock click. She hurried to the window. Squinting, she saw the taillights of his Land Rover, which were muted to a hardly discernible pink in the heavy fog. Guilt-battered and sexually frustrated, Kerry turned from the window and stumbled to the sofa. Collapsing onto it, she burst into tears. Betraying Ronan Fraser was going to be the most difficult thing
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she would ever have to do. It would be the worst, too, but if she did not go through with it, she could end up in prison. Then what would happen to Gramps?
**** Water hose in hand, Isobel stood outside the barn, rinsing off her soapy arms. "I'm glad you called me, Ronan. That ewe wouldn't have made it. The two lambs were tangled inside her uterus. No wonder she couldn't deliver them." Usually, he didn't have to worry during the lambing season. Every now and then, though, some poor ewe had trouble. "Thanks, Isobel." Seeing she was finished, he turned off the water spigot and handed her a towel. "Mother and children will do fine," she answered, drying her arms with the towel. "Speaking of children, Kerry really knows how to deal with the lads, and she's definitely not like the airheads you usually date." He steeled himself to his sister's less than subtle matchmaking campaign. "They're not air heads. Every woman I've dated has been intelligent." "Right." She rolled her eyes. "Especially that last one. Between the bleach on her hair and the lamp from the tanning bed, she had about two gray cells left. Unfortunately, the synapse between them was dead. She was as skinny as a rail, too. I bet she stay alive on lettuce and tofu." He took the towel from her and flipped it over his shoulder. "Lila is a model. She has to be thin." "Thin! She looked like she had anorexia. So did the Mariah creature." "Let's forget her, Isobel. I don't want to be reminded of that." "That's fine with me." She rolled down the sleeves of her old blouse. "Besides, Kerry is nothing like that liar. Any woman who can tie her own flies and then has the patience to teach my lads how to do it is a rare person. She was such a good sport she didn't even mind when Rowdy and Claymore jumped on her and muddied her jeans." She had fit right in with his family, and she had looked so lovely, wading in the burn and gracefully casting her line, but Ronan chose not to reply. His feelings for Kerry seemed so precious that to discuss file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (51 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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them would desecrate the intimacy they shared. Did she reciprocate them? She had certainly returned his passion...until that bloody phone call interrupted them. He would never forget the anguish on her face. Her whole body had trembled, too. Something serious had happened back in the States -- something that terrified her. Had she learned that her grandfather was terminally ill? Ronan had wanted to inquire further, to discover the reason she seemed so troubled, but she'd asked him to go. Never one to intrude, he complied. He had tried to make a subtle inquiry on their way home from fishing on Saturday, but Kerry had thrown up an invisible shield, and he respected her privacy. "The first time I met her, I felt comfortable," Isobel declared as they began to trek through the pasture. Kerry had the same affect on him. He rarely stuttered when he was with her. "And she's daft about you, brathair dear. I can always tell." "Your subtly overwhelms me." He stopped and picked up a new lamb. "Unlike you, I have no secrets to hide, so I can be as blunt as I like." Isobel gave him a sidelong glance as she stroked the animal's fleecy coat. "Although you're not as mysterious as you'd like to think." He frowned. "What's that suppose to mean?" She laughed. "It's plain from the way you look at Kerry that you're mad about her, too." He set the lamb down, annoyed that Isobel had read him so easily. "Don't scowl, Ronan. You know you're as transparent as glass, at least to me you are. So, admit it." "Stop matchmaking, Isobel. Kerry's got to go back to the States." His sister squared her shoulders, straightened to her full five feet eleven inches, and looked him in the eyes. "Are you just going to forget about her then?" He could never forget Kerry, not if he lived a hundred life times. "Well?" His sister turned her hands palm sides up. "Isobel, Kerry has responsibilities in Boston, but even if she didn't, I can't imagine she'd be content in a little place like Cawdor." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (52 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Stranger things have happened, Ronan. When I left to study veterinary medicine in Glasgow, I had made up my mind never to come back here. I wanted a small animal practice in a big city. I found Cawdor so far out of the mainstream, and I felt so restricted here as a young girl." "That's why you were always so rebellious." He grinned. She nodded. "But when I met Donald, all that changed. I didn't care where we lived, just as long as we were together. He wanted a country practice, so we chose Cawdor because of the farm I inherited from Aunt Catriona, but I've never regretted my decision." While his sister's confession gave him some reassurance, doubts still nagged him. "But you and Donald have everything in common. You have your work, your interests, and your culture." "Oh, blather! Her name is Cameron. Her heritage is Scottish even if she is an American. Didn't she say her grandfather was born in Ballater? She shares your love of gardening and fishing. What more do you want? Most couples have far less." "I don't want to talk about it anymore." "That's typical." She shrugged. "You never talk about anything that's really important." That was because his mouth always remained empty when his heart brimmed with emotion. Kerry would be gone all too soon. He should make the most of the time that she remained here. "Are you still planning a trip to Aberdeen to do some research at the University?" Isobel asked. "Aye." "Why don't you ask Kerry to go with you? I'm sure Dr. Stewart would like her, Ronan." "Maybe I will." But he would be taking a risk by bringing her along. She could uncover his secret. Still, if he arranged things carefully, he would be able to keep the fact that he was Robbie MacIain from her. He disliked duplicity, but he wanted Kerry to get to know Ronan Fraser, the man, before he introduced her to Robbie MacIain, the writer. He made a mental note to call Alan Stewart and arrange the situation, so she wouldn't find out about Robbie MacIain. But he was getting ahead of himself. Kerry hadn't agreed to accompany him yet.
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**** After tea, Kerry sat in the dining room. Her notebook rested on the big table, its blank, intimidating screen glaring at her. She sighed, wondering how she was going to compose this story, but write it she must. Perhaps she should ask how she could complete the article without damaging Ronan's life too much? Sitting back, she closed her eyes and pictured the handsome auburn-haired Scot. How perfect his profile looked limned against the fading glow of the sky, and how the memory of his shy smile tugged at her heartstrings. They had such fun together, dancing reels, catching fish, and playing with Andrew and David. With him, she could forget her responsibilities and cast off her cares -- until guilt and shame reminded her why she had come to Scotland. Still, Kerry missed the strength of his arms and the taste of his lips. Just the odor of his cologne evoked sensations so powerful they made her weak. This was crazy. Kerry opened her eyes and shook her head, trying to dispel the powerful images. She couldn't afford to entertain these impossible fantasies. She had succumbed to this wild infatuation because she felt so alone and vulnerable, right? Besides, she hadn’t heard from Ronan in a few days. Maybe his interest had cooled. Fine. They had enjoyed some time together, and now it was over. It was all for the best. She wouldn't call him either. She didn't need to. She had enough material to write a book about him. Then why does your her heart pound with excitement every time the phone rings, Kerry? Once and for all, she had to get it through her head: She could not have Ronan Fraser -- not now, not ever! But the realization caused misery to wash over her like a deluge. Kerry put her hands to her face and cried for a good while. This isn't doing you any good. Just write. So, she began the process of putting the words on the paper. She tried to ignore the emotional aspects of the assignment and concentrate on the technical and creative ones. Usually, she lost herself in the process, but today every word became a struggle. Finally, she looked up. Four hours had gone by, but she had finished the story. She would do the final file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (54 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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polishing later. After printing out the rough draft and putting it in a folder, she saved the story to file then to disk, and shut down the computer, but Kerry felt none of the usual pride about accomplishing the work. In fact, she felt soiled. Working for The Inquisitor was like walking through the Boston sewer system. She was bound to get filth on her. The doorbell interrupted her dour thoughts. Darn! This was one occasion when misery didn’t want company. She felt too drained and depressed to entertain anyone. Besides, it was after nine p.m. She rose and plodded to the door. As she opened it, she saw Ronan wearing a wonderful smile, and her depression became a vague memory. Claymore looked up at her and whined. "Hi!" She patted the dog's head. "H-Hello." "Come in." She moved aside, allowing him and the huge deerhound to enter the hallway. He wore an olive-green sweater with three rows of cable stitching running down its front and beige trousers. The collar of his cream colored shirt peeked above the neck of his sweater. "I s-suppose I s-should have called, b-but I wanted to ask you s-something in p-person." He stepped inside. "Th-That way it will be h-harder for you t-to refuse." He was stuttering. He must be nervous. "A little psychological warfare?" She chuckled, closing the door. The mild bit of humor managed to break the tension, and the stiffness disappeared from his posture. He grinned and nodded as Claymore sniffed around the border of the faded blue carpet. "Let's discussed it in there." She gestured toward the living room. They walked in and sat on the flowery chintz-covered sofa while Claymore made a thorough inspection of the room. "Sit, boy," Ronan ordered. The dog continued his exploration.
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"S-Sit," Ronan roared. This time, the animal obeyed. Kerry crossed her legs. "Okay, what's this request I'm suppose to consider?" "W-Well, I'm g-going to Aberdeen for a few days, and I'd like you to c-come with me." She couldn't, especially after what she had just finished writing. She started to scrape the cuticle on her thumb. "Uh, that would be wonderful, but I -- " "D-Don't turn me down yet, Kerry. Hear m-me out." Obviously, he had anticipated her refusal and prepared a rebuttal to her arguments. He took a few deep breaths and seemed to be concentrating. "We'd have a wonderful time." He spoke very slowly and took hold of her hands. "There's also an old friend I'd like you to meet, and something special that I want you to see. You did say you wanted to take in as much as you can while you're here, and ... it would mean a lot to me, Kerry." How could she resist the earnest look in his eyes, and the seductive touch of his gentle hands? Her resistance fast melting, Kerry stood, knowing that to keep her resolve she needed to break the physical contact. "I'd like to go, Ronan, but I'm expecting a guest from Boston." "A m-male f-f-friend?" He frowned. She giggled. "Cindy is hardly a man. Besides, I told you there is no man back home but Gramps." A look of relief flickered over his face. "When is she coming?" "Last I talked to her, next Monday." "No problem. We'll be back by then." He stood and took her in his arms. "I'd really like you to come along." "But I...." "I know you have to go home soon, but can't we enjoy ourselves for now?"
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Why not indeed? Because you have to dupe him, Kerry. "Ronan -- " He interrupted her words with a lingering kiss, making her incoherent with pulsing, agonizing need. Her resolve dispelled, Kerry drew away and met his gaze. She chided herself for being the greatest fool and the weakest woman on the face of the earth, but she desperately wanted this time with him. "Okay, you win. I'll go." "Wonderful." "When do we leave?" "I know this is short notice, but I planned to leave tomorrow." "Tomorrow!" "I-I know I have a l-lot of cheek to ask you on the s-spur of the moment, b-but I thought that s-since you were on v-vacation.... If th-that is not all r-right I can arrange to l-leave the day after." He was stuttering again. Perhaps she had upset him, which she did not mean to do. "Well, I guess tomorrow is all right." He attempted to embrace her again. Kerry put her palm against his chest. "Oh, no you don't. I've, uh, got some things to do, and besides," she added, wringing her hands, "I've got to pack." "I'll help." He took her hand and placed a kiss on her inner wrist. The seduction of his lips made her whole body quiver, but she resisted. She would go to Aberdeen with him, but she would not sleep with him. That would be too cruel for him when he discovered the truth, and she would never be able to live with her nagging conscience. "And I, uh, promised Gramps a long e-mail, and I want to send it before I get ready for this trip." "But don't you talk to him almost every day?"
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"Yes, but we don't talk for very long. I don't want to tired him, and he enjoys my e-mails." "How is he, by the way?" The sincerity in his eyes deeply touched her. "Getting stronger every day. I appreciate your asking about him." Ronan was so trusting, so caring, yet she was contriving to plunge a dagger in his back. A lump swelled in her throat, and she blinked furiously to keep her tears at bay. "Don't cry, lass." He gently stroked her cheek. "Your grandfather will make a full recovery. You'll see. His health can't help but improve with all the love you give him." "Thanks," she answered, feeling like a horrible fraud. Ronan believed her to be a decent person, but she was nothing but a liar and a traitor. "Well, I'll let you write your e-mail." He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "I can see you won't rest until you do. Come on, Claymore." Consumed by guilt, she walked him to the door. "Will one be too early to call for you?" he asked. "That'll be fine, but don't you want to leave earlier? Before he got sick, Gramps always wanted to get on the road at the crack of dawn." He smiled. "Scotland is a small country. Aberdeen is only about two and a half hours away. My friend won't expect us until tea time." "Sounds like a winner. I'll be ready." He kissed her again, making her tremble, then broke away. "Good night, Kerry." He turned, leaving her in the hall. As soon as he drove off, shame cast its long shadow over her. Her depression became even deeper because, for the first time in her life, she couldn't discuss the situation with Gramps. If she did, Kerry felt sure he'd tell her to quit the job and come home, even though that would mean the end of his treatment. She couldn't deprive him of the care, nor could she trouble him with her problems, especially the possible criminal charges. Gramps needed to concentrate his efforts on his recovery, not worrying about her troubles.
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And if she had to compromise her integrity and deceive a fine man.... Miserable, Kerry swept all qualms aside as best she could and plodded back to the dining room. She returned to the computer and finished her dirty work because she didn't want this job of revising hanging over her. After completing the revisions, she copied the file to disk, went on line, and wrote an e-mail messaged to Dan. She attached the file, but as she tried to send it, her finger seemed to freeze on the touch pad. She tried several times, but she just could not force herself to transmit the message. Kerry found it impossible to perform the vile act then go off on a trip with Ronan, knowing she had deceived and used him. Instead, she canceled the e-mail then shut down the computer. She glanced at her watch. It was well almost one a.m., and she still had to pack. What had she been thinking when she agreed to go on this trip? You weren't thinking. You were reacting to your hormones. Well, it would remain a harmless excursion as long as they didn't make love, and she would make sure they didn't.
****
Chapter Five
"N-No, R-Robert." Ronan sweaty palm caused the cell phone to get slippery in his hand. "But, Ronan, that rumor about the Nobel Prize is gaining momentum." "R-Robert, you know as well as I do th-that no one is ever nominated the first time. I takes years most of file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (59 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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the time." "All right, but the BBC is really interested in an interview, and so is Larry King in the States. The Duchess of York appears on his show a good bit when she's over there. Furthermore, Hello is anxious to do a spread, too." Just the thought of the notoriety made Ronan's stomach feel as if it had been put through a paper shredder. He sincerely hoped he didn't win the Nobel Prize. The mere idea of all the notoriety caused him to wake from sleep, heart slamming and gasping for air. The press, after all, could be vile. "I've m-made my d-d-decision. I won't change m-m-my mind." "Look, I've consulted with a speech therapist--" "I t-told you that I've had s-s-s-speech th-th-therapy as a child. "But this place is supposed to work miracles. It's the Hollins Communication Research Institute in Virginia." "I d-don't see the n-need for that." "Why not?" Ronan took several slow, deep breaths and spoke very slowly as his former therapist had so often instructed him to do. "Listen, Robert, I know you want to help, but I don't plan to give speeches or mmake any p-p-public appearances," he stated, trying to control his mounting impatience. "I like my pprivacy, and I d-don't plan to have my life t-turned upside down with the p-paparazzi, and busloads of tourists stalking my every move." "I see," his agent replied, disappointment in his tone. "You'll have to f-forgive me, Robert, b-but I'm leaving for Aberdeen in a f-few minutes." "To do some research?" "Yes." "Have a safe trip then." "T-Thanks."
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As they hung up, Ronan decided to leave his cell phone home. He didn't want Robert calling again, nor did he want any other interruptions on this trip with Kerry. The memories they made would have to last him a long time. He put on his jacket then looked out the window. This morning, daylight arrived like a gray wolf, cold and gloomy. Now, though, the weather had cleared, and the brilliant blue sky appeared like an unexpected gift. Claymore safely boarded with Isobel, and his luggage already stashed in the Land Rover, Ronan locked the house and went to fetch Kerry. They drove at a leisurely pace. He took route A 96 toward Nairn, showing Kerry a view of the Moray Firth all sparkling with sun sequins. Then they moved on to Elgin, cross the Spey River, and headed down through Huntly, skirting the Grampian Mountains on their way to Aberdeen. The landscape spread before them like a checkerboard of cultivated fields and lush pastures. Besides the ubiquitous sheep, cattle of different breeds lounged in the meadows. The reddish, long-horned Highland variety, Angus, and the sleek black and white Belted Galloways grazed leisurely. Kerry turned in the seat to face him. "Why do the sheep have with those blue or red marks on their fleece." "That's how we keep track of which animals have been bred or inoculated." "Oh, that makes sense." They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and Ronan noticed that Kerry seemed to be enjoying the scenery. The route did provide some spectacular vistas. Large green triangular stands of fir or larch covered many of the hills. "Oh, Ronan, let's stop here. The view is too gorgeous to just ride by." Ronan loved the spot too. Though he had seen the area many times, it never failed to charm him. Several hills sloped into a wide glen where a fortified tower house, looking like a miniature castle, guarded the strath. A waterfall cascaded from an outcropping of rocks and formed a swift burn, which splashed its way through the lush wide valley. A cluster of large rowan trees, arrayed with white blossoms, stood by the water's edge. He parked off the narrow road, and Kerry hopped out. Hand in hand, they strolled through the gentian profusion of bluebells mantling the incline all the way down to the stream. They sat beneath the rowans. By summer the white blooms would transform into a luxuriant crop of fiery berries. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (61 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen, Ronan." The glow in her eyes caused his pulse to leap. "For a city girl, you seem to enjoy the countryside." "I'm not a city girl by choice. For as long as I can remember, Gramps and I have talked about buying a small house in the country with some acreage. I want huge gardens for vegetables and flowers, an orchard, a couple of beagles, and a lazy ginger cat, but...." The look of regret on her face touched something deep within him. He wanted to take her in his arms and protect her from all the strife in the world. Instead, he took hold of her hand. "But what?" "Well, we've had to cancel that dream because of his health. What money I had saved went for medical expenses." "Why don't you think of it as a postponement rather than a cancellation?" She shrugged. "That's one way of looking at it, I guess. When I get caught up with the bills, maybe I can start to save again. If we sell our little house and add the proceeds to our savings, we could probably swing it." She appeared so fragile, so vulnerable. No longer able to resist, he took her into his arms. "Poor, lass. You're such a wonderful, devoted person." "Oh, Ronan, I'm not wonderful. I -- " "Of course, you are." He kissed her forehead, and she tilted her head back, giving him access to her lips. Ronan ignored the fact that she would soon be leaving and that he may never hear from her again. At this moment, nothing mattered but having her in his arms. The future didn't exist. There was only now. He kissed her. The delectable sampling aroused rather than assuaged his appetite, and he yearned to savor every inch of her lovely body. He urged her to stretch out on the grass, and she complied, her uninhibited response inflaming his senses. The more he caressed her, the more he wanted to kiss her, hold her, and never let her go. Mindless with need, he lifted her jersey and slipped his hand beneath it, unhooking her bra. "Ronan, I don't think we should -- " Her protest died as he took her nipple between his lips. Moaning, she raked her fingers through his hair, holding him to her breast, and her breathing came in gasps now. "Ronan," she whispered as her free hand delved beneath his shirt and sweater and explored the expanse file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (62 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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of his back. He quickly unzipped her slacks, reveling in the smooth texture of her creamy flesh as he slid his hand over her abdomen to the juncture of her legs. He found her copiously moist and continued caressing her. She skimmed her hand around to his waist and unhooked his belt and unbuttoned his trousers, and Ronan sucked in his breath as she caressed his hard phallus. "Oh, Kerry, I want you so much." She whimpered as his fingers dipped into her sheath and lifted her hips, allowing him deeper ingress. "Yes!" she cried. He drew back slightly, wanting to look at her. Her skin flushed, and even her earlobes blushed while the muscles of her slippery sheath clutched around his finger. Suddenly, Ronan heard the roar of an engine, a hissing sound, like the release of steam, and finally the screech of brakes. Kerry sat up and jerked back, pulling her jersey over her breasts. "Damn!" Ronan had forgotten that tour buses stopped here. He turned back to Kerry. "Sorry." "It's okay," she answered, rearranging her clothes. He looked at the bus. A stream of tourists in casual dress poured out of the vehicle, cameras in hand. "They can't see us, Kerry." Luckily, the rowans provided a natural screen. "But some of them may decide to come down here to take pictures." She was probably right. Regretfully, he looked at his watch. "I suppose we should get going anyway."
**** Ronan found it difficult to concentrate on driving when he was still so excited by their wild foreplay. But then, just looking at her amounted to foreplay. He'd better pay attention to the traffic, though, or they'd file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (63 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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both end up in the hospital. "I've really enjoyed this tour of the city." Kerry looked out the car window as they drove near the college bounds in Aberdeen. "Oh, what's that gorgeous building?" "That's Marischal College, part of the University of Aberdeen." "It's huge!" "It's the second largest granite building in the world." "Really. What's the largest?" "The Escorial in Madrid," he answered. "Well, this one is second to none in beauty. It looks like a fairytale castle." Ronan agreed. The gilt flags and carved pinnacles lent the edifice a light, airy appearance. After a while, she asked, "Oh, what's that monument, Ronan?" "The Mercat Cross. That one dates from the Seventeenth Century. In the old days, that spot marked the beginning of the commercial part of the city." "It's beautiful, but it doesn't look much like a cross." He chuckled. "No, it doesn't." In fact, the structure consisted of a dome supported by a circle of stone arches. "But the city does look like it's silver," Kerry observed. "That because you're seeing it in the sunshine. All the granite buildings can appear dreary in a dreicher." She turned to him. "A what?" "A dreicher. That's what we call a chilly drizzle." He had a vision of the two of them cuddled up in a big bed while the rain pattered on the roof. "I see. I guess I've been lucky with the weather since I've been here. Anyway, I think the British Isles get a bad rap about the climate. We get as much rain in New England." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (64 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Sounds as if you're succumbing to the charms of our wee country." "I've felt at home from the minute the plane landed in Glasgow, although I got off to a rough start." "You never mentioned problems. What happened?" "We got into Brussels late. I had just twenty minutes to change planes. When I finally arrived in Glasgow, my luggage was still in Belgium. I went on to Jury's Hotel, but I kept wondering if I'd ever see my things again. Luckily, the airline delivered my bags two hours later." "In a way that's too bad?" "Bad? You've got to be kidding." He glanced at her, amused by the perplexity in her wide eyes then returned his attention to the road. "Just think what a good time you could have had buying new clothes. Glasgow is a good place to shop." "My bank account would have died. Cindy says I'm cheap, but debts scare me." He smiled. "We call that thrifty here and consider it a good thing to be canny with your money." "I did make one small concession, though," she added as if she were confessing to a sin. "I bought a bottle of heather-scented cologne." He chuckled. "The more I learn about you, the more I'm convinced you're a proper Scot." "Well, Gramps was born here. Being frugal is in my genes, I guess. So is curiosity. Speaking of which, you haven't given me one hint about this person you want me to meet or this place you promised to show me." "I know." Snatching another glance at her, he winked and smiled. "But it's a surprise." He quickly returned his attention to the road, not wanting to miss his exit on Anderson Drive to the western part of the city. "I'm beginning to think your friend is an ax murderer. I've got to tell you, I'm not into blood sports, especially when I could be the victim." Ronan laughed. "No need to worry there." They drove a while longer when at last, he pulled off the quiet residential street into the long tree-lined file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (65 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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drive. The old three-story granite house faced them. Large windows softened it severe façade, and three dormers broke the slope of the steep slate roof. The surrounding gardens were exquisitely landscaped with perennials, such as huge rhododendrons in full bloom. He parked, emerged from the car, and went around to her side, opening the door. Eyebrows raised, Kerry stepped out. "This place is huge. Your ax-murdering friend must be wealthy." Ronan laughed. "He's from an old, prosperous family, so he's not exactly on the dole. Incidentally, he's no ax murderer. Alan Stewart was my professor when I studied at the university." "Does he live in this enormous place all by himself?" "Not at all." Ronan closed the door. "His son and daughter-in-law live here. Malcolm is a physician, and Kathleen teaches school. Their daughter is an art history student at the University of St. Andrews." Ronan removed their luggage from the car. "Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay live here too. He does the general maintenance and tends the grounds, and she's the housekeeper. They've been with the family for over thirty years." "Sounds like quite a group," Kerry remarked. "They're a lively bunch," he answered, toting their luggage as they walked up the front steps. Ronan set down the valises and rang the bell. A short, stocky man with a head of coarse gray hair and deep blue eyes opened the door. "Welcome, Mr. Fraser. This is a real pleasure." "Thank you, Lindsay. It's good to see you again, too. How is Mrs. Lindsay?" "I'm hale and hearty." The spare woman came forward, her short salt and pepper curls softly framing her thin face. "I'm so happy to see you again, Mr. Fraser." She smiled broadly and looked at Kerry. Ronan made the introductions. "Your rooms are all ready," Mrs. Lindsay announced. "You'll have all the privacy in the world because Dr. Steward has recently had each room on the third floor equipped with its own bathroom. It will be just like being in a hotel." Ronan had a brief fantasy about sharing a candlelit bath with Kerry. He imagined her naked form joined with his as they made love in the warm scented water, and his body began to react. He had better stop. He didn't need to have an erection when he was about to see Dr. Stewart.
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What was the matter with him? You're obsessed with making love to her. He felt he would explode if he didn't do it soon. "I've put you both in the back rooms up there," Mrs. Lindsay added, interrupting his thoughts. "The view of the gardens is bonnie." Mr. Lindsay lifted the luggage. "I'll be taking these up for you." "Dr. Stewart's been eagerly waiting for you in the library," Mrs. Lindsay divulged in a quiet voice. "I'm anxious to see him too," Ronan answered as they started down the mahogany-paneled hall. They stopped outside the library. Mrs. Lindsay winked then knocked at the door. Ronan heard footsteps then the thick oaken barrier swung open. Still thin as a stick, an aureole of white hair shining in the light, Dr. Alan Stewart stood, a wide smile splitting his face. "My dear lad, how good of you to come." He looked at Kerry, his cobalt blue eyes shining with interest. "And this must be your American friend." Ronan again performed the introductions, and Kerry held out her hand. Dr. Stewart took it. "Welcome to Aberdeen, Miss Cameron." "Thank you." Kerry smiled. "But please call me, Kerry." "A pleasure, Kerry." Alan Stewart released her hand. As they entered the library, Ronan looked around the comfortable old room. The walls soared up two stories. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, crammed with ancient volumes, lined the walls. A stairway leading to a gallery, which surrounded the room midway up, gave access to the books in the top half of the space. The old sofa and armchairs, upholstered in deep green leather, huddled in a conversational cluster around the hearth. Big windows let in the light for reading. "Nothing has changed, Ronan." The old man raised his white eyebrows. "No, sir, not that I can see." And Ronan was grateful that nothing had been altered. He had spent many happy hours in this room, engaging in tutorials with the old professor. It was Dr. Stewart who warned Ronan that talent without a creative outlet caused an artist to become embittered or even neurotic. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (67 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Ronan had paid a heavy price for that expression, though. Now, he lived with the ever-present threat of having his quiet private life invaded and his stuttering problem revealed to the world. The notion caused his heart to pound. And, as always, he felt like a coward for allowing the condition to limit the scope of his life. He must face his fear before it overwhelmed him.
**** After tea, Kerry tried to nap. Mrs. Lindsay's fine food plus the lack of sleep from the night before lulled her into a drowsy state. Furthermore, when Kerry entered her bedroom, she found nothing to do because all her bags had been unpacked. The big four-poster bed beckoning irresistibly, she succumbed. She undressed, hung her clothes in the massive mahogany armoire, and slipped into bed. Naked, she cuddled under the yellow and white down comforter, but a guilty conscience caused sleep to elude her. Despite her good intentions, if the tour bus hadn't interrupted them, she and Ronan would have made love. Even now, the thought of it caused moisture to spring between her thighs, and her breasts to ache. She sighed, longing to surrender to him. Then what, Kerry? When you leave and The Inquisitor releases the story, Ronan will hate you, and he'll never forgive you. Making love with him would be the worst thing she could do -- to both of them. From now on, she must keep their relationship a strictly platonic one. Her attempt at sleep fruitless, she decided to take in a relaxing bath. Standing, Kerry savored the way the thick lemon and beige Aubusson carpet felt beneath her feet. Reaching into her bag of toiletries for her container of bubble bath and shampoo, she then found her bathrobe and headed toward the bathroom. She turned on the taps and poured in a generous supply of the fragrant beads. When the tub contained enough water, she immersed herself under its sudsy luxurious warmth. Unfortunately, nothing could wash the dark thoughts from her mind. If only she didn't have to submit that story. Oh, how she wished she had some other way to earn money right now, but she was trapped. Last month, she had failed to get another loan. The bank refused because she lacked sufficient collateral. She couldn't blame the loan officer. Buried up to her neck in the ditch of debt, as Cindy called it, Kerry struggled to make all the necessary monthly bills now. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (68 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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You promised yourself you wouldn't think about this now. She had the rest or her life to worry. For the next few days, she planned to enjoy herself with Ronan. Kerry unplugged the drain, turned on the shower, and stood beneath a jet of water, shampooing her hair. A few minutes later, wrapped in her white terry cloth bathrobe, she re-entered the bedroom, and blowdried her long dark locks. Shedding her bathrobe, she sprayed on the heather-scented cologne she had bought in Glasgow then donned her underwear, hose, and strappy black high heels. She slipped into a black, sleeveless miniskirted gabardine sheath. The simple versatile frock could be dressed up or toned down with accessories, according to the occasion. Kerry congratulated herself for having the foresight to bring the outfit along because Dr. Stewart had made reservations at the Atholl Hotel for dinner. A sparkle in his bright blue eyes, the professor hinted that the meal would serve as a test to see if she was a true Scot. Kerry wondered what trial by ordeal he had in store for her. Then she smiled. Dr. Stewart was too kind to put her through anything really unpleasant. Kerry sat at the dressing table and brushed her hair until electricity crackled through it. Then she swirled the long dark tresses into a French twist. Picking up the triple strand of pearls, she secured the clasp and approved as the small pinkish- white globes rested perfectly on the plain round neckline of the dress. After putting on pearl stud earrings, she applied a translucent sheen of raspberry lipstick. Hearing a knock, she stood. Maybe Ronan had come to accompany her downstairs for a pre-dinner drink before they left for the hotel. Instead, as she opened the door, a slim woman with short sandy hair, a lovely heart-shaped face, and big brown eyes smiled at Kerry. "I'm Kathleen Stewart, Alan's daughter-in-law. Since I wasn't home at teatime, I want to introduce myself and welcome you before we go to dinner." She extended an elegant, beautifully manicured hand. "Thanks." Returning the smile, Kerry shook the woman's hand. "Come in." "Oh, I don't want to disturb you." "You're not. I'm all ready and we have a few minutes to get acquainted. Ronan mentioned that you're a teacher." As she stepped aside to allow Kathleen to enter, Kerry admired the woman's lilac silk anklelength dress. "That's right."
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"Have a seat." Kerry gestured to the yellow satin chaise nestled in the corner. The older woman sat, crossing her legs at the ankles. "So how did you meet Ronan?" Kerry pulled the chair from the small mahogany desk by the wall and placed it near the chaise. Settling in it, she answered, "I...." The lied stuck in her throat as Kathleen looked at her, expecting an honest answer. "Uh, I had a bad case of burnout, so my doctor suggested a vacation. I'm staying at the farm next to Ronan's." "I can understand that." Kathleen leaned forward. "When I saw Ronan earlier, he said your grandfather had a stroke." Kerry nodded. "I hated leaving him, but my doctor insisted. He said if I got sick, I couldn't help Gramps." Well, that was true, at least. "He has round-the-clock caregivers, and my best friend looks in on him. I email or call almost every day, so I don't feel too detached. He loves the computer." Kathleen's wide gaze reflected empathy. "I helped care for Malcolm's mother for two years before she passed away. The poor dear had cancer." "But Gramps is improving," Kerry insisted, unable to face the possibility of his death. "He's enjoying our garden and says he can't wait to start working in it again." "Speaking of gardening, you'll have to take a tour of ours," Kathleen revealed. "Ronan designed part of it years ago when he was a student." "He's so talented," Kerry replied. "His garden at Heathergate is a paradise." The older woman smiled mischievously. "But so far, he has no Eve for his Eden." Kerry suddenly got the distinct impression that Kathleen had arranged this meeting to assess her suitability for Ronan. Well, the woman needn't worry. A romance with him was out of the question. Suddenly anxious about the interrogation, Kerry fought the urge to pick at her cuticle. "I'm sure he has dozens of women after him. After all, he's so kind, and sensitive and...." "Handsome?" a smiling Kathleen prompted. "He's certainly that." To keep her hands busy, Kerry began to tap her fingers the arm of the chair. "Ronan's done his share of dating, but so far, he hasn't found a woman who kept his attention for very long, except one. That ended disastrously a couple of years ago. She lied to him. He didn't recover from file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (70 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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that for a long time." Kerry's hand stilled, and a wave of anxiety broke over her, for now she would hurt him again. "Mariah told Ronan she was single," Kathleen divulged. "One night, when the two of them were having supper in Inverness, her husband confronted them." "She wasn't even divorced?" Kerry asked. Kathleen shook her head. "The incident devastated Ronan. He has a rule about never dating a married woman, whether she is waiting for a divorce or not. The nasty public scene rattled him badly. I'm sure you noticed his shyness." "He's not shy with me." In fact, Ronan had behaved quite the opposite in the way he had pursued her, kissed her, and came very close to making love to her -- twice. The recollection of the incident again made Kerry tingle with need and robbed her of reason. Still, she could not allow that to happen. It would not be fair to either one of them. "But you have heard him stammer." Kathleen leaned forward. "Yes, but Gramps had difficulty speaking after his stroke. I guess because of that I'm more tolerant of a person's speech problems." "Ronan is extremely self-conscious about it." If his friends reacted this negatively, no wonder he had blown the problem out of proportion. "Actually, I find his little stutter charming." "Most women do, I suspect. It adds a dimension of vulnerability to his personality that makes us all want to mother him." "But he doesn't stammer that often." "Really?" Kathleen peered at her. "Well, he must feel relaxed around you because he stutters quite a lot when he gets anxious or upset." "I suppose so." Kerry knew that the ease he felt with her would end when The Inquisitor released the story. Ashamed, she could not hold Kathleen's gaze another moment and looked away. "By the way, you know you're the first woman he's brought here -- I mean to stay for a few days. He has invited a few of them here to tea when we encouraged him." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (71 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Surprised, she looked up. "Honestly?" "Honestly." Kathleen nodded. "When I heard he'd finally thought enough of a woman to share her with us for a while, I just couldn't wait to meet you." She smiled. "And I must say, so far, I thoroughly approve, dear." Kerry blushed from deep, soul-searing shame. The Stewarts considered her a decent woman, a sincere friend of someone they held dear. Instead, she planned, with malice of forethought, to violate their trust -- and Ronan's.
****
Chapter Six
The delicious fragrance of a traditional Scottish breakfast greeted Ronan as he stepped into the spacious sunny dining room. Dishes filled with scrambled eggs, gammon, baked beans, black sausage, and creamy porridge crowded the antique cherry wood sideboard. A teapot, snuggled in a blue and white cozy, sat on the table next to a coffeepot. "Ronan, lad." Dr. Stewart sipped his tea. "I hope you slept well." "Thank you, sir. I did fairly well." In truth, he had tossed in sexual frustration until the wee hours of the morning. When they had retired for the night, Kerry had complained of feeling exhausted, so he didn't feel he could impose his demands on her. Ronan walked to the sideboard, heaping his plate with eggs and gammon. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (72 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Is Kerry still sleeping?" Kathleen poured a cup of tea. "I think so." Ronan filled his bowl with porridge. "Lucky her." Malcolm cut into his black sausage. "I wish I could too, but I've a full schedule of patients today." "She's probably still tired from last night. We did stay out late." Kathleen lifted the cup to her lips. "Then I'm glad she's resting," Dr. Stewart remarked, setting down his cup. "But I'm glad to proclaim that Kerry's a true Scot in blood and spirit if not by birth, Ronan. She definitely passed the test." "I suppose you're right, sir." Chuckling, Ronan set down his plate and bowl and sat. Malcolm shook his dark head. "I couldn't believe when that slim woman not only ate her haggis, but gobbled down mine, too, along with the tatties and neeps." Kathleen put down her cup and laughed. "That saved you from having to eat it. Besides, the servings weren't that big." Malcolm rolled his brown eyes. "I hate haggis, but I enjoyed the rack of lamb." "I think you should keep her," Kathleen remarked. Ronan wanted to -- forever. "Easier said then done," he answered. "She lives an ocean away." "A minor detail, my boy," Dr. Stewart quipped. "Planes fly the Atlantic every day. People change their residences. Some even have two homes, one on either side of the big pond." "I've known her for just two weeks," Ronan ventured. Dr. Stewart's eyes glimmered with humor. "But you must feel she's special; otherwise, you wouldn't have brought her here. Am I being presumptuous in assuming you want our opinion of her ... or should I say approval?" Perhaps unconsciously, he had taken her along to get their blessing. "I'd value both, sir." Dr. Stewart grinned. "Then let me say that she is perfectly delightful, Ronan." "Thank you, sir." The vote of confidence from his old friend meant a great deal to him. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (73 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Perhaps I'm a foolish old romantic, but I thoroughly approve." Dr. Stewart nodded. "There's an intangible energy between the two of you that seems right." Energy was right. The sexual tension between them was so strong it pulled them the way the moon towed the tides. "I agree, Alan," Kathleen added. "I really like her." "Isobel says the same thing," Ronan answered. "A sensible woman," Kathleen added. "So, why have you been so secretive about your, shall we say, other identity?" Malcolm placed his flatware on the empty plate. "Father warned us not to say a word about it to Kerry." "I suppose I want her to get to know Ronan Fraser before I introduce her to Robbie MacIain." "Understandable," Dr. Stewart remarked. "I expect you'll tell her when you feel the time is right. Does she at least know that you're going to the University Library this morning?" Ronan nodded. "Kerry knows that I have a degree in Celtic Studies and that I want to research some references, so she's planning to do more sightseeing while I work." "Good." Alan Stewart reached for his teacup. Kathleen stood. "Well, I'm off to work, but I imagine Kerry will be surprised to find that the gentleman farmer, Ronan Fraser, is really Robbie MacIain, the author."
**** "Are you sure you won't come with us, Dr. Stewart?" Kerry set down her teacup, feeling wonderfully full on the generous tea Mrs. Lindsay had again provided. "No, dear." Alan Stewart patted the arm of his chair. "I have to finish some correspondence before supper." "We'll miss you." She smiled at the elderly man. Perhaps she liked him because he reminded her of Gramps. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (74 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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The old gentleman grinned mischievously. "Ronan will keep you entertained, and when you see the surprise he has in store for you, I'm sure you won't give me a second thought." "I'll be relieved to see it. The suspense is killing me." Ronan turned to her. "I hope you'll think it's worth the wait." "If it's like everything else I've seen in Scotland, I'm sure I will," Kerry answered. "But why are you leaving so late in the day?" Dr. Stewart asked. "It's almost five o'clock." "There won't be any tourists." Ronan stood. "I want Kerry to see the place without interruptions." Recalling the incident with the tourist bus, Kerry felt her whole body tingled with longing. Last night, she managed to elude him, but when she'd finally fell asleep, she kept dreaming of making love to him. She woke several times, trembling with unsated need. Still, she must remain strong. "Then I suppose we should be on our way." She rose. "Have a wonderful time." Dr. Stewart stood also. "You certainly have a lovely day for it. It's as warm as July." "Thank you, sir," Ronan answered. As they walked out of the house to the car, Kerry asked, "How far do we have to go?" "About ten miles or fifteen kilometers. We'll be there in no time." Despite his prediction, it took them a while to get out of Aberdeen because of the rush-hour traffic, but once onto the highway A 90, the road became deserted. The landscape again gave way to neat farms. "Now, close your eyes, Kerry." "Do I have to?" "No, but if you do, you won't regret it." "Okay, then." She squeezed her eyes shut. From the swerving motion of the Land Rover, Kerry assumed they were turning off the highway. The file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (75 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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soft crunch beneath the tires sounded as if they were traveling on a gravel road. Then the car slowed and lurched to a stop. "Don't peek. I'm coming around to get you." "I won't." Kerry heard him slide out and slam the car door. Seconds later, he helped her out. Suddenly, she inhaled the tang of salty air and heard what sounded like the incoming rush of ocean waves. In the distance, the distinctive call of seagulls traveled on the air. They walked for about a minute. "I know we're near the sea." She chuckled. "Are you going to drown me?" "You have quite a lively imagination, Miss Cameron, but if I intended to commit a crime, I'd hardly tell anyone our destination." "But your ax-murdering friends are probably accomplices." They stopped. "All right, Kerry. Go ahead and look." She opened her eyes and gasped, awed by the breathtaking view. They stood on the edge of a steep cliff. The precipice descended to a causeway and stretched to a huge hill crowned with the ruins of a castle. Grass covered the gigantic motte from its summit down to its base at the sun-sparkling sea. "It's...." At a loss for words, Kerry looked up at him. "Magnificent." He smiled. "Exactly," she answered reverently. "Where are we?" "Stonehaven. This is Dunnottar Castle." Though all the buildings stood roofless to the still azure sky, the architecture of the great castle proclaimed the might and grandeur of the once mighty fortress. She turned to him. "Why it is in ruins?" "Cromwell's forces destroyed it during the Civil War." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (76 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"What a shame!" "But he never got his hands on the Scottish crown or scepter. A woman smuggled them out in a fishing creel." "Good for her! What did she do with them?" "Hid them in a nearby church. They were recovered, disappeared again, and were discovered once more in Edinburgh Castle. They're still there, and you can see them on display there." "Oh, Ronan, I just have to go inside." He chuckled. "Let's be off then." Hand in hand, they walked down the narrow path and across the causeway onto the motte. Ascending the steps, they passed beneath the arch of the entrance and ambled within the castle walls. They stopped in the center of the courtyard. Long shadows cut dark angular swathes across the inner bailey as the thick stone walls of the buildings vaulted skyward. "Let's go into the keep," Kerry suggested eagerly. He grinned. "It won't be much different from this." Laughing, she broke away. "I'll race you," she called over her shoulder, running toward the double towers of the keep. He caught up with her as they zoomed inside the massive walls. When he tagged her, their feet tangled. They stumbled and fell to the lush grass, laughing. "That wasn't exactly fair," he protested, lying on top of her. "You got a head start." "It evened the odds. Your legs are much longer than mine." He brushed a wayward lock of hair from her face, and Kerry lay still, hypnotized by the emerald and golden flecks that glittered in his irises. When he touched her, any resistance she might have had crumbled like sandcastles before the incoming tide. Desire suffused her body, turning her blood to liquid fire, and her pulse raced into a hard gallop.
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"You smell like heather," he whispered. Suddenly, his kiss seared her lips and emblazoned her heart. Nothing mattered -- nothing, except being in his arms. She wanted him so badly she ached to join with him, to satisfy the ravenous hunger consuming her. Ronan urged her to her knees and rose to his. Her heart pounded with anticipation when he deftly removed her green cardigan, knitted shell, and bra. He unzipped her Cameron tartan skirt as she tugged at his belt buckle then unbuttoned his shirt. They disengaged, stood, and disrobed completely. Kerry couldn't tear her gaze from his splendid body. Wide shoulders and a broad chest tapered to a hard muscular stomach, lean hips, and long, powerful legs. Even his feet were well formed. His huge member jutted forth, and Kerry longed to accommodate it length. His gaze swept over her. "You're beautiful, Kerry." Breathless and trembling, she put her hands on his shoulders and slid her palms over his muscular arms and chest. His pulled her into his arms, but instead of kissing her lips, he turned her around. Hands cupping her breasts, he dropped light kisses on the back of her neck, inadvertently discovering one of her most sensitive spots. "Oh," Kerry whimpered. Her back arched, and her bottom pressed against his erection as Ronan continued the sensuous assault on her neck shoulders and down the middle of her back. Then turning her to face him, he pressed her lips, plundering the recesses of her mouth with the wild swirling velvet of his tongue. The crisp hair on his chest rubbed against her sensitive breasts, teasing her to the brink of madness. A moan escaped her throat, and she slid her palms over his back, feeling his powerful muscles flex and bunch. Cupping his buttocks, she pressed his erected manhood to her, grinding against him. He groaned and returned the gesture in kind. He nipped her earlobe then dropped hot kisses in a southward course down her neck, and over her collarbone. Kerry's anticipation mounted, expecting that his destination would end at her aching breasts. As his lips settled over her erect nipple, she sucked in her breath. She moaned again as spasms clutched pleasurably her pelvic area, and moisture sprang between her thighs.
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They reclined. The lush turf felt pleasantly cool against her fevered body as Ronan continued to pay homage to her breasts. Then he slid his hand over her belly and lower until he found her intimate spot and began to stroke her. Her body quivered, her need so intense she gasped. "If you keeping doing that," she gasped out, "I'm going to climax." "That's the idea," he answered, continuing. "But I want to feel you inside me when I do. Please, Ronan." She clutched his wrists. "I want it to happen to us together." "All right then." He broke away, removing a condom from his trouser pocket. "Oh, hurry, Ronan." "I intend to." He slipped it on and returned to her. He kissed her again, and moved over her, pressing the head of his arousal against her moist swollen flesh. She shivered deliciously as he took his slow, sybaritic possession and stretched within her. She had wanted him like this for so long. Now that the joining had become a reality, Kerry emotions overcame her. The flood in her heart overflowed in her eyes, and she blinked away her tears. She could not believe how wonderful his possession made her feel. He filled the void in her heart as well as the one in her body. "I feel as if I've found a missing part of myself, Kerry," he rasped out. "Me, too," she whispered, between kissing his face and neck. Ronan withdrew almost entirely then thrust forward, and Kerry thought her hammering heart would stop, for the pleasure he gave her was indescribable. She whimpered and writhed against him. As he increased his efforts, his breath grew deep and audible as it blew, warm and mint-flavored, on her face. In response, she soared to a new level of excitement, one she never experienced before. Still, satisfaction loomed just beyond her reach. Desperate for completion, Kerry rocked her hips up to meet his every lunge, until lost in the tumult of boundless emotion and exquisite pleasure, she was unable to distinguish where her being ended and his began. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (79 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Finally, her body and soul resonated with indescribable ecstasy. "Ronan," she cried, her voice echoing off the ancient walls. He shuddered then collapsed over her, his heart thundering in time with hers. The dazzling pleasure gently ebbed to complete fulfillment. After a time, he caressed her cheek and whispered, "You're phenomenal, Kerry. I can't find the words to tell you how wonderful you are." She stroked the back of his neck. "That's quite a compliment since you have a vocabulary in two languages." But even as she articulated the words, guilt threw it's net over her. When Ronan discovered the truth, he would hate her with his dying breath and justifiably so, for the mantle of blame fell squarely on her shoulders. She had broken the rules and had allowed him to make love to her. But, oh, she had wanted him, still needed him, and would crave him forever.
**** Although hours had passed since they lay breathless and euphoric, Ronan was still affected by their lovemaking. The experience had changed him forever. After they left Dunnottar, and returned to Aberdeen, they had stopped in a quiet restaurant on Justice Street, not far from the Mercat Cross. Now, they were enjoying a leisurely candlelit dinner in a secluded corner of the room. The soft flickering light played over the delicate bone structure of her face, making her flawless complexion glow with the luster of a fine pearl. Just being with her made the world more beautiful, more wonderful. From the moment he saw her, Ronan instinctively knew that they would be sensational together. Kerry excited and fulfilled him as no other woman ever had. She touched his soul, reaching into it and pouring balm on his psychological scars, banishing, at least temporarily, all his fears and insecurities about stuttering. But then, Ronan never felt that he had to perform for her. He could just be himself, liberating him to be unconstrained, spontaneous, and natural. He reached across the table for her hand. "How about trying some cranachan for dessert?"
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"What's cranachan?" "Fresh raspberries mixed with whisky, whipped cream, honey, and a sprinkle of toasted oatmeal on top." "Sounds scrumptious, but after that salmon, I don't have room for another bite." She smiled wistfully. Ronan suddenly realized that she had been rather subdued since they left Dunnottar. "Is something the matter, Kerry?" He gently squeezed her hand. "No." Despite her denial, he panicked. Maybe they had rushed into the physical part their relationship, and she was remorseful about it. Or worse, disappointed. As painful as the truth might be, he had to know. "D-Do you th-think that we should have waited to make love? Her eyes widened. "Do you?" "I have n-no regrets, K-Kerry. B-But you s-seem to be having s-second thoughts. D-Did I d-disappoint you?" She frowned. "How could you ever think that?" "You were in a g-good m-mood before, b-but ever since we left the castle, you've s-seemed preoccupied." "Oh, Ronan, it's not that. In fact, you made me feel something so incredible, so beautiful ... I can't even put it into words." She put her hand to her mouth, and her eyes brightened with tears. He leaned toward her. "But something is b-bothering you." She bit her lip and blinked away the tears. "I'm worried about Gramps. I didn't call him today, and I forgot my cell phone in my other purse." "And I deliberately didn't take mine. Sorry. I guess I was being selfish, not wanting any interruptions." "No, you weren't." "You c-can call f-from the Atholl. I b-booked a room." He glanced at his watch, nervous that she may reject the idea of spending the night with him. "It'll be j-just about f-four o'clock in the afternoon in BBoston by the time we g-get there."
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Surprised, she asked, "You booked a room?" "Y-Yes. You'll be going back to the S-States soon. I just don't want to s-share you with anyone t-tonight, not even the S-Stewarts. I told Alan we might be staying in Stonehaven, but decided it would be better to go to the Atholl. Of course, if you d-don't want to g-go.... Perhaps we should h-head back to the SStewarts?" "No, Ronan. " She reached for his hand, her gaze penetrating his. "I want to stay with you, more than I can say." "Let's g-go then." He picked up the bill and hailed the waiter.
**** When they entered the hotel room, silence greeted them. With a sense of urgency, she picked up the phone and placed the long distance call. Ronan settled himself onto the chair by the table in the corner. He leafed through a magazine as Kerry began conversing with her grandfather. After she finished the conversation, Ronan looked up. "I couldn't help hearing. Seems like everything is all right." She nodded, tears brimming in her teal eyes. He stood and walked to her. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he dabbed her eyes, and their gazes blended. Ronan caressed her cheek, and Kerry tilted her face in his hand, kissing his palm. He drew her into his arms, and he kissed her, reveling in the pliancy of her body against his. Ronan had been dreaming about this since the moment ever since they had left the castle. He couldn't get enough of the sight, the smell, the taste, or the feel of her. He wanted to make love to her every day for the rest of his life. He removed his wallet and put it on the nightstand. They quickly shed their garments, leaving them in heaps beside the bed. He urged her onto the soft mattress and reclined beside her. Taking her in his arms, he exulted as the frantic drumming of her heart told him Kerry anticipated their lovemaking as much as he did. Heart pounding, he barely remembered to take a condom from the wallet.
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"Not yet." Kerry took the protection and replaced it on the nightstand. Then she gently caressed his member, letting her fingers play over its sensitive head. "I can feel you throbbing." When she flicked her tongue over its tip, Ronan's hips jolted upward. She continued, her tongue traveling down his straining erection. Eyes squeezed shut, his hands curled into fists, Ronan shuddered, and his desire bolted into unknown realms of sensuality as she took him into her mouth. A low groan escaped his throat as he became immersed in the pleasure of her exquisite touch. She tantalized and enticed, until he rasped out, "Kerry, you'd better stop." She withdrew, allowing his frenetic need to abate somewhat, and took the foil packet from the nightstand, making an erotic game of slowly, provocatively rolling it down his erection. Suddenly, she straddled his thighs. Dark hair waving about her white shoulders, her perfect body poised above him, she reminded him of a Celtic goddess who had come to earth because what she did to him was mystical. Seconds later, he felt her warmth inching slowly over his phallus, welcoming and sheltering him within her moist protective heat of her body. Supporting her weight with her elbows, she began her campaign, tightening her muscles as she withdrew and relaxing them as she lunged forth. Opening his eyes, he watched as her perfect, rose-tipped breasts dangled over him like luscious fruit. He leaned forward and sucked on each hard nipple, causing her efforts to increase. Ronan lay back and instinctively trust his hips forward, inciting their riotous senses. Kerry charged frantically, doubling her endeavors. Ronan hoped she would reach her climax soon because he felt as if he were ready to burst. Suddenly, her movements stopped, and Ronan felt her muscles, like a silken-gloved hand, firmly squeezing him, urging him to the most incredible orgasm he ever experienced. She toppled over him, her breath fanning his neck, as the tingling heat spread out, like liquid sunlight, from his center to the very tips of his fingers and toes. He never anticipated that their second union would surpass first. Incredibly, it had. He rolled to his back without withdrawing, so that she now lay still impaled atop him. She kissed his shoulder then cuddled her cheek next to his wildly pounding heart. "That was fantastic, Kerry." He meant it. In his wildest dreams, he never thought their lovemaking would be so profound. "It was magic," she answered. "Aye." They lay joined for a long time. After a while, he became conscious that Kerry's breathing had become deep and rhythmic. Realizing that she had dosed off, he carefully disengaged, nestling beside her, spoon fashion. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (83 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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She looked so innocent, so incredibly beautiful. He lifted her white slim hand, pressing it to his lips. His kissed her wrist, forearm, shoulder, and finally her mouth. He held her for a long time, wishing they could remain locked in this embrace forever. And yet, Kerry must leave soon. Would her departure mark the end of their relationship? The prospect left him bereft. Ronan realized that he was deeply, desperately, and completely in love with her.
****
Chapter Seven
A few days later, Kerry, Ronan, and Alan Stewart sat in the drawing room. "I wish you could prolong your visit, my dear." Dr. Stewart smiled and leaned forward in his armchair by the hearth. Kerry returned the smile. "So do I, but a friend is coming from the States, and I really need to be in Cawdor to greet her." "Of course." The elderly gentleman nodded. "But you'll come back to see us again." "Uh, yes," Kerry lied. Once The Inquisitor published her article, none of her Scottish friends would ever want to see her again. She grieved their loss already and shame weighed her down. They would remember her as the deceitful Ugly American who pretended to be their friend. Ronan would damn her, and he would be justified. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (84 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Dear God! How she wished this living nightmare would end. It was making her sick. She hadn't felt truly healthy since she began this assignment. "You'll persuade her to return to us, won't you, lad?" Alan Stewart asked. "I'll do my best." Ronan's gaze traveled from the old gentleman to hers. The earnest look in his eyes caused Kerry to feel so unbearably guilty that she quickly looked away. "Thank you for everything, Dr. Stewart." Ronan shook the old man's hand. "My pleasure. Haste ye back, both of you." "I will, sir." Ronan stepped back, and Kerry offered her hand to her host, but instead of shaking it, Dr. Stewart gallantly kissed it. "I won't say good-by," the elderly man declared. "Instead I'll say Thig a cheilidh oirnn uair sam bith." Kerry looked at Ronan. "Would you translate?" "Dr. Stewart is inviting you to come and visit anytime." Touched, Kerry swallowed the lump in her throat. "How do I say thank you very much in Gaelic?" "Moran taing," Ronan answered. "Moran taing," she repeated, struggling to contain her tears. Ronan had already stowed their luggage in the Land Rover earlier, so with Dr. Stewart accompanying them, they moved outside. The older man remained on the landing as they descended the granite steps and walked to the car, their footsteps crunching in the pea gravel of the carriage sweep. Waving to their host one last time, they got in and drove out of Aberdeen and into the country. Despite the beautiful scenery, Kerry couldn't shrug off the self-recrimination, but she deserved it. She'd failed by becoming romantically involved. Worse, the task of e-mailing the story loomed in front of her like the dark clouds presently scowling over the hills. Still, Cindy would be coming. Just talking about her guilt and anxiety would provide relief, if not a file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (85 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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solution. Quit fooling yourself. There is no solution. Furthermore, the notion of leaving Scotland forever and never seeing Ronan again was destroying her. "Have you thought about Dr. Stewart's invitation?" Smiling, Ronan gave her a quick glance. She turned in her seat, looking at his wonderfully proportioned profile. "Actually, I have." Rather, she was regretting that she couldn't ever accept it. "And I'd love to, Ronan, but Gramps needs me." His grasp tightened on the steering white, turning his knuckles white. "Is th-that your nice way of ttelling me that this is the end?" Her stomach knotted, for she dreaded a confrontation. "Ronan, we both know Boston is my home." "So what h-happened b-between us m-meant nothing to you?" She noticed his jaw line harden. "You know that's not true." Enduring the memory of his strong arms and the sweetness of his kisses without having them would be punishment enough for what she must do. "I really want to come back." In fact, she would give anything to return without this horrible deception between them. "But I have to keep my job in order to pay a mountain of medical bills." He looked relieved and took hold of her hand. "Would it help if I paid for the trip? I'm not suggesting that you come soon. I know you won't want to leave your grandfather alone again for a while, but you must have some holiday time coming to you." The question hung like a sword. How could she answer him without hurting him? Kerry could never return -- not after The Inquisitor released that story. Besides, Ronan wouldn't want her then. "Well?" he prompted. "I couldn't ask you to pay my fare. It's too expensive." "I have some money put by." His generosity brought her perilously closed to tears. Still, even with a best-selling book on the market, she knew he was no Bill Gates. It took some time to receive royalties. Then he would have to pay his agent, pay the taxes, etc. All at once, huge drops of rain splashed against the windshield and Ronan switched on the wipers. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (86 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Of course, I can fly to the States, but I'd like you to come back in August. The heather just explodes over the moors." He smiled. "There's nothing like it." If he continued being so kind, she would burst into tears, and she didn't have the heart to hurt him. "All right, Ronan. If you still want me to visit after I go home, I'll come back." He smiled. "Let's celebrate your decision over dinner at the Tavern. Besides, there's something I've been wanting to tell you." "Really?" She frowned. "What?" He snatched a glance at her. "You'll have to wait." He probably had another lovely surprise, which she didn't deserve. Dear God, please forgive me because I know Ronan never will.
**** For centuries a castle workshop, The Cawdor Tavern had been converted to a licensed premise about thirty-five years ago. The paneling on the dining room walls glowed like brown satin in the soft light. In the corner, an elderly musician softly played The Skye Boat Song on his accordion, but Ronan noticed that tonight the place lacked its customary crowd. Maybe the horrible weather had discouraged potential diners. However, the quiet ambiance suited him, he thought, finishing his ham and haddie, for he had a confession to make. To share real intimacy, the kind that should exist between two people who loved each other, he must tell Kerry the truth about himself. He offered a silent prayer that she would understand the reason he withheld the information from her. If they intended to continue their relationship, and she had indicated that she wanted to do so, Kerry must understand his need for privacy. Most of all, he didn't want any deception between them. One thing encouraged him. At least, she seemed to like him for himself and not because he had achieved success as a writer. His heart pounded, but just as he was about to start his confession, a waitress approached, asking it they wanted dessert. "S-Shall we g-give it a g-go, K-Kerry?" Oh, God! He was stuttering, and that just intensified his anxiety. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (87 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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By the time he finished, she would think he was a tongue-tied fool. "Yes," Kerry replied. "I'd like the sherry trifle and some tea." "I'll h-have the s-same," he answered. Anxious, he cleared his throat. It was now or never. "K-Kerry, there's s-s-something about me you ddon't know." Her teal gaze connected with his. "We've known each other a short time, Ronan. There are probably a lot of things we don't know about each other." "B-But this is r-rather unusual." His heart was hammering so hard that he was beginning to get lightheaded. "You look so solemn." She leaned forward. "Is it that serious?" "W-What do you mean by s-serious?" He wiped his sweaty palms of the big linen napkin. "Like a law suit or a chronic illness?" Right now, his stuttering seemed like a terminal one. "N-Nothing that d-dramatic." How he wished he could say something clever or humorous to break the stifling tension. Kerry reached across the table put her hand over his. "Just relax and take your time." She seemed to know just what to say and do to put him at ease. He took a deep breath and began to speak very slowly. "You know I studied Gaelic at the university and did further study in the Hebrides to qualify for my degree." There. You succeeded. You didn't stammered once. "Yes, but you never say much about it." "Well, I also wrote a novel." An expression that could only be described as anguish lodged in her eyes. The look scared him. "W-Why are you l-looking at me l-like that?" She withdrew her hand. "Uh, like what?"
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"As if you've s-seen a g-g-ghost." He needed to control his speech again. "No! I think it's wonderful that you write." In spite of her reassurances, she seemed uncomfortable and squirmed in her seat. The waitress delivered the order then left, and Kerry added cream to the tea. Raising her cup, she took a sip. "Have you ever heard of Robbie MacIain?" She sputtered on her tea and grabbed the napkin to help quell her cough. Terrified she was choking, he stood, going to her aid, "A-Are y-you all r-right, K-Kerry?" She nodded and waved him away. He sat, waiting for her to regain her composure. "I'm sorry, Ronan. I'm so embarrassed. The tea went down the wrong way. To answer your question, yes, and I have a copy of Celtic Dreams at home." "R-Really?" "Yes. It's the most lyrically beautiful book I've ever read." He had never been so flattered in his life. Even the best review he'd ever gotten couldn't compare to the praise she gave him. "I have a c-confession to make, Kerry." That was good. He only stuttered once. She just stared at him, a look of dread in her eyes. "I'm Robbie MacIain." Tears glimmered in her eyes and her reaction scared him witless. "W-Why are you c-crying?" "I don't know. I suppose I'm just emotional," she declared, taking a tissue from her purse. "Is th-that all? I th-thought you m-might b-be annoyed about it."
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If he became so anxious just talking to her about this subject, he knew he would never be able to face an audience or a television camera. "I just said I think your book was beautiful." She dabbed her tears away. "B-But that d-doesn't mean you're g-glad I'm a writer." "I am." However, she didn't seem glad. In fact, she looked distressed.
**** Later that night as Ronan slept beside her at Kirkbrae, Kerry recalled the events of the day. Her heart had almost stopped when he declared his identity. He had confided in her, but she must violate that sacred trust. Oh, God, why had she allowed their relationship to get this far? She should have kept a cool, professional distance, but twenty-twenty hindsight seemed less than useless. Besides, from the very beginning, the magnetism between them had assumed a momentum Kerry felt powerless to stop. Even now, it impelled them along like a fallen autumn leaf on a rushing mountain stream. She hated the pretense and deceit. She wished she could make a clean breast of things and quit her job, but her grandfather had sacrificed his whole life for her. If she went to prison, he would die of a broken heart. Kerry couldn't risk that, even if she had to lose the love of her life because she could no longer deny it. She was hopelessly and desperately in love with Ronan Fraser.
**** "Oh, Cindy, I'm so happy to see you!" "Whew! I'm glad I finally arrived." The willowy blonde stepped out of the rental car, gave Kerry a hug, then broke away. "I enjoyed the drive from Glasgow, but you didn't tell me the roads here are so narrow, and I had to get used to driving on the left. A couple of times, I thought I was going to crash head on!" "I know. It can be scary, but the gorgeous scenery makes the ride worth it. By the way, did you see Gramps before you left?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (90 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Of course." Cindy gave Kerry a you-should-know-better-than-to-ask look. "He's doing great and sends his love. I went to Dr. Hutchinson's office with him last week. Doc says he's confident Gramps will make a full recovery, thanks to all the therapy." "That's fantastic." The news made all the lies worthwhile -- almost. "Let's get your luggage from the trunk, or as the Scots call it, 'the boot,'" Kerry remarked, feigning a Highland accent. Cindy chuckled. "This place has rubbed off on you. You got the lingo down pat." "I suppose." Kerry sighed as they ambled to the back of the car. "Oh-oh, from the expression on your face, girl, I'd say that it's more than just rubbed off. It's in your blood, or rather, this Ronan Fraser is, isn't he?" Kerry sniffed and blinked back her tears. "I've seen that look before. You need to talk," Cindy responded. "Let's stash this stuff in the house, then we can hash this thing out over a cup of tea the way we do back home." "Suits me," Kerry replied. "I'm dying to get this off my chest, and I put the kettle on when I heard you drive up. I've got some sandwiches and dessert, too." "Good. I'm starved." As they carried the luggage inside, the kettle began to whistle. "I had better brew the tea before all the water evaporates." Kerry set down the valise. "Excuse me for a minute. I'll be right back," she called over her shoulder, scooting into the kitchen. She removed the shrieking kettle from the burner and prepared the tea, leaving it to steep. Then she hastened back to Cindy, and they toted the travel bags up the steps to the room adjacent to Kerry's. They set down the heavy suitcases on the wide-planked oak floors. "This would be lovely if it had a fresh coat of paint and some new curtains and spread," Cindy declared. "You're right. Everything is in working condition, though." Moreover, the big windows faced south, permitting in lots of light, and a large hearth provided the room with a cozy ambiance. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (91 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"You have your own bathroom, too," Kerry added. "So, I won't have a long walk to a rickety old outhouse." Cindy chuckled. "No." Kerry rolled her eyes. Cindy giggled. "That's a relief." "We better go before the tea gets too strong," Kerry suggested. They descended the steps and entered the spacious kitchen. Kerry removed a platter of chicken salad sandwiches from the refrigerator and placed it on the already set table. Turning to the counter, she lifted the freshly baked batch of shortbread and placed them beside the sandwiches. Meanwhile, Cindy removed the cozy from the Brown Betty pot and poured the tea into the mugs. Kerry nibbled at her food while her ravenous friend feasted with gusto. "So tell me everything." Cindy urged after devouring a sandwich. "What does Ronan Fraser look like? Do you have a picture?" Kerry rested her elbows on the table, supporting her chin on her palms. "No picture, but he's about six feet, four inches tall, and oh, God, is he built! He has even features, auburn hair, and hazel eyes with green and gold flecks that sparkle." She sniffled as a lump grew in her throat. "And his nose has freckles on it, just like a little kid's. When I think about them, I could just cry." She dabbed away a tear with her napkins. "Oh, Kerry, you're in love with this guy!" Eyes wide, Cindy sat back against the old ladder-back chair. Kerry nodded, sniffling. "That's a major problem, considering your assignment. What're you going to do?" Kerry shrugged, trying to keep a fresh fall of tears a bay. "What can I do? I have to submit the story. I wrote it days ago." "Then why haven't you sent it?" "I ... I don't know." Kerry shook her head. "I tried, but I just couldn't go off to Aberdeen with him, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (92 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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knowing that I'd done the one thing that he'd never forgive." "How does Ronan feel about you?" "I'm not sure. He hasn't really said." "Oh, come on, Kerry." Cindy waved her hand, dismissing Kerry's words. "Men don't talk about their emotions, even if they are writers, but you must have some sense of what he feels." "Well, he has invited me to come back to Scotland. He even offered to pay for the trip." Kerry sipped her tea. "Duh! There's your answer. He's crazy about you." "For now. But how will he feel once I'm gone? People say all kinds of things when they're emotional. Once I go, it might be out of sight out of mind for him. Just remember, Rick gave me a lot of talk about how he understood about Gramps, but when it came to the crunch, he didn't walk the walk." "Rick was a creep, but this guy may be different, and he sounds as if he's crazy about you." "He won't be after The Inquisitor publishes the article." "Then don't send it off." Cindy shrugged and leaned back. "And when I go to prison, who'll pay for all those medical bills plus keep a roof over Gramps' head?" "Prison!" Her big blue eyes as round as an owl's, Cindy leaned forward. "Dan said he would charge me with breach of trust." "Kerry, why don't you take out a loan and get that dirt bag off your back?" Cindy lifted her cup and took a swallow of tea. "I tried." She exhaled a long breath. "The bank turned me down flat. How are you doing with your miracle working?" "Not good." The phone rang and Kerry started. "What's wrong?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (93 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"I'm afraid that might be Dan." Kerry grimaced. "No problem. I'll tell that blob of pond slime you're working. That should shut him up for a while." Cindy stood and reached for the cell phone on the counter. "Hello." After a pause, she added, "No, this is Cynthia Moore, but Kerry is right here. Just a minute." Putting the receiver to her chest, she smiled mischievously. "It's Ronan, and even with that little stammer he sounds hot. Whew! Take the phone before it melts in my hand." She placed the receiver in Kerry's outstretched palm and attempted to leave. Putting the phone to her ear, Kerry motioned Cindy to stay. "Okay," Cindy mouthed silently. "Hi, Ronan." "Hello. I g-guess your f-friend has finally arrived." "Yes. She had a good trip." Just hearing his voice sent her heart singing. Kerry appreciated his call all the more because he had told her that using phone was difficult for him. "I was w-wondering if the two of you would like to have dinner here at Heathergate tomorrow night. Isobel and D-Donald will be here, and Mrs. Dunbar p-promised to make her special lamb c-c-collops with port wine and red currant jelly." "Sounds delicious, but I'll have to check with Cindy." Longing to see him, Kerry put her hand over the receiver and asked. Cindy pulled a wry face. "I'm dying to see this guy, but I don't want to be a fifth wheel." "Uh, Ronan, Cindy is concerned about being odd woman out." "No p-problem. Donald's twin, Ewan, is c-coming from Nairn." "I'll tell her." Kerry put her hand over the speaker, relaying the message and adding, "And you're in for a treat 'cause Donald is gorgeous, so his twin must be, too." "That'll be a refreshing change. My blind dates usually look like Freddie Krueger."
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Kerry removed her hand from the speaker. "It's all set, Ronan. What time do you want us to come?" "Is s-seven all right? That'll give us t-time to have a few cocktails and l-let us get acquainted with Cindy." "That'll work. See you then." "Bye," he said. "Bye, Ronan." She hung up, but guilt got the better of her, and she lost the struggle to keep back her tears. "Oh, Cindy, what am I going to do?" Cindy pulled a tissue from the pocket of her slacks and offered it to Kerry. "Have you ever considered just making a clean breast of the whole thing?" She took the tissue. "A thousand times a day, but I can't leave Gramps to go to prison." "Well, promise me one thing, Kerry." "What?" "When we get back to the States, please find another job. This one is killing you, and you'll end up hating yourself for doing this underhanded stuff." Wrong, Cindy, I already hate myself.
**** Cocktails in hand, Ronan and his company lounged in the living room, waiting for a Kerry and Cindy to arrive. "So, give us the latest news about Kerry's friend." Isobel's eyes glinted with mischief. "I'm sure Ewan wants to hear all about his dinner partner." "Right." Standing by the hearth, Ronan shot his sister a skeptical glance. "And you couldn't care less?" Ewan and Donald laughed. "All right, I admit it," Isobel answered. "But the rest of you are curious too." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (95 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"I won't argue that." Donald sipped a dram of Glen Ord. "See." Isobel lifted her glass of sherry to her lips. Ronan smiled. "I don't have much information. I just saw her briefly today when I went to the bowling green in the village. She and Kerry were lunching al fresco in front of The Tavern, and I just happened to bump into them." "A likely story," Isobel replied. "You probably called Kerry, and when you didn't get an answer, you raced into town, looking for them." Isobel knew him too well. "Well, I -- " She exhaled an audible breath. "Oh, for goodness sakes, Ronan! What does Cindy look like?" She turned to Ewan. "I know you're interested in that." "I can't deny it." Ewan laughed and poured the rest of the Dark Isle into his beer glass. "Patience is a virtue." Ronan laughed wickedly. His guests groaned. "Enough blather," Donald chided. "Right, then. She's tall, blond, blue-eyed, and well formed. Kerry says she works in advertising." "I'm intrigued." Ewan grinned and bobbed his brows. Donald laughed. "From that description, I am too." Isobel elbowed her husband in the ribs. "Interested is it?" "No squabbles, you two," Ewan quipped. "You're interrupting an intriguing account. What else do you know about her?" The doorbell rang. "I'd say you're about to find out," Ronan answered.
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Chapter Eight
The room seemed charge with tense anticipation until a smiling Mrs. Dunbar, dressed in her best black uniform, ushered the two women into the room. Cindy's deep blue mini-skirted A-line complimented her delicate blonde looks to perfection, and Kerry's red cotton knit skimmer looked wonderful with her black locks. During the introductions, Ronan suppressed a chuckle. Judging from the expression on Ewan's face, the man seemed smitten. Donald discreetly thrust his thumbs up, a look of hearty approval on his face, and Isobel winked and nodded enthusiastically. Mrs. Dunbar smiled widely as well then left. Cindy seemed intrigued as well. As she and Ewan shook hands, a spark of static electricity crackled between them. Startled, they both jerked back. "Oh, sorry," Ewan apologized. "Shall we give it another go?" Cindy giggled and offered her hand once more. Meeting with success this time, Ewan kept her hand in his. "Let the girl go for a minute." Donald took her hand from his twin. "These Highland oafs are forgetting their manners." Ronan's sister rose and extended her hand. "I'm Isobel MacGillivray." "Glad to meet you." Cindy shook the woman's hand. "Would you ladies like a drink?" Ronan asked. "I have Sherry, beer, whisky, and Iron Bru if you prefer a file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (97 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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soft drink?" "I know about that single malt whisky," Cindy replied, a sage expression on her lovely face. "I stopped at a distillery on my trip from Glasgow, and took the tour. After it was over, they gave us a sample. It goes down as smooth as cream then explodes like a firecracker." "A wee dram wouldn't hurt a braw lass like you," Ewan answered, a playful look in his blue eyes. Cindy looked at him askance. "Um, maybe not, but I think I'll stick with sherry for now." Kerry chuckled. "I'll have the same." As the conversation buzzed along, Ronan served the drinks. "I'm glad you could join us, Cindy." Isobel put her empty wineglass on the coffee table. "Thanks. I've always wanted to come here. When Kerry left, I was so envious I could barely stand it, but I got a lucky break when my aunt gave me her frequent flyer miles." "I guess she likes to travel," Donald ventured. Cindy nodded, making her blond hair swing and shimmer. "It's lucky she does. She's an accountant and flies all over the world, auditing books. She's earned so many miles she'll never use them." "Lucky for us." Ewan's gaze swept over Cindy's lovely body. "Thanks." Cindy blushed. Mrs. Dunbar appeared at the door. "Dinner is served." The couples stood and filed into the dining room where the Waterford crystal and Crown Derby china glowed in the candlelight. As dinner progressed, Ewan turned Cindy. "How long will you be staying?" "Till the end of May when Kerry leaves." "Too bad." Isobel frowned, putting her fork into the last morsel of Dundee cake. "There's so much to see just in the Highlands. You'll hardly scratch the surface in just nine days." The reminder that he had so little time left to be with Kerry made Ronan feel hollow inside. Still, she had file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (98 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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promised to visit. When she left, he would count the days, no, the hours, until he would see her again. Cindy shrugged. "I considered myself lucky to see this much, and I really enjoyed the trip up from Glasgow, especially the ride over the moors. And what are those gorgeous bushes with the golden blossoms? They're everywhere." "Gorse," Ronan answered. "Did you take some side trips?" Ewan asked. "Did I ever! I went to Sterling and saw the castle." "How did you like it?" Isobel sat back. Cindy sighed. "It's awesome." "It is," Donald interjected, "but Edinburgh Castle is my favorite. It gives you a feeling of power." "Most castles do." Ewan lifted his glass of Riesling to his lips. "Kerry, you've been so quiet. Which is your favorite?" Donald inquired. She had been rather subdued, Ronan thought. She looked up, and her gaze met his. "Dunnattor," she answered softly. "Excellent choice," Isobel affirmed. "That's one of my favorites as well, and I know it's Ronan's." If that castle had been special before, after making love to Kerry there, the place had taken on a mystical significance, for the experience had transformed him. Just the memory of her eager response excited him to no end. How would he stand the separation when she left? "You'll have to see Cawdor Castle," Isobel commented, bringing Ronan back to the reality of the moment. "It's right in the village." Cindy folded her napkin and placed it by her plate. "Kerry and I went this afternoon. It's fabulous. The gardens with the stream running by are so beautiful." "Did you stop in at a woolen mill?" Ewan inquired. "They're all over the place." "Sure did. After Stirling, I stopped at one in Aberfoyle and joined a tour of the place. Then we saw different breeds of sheep at the welcome center. One was black and had four horns! The guide there told file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (99 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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us not to touch it because it was kind of wild. We could pet the other ones, though. Then we saw how they weave the tartan cloth, and in the store I watched a woman actually making yarn on a spinning wheel!" "And you probably bought skirt." Isobel leaned forward. "No, a navy blue sweater with fluffy sheep embroidered on it and a cornflower blue cape. I had to get out of there before I maxed out my credit card." Cindy smiled sheepishly. "So, I went on to Fort William and spent the night there before heading here. The Mercury Hotel had a great view of the Loch Linnhe and served the best desserts." "Speaking of food, why don't we all take a trip to Kinloch Lodge on Skye and eat Claire MacDonald's great cooking this weekend?" Ewan's eyes glinted with enthusiasm. "We can take the car on the ferry and sail from Mallaig." He turned to Cindy. "You'll enjoy the trip over. Then we'll drive around the island, and if time permits, we can go to Dunvegan." "I don't know about that." Cindy's grimaced. "I get seasick." "If the sea is choppy, we can ride over the bridge. The gardens at Armadale Castle will be in bloom now, and the bluebells just cover the ground all the way down to the Sound of Sleat." Ewan turned to Cindy. "The rhododendrons will be at peak too, and the midges won't bother us this time of year." Ronan loved Skye. The island had a magical beauty. On one visit, he had seen the most magnificent sunset. The heavens had exploded into a conflagration of refracted light, shimmering in jewel tones of citrine, ruby, amethyst, and sapphire. "I'd love to see Skye." Cindy clasped her hands. "But I wouldn't dream of leaving Kerry, and I'm sure she has to work." Kerry's wide-eyed gaze riveted on Cindy. "Work?" Ronan turned to Kerry. "What sort of work?" "Oh, uh, did I say work?" Cindy amended nervously. "I meant rest. I she had a bad case of burnout, you know." "Do you feel up to it, Kerry?" She wrung her napkin. "I suppose it will be a long time, if ever, before we come back here, and I do want to see Skye."
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Ronan frowned. What did she mean by saying she didn't know if she'd ever come back? She had promised him she would return. "Great idea!" Ewan smiled broadly. "I can't wait to go." "I wish I could." Isobel's shoulders slumped. "But I have to inoculate a herd of Belted Galloways on Saturday. Besides, I don't know where I'd get a sitter for the lads on such short notice." "Count me out too," Donald added. "I've got to help her." "Too bad," Ewan said. "But we can all get together another time." He turned to his date. "With your aunt's frequent flyer miles, you'll be able to come back soon." She lowered her gaze. "If I'm invited." "Then consider yourself invited," Ewan answered. "Oh, thanks." Cindy looked up and smiled broadly. Ronan noticed that Kerry remained silent on the subject. In fact, she was staring into her plate, avoiding his gaze. Why?
**** Cindy and Kerry returned to Kirkbrae well after midnight. As they walked into the spacious entrance, Cindy turned and they both paused before ascending the staircase. "I know I apologized before, but I feel so terrible about putting you on the spot like that." Kerry shrugged. "Don't sweat it." "But I promised I wouldn't get in your way if I came here." "Stop beating yourself up, Cindy." "I guess I just got carried away and wasn't thinking. Ewan is so gorgeous that my hormones just went into wild mode, and I really wanted to see him again." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (101 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Been there, done that." No, she was still there, and was still doing it. "Look, Cindy, let's just forget it. We'll go and have a good time." Another correction: They would have a good time. Guilt would continue to eat away at her. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, and they shared a look of apprehension. "At this hour, that can only be one person, or should I say creep." Cindy pulled a wry face. "Give me your cell phone. I'll take care of him." "No. A shudder of fear rippled through her as Kerry pulled the phone from her purse. "It could be an emergency about Gramps. Anyway, if it is Dan, I'll just have to deal with him sooner or later. I'm not going to run from him." "Okay." Cindy stepped out of her high heels. Kerry pressed the talk button. "Hello." "I'm going to say this once. I want the story." The icy timbre of Dan's voice chilled her. "It's written." "Really," he replied, his sarcasm slashing like a buzz saw. "Dan, my deadline is a over week away." "You're not in Scotland on a vacation. If the story is written, send and get home?" Her temper flared. "I thought you'd want this latest addition to it." "What addition?" "I'm going to Skye with him, and I thought that I'd add a new angle, a twist that should appeal to the prurient interests of your readers." "You're going to Skye with Robbie MacIain?" Awe and surprise vibrated in his tone. "Yes." "Alone?" "No. Another couple is going with us."
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"In case the four of you want to do a little swapping, eh?" He chuckled lasciviously. Kerry immediately regretted telling him about the trip to Skye. She had profaned her relationship with Ronan by giving Dan even the slightest information about it. "Well, Cameron, I must say I'm surprised. You always acted like such an ice princess in the office." "I've tried to behave like a professional. The details of my personal life have no place at work." "Well, if you're on intimate terms with MacIain, you'll definitely have a first-rate story. Nothing sells like sex, especially if it's kinky." Thoroughly revolted, Kerry cringed, but she had gained a little more time before having to submit the story. Maybe some miracle would happen, and she would not have to send it off. "So, when will I get the article?" "When I get back from Skye." "And when will that be?" "In a few days." "I'll be waiting, and you better deliver, Ms. Cameron, or I'll see you behind bars." He hung up. "Oh!" Kerry pressed the off button and shoved her phone back into her purse. "I can't understand how that man doesn't die from his own venom." Cindy picked up her shoes. "Don't let that vampire drain the life out of you." "I'm trying not to, but it's hard." "Let's go to bed." Cindy walked to the steps. "You look dead on your feet." They went upstairs and a few minutes later, Kerry lay on her bed. Her emotions raw, she stared up into the darkness. The look on Ronan's face when she expressed doubts about a return trip haunted her. Why had she made that thoughtless statement? Maybe the truth calls out to be heard, Kerry. She surmised Ronan would ask about the remark. She would have to prevaricate again. Well, what was file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (103 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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one more lie in a string of so many?
**** Armadale Castle stood majestically at the heart of the MacDonald Center on the Isle of Skye. Though roofless, like so many deserted Scottish castles, the thick stone walls and square towers still proclaimed the structure's grandeur. Leaving Ewan and Cindy inside the gift shop, Ronan and Kerry strolled, arm and arm, along the gravel carriage sweep. To their left, the lawns descended to the rocky beach of the Sound of Sleat. "Ewan was right about the bluebells and the gardens, Ronan." "The islanders can grow just about anything here. The climate is virtually frost free." "This far north?" "The Gulf Stream keeps the temperature warmer. The Inverew Gardens are way up in the Highlands, but there's a palm tree growing." She glanced at him doubtfully. "Right." "Really." "Okay, if you say so." She laughed. "But there are ways to research the veracity of your statement." "Veracity is it?" "Aye, laddie." "Such a fancy word. Are you sure you're a computer nerd and not a writer?" Her eyes widened, and her smile disappeared. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked. "Uh, no. Ronan, let's go into the museum." They ambled from the arched south entrance of the castle then walked around to the whitewashed part of file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (104 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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the building, which had a roof. They entered the small museum and viewed the artifacts. Kerry seemed particularly interested in the studded round targes and the collection of swords. After signing the guest book, they left, resuming their tour of the tranquil grounds. "This place has a quality that calls out to me and almost makes me want to cry." She looked up and held his gaze. Heart battering against his ribs, palms perspiring, Ronan remained impervious to the castle's charms because his emotions were whirling like a cyclone. He could no longer keep from asking her why she expressed doubts of ever coming back. He had to know. Furthermore, he must inquire tactfully. Otherwise, he would ruin his last few days with her for a long while -- maybe forever. "T-Then why are you h-hesitant about p-planning to come b-back, Kerry?" Well, he managed to phrase the question directly yet diplomatically, at least he hoped so, even if he did stutter. "I, uh, haven't hesitated." Should he press the issue? She seemed as nervous as he was and began to pick at her cuticle. To stop her from scraping her flesh raw, he took her hands in his. "When we had dinner the other night at Heathergate, you said you didn't know when you would get back, if ever." "Yes, I did." "But before that, you promised to come back." "I promised to visit if you still wanted me to return." "You doubt that I will?" She shrugged. "You may change your mind." His heart ached as he watched her eyes mist. He pulled her into his arms. "How could you ever think that, lass?" "I.... People's feelings change sometimes, Ronan." She moved back a bit and smiled sadly. "You know. Out of sight, out of mind." "Not my mind. You'll find I'm a pretty consistent person. I'm in love with you, Kerry. I always will be, and I think you have feelings for me." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (105 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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She stared up at him, her chin trembling. Suddenly, she pulled away and turned. Putting her hands to her face, she burst into tears. Ronan felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. He turned her toward him, resting his hands on her shoulders. "K-K-Kerry, what's the m-matter?" She mopped her face with a tissue she pulled from her pocket. "Oh, Ronan, I'm sorry." His declaration upset her. Obviously, she returned his passion, but not his deeper feelings. How could he have made such a tremendous mistake? "N-No. I'm s-s-sorry. I m-misread the s-situation." He attempted to turn, but she caught his arm. "No, you didn't," she countered between sobs. "I do love you." The weight of the world fell from his heart. "You d-do?" "So much, I can barely stand it." He swept her into his arms. "Then you should be happy." "I am. I'm just so emotional -- " He pulled her behind a bush, away from the prying eyes of the passing tourists and kissed her. Kerry loved him. Nothing else mattered. Now, he could deal with the separation, with anything, because she would come back to him.
**** Later that afternoon, Kerry left her companions browsing in the gift shop and headed outside for a breath of air. She never imagined she could feel so miserable. She felt bad enough before, knowing that she was in love with Ronan and had to hurt him. Now that he had confessed his love for her, betraying him would condemn her conscience to eternal torture. She felt tears threatening again. Not wanting to create a scene and having the wandering tourists stare at her, Kerry made a beeline for the restrooms. Once safely enclosed within the stall, she allowed her tears to fall, stifling her sobs in the wad of tissues she had taken from her purse. She cried until her throat ached. Worse, her sinuses swelled, forcing her to breathe through her mouth. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (106 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Oh, God, she could just picture how red and puffy her face must be. She couldn't return to her friends in such a sorry state. They would ask questions, and she dreaded lying to them. It was time for some damage control. Sighing, she left the stall and trudged to the sink, grateful to find no one else there. The mirror above the washbasin confirmed her suspicions. Kerry splashed icy cold water on her face for several minutes and succeeded in reducing the vivid flush from her cheeks. Withdrawing some eye drops from her purse, she applied them to her irritated eyes. In a short time, the soothing droplets eliminated the angry inflammation, and a squirt of nasal spray soon remedied her stopped up nose. Next, she combed her hair and refreshed her lipstick. Despite her breaking heart, she looked better. Kerry took a few deep breaths then exited the restroom. Dear God, how much worse can things get?
**** Ewan drove over the bridge onto the mainland. In the back seat next to Kerry, Ronan turned and looked out the rear window. Unlike the day they arrived, the fine weather afforded a clear view of Skye. Crowned with whipped-cream clouds, the isle lived up to its Viking name of the Winged Island. "Pull to the side of the road, Ewan, so we can take a long look at the island," Ronan suggested. His friend parked, and everyone turned. "Oh, how gorgeous!" Cindy exclaimed as they piled out of the car. Kerry gazed at the view. "Skye is the most beautiful place I've ever seen." He took her hand, and they walked off a few paces, out of earshot of their friends. He took a deep breath and said very slowly, "It would be a nice place for a honeymoon ... if I could spend it with you. What do you think?" Her jaw went slack, and he heard her sharp intake of breath. Perhaps he should have proposed more formally, but he just couldn't contain his emotions any longer. He loved her, she loved him, and he wanted a formal commitment -- now. Before Ronan could continue, Ewan yelled, "What's the big secret, you two?" file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (107 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Kerry squeezed his hand. "Please, Ronan. Let's not say anything just yet." He understood. They shared something so precious it seemed sacred. "Of course." "We'd better get going if we want to get back to Cawdor sometime today." Ewan motioned them to return. "Right." Ronan answered. They re-entered the vehicle and set off. He would remember this wonderful trip for the rest of his life. The romantic island had worked its magic and prompted Kerry to declare her love. He could hardly contain his elation. He suspected that Ewan and Cindy had formed a deeper attachment as well. They had held hands constantly. In fact, the man seemed unable to keep his hands off of the beautiful blonde. Ronan hoped they would fall in love, too. Then Kerry would have her best friend with her in Scotland if the couple decided to marry. Ronan put his arm around Kerry's shoulders, snuggling her close. "Why don't we go to the Inverew Gardens one day next week?" Ewan asked. "I have a few days of holiday left." "I'm afraid you have to count me out of that one," Kerry answered. "These trips have left me worn out. I need a few day's rest before Cindy and I fly back to the States." Her announcement threw a pall on Ronan's spirit. Each day that slipped by hurtled them closer to the dreaded separation. Furthermore, why should she feel tired? The visits to Aberdeen and Skye had been leisurely. In fact, they should have restored, not depleted, her energy. Of course, she hardly ate anything these last few days. That could definitely sap her strength. Still, she didn't have a big appetite, except for the time she ate the haggis. But then, that was served as an appetizer, and she hardly touched the rest of the meal. Did Kerry have some terminal disease? After all, she had come to Scotland for her health. Had the story about burnout been just a cover? The notion chilled him. If Kerry were sick, he would see that she got the best medical attention, no matter what that took. "Why don't you and Cindy go?" Kerry suggested.
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Ewan glanced at his date. "Shall we give it a go?" The lovely blonde turned and looked over the seat at Kerry. "You don't mind?" "No. You should see as much of Scotland as you can before we leave." Smiling, Cindy turned back to Ewan. "It's a date." "Good." He returned her smile. Ronan took Kerry's hand. "Perhaps you should see my doctor." "I will if I don't feel better in a few days." "Promise?" The thought of losing her was too much to bear. "I promise."
Chapter Nine
Cindy and Ewan off to the Inverew Gardens for the day, Kerry sat with her notebook on her lap, trying to summon the courage to e-mail the infamous article. She tried three times, but a river of tears and an hour later, she still hadn't completed the task. Every time she tried, her finger just froze on the touch pad. A few days ago, she had pulled the excuse about not feeling well out of the air, so she could stay home and finish the disgusting job. Unfortunately, the pretext had become the truth; she felt terrible. No doubt about it, her emotional state had affected her health. Her appetite, always small anyway, had disappeared, and trying to sleep became an exercise in frustration. Her hands trembled, and she had scraped away the cuticles from both thumbs.
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Kerry didn't know how much more pressure she could take. Suddenly, she realized that things could get a lot worse: Gramps could take a turn for the worse. With a shudder, she banished the thought from her mind. Perhaps she should have gone to Inverew. After all, she had completed the story, even the part about Skye. But she knew she wouldn't have enjoyed herself. She hadn't during their stay on Skye, breathtakingly beautiful though the island was. The guilt had nearly killed her. Correction, it was still killing her, especially when Ronan confessed his love. Okay, trying to send this e-mail isn't working. She would just give the diskette to Dan when she got home in a few days. She canceled the communication when her computer alerted her that she had two messages. She opened the one from Gramps immediately. The gentle tone of his lines encouraged her, but as soon as she opened Dan's, she cringed. His words glared at her with another caustic demand for the story. She could just picture him sitting back, feet up on his desk, his cigarette befouling the air with its choking, eye-smarting smoke. Cindy was right. Kerry had to start looking for another job as soon as she returned to the States. That wouldn't be easy, especially since the economy had dipped into a slump. Working full time, meeting deadlines, job hunting, and caring for her grandfather would create other major obstacles. A year could elapse before she found another position. But then, what had been easy these days? Days? Things hadn't run smoothly in months. She recalled Gramps' words. I feel that our luck is bound to change, and I have a good feeling about this trip. But the only thing that had happened was that she had fallen desperately in love with the one man in the whole world she could never have. That wasn't just a spell of bad luck; that constituted a tragedy. Dear God, please show me the way out of mess. The doorbell rang, and Kerry started. Goodness, her nerves were so bad, but what could she expect? She felt close to hysteria, and she wasn't expecting anyone. Ronan had told her he needed to go to Nairn on business, and Cindy wouldn't be back for hours. Maybe Mrs. Dunbar had come by to drop off that recipe for lamb collops. Kerry left her laptop on the sofa and hurried to the door. Swinging it open, she saw Ronan standing on the doorstep, a big grin on his face, Claymore at his side. "Well, this is quite a surprise," she said, heart thumping. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (110 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Gentle eyes glowing softly, the big deerhound looked up at her and whined. Kerry bent and patted the rough gray fur on the animal's head, then straightened. "I f-finished up in Nairn s-sooner than I expected, s-so I thought I just s-stop by." He had stuttered. Obviously, something had unnerved him. Her heart went out to him, and she momentarily forgot all her own problems. "Come on in, Ronan." He followed her into the living room. "K-Kerry t-there's s-something t-that I w-want t-to a-ask you." His stammer had worsened. Alarmed, she stopped abruptly and turned, almost causing him to bump into her. "What is it, Ronan?" "W-Well, I w-wonder if you feel any better. You p-promised you'd see my doctor." Touched, she caressed his cheek and lied. "I know, but I feel so much better now." "You wouldn't just say that, would you?" The fear in his eyes clawed at her heart. She smiled, trying again to allay his anxiety, yet, all the while, she felt so guilty. "No. I'm fine. Honestly." He took her in his arms. Suddenly, Claymore padded to the notebook and Kerry froze. Dan's nasty e-mail was still on the screen! The doorbell had rung, startling her before she had thought to delete it. She hoped the screen saver was hiding the message. She tried to break away, but Ronan held her. "Here, Claymore," he ordered. "Outside." The usually obedient deerhound ignored the command and dropped his rump on the carpet in front of the laptop and sniffed the keyboard with his nose. The slight nudge would cause the screen saver to disappear, and the message to become blatantly obvious. "All right." Ronan expelled an audible breath. Then I'll have to drag you." "It's all right, Ronan. He can't hurt anything." Desperate, Kerry held on to his brawny arm, trying to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (111 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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divert him from going to the dog and discovering the shattering truth. "He could knock it to the floor. Anyway, I can't let him get away with ignoring me, or it will become a habit." Ronan pulled himself free. As he walked to the notebook, Kerry's heart thrashed against her ribs. Dear God, don't let him see the message. "I've been thinking about getting a notebook," Ronan divulged. "That way, when I write, I can take it upstairs instead of being tied to the library." Kerry held her breath when he bent to look at the screen. "Sometimes, I like to work...." He became silent for a few moments then he straightened and turned to face her. Fists balled, jaw clenched, his gaze nailed hers, and the accusation in his eyes hit her like a punch to the solar plexus. Kerry gasped and instinctively hugged herself in a protective gesture. "S-So you knew a-all along that I'm R-Robbie M-MacIain!" His hazel eyes narrowed, and a flushed stained his cheekbones. Fear choking her, Kerry could only nod in response. Would he physically attack her? Ronan had always shown her a gentle, kind side, but she had threatened the very foundations of his security -- his privacy. She opened her mouth to explain, but the words refused to come out, and the look of loathing in his eyes stabbed her heart. Finally, she managed to plead, "Ronan, let me explain." "T-That w-w-won't be n-n-necessary. The s-situation is obvious. God f-forgive you b-because I n-never will." He turned and stormed out the door, Claymore beside him. The slamming door thundered through the house, shaking the walls. Seconds later, the Land Rover's engine roared, and Kerry heard the gravel in the drive crunch beneath its punishing wheels. Turning to the window, she watched through her tears as the car sped up the hill. The wound she inflicted on Ronan would last a lifetime. Like a damned soul, she would remain forever beyond the redemption of his forgiveness. Heart breaking, Kerry slumped onto the sofa, and a torrent of tears burst from her. She fully deserved his scorn and retribution. However, no punishment Ronan could heap on her would come close to the self-loathing she felt. For as long as she lived, the look of betrayal in his eyes would haunt her.
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**** Sick to his soul and shaking with rage, Ronan stormed into the house as Claymore kept pace with him. He thanked God Mrs. Dunbar had a day off today. He couldn't bear the thought of seeing anybody or answering any questions. At the moment, he wanted to get blind roaring drunk and numb the pain. Agony felt more like it, and even that word seemed inadequate to describe the intensity of his heartache. He hurried to the wet bar in the corner of the dining room. Hands trembling, he poured himself a dram of Glen Ord and bolted it back. Pouring another, he repeated the process. He felt like such a fool. Kerry must have struggled to keep a straight face when he confessed he was Robbie MacIain, but her lies and games hadn't stopped there. She actually let him propose marriage and had the nerve to say she loved him and all because she wanted a s-story. He could understand a journalist making a living, but using his feelings was unforgivable. He had been stupid, trusting, and unbelievably naïve. He should have waited, as he usually did when he met someone new, before he cast aside his usual wariness. But Kerry had seemed so different. Perhaps her startling beauty had blinded him, or maybe he should blame his own lust. Like anything truly evil, Kerry wore a harmless, seductive veneer. Thinking about the situation in retrospect, the attraction had seemed more than just physical. He had felt comfortable with her from the onset, a rare experience for him. Even more unusual, from the very beginning of their relationship, Ronan had few problems with stuttering. She had also inspired a new dimension in his writing. No doubt she had duped him with all her talk about gardening and had lulled him into a false sense of security. Likely, she heard about his hobby at The Tavern, and used it to her advantage. What a performance she had put on, asking him if he were the groundskeeper, of all things, when all the time she knew exactly who he was! Sadly, her ploy worked. He swallowed her bait, and she had reeled him in. How many others had she victimized just to get a story for some disreputable scandal rag? Oh, God, the pain! Why the hell wasn't the damned whisky working? He slugged down another drink. Then taking the glass and bottle with him, he plodded to the library, Claymore following him. Ronan dropped onto the sofa and stared into the cold ashes beneath the fireplace grate. When he heard file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (113 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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the doorbell, he refused to respond, dreading to face anyone at the moment. Whoever wanted to visit would have to wait for another time. Claymore ambled to him and placed his muzzle on Ronan's knee. The deerhound's eyes shone with compassion. He patted the big animal's rough-coated head. "She made fools out of us, boy." As if affirming the statement, the dog whined softly. Ronan poured another drink and gulped it back. He was beginning to feel dizzy now. Unfortunately, the alcohol still remained ineffective against the crushing ache in his heart. "Ronan?" He turned and saw Isobel in the doorway, but gave up the idea of trying to stand. "Donald and I saw your car while we were driving by. We thought you might like to come to our place for tea. When you didn't answer the door, I got worried and let myself in." "Sorry." He could not muster more of an apology than that. He wished she would go. He didn't want anyone to see him in this state. Unfortunately, Isobel moved closer. "You look awful. Are you ill?" "No." Avoiding eye contact, he turned back to the fireplace and took another swig of whisky. "But something is wrong." She sat in an armchair by the hearth. "I know you. Whenever you have a problem, you shut out the world and brood." Why couldn't she stop hectoring him? He wanted to be left alone. He sat back. "I’d rather not talk about it." "You never do. Did you quarrel with Kerry?" If he didn't put a stop the interrogation, Isobel would continue to harass him with questions. He glared at her. "Not now, Isobel." "All right, Ronan. Have it your way then." She eyed the whisky bottle standing on the table. "But drowning the problem in an ocean of alcohol won't help you." Lips compressed, she stood. "You know where to find me if you need me." Turning on her heel, she stomped off. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (114 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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Ronan felt a pang of remorse for being so rude to her, but he couldn't bear to talk about the fact that the woman he loved had betrayed him.
**** Blackness enveloped Kerry as she stumbled through in the tenebrous tunnel, her despair so deep it seemed almost palpable. "I'm lost," she heard herself say. Her words reverberated, but instead of becoming softer, the echoes increased in volume. Suddenly, mocking laughter erupted amid the exploding din and Dan lunged toward her. Gasping for breath, she woke and jerked to sitting position. She found herself still on the living room sofa where she had collapsed in tears hours ago. She took a few more deep breaths, waiting for her racing heart to resume its normal tempo when she heard the front door open then softly close. "Thanks for a super day, Ewan." Cindy's voice drifted from the large hallway. Kerry suspected they were standing outside the open door, but she couldn't see them because they had neglected to switch on the light. "I should be thanking you," Ewan answered, happiness resonating in his lilting accent. "Are you sure you won't have a nightcap?" Cindy asked. "I like to, but I start back to work tomorrow, so I really should be going." "Well, be careful driving back to Nairn." "I will." Silence followed, and Kerry imagined that they were kissing. Perhaps they had fallen in love. They seemed so right for each other. The tenderness they shared reminded Kerry of her loss. Regret slashed her soul like a razor, and she began to cry silently again. "I'll call you tomorrow after work, Cindy." "I'd like that."
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"Good night, Cindy." "Night." She tried to stifle her tears, but a noisy sob escaped her. "Kerry?" Cindy switched on the hall light. The harsh illumination intruded into the room, irritating Kerry's burning eyes even more. Face hot and stinging from too my tears, she gazed up. A startled look on her face, Cindy walked to her. "My God! Gramps isn't...." "No, thank God." Kerry sniffed and shook her head vigorously. "I spoke to him earlier today. He's okay." An onslaught of new tears ambushed her flow of speech. Cindy sat beside to her. "Then what happened?" Between sobs, Kerry explained. "Oh, no," Cindy groaned. "Now, I feel guilty about having such a great time with Ewan while you needed me here. I'm so sorry." "D-Don't be. We knew this h-had to happen. I just hoped I'd be home by the time Ronan learned the truth about me, and I wouldn't have to face him. Oh, Cindy, I'll never forget the pain in his eyes." Another round of tears assaulted her. Cindy hugged her. "I wish I could say something to cheer you up." "Thanks." Thinking she would never feel better, Kerry continued to sob until she ached all over. Finally, she drew away. Pulling some tissues from her pocket, she dabbed her wet, stinging face. "Oh, Cindy, do you think I'm a horrible person?" "Not at all. I think you're just trying to do the best you can for Gramps." "I never imagined I could feel so.... Terrible doesn't come close to describing it." "Let's go upstairs," Cindy suggested, standing. "You look exhausted." "I know, but I'm afraid to go back to sleep." She blew her nose. "I had this horrible dream just before you file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (116 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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came in. I may have another one." "Something warm always helps me to sleep when I've had a terrible day. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll heat up of that apple juice we have in the fridge. It'll help you feel better." "Okay, but I can't imagine ever feeling any better." "Do you need help up the stairs?" "No. I think I'll be all right." "Okay, I'll get the juice. Call me if you need me." Cindy stood and headed toward the kitchen. Drained, Kerry heaved herself to her feet. The staircase loomed in front of her as formidably as the towering peak of Ben Nevis. She mounted the steps slowly, grasping the banister for support, every movement a major effort. Finally arriving in her room, she switched on the light and stripped off her clothes. Too tired and dispirited to pick them up, she left them on the floor and slipped on her pajamas. She piled the pillows in the middle of the bed and huddled beneath the covers. She had faced a lot of problems in the last couple of years, coping with everything from her grandfather's illness, to unemployment, and then working for a true sociopath. Still, she had managed to survive. However, hurting Ronan had shattered her heart and trammeled her spirit. You have to keep going for Gramps, Kerry. You can't let him down. No, she couldn't, although she wanted to pull the covers over her head and blot out all her problems and the world along with them. Holding a tray, Cindy entered with the apple juice. The spicy fragrance wafted to Kerry, and she realized how thirsty she was. Hours had elapsed since she had anything to eat or drink. "Here we go," Cindy declared. Approaching the side of the bed, she handed Kerry the mug. "Thanks, Cindy. Aren't you going to have one?" "I did before I brought yours up." She set the tray down on the dresser. "Do you need anything else?" Cindy picked up the clothes, dropping them in the hamper by the door to the bathroom. "No." Kerry shook her head and stared into her juice.
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"Do you want me to sleep in here? I could sack out on that couch." Cindy looked at the chaise by the window. "No. You won't be able to rest on that narrow thing. I'll be all right." She looked up. "Really." "Okay, if you're sure." Cindy turned and walked to the door. "Night, Cindy." She stopped and faced Kerry. "Want me to switch off the light?" Kerry nodded. "Good night. Call me if you need anything." She extinguished the light and closed the door. Unless the house caught fire, there was no way that Kerry would disturb Cindy. She slowly drained the mug, grateful for the warmth the delicious liquid trailed into her stomach. It also soothed her throat, made raw from crying. Nothing, though, could alleviate the cold void in her heart or heal her tormented conscience. She put the empty mug on the nightstand. Lying down, she stared into the dim ceiling. Until now, all her misfortunes had resulted from events that had inadvertently happened to her or Gramps. So far, she had coped and survived. But her ill-fated relationship with Ronan had been selfinflicted. This time she had broken the rules. The sordidness of her act made her wonder if she would ever again sleep with a clear conscience.
**** Ronan and his sister stood outside the sheepfold where she'd just finished inoculating his flock. "Well, that's the lot of them." She placed the last used syringe in the special container for hazardous waste and stood. "Thank you, Isobel." "No thanks necessary." She caught his gaze and arched a brow. "I'll send you my bill."
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"I expect you to." However, he knew she wouldn't. She never did. "Ronan, you've avoided talking to Donald and me for the last few days. So far, you have to admit that we've respected your privacy, but we know something is terribly wrong." She bit her bottom lip. "Whatever it is, it's taking a toll on you, and we're worried about you. So are the boys." "Thanks, Isobel, but I'll be all right." He knew she was concerned about him, but just thinking about Kerry's betrayal hurt. "Will you?" Her appraising stare swept over him. "Just look at you. You've lost weight, your eyes are bloodshot, and you obviously haven't shaved for days. That's not like you, Ronan." Isobel was right. He had always been fastidious about his personal hygiene, but even showering these days seemed like a monumental effort. He also had to force himself to eat and had little energy to do anything. Furthermore, the nightmares were robbing him of sleep. He would dream he was in front of a television camera and millions of viewers were watching. When the host of the program asked a question, all Ronan could do was stutter. He always woke up panicked, humiliated, a cold sweat bathing his body. Before Kerry hurt him, he used to leap out of bed, looking forward to the coming day. Now, he had no desire to get up. He felt that he had nothing for which to look forward. Life had lost its zest. Worse, he hadn't written a word in days. Usually, he wrote every day of his life expect on Sundays or holidays. His enthusiasm and creativity seemed to have evaporated like the dew in the sunlight. "And the lads feel that you've deserted them," Isobel added. "You haven't come to play with them in days." "Sorry, Isobel. Tell them I'll come this weekend. We'll go fishing again." "Fine, but what about you, Ronan?" She picked up her black medical bag. "You need to get what's bothering you off your chest. I know I'm brash, but you know that if you tell me something in confidence, I'll never reveal it ... and I am a good listener." Ronan nodded. Isobel could keep a secret. She had proven that all during their childhood. She could be very sympathetic when she chose to show the softer side of her personality. "Why don't tell me, Ronan?" "It's n-not a very p-pretty story."
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"I guessed as much. It's about Kerry, right?" They began to walk to her car. "Y-Yes." Isobel blew out a noisy breath in frustration. "Oh, come on, Ronan! Don't let me have to drag the information out of you." "All r-right. W-What would you s-say if I told you that K-Kerry is a journalist and w-works for some tabloid called The Inquisitor?" Isobel stopped in her tracks. "How do you know?" "She wrote a s-story, exposing m-my identity." Ronan explained the details of his discovery, but instead of relief at finally talking to someone about it, he became more depressed. Isobel stared at him. "That's despicable!" She shook her head. "Oh, and to think I encouraged you to date her!" Eyes wide, she shrugged. "But Kerry seemed so nice, and she was super with the lads." "S-She really had us all f-fooled, but th-that's how r-reporters are. They'll r-ruin your life for a s-story." He felt the bitterness welling up inside him, poisoning his spirit. Isobel frowned. "But I usually have a feeling about people, and I had a good one about her." "D-Don't worry about it, Isobel. P-People m-make m-mistakes, and I can't b-blame you. R-Right from the b-beginning, I knew the relationship had to end." He raked his fingers through his hair. "K-Kerry and I come from two d-different worlds. I now r-realize how far apart those worlds r-really are." "I've never been this wrong about anyone before. Maybe I'm losing my touch," Isobel added. "She even f-fooled the Stewarts. That's how c-clever she is. You should have r-read the e-mail she got from her editor. It was d-disgusting. He wanted an ac-account of our stay on S-Skye. I-I imagine all ththe intimate d-details of our r-relationship will explode in the m-media like b-bomb." "Good heavens, Ronan." He felt so violated and so stupid. "She took a-advantaged of us, and we were really willing d-dupes." "I know," Isobel added. "I certainly hope that her friend isn't implicated. When I saw Ewan earlier today, he talked about nothing but Cindy. I've never seen him this enthusiastic about a woman. Donald and I file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (120 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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thought he'd end up a confirmed bachelor." Ronan felt terrible about introducing her to Ewan. But how could he have known that Kerry had been so deceptive and that Cindy could be involved? "I think I should tell him." "I agree. If Cindy isn't involved, it won't matter. If she is, Ewan should know that she's a conniving fraud before their relationship goes any further." They reached her Land Rover. Before Isobel got in, she paused. "But Ewan doesn't know you're Robbie MacIain. You swore Donald and me to secrecy the way you did with the Stewarts, and we've honored that promise, Ronan." "I-It will b-be common knowledge once that s-story is r-released. F-For all I know, her editor m-may already h-have that information in his h-hands right now." He opened the door for her. "Unfortunately, I d-didn't have the p-presence of mind to s-smash the laptop. P-Probably all Kerry h-had to do was e-mail it." "I'm glad you didn't. She might have pressed charges and you could have ended up in jail. Besides, destroying the computer might have been a useless act. Kerry probably replied and sent the story off before she deleted her editor's e-mail. I do that sometimes." "I suppose you're right." "Anyway, I suspect she has a copy of the story saved to a disc as well as hard copy. She wouldn't take the risk of losing her work, especially when money is at stake." "True." Ronan nodded. "I can't take the chance of Ewan getting hurt." "No, that wouldn't be fair to him." Isobel put her bag on the passenger seat then slipped in behind the wheel. She looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Ronan. I can't believe I was so wrong." "F-Forget it, Isobel. It's really my fault. I believed what I wanted to believe." He slammed the door, and his sister drove off, her car sending up a cloud of dun colored dust as it sped away over the unpaved rode. Honest to a fault, Isobel could never fathom Kerry's duplicity. For the life of him, neither could he.
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Chapter Ten
Kerry sat under the big copper beech in Kirkbrae's back yard, remaining a discreet distance from Ewan and Cindy. Standing by the stone wall, the couple appeared to be in deep conversation. She hoped they would find the happiness that eluded her and Ronan. Trying to keep her thoughts off her problems before she and Cindy left for home, she returned to her novel. After a few minutes, she realized that she already read the same page three times. Her eyes had seen the words, but her mind never comprehended their meaning, for it kept wandering back to Ronan. Would she ever be able to exorcise him from her thoughts once she returned to the States? Probably not. It would take more than the Atlantic to wash him from her thoughts. The intimacy they had shared would always transcend the limits of space and the mists of time. Still, under the circumstances, she and Cindy decided to leave Scotland as soon as possible. They had rearranged their travel plans, deciding to leave the day after tomorrow. They would leave the rental cars at the Inverness and fly from there rather than drive to Glasgow airport. Nevertheless, knowing that she'd never see Ronan again caused sadness to descend on her like an avalanche. Suddenly, Kerry heard a cry. Alarmed, she looked toward the couple. Cindy started running toward the house, her golden hair trailing behind her like spun sunlight. Kerry heard Ewan's car door slam and the engine roar as the vehicle furiously sped away. She jumped up and hurried behind Cindy who had dashed into the house. Kerry scaled the steps two at a time and headed to friend's room. "Cindy, what happened?" Her blue eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh, Kerry, I...." Palms up, she shrugged then burst into hard, racking sobs.
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Kerry hugged her. "I have a feeling Ronan told Ewan about me." The notion made her stomach feel queasy. Cindy disengaged and sat on the bed. "He asked me if I knew about the story." "And you confessed." "I tried to explain," she answered between sobs. "But he wouldn't listen." "Neither will Ronan. Every time I phone, but Mrs. Dunbar always tells me that he won't take my calls. I'm so sorry, Cindy. Now I've ruined everything for you, too." Kerry perched on the edge of the bed as deep gut-wrenching sobs racked her body, too. Tears still streaming, Cindy replied, "You can't help it. You're just trying to do the best you can for Gramps." "I am, Cindy; I really am, but the two of you really had something going, and I've messed things up." Kerry grabbed a tissue from the box on the nightstand and wiped her eyes. "I can cope with screwing up my life, but I just can't stand ruining yours and Ewan's," or Ronan's, she added silently. "I played my part, too." Cindy reached for a tissue, too. After dabbing her eyes, and blowing her nose, she said, "I'll get over it." Kerry knew Cindy probably wouldn't -- ever. "And for all our pains, I still haven't sent off the story." "You haven't?" Incredulous, Cindy stared at her. "No." "Does Ronan know that?" Kerry shook her head. "You need to tell him." "Why bother?" She shrugged. "Sooner or later, I'm going to have to submit it. Gramps is depending on me." "Would Gramps want you to help you this way?" "No, but I can't go to prison for breach of trust, which is what Dan has threatened to do. Who will care file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (123 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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for Gramps while I'm behind bars?" "There's got to be another way out of this mess, Kerry." "I can't imagine what that might be." Overwhelmed, Kerry felt that she just had to get out of the house. "Cindy, I need to take a walk and calm down." "Where are you going?" "Up into the hills." "I don't like you going up there by yourself, Kerry." "I'll be fine. I just need to think." "Let me come with you." "No. This is something I need to do alone." "But -- " "Please, Cindy." "Okay, but I don't like it." "Don't hold supper. I'll probably be late." Cindy rolled her eyes. "Like who could eat anyway?" Kerry went to her room and quickly changed into slacks, a turtleneck, socks, and walking shoes. Grabbing her Aran Isle sweater, she exited the bedroom, hurried down the steps, and out the front door. She crossed the garden and marched up the incline. When she reached the summit, she paused, taking in the panoramic view. But Heathergate seemed to mock her. She could turn back, but the opposite direction led to the village. Kerry dreaded meeting anyone and having to pretend to be cheerful when she felt so desperately miserable. She forced herself to look at the distant hills, their tops still splotched with glistening snow. Would this file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (124 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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attempt to sort things out end in yet another exercise in futility? She had racked her brain countless times, trying to find a way to keep her integrity and still help Gramps, but she had failed abysmally. Yet, the serenity of the slopes called to her. Responding to their invitation, she descended the slope and refrained from looking at Ronan's home as she passed it. After a long while, she reached the spot where the road dead-ended. Stretching before her, the land swept upward into huge elevations, some planted with great stands of larch. She ambled toward the trees and began the long, steep ascent. She seemed to climb for hours, but the strenuous effort numbed the pain in her heart. Finally, she arrived at the top of the tree line and looked at the wide glen below. Dusk stalked cross the valley like a gray cat on silent paws. Tired, Kerry sat against a huge boulder. Now that her body began to rest, her mind started to speed like an express train. One thing became clear: She had to make a decision. She could choose to ruin a good man's life or lose her job, jeopardize her grandfather's recovery, and face possible criminal charges. What would Gramps do if he were in the same position? She didn't have to deliberate long to come up with an answer. Knowing him, he would never compromise his integrity. He would be horrified to discover the kind of job she had taken. Truth be told, her own actions disgusted Kerry, and if she completed this assignment, her conscience would never rest. Shame would stain her spirit all the days of her life. She would keep her job, but forfeit her self-respect. Furthermore, Dan would demand that she continue with this filthy business. How many others would she have to hurt just to keep a job she hated? She wouldn't be surprised if he insisted she break the law just to get a story. Once a sociopath like him sunk his fangs into a person, he'd never let go! What would he care if she ended up in prison? He had threatened her with that fate enough times. The price is too high, Kerry. Quit the job and destroy the story. The idea of losing her income terrified her, yet spending a moment longer working for that vicious publication frightened her more. Besides, she'd experienced unemployment before, and both she and Gramps survived -- and quite well at that. Furthermore, prison wasn't necessarily inevitable. She hadn't taken any money for the assignment because the company hadn't sent her pay while she was in Scotland. They hadn't even reimbursed her for her living expenses, which she had charged to her credit card. Robbing Peter to pay Paul, she could file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (125 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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scrape up the cost of her plane fare and the rent for Kirkbrae and return it to The Inquisitor. Then she would be free. Free. For too long, she had allowed fear and insecurity to enslave her. If you hadn't been so darned scared, you would have seen this option long before you almost ruined Ronan's life as well as your own. All at once, Kerry felt an incredible sense of lightness and liberation as the onerous weight of worry floated from her shoulders. Tears spilled in a soul–cleansing catharsis, and she wept for a long time. When she finally stopped and looked up, she realized that a heavy mist now drifted about the trees. Physically and emotionally exhausted, the long journey home daunted her. She slipped on her sweater, buttoning it against the damp chill. Before she returned, she decided to rest for a few minutes, enjoying the rare serenity she felt after the terrible period of turmoil. Kerry curled up against the massive rock, resting her cheek against her hands. Tomorrow, she intended to go to Ronan and inform him of her plans. Dear God, let him forgive me. Please!
**** Ronan started from sleep and bolted up in bed. At first, he thought that a roll of thunder woke him. However, as his drowsiness receded and his perceptions cleared, he realized that someone was pounding on the front door. Moreover, Claymore was barking furiously. A glance at the glowing numerals of his clock radio told him it was one-thirty a.m. Panic gripped him. Maybe the lads or Donald were ill, and Isobel needed help. Leaping from bed, Ronan grabbed his robe, slipping it on. The icy floor chilled the soles of his bare feet as he ran down the steps and into the hall to the front door. "Quiet, Claymore!" The dog silenced at once. Ronan opened the door. Swirled in fog, her face pale as a pearl, Cindy stood on the doorstep, terror in her wide eyes. "Ronan, please don't slam the door on me. I know you probably don't want to see anyone remotely connected with Kerry, but I've only been here a few days, and I don't know where to go for help."
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"C-Come in." He stepped back, allowing her to enter. Closing the door, he turned to her. "N-Now what's t-this all about?" "Kerry's gone!" Cindy wrung her hands. "I've looked everywhere, but I can't find her? He shouldn't care about Kerry, but he did, and fear tightened his gut. "How long has she been missing?" "She left before supper, so I began to read, but I was emotionally drained and fell asleep on the couch. I woke about an hour ago. I thought she had probably come back and gone to bed. When I went upstairs, I saw that she had left her door open. I looked in, but she wasn't in bed. I thought she might be in the bathroom, so I called her, but she didn't answer. I she might have fainted and looked inside, but she wasn't there either. I searched the house and grounds, but she's nowhere to be found. I waited an hour, hoping she would come back, but she hasn't." Cindy's face crumpled, and she began to cry. "G-Get hold of yourself, l-lass." "I'm sorry. I'm pretty upset." She knuckled away her tears. "Kerry has been, too, since the two of you split. And just for the record, she really cares about you, Ronan. She never wanted to write the story." That news heartened him, but now was not the time to talk about their relationship. Kerry could be in danger. "D-Did she give you any hint of where she was g-going?" "She mentioned something about a walk in the hills, so she could sort things out." "D-Damn! That area can be d-devilish. The t-temperature can d-drop in no t-time up there." She could die of hypothermia. There were also wild animals and treacherous terrain. "Oh, no!" Cindy's eyes filled with tears again. "I never should have let her go alone. If I hadn't fallen asleep -- " "No time for r-regrets now. We need to form a s-search party." He walked to the niche in the hall below the staircase where the phone rested. "I'll c-call the c-constable. Then we'll h-head out after her. Meanwhile, would you go into the kitchen and make some hot tea?" "Sure." Cindy pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and blew her nose. "You'll find canisters of tea and sugar on the counter and some thermos bottles in the c-cupboard above the sink. Kerry will n-need something h-hot when we f-find her." If we find her!
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"Okay." Cindy hurried to the kitchen. His anxiety growing exponentially, Ronan phoned the constable and informed him that Kerry had disappeared. The call proved to be an ordeal, for Ronan stuttered horribly. However, his thoughts focused on Kerry. As he replaced the receiver, Ronan wanted to kick himself for failing to ever mention that those hills posed certain dangers. An attack from a Scottish wildcat was a real threat. Though the size of a domestic house cat, the small animals could inflict terrible wounds. Of course, she could have fallen and broken an ankle -- or worse. As he bounded up the steps, he pictured Kerry lying face down in some icy burn. Every few minutes, the vivid image repeated itself like an instant replay as Ronan pulled on his clothes. Outfitted in Wellingtons, sturdy slacks, and a heavy woolen jacket, he reached for his cell phone and shoved it in his pocket. Cindy's words echoed in his mind. Just for the record, she really cares for you, Ronan, and never wanted to write that story. Then why did she? Well, he'd discover her motives later. Right now, her life was in danger. Dear God, let me find her before it's too late. Ronan found his electric torch, not that it would be too effective in the fog. Still, he decided it was better than nothing and slipped it in his other deep jacket pocket. Hurrying into the hall, Ronan rifled through the linen closet and grabbed some blankets. When they found Kerry, she would need warmth and shelter from the chilly damp night air. He headed for the kitchen. As he entered, Cindy turned. "I made some tea for us, too, Ronan, and I packed some of shortbread too. We'll need it for quick energy." "G-Good idea. Are you r-ready?" "Yes." She nodded gravely and slipped the thermoses in the deep pockets of her fleece-lined navy blue raincoat. "C-Come on, Claymore," Ronan ordered.
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The dog needed no other urging and stepped in beside them as they walked outside and paused on the doorstep. "It's a l-long walk, and we'll have to go s-slowly because of the f-fog is as th-thick as c-clotted cream." "I don't mind telling you I'm scared to death, Ronan, and I feel so responsible." He shook his head. "It's n-not your f-fault. You d-didn't know the d-dangers." The sound of cars stopping on the gravel drive interrupted his efforts at encouragement. "The constable and his deputies have arrived," he announced to the accompaniment of doors slamming shut. Diffused by the heavy mist, their electric torches glowed faintly as the uniformed men emerged from the fog. "Angus, this is C-Cynthia Moore. Cindy the is Angus M-MacSween, the constable." The short, stocky man tipped his hat. "How do you do, Miss Moore?" "In view of what's happened, I'm doing all right." "Aye," Angus replied. "Miss Moore, can you tell me when you last saw Miss Cameron? "About six yesterday evening, Mr. MacSween." Angus shot him a serious glance. They both knew that the longer Kerry was missing, the greater the danger. "I'll assign my men to different areas," Angus declared. "That way we'll cover more ground in a shorter span of time. I assume you'll come with us." "Aye." Ronan nodded. "I'll come, too." Cindy added. From the expression on the constable's face, Ronan surmised that the man did not like the idea of Cindy joining them. "S-She'll be with me, Angus. We'll s-search the hills d-directly to our r-right." "Good enough," the law officer answered, reluctance subtly ringing in his voice. "Angus, do you have a cell phone number? I'd like to be able to call you in case we find her." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (129 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Aye." The constable withdrew his business card and handed it to Ronan. "Thanks," Ronan said. "I'll be off then." Angus nodded and turned, walking back to his men. Ronan watched them disappear into the thick mist. Handing Cindy the blankets, he switched on his electric torch, and they set off, remaining silent for quite sometime as they carefully plodded toward the hills. In the distance, he could hear the men calling out. "All I can think about is that she's hurt and unconscious," Cindy remarked, her voice breaking on a sob. Her words expressed Ronan's fears, but he strove to encourage her. "D-Don't t-torture yourself. That ssort of t-thinking is c-counterproductive." "But I can't help it, Ronan. She's been upset for days." Upset didn't come close to describing his misery. "This isn't the best time to tell you about this, Ronan, but Kerry's in love with you." Placing his hand on Cindy's shoulder, he halted her progress. They stopped abruptly and faced each other. "H-How do you know? D-Did she tell you that?" "Yes." Cindy looked at the ground. "But even if she hadn't, she's my best friend. I know her." "Then why d-did she write that story?" Even thinking about it caused Ronan's anger to ignite. "Why did she l-lie?" "Because of her grandfather. I know she told you that he's ill." "Aye." Cindy looked up at him. "She also lost her previous job, or, as you would say here, she was made redundant. She had to take the first position she could find to pay for the enormous medical bills and keep food on the table. We don't have National Health Care in the States, the way you do here." "B-But you have medical insurance. I know that much."
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"True, but different companies offer different plans, and insurance is expensive, Ronan. Besides, Mr. Cameron needs a lot of treatment that Medicare doesn't cover. Then the company that carried his supplemental insurance dumped him, so Kerry just did what she had to. She couldn't bear to see him go without the treatment he needs." "I see." Oh, God, he had misjudged Kerry. She hadn't willingly betrayed him for profit. "Anyway," Cindy continued. "Her boss threatened to fire her and charge her with breach of trust if she didn't write the story. She's looking at criminal charges if she doesn't deliver. If it means anything, Kerry still hasn't sent the story." "S-She hasn't?" "No, even with all that hanging over her. She told me that she tried a dozen times, but she just couldn't do it. She's been living in her own private hell for weeks. Kerry hated this assignment right from the beginning. She tried to phone you, and explain, Ronan, but you wouldn't accept her calls." Shame inundated his heart. He had been so angry, felt so betrayed, that he had just cut Kerry off. Perhaps if he'd had heard her out, the woman he loved would not be in imminent danger now. Furthermore, if he had had the courage to face his speech impediment instead of constantly avoiding it, the whole problem would have been avoided. He would have had no reason to become Robbie MacIain, no cause to refuse interviews, no need to hide from the world. Ronan vowed to confront the problem and defeat it instead of running from it. Other men, great and famous men, had overcome their stuttering problems. He could too. Before he did anything, though, he had to find the woman he loved. He must let her know that she wasn't alone. They continued to search and to call out to her. Their voices echoed off the hills until they were hoarse. Unfortunately, their efforts bore no results. His fear intensified as they climbed the higher reaches of the hills, and the temperature dropped. At this elevation, they could be caught in an icy downpour or worse, sleet. The murky twilight faded, and dawned approached like a gray brooding dove. Cold himself, he noticed Cindy shivering. "L-Let's have s-some of that t-tea." Ronan took one of the blankets, which she had draped over her arm. Unfolding it, he wrapped it around her shoulders and tied the ends under her chin so that it covered her like a cape.
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Cindy pulled one of the thermoses from her huge pocket. Opening it, she poured the tea and offered it to him. "You first." He gently pushed back her hand. Cindy complied, sipping the hot liquid carefully. When she finished, she gave him some. The sweet tea braced him, warming him from the inside out. "T-Thanks, Cindy." Fortified, he handed her the plastic cup. "You're welcome." She recapped the thermos and stashed it in her pocket. They resumed their search, calling Kerry again, but their efforts proved fruitless. "Ronan, I'm really scared." He was, too, but Cindy needed encouragement. "It'll b-be all r-right." "Dear God, Gramps will have another stroke if she's hurt." "D-Don't, even t-think that way, Cindy. Sh-she's a young, s-strong woman," he bluffed, knowing that Kerry could be lying dead from a broken neck as he spoke. The thought chilled him to the marrow of his bones. "Sorry." Eyes reflecting remorse, Cindy looked up at him. "N-Never mind. Let s-start calling her again." They continued, their voices often breaking from the strain. Suddenly, Ronan stopped abruptly. "D-Did you hear that?" Claymore stood, posture rigid, tail pointed, front paw raised. Cindy shrugged. "It's probably just an echo or another search party answering us." "H-Hello," he called again, his throat raw from effort. "Hello," a dulcet voice answered. He and Cindy exchanged a wide-eyed, hopeful look.
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"That's n-no echo," Ronan observed, adrenaline surging through him. "Go, boy. Find her!" Claymore shot off, disappearing into the fog. "C-Come on," Ronan urged, trotting forward. He and Cindy followed, keeping track of the dog's location by the sounds of his movements. "Oh!" A voice drifted back followed by a rustle in the brush and a thud. "Claymore, stop!" "Kerry," Cindy cried excitedly. "Is that you?" "Cindy?" The voice filtered back. "K-Keep t-talking." Ronan's heart raced, knowing she was nearby. "Ronan?" "Yes, K-Kerry, we're c-coming for you." Moments later, they found her sitting on the ground. Claymore, on his haunches beside her, stood guard. Ronan sank to his knees, pulling her into his arms, a rush of relief sluicing over him as he gave her a desperate kiss. Breaking away, he said, "T-Thank heaven, you're all r-right." "You scared us half to death!" Cindy chided. "What the hell happened to you?" "I'm sorry," Kerry answered, looking up at her friend. "I walked too far. I decided to rest before I started back, but I fell asleep. When I woke up the fog had rolled in, and I had to walk at a snail's pace. I'm really sorry for causing all this commotion." "Never mind," Ronan answered, hugging her closer. "You're safe now. That's all that matters." She pulled back a little, looking deeply into his eyes. "You mean you're not angry with me anymore?" He shook his head. "Cindy explained everything." Relieved now, his stuttering disappeared. "In your position, I'd have probably done the same thing." "But I didn't send the story -- " "Shhhh." He put a finger to her lips. "I know." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (133 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"So, you forgive me?" "Yes, if you'll forgive me for not letting you explain." "Of course, I do." Her eyes brimmed with tears. "But what I did was so reprehensible." Ronan took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her tears. "But you didn't go through with it, Kerry, and it's over. Besides, we both learned some important lessons." "I sure did," she answered. "No more compromising my principles." He stood, helping her up as well and turned toward Cindy. "I better let the constable know that we found her." He withdrew his cell phone from his pocket and walked off a few steps. Cindy pulled out the full thermos and poured, handing Kerry the cup of hot tea. "Oh, thanks. I'm freezing and so hungry." She took the steaming cup, holding it between both palms. "Aren't you guys going to have some?" "We drank ours a while ago," Cindy explained, handing her some shortbread. Ronan completed his call. Replacing the phone in his pocket, he strode toward the woman. "I think we'd better start back. In a while, I'll call Mrs. Dunbar, and tell her I'm having guests for breakfast." "No, Ronan." Kerry shook her head. "Before I do anything, I have to go home. There's a certain document I want you to destroy, and a letter of resignation I have to send, and I want to do it ASAP." "All right." Cindy smiled triumphantly. "Not so fast, Kerry," Ronan said. "What?" Kerry's jaw went slack. "There are some other issues that need closure before you do that," Ronan added. "First, I need to call Ewan MacGillivray and explain a few things to him." He again pulled out his cell phone. "It's five-thirty in the morning," Cindy declared. "Somehow, I don't think Ewan will mind." Ronan grinned. "And, Kerry, after we all get some sleep, you and I have to talk." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (134 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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**** Later that afternoon, Kerry and Ronan lounged on the living room hearthrug at Kirkbrae. Sipping her tea, she gazed at the peat fire writhing sinuously inside the fireplace. "All right, Ronan, we've stalled long enough. It's time to destroy the story and tender my resignation." "Shouldn't we wait until Cindy and Ewan get back?" "No. No more delays. Besides, I have a feeling they'll be gone for a long while." She rose, set her teacup on the coffee table in front of the sofa, sat down, got her notebook, and logged on. Looking up, she said, "Maybe you should do this, Ronan." "I'd like to read it first." She frowned, astounded by his request. "Why?" He smiled. "I like to read what other authors write." "It's far from a novel. I'm a journalist." "Never mind. I'm curious." "Have it your way." She pulled up the file, and Ronan sat next to her and read it. After he finished, he looked up. "It's a fine story, well written and very flattering to me." "Thanks." Unable to prevent it, she smiled. "I had an extremely interesting subject." "There's nothing about our personal relationship." "Of course not!" "But that e-mail from your boss...." "He can demand what he wants, but there are just some things I refuse to do for a story." "I see." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (135 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Now, let's get rid of it, Ronan." He caught her wrist before she could delete it. "No." Mouth open, she stared at him. "I want you to send it, Kerry." "Don't worry. They can't put me in prison if I don't take the money and pay back the rent and airfare." "I know. I still want you to send it." "But Ronan, if I do, it will change your whole life. No more quiet, peaceful existence." "I know. My life needs changing." "Are you sure?" She put her hand on his forearm. "I've never been so sure of anything. I've run from my stuttering problem all my life and let it put severe limits on me. Now, I wanted to face the demon and overcome it. I've given it a lot of thought. Last night, when I was up in the hills, not knowing if I'd find you alive, I promised myself I'd conquer it. "I'm tired of hiding, Kerry, so I'm going to engage in a new type of therapy. I've contacted The Hollins Communication Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. I'm going there for several weeks. They train people by helping them with muscle movements, articulation, breathing, and voicing. I had speech therapy before, but I think these people may be able to help me. If not, I'm still not going to hide anymore." "That's wonderful, Ronan, but in that case, you'll have to send the story. I won't do it." "Write the e-mail and attach the document." She granted his request, adding her notice of resignation to the communication. He fingered the touch pad and sent the message on its way. Kerry burst into tears, and he locked her in his embrace. When she stopped, she pulled back and wiped her tears, "Well, I guess that's it. We've gotten all our issues out of the way." file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...ks/Highland%20Heat%20Fiona%20Neal%20NCP.htm (136 of 141) [8/28/2005 8:44:24 PM]
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"Not all." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small battered leather box and put it in her hand. "Open it, Kerry." She lifted the lid. "Oh, Ronan!" The worn satin-lined box contained a heart wrought in rubies topped with a coronet of diamonds. "A Luckenbooth brooch." Kerry's heart fluttered. She knew that Scottish men had been giving these tokens to their intended brides for centuries. "It's gorgeous." "Another Ronan Fraser gave this to his betrothed three hundred years ago. I asked you before, and I'm asking you again. Will you please accept the brooch and marry me?" "I want to, but...." "But what? You said you loved me, and I love you. That should be all that matters." "Ronan, I have to consider my grandfather. I love him too, and I won't abandon him." "I never expected you to. He can live with us. This is a roomy house, and he'll have his privacy. Besides, I've always had that in mind. We'll see he gets any treatment he needs." "You won't change your mind and insist that he goes into a nursing home?" "Never. After all, he'll be my Gramps, too. If he doesn't want to live in Scotland full time, we can live six months in Boston and six months here." "That won't be a problem. He told he always wanted to have a cottage here, and I love it here, too. Our dream of a house in the country was really his second choice." "And since he's a fisherman, we all can angle for salmon." His kindness overwhelmed her, and she lost the fight to hold back her tears. "Hush, lass. Summer is coming. Gramps can sit in our garden and get strong in the brisk Highland air. In a few years, he can watch his grandchildren grow if you say yes." "Yes, oh, yes!" she answered, tears of joy streaming down her face. He pinned the brooch to her jersey, and for a few moments, they gazed into each other's eyes while he drew out a tissue from his pocket and wiped away her tears. Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. Trembling and weak in the knees, she returned his ardor, feeling consumed by the heat of their synergistic passion.
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"I love you, Kerry," he said, between kisses. "I felt dead inside without you." "I felt the same way, Ronan. I never want to feel that way again." "You won't have to. I'll always be here, lass." They made short work of getting out of their clothes, and they lay on the thick carpet rug in front of the fire, stroking, nuzzling, kissing, and caressing each other to fevered excitement. Kerry felt at one with him, for she had no secrets to hide or no emotional barriers to prevent a true spiritual union. Her body thrumming with need, she cried out, "I can't take any more, Ronan. I need you now." Taking a condom from his pocket, he tore open the packet, slipping it on, and they merged in a breathtaking, heart-stopping union. "Oh, Kerry, I've missed you so much." She wrapped her legs around him, trusting her hips up to meet his relentless charges. On and on, he continued until they climaxed. They remained locked together breathless and satisfied for a long while. Finally, he withdrew and cuddled her closely. She sighed. "When I came to Scotland, the last thing I expected to do was to fall in love." "Didn't I tell you that Highland mist is magical, and that a walk in the cairns would change you?" "You did, but I thought that was just some smooth line." "Would I give you a mass of blather now?" She stroked his cheek. "No. Tell me you love me in Gaelic, Ronan." "Tha gaol agam ort," he whispered, before kissing her again.
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Epilogue
Five years later
Her grandfather beside her, trowel in hand, Kerry rose from the newly planted bed of daffodils. "Well, what do you think, Gramps?" He slowly stood and walked to her. "I think those bulbs will make quite a display next spring, but right now I'm enjoying the heather." She hugged him. "Good. I'm so glad you're happy here." "I've never been more content or felt better. This Scottish air is good for me." "I'm happy here, too, Gramps." He smiled. "That's obvious, lass." Suddenly, Claymore's barking heralded the arrival of Ronan and little Robbie. Their three-year-old son let go of her husband's hand and rushed toward her, the sun's rays glinting off his thatch of coppery hair. "Mommy!" She dropped to her knees and kissed his chubby pink cheek. "Surprise!" Robbie exclaimed. She frowned and looked up at Ronan. "What does he mean?" "We brought you a little gift." "What's the occasion?" "Do I need one to buy a present for my wife?"
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Gramps and her husband exchanged meaning looks and laughed while Robbie squealed and clapped his hands. "You've been so excited about this party for Ronan, you've forgotten what day this is." She stood. "Well, how many writers win a Noble Prize?" "Not many," Gramps answered, looking at his watch. "I'd better get ready. I'll not be having Alan Stewart look better than I do. Come along, Robbie." "No!" the child protested. "Surprise!" "All right." Ronan chuckled and removed a beagle puppy from the huge pocket of his tweed jacket. Happy birthday, lass. She's a female to keep you company in this male dominated house." She dropped the trowel and took the puppy. "Oh, Ronan, she's precious! She's just what I always wanted." "I know. I remember you saying that." "But that was years ago." "I know. Highlanders have long memories." She hugged the little dog closely and tiptoed to kiss Ronan's cheek. "Thank you." Robbie giggled. "Come along, laddie. Your Aunt Isobel and Uncle Donald will be here with the lads soon." Gramps held out his hand. "And so will Aunt Cindy and Uncle Ewan and you'll want to be ready to play with little Alex, so let's get cleaned up." Robbie ran to his grandfather. "You bought a female because this is a male dominated home." Kerry petted the little hound's head. "Well, not really dominated." He slipped his arms around her and kissed the tip of her nose. "Nobody could dictate to you, but you are outnumbered." "I might not be for long."
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He frowned. "What do you mean?" "Our new baby may be a girl." "A new baby! When?" "In May, when our gardening book is published and the bluebells and hawthorns bloom." "Another successful collaboration." She nodded. "But I think they'll all be successful, don't you?" He answered her with a kiss.
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