The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons 1)

Meg giggled. “It’s been a fair while since I’ve been called either bonny or a lass.” Meg lightly slapped Ross’s chest. “And by a strong man, to boot.”

Finn rolled his eyes. “Excuse my Aunt Lorna for not introducing us properly. I’m Finn Stewart, the clan leader here. If either of them gives you trouble, call me and I’ll sort it out. I’m one of the few who can get them under control.”

Both Meg and Lorna opened their mouths, but Holly’s dad turned around and beat them to the punch. “Thanks for the offer, but I think I can handle them.” Ross looked back to Lorna and Meg. “I’m still a wee bit tired from my illness. How about you lasses show me where I’m going to stay and help me settle in?”

Holly took a step toward Ross. “Dad—”

Lorna waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s no bother, Holly. Fraser should be along shortly and I’m sure you two have much to discuss.”

Finn squeezed Holly’s shoulder and leaned down to whisper, “I’ll chaperone for a bit. It’ll be fine.”

Lorna raised an eyebrow. “Finlay Stewart, I most certainly don’t need chaperoning.”

Holly’s dad spoke up. “I could do with some tea. How about we all sit down and the three of you can tell me about the clan? Holly’s told me a little, but I’m sure the three of you know everything there is to know. Lochguard is surrounded by a fair bit of mythology. I’ll need to figure out what is true and what is bollocks.” Her dad looked to Lorna, Meg, and finally Finn. “I’m not wrong about you three, am I?”

Holly bit her lip. She’d almost forgotten how Ross Anderson could be quite the charmer.

Finn moved to Ross’s side. “No, we can sort it all out for you, Ross. Come. I see Fraser in the distance. I’m sure he and Holly would fancy some privacy for their reunion.”

Holly looked into the distance, but didn’t see anything. Finn must be using his super-sensitive dragon senses again.

Holly’s dad touched her cheek and she met his eyes. Her father murmured, “Don’t keep him away too long, Holly-berry. I want to see the man who won over your heart.”

She opened her mouth to state it hadn’t been long enough for anyone to steal her heart, but Lorna, Meg, and Finn were already steering her father away. Finn looked over his shoulder and winked.

As she tapped her hand against her thigh and looked into the direction Finn had pointed out earlier, a tall, auburn-haired man finally came into sight and her heart skipped a beat.

Fraser had arrived.

Pushing aside her exhaustion, she forgot about wanting to scold the dragonman and she ran toward him. He barely had time to open his arms before she jumped into them. She hugged his closely. “Fraser. You’re here.”

His strong arms wrapped around her. “Of course I am, honey. I will always be waiting for you.”

Blinking her eyes to hold back her tears, she pulled back a fraction to look into Fraser’s eyes. “When I first met you, I would’ve dismissed that as nothing more than pretty words.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And now?”

“And now, I couldn’t be happier to believe them.”

Fraser moved a hand to brush her cheek. “Good, because I’m don’t want to waste time arguing. I’m going to kiss you now.”

Before she could reply, Fraser’s lips descended on hers. As soon as his soft yet firm lips touched hers, she melted against her dragonman.

She’d wondered over the last two weeks what it would feel like to kiss Fraser again. Yet as he nibbled and sucked her lips, his touch was gentle. He was clearly holding back.

Pulling away, she frowned. “Stop coddling me, Fraser Moore MacKenzie. You have a lass wanting a kiss. You’d better do your job properly.”

Fraser chuckled. “And people say I’m bold.”

“Fraser.”

In the next breath, he nipped her lower lip and pushed his tongue into her mouth. At his warm, heady taste, she moaned and pulled Fraser closer.

Kissing Fraser made her forget about the rest of the world. And she could use a little distraction right at that moment.

Just as she clutched his shoulders, Fraser pulled away again. Holly growled out, “I’m in no mood for games, Fraser. Either kiss me or not. Make up your bloody mind.”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “We’ve gathered quite an audience. I wasn’t sure if you were ready to become an