The Heir of the Castle

He couldn’t blame her. And as much as that hurt him, part of him was pleased that she didn’t tiptoe around him.

So what was it that was making Laurie Jenkins unhappy? Because he could see it. See it in her eyes when she had those fleeting moments off in a little world of her own. He could sense it in the little gaps in conversation as she tried to take in the beauty of Annick Castle and its surroundings.

All he knew was he liked it better when Laurie had a smile on her face and that twinkle in her brown eyes. He liked it better when he could hear the laughter that seemed to come from the very bottom of her soul. Just as she was now.

Her eyes met his across the room and she paused for a second, then lifted the glass of rosé she had in her hand towards him and gave him a little smile of acknowledgement.

‘Dinner is served, everyone.’ Robin’s voice jolted him.

Callan caught Robin’s steely glare clearly directed at him. Darn it. He’d forgotten about flirting with Laurie and causing an argument. To be frank it was the last thing on his mind. Flirting with Laurie he could do in a heartbeat, but the argument? He really couldn’t be bothered. He’d just need to remedy that at dinner.

Laurie walked straight over to him as they entered the dining room and reached the table, her green dress swishing around her with the sway of her hips as she moved. ‘I met my aunt Mary,’ she said. ‘And she’s fabulous. It’s so strange how some of her mannerisms are the same as my dad’s. Even though they never met. I can’t believe it.’

She glanced at the table with the name settings and promptly reached over and swapped hers with someone else’s so she could sit next to Callan. He raised his eyebrows at her but she shook her head and said quietly, ‘Don’t want to be stuck between those two—they’ve spent the whole evening arguing.’

He smiled and whispered in her ear. ‘Don’t you think you might be spoiling the activities of the night by doing that?’

She gave him a wink. ‘I’m quite capable of sorting out my own activities for the night.’

He liked it. Her cheeky side that he’d only glimpsed on a few occasions. Most of the time Laurie Jenkins was obviously on her guard around him. And who could blame her? She’d walked into a weekend full of strangers. Some of whom were friendlier than others.

‘I’ll bet you are,’ he replied. If he thought about that too long his imagination would run riot.

‘Did you speak to any of your other relatives?’

She rolled her eyes. ‘Yes, and no. Mary was great. Joe from Canada was great too.’ She wiggled her hand and pointed at the name cards she’d moved. ‘I’m not so sure about Arnold and Audrey.’

Callan raised his eyebrows. ‘Were they taking pictures while they spoke to you?’

Laurie nodded and moved to the side as her dinner plate was put in front of her, the feathers in her hairclip brushing against his face. ‘Yes! And what’s that little black book they continually scribble notes in? What on earth are they up to?’

She straightened up, leaving her perfume wafting around him. Something spicy, more sensual than the floral scent she’d been wearing today. It wound its way around him, prickling his senses.

He waited until all the other guests had been served, then picked up his knife and fork, trying to clear his head. Marion had got some help this evening and things certainly appeared to be going more smoothly. Like all the food that came out of her kitchen the chicken Caesar salad looked delicious. If only he could concentrate on it.

He gave her a smile. ‘I hate to think what they’re up to. You know I caught one of them in my rooms yesterday?’

‘You’re joking? Really?’ Her mouth was hanging open. ‘What on earth were they doing?’

He shrugged. ‘I didn’t wait to find out. I just shouted at them, told them my rooms were private and showed them out.’

Laurie shook her head. ‘That’s just ridiculous.’

‘I think we should change seats.’ The interruption was brisk. Callan heard the male voice in his ear and felt the hand pressing heavily on his shoulder. He resisted his first reaction. Although Craig had obviously had a bit too much to drink again this evening, Callan’s instruction card for this evening had told him to flirt with Laurie’s character and get into an argument with Craig, or his alter ego Philippe Deveraux. He’d paid little enough attention to the Murder Mystery Weekend without trying to wreck the one small part he’d been asked to be involved in. He would give him the benefit of the doubt. For five minutes only.

He stood up. ‘I think you’ll find Ms Clark has decided she wants my attention this evening.’ He looked down at the dinner table. ‘I think you’ll also find that the entrées have already been served. Take a seat, Mr Deveraux.’

From the corner of the room he could almost see the Murder Mystery Weekend organiser clapping his hands with glee.

Craig looked momentarily confused, then obviously realised he was supposed to be in character. ‘You’ve monopolised Laurie—I mean, Ms Clark’s attention all day. It’s time to let her mix with some other company.’

Callan wondered exactly how far he was supposed to go with this. As Laurie lifted a glass of wine to her rose-red lips he had an instant spark of inspiration. Or maybe it was her scent that was still permeating his skin? Whatever it was, he reached down and pulled her to her feet.

After all, he had agreed to play along.

‘I think you’ll find Ms Clark is already spoken for, Mr Deveraux. I suggest you take your seat.’ And at that, he bent down and brushed his lips next to Laurie’s.

He felt her instantly stiffen in shock. He hadn’t given her any warning. He hadn’t given it much thought himself. He was just playing along and it seemed like the natural thing to do.

Bartholomew Grant would surely want to stake his claim on his girlfriend?

His hand was around her waist, supporting her as she leaned back a little. Across the table Auntie Mary burst into a round of applause.

Her lips were soft and pliable, but, oh, so inviting. He meant just to brush the slightest touch, but his lips caught the taste of wine from her and his gentle brush became instantly more intense. He felt her hands place on his chest. For an instant he wondered if she was going to push him away, but she didn’t. Instead her hands rested lightly—just as they had done earlier that day on the steps.

Her scent wound its way around him, rich, sultry and exotic. It was truly intoxicating. If he didn’t stop now, he never would.

Only the briefest few seconds had passed but he was conscious of the audience around them, and conscious of the fact if she did object, she might not want to do so in front of others.

He pulled back but felt her lips still connected with his. It

was as if she didn’t want the kiss to end. Had she felt the same connection he had? As their noses brushed against each other he opened his eyes. Her dark brown eyes were already open, staring straight at him.

She looked a little stunned. As if she didn’t quite believe the kiss had happened. Her hand came up automatically to her lips, which seemed even redder, even fuller than before.

Her eyes still hadn’t left his. All he could see was how chocolate-coloured they looked in this light and a definite dilation of her black pupils. His body reacted instantly—a natural response. Her hips were still pressed against his and her eyes widened, but the smile that appeared on her face was one of pure mischief.

As if on cue, one of the other guests stood up and started shouting—obviously all part of the activities. Callan stepped back, releasing his hand from around her back, and reluctantly sank back down into his seat. ‘Sorry, if I took you by surprise,’ he murmured.

She lifted her glass and took another sip of wine. There was a cheeky glint in her eyes. Laurie Jenkins wasn’t upset or offended. Quite the opposite, in fact. It made the blood race through his body. ‘Seems like it was surprises all round,’ she said softly.

Up close the green dress was perfect for her skin tone and chestnut-coloured hair. Her cheeks glowed and the red gloss on her lips shined. The beads around the neckline caught the candlelight in the room and dazzled. She looked as if she belonged on a magazine cover, or an old-fashioned portrait. But here she was sitting at his side.

He wanted to sweep the rest of the guests away. He wanted to erase the Murder Mystery Weekend completely. He wanted the chance to get to know Angus McLean’s granddaughter on his own, with no distractions.

But the long evening stretched ahead of them. He spoke solicitously to the other guests around him. He ate the steak placed in front of him. But all the while his eyes were watching her every move. Every sip of her wine. Every mouthful of delicious food.

Laurie knew it. And she was enjoying it. Seemed like teasing Callan was the order of the night.