Page 25 of When a Highlander Vows (Enemies to Lovers #1)

25

I n the village, everyone was busy doing something. She could smell all kinds of scents, from hot bread to cooking meat to the strong scent of lye as women made soap and others washed clothes in front of their homes. Young men pushed wheelbarrows filled with stones or vegetables, and there were other men hammering nails and cutting wood. It was abuzz with activity.

“I am amazed that everyone could work so hard the day after such a feast.”

Paige chuckled. “We are quite used to it, and for many, they have nay option but to keep workin’. It is us in the Castle who have more of the luxury of time and layin’ abed if we wish.”

Caitlin stole a glance at Paige to see if her expression showed her distaste of Caitlin and Lucas’ actions the night before. But Paige was calm and still smiling.

“Aye, it is a luxury,” Caitlin replied.

“Here. This is where I’d like to stop first, if ye daenae mind.”

It was a bakery, and Caitlin could smell it before she could see it. As they stepped into the wooden hut, her mouth began to water as an array of warm, sweet smells hit her nose.

Her vision cleared as she neared the long table in front of her. Paige was in a far corner making selections from an older woman while a young, handsome man leaned his elbows on the counter, grinning at her. A large stone oven stood behind him.

“A good day to ye, Lass. What can I help ye with?”

“Och, well nothin’, thank ye. I am only here to accompany me friend.” She pointed at Paige, and the young man nodded.

He had short sandy blond hair, bright green eyes and broad strong shoulders. When he stood, she could take in his full form and saw that he was quite handsome, indeed.

“I see. Well, perhaps I can convince ye to make a purchase, once ye have a taste of me mother’s fresh honey bread.”

“Honey bread?” she asked, stepping forward despite her nervousness at talking to strangers.

“Aye.” There was a chuckle in his eyes as he pulled a warm loaf closer to him and cut off a hunk. “Taste it.”

He held it out to her in his fingers, and she took it from him, popping the little piece into her mouth. As soon as the warm sweetness hit her tongue, she put her fingers over her lips to keep from moaning.

“Me goodness. I daenae think I have ever tasted somethin’ so lovely.”

He grinned, and he winked at her, making Caitlin blush a little. She noticed that his eyes flicked to her mouth as she brushed off a crumb.

She had seen the same look in Lucas’ eyes before, a sort of hungry fierceness that reminded her of a dangerous animal. But with Lucas, she wanted to be his prey.

“Ye are welcome to a loaf. It is a good price, I can assure ye.”

“Och, well I dinnae bring money, but I will tell me friend about it.”

“What is yer name, Lass?” he asked with a crooked grin.

She noticed a slight dimple in his left cheek, and it made him look even more handsome.

It seems ye cannae think about anythin’ else but handsome men.

“Caitlin,” she said, and he repeated it, not taking his eyes from her. “Bonny name.”

“Thank ye. Were ye at the gatherin’ at the Castle last eve?” she asked, trying to be friendly.

“Aye, so I was. I dae believe I saw ye there, but there were too many people, I dinnae get the chance to make meself known, or I would have done. I am Bram.” He reached out a hand, and she took it.

“Nice to meet ye, Bram.”

“And ye. I dinnae think we have ever had one so bonny come in the bakery to sample our wares before. All eyes were on ye last night, Lass.” He gave her another cheeky grin.

“Come now, Bram, ye big flirt. Or rather, ye are insultin’ all the other young ladies who come to purchase their goods here. Meself included.” Paige came to stand next to her, and Caitlin felt a bit more comfortable with someone at her side.

He grinned, nodding at Paige. “Aye, true enough, Lass. Good to see ye.”

“And ye. How does yer brother fare?”

“When we see him, he seems to be doin’ well, but me mother doesnae like him bein’ away so much and fightin’ for hire.”

“Aye, I can understand that, Lad. Well I dae hope he returns home soon. We miss him around here.”

“He always writes a few lines to us, and he often speaks of ye, Paige,” Bram winked, before turning to the oven to pull out a fresh loaf of bread.

Paige looked down, and Caitlin could see her blushing. “That is kind of him. Well, we are off now,” she said, nodding to the old woman kneading dough in the far corner and smiling at Bram.

“Until next time, Lass,” Bram said. “But I will deliver a new loaf of honey bread on the morrow, if ye like. Ye wouldnae need to pay a thing.”

Caitlin swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say. She did not wish to be rude.

“Of course. That would be most kind.” With a little curtsy, she followed Paige out the door, and Paige pulled her close.

Keeping her voice low, Paige said, “Me goodness, Bram really is the most shameless flirt. But I am nae surprised he took a shine to ye, Lass.”

“Och? Why?” Caitlin asked, feeling all aflutter.

In the space of a week or so, she had received more male attention than she had in the whole of her life. It was odd and slightly disconcerting. Paige chuckled and shook her head.

“Really, Caitlin, I thought at first that the way ye acted so innocent was on purpose, to bring the men to ye, but I am beginnin’ to see that it is nae an act at all.”

“Nay! Honestly, I…” she paused, “I’m afraid I havenae had much experience with people, men especially, besides me own brother. Me eyesight began to fade years ago, and it kept me inside a lot of the time. People stopped visitin’ and invitin’ me, and they thought of me as broken.”

“Och, what a sad thing, Caitlin. I am sorry for that.” Caitlin met Paige’s eyes, and she smiled at her. “Truly.”

“Thank ye.”

“Now, I want to tell ye. Of course, the lad is practically ready to jump over the counter at ye. Ye are the bonniest lass in the Castle and the surroundin’ hills!”

Caitlin found she really did not know what to say to that.

“I think ye should enjoy yerself, Lass,” Paige added as they walked through the village street. “Allow him to pay a visit to ye. Yer merriment last evenin’ was just the beginnin’. It is time to finally see yerself as anythin’ but broken.”