Chapter Nineteen

Early Saturday morning, Kristen turned onto the driveway that led to the parking lot for the vendors where the Highland Games were being held.

“A very good morning to you, Kristen,” Ian said as she pulled the van to a halt. “Welcome to the Highland Games.” He leaned against the open window of the small van she’d rented.

“Morning, Ian.”

He reached into the small pouch he wore and pulled out a wristband. “Hold out your arm, please.”

She held out her left wrist, and Ian fastened a red band on it. “What’s this for?” They hadn’t done this before.

“So you can freely access everything the games have to offer. Go ahead and follow the driveway. We’ve got your spot all marked out. Have fun.” Ian stepped back.

Kristen followed Ian’s directions—not that it was difficult. Cameron waved her into a parking spot. She turned the engine off and unlocked the doors.

“About time you got here.” Cameron opened the door, undid her seat belt, and helped her out of the van. Then before she could even say a word, his lips covered hers.

She melted into his arms. He’d been such a good sport over the last week as she had experimented and baked. While it cut into their time together, she had made sure to spend as much free time with him as she could, and also included him while she was baking. She was excited about today and being with Cameron.

“Come on, big brother, quit groping your lady so we can get her set up and get some food.” Alec’s voice intruded.

Cameron broke the kiss. “Bug off.”

Kristen laughed and placed her fingers against his lips. “He’s right.”

Cameron let out a big sigh. “All right, show us what needs to be done.” He let his arms slip from around her, and instantly, she missed his warmth.

Last night, she’d finally decided to just enjoy their time together. She hadn’t the courage to ask him if he was going back to Scotland, maybe because part of her didn’t want to know. She wanted to deal with the here and now. That was her motto for today.

“Tents are in the back,” Kristen said. “That needs to be put up first.”

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Alec said, opening the back door.

Within a half-hour, her tent was set up along with all her tables, and now, the guys were carrying the food. Some would stay in the van where she had coolers and two small refrigerators. Specialized electrical cords had already been run to where she was set up.

The sun was rising. There were a few clouds in the sky, but all in all, it promised to be a nice day. Not too hot and not too cold. A good mix for late April in the Pacific Northwest.

“Coffee.” She handed them both cups from the big carafe she’d brewed before leaving the café.

“Life saver.” Alec sipped his brew and let out a satisfied groan.

“Oh good, the guys have done the hard work,” Skye said as she strode up.

“Don’t you look great?” Kristen admired Skye’s kilt that flowed right around her knees. It was a mixture of deep maroon, yellow, green, and a blue-green—the clan McMillan colors. Kristen was familiar with them.

“Thanks.” Skye gave a little curtsy.

“Isn’t that skirt a little short?” Alec asked.

“It’s fine.” Skye frowned at her brother. “You two better go get dressed.”

“True.” Cameron snagged Kristen around the waist. “Be back shortly. Did you bring any blueberry scones?”

“For you, I did.” She grinned. “I’ll keep them warm.” She had them in insulated bags with warming gel packs.

“A woman after my heart.” He dropped a soft kiss against her lips before sauntering off with his brother.

His words lingered in her mind. They hadn’t spoken of more than just dating, and with the possibility of him going back to Scotland, she wondered if she really had his heart. Maybe food-wise.

She glanced around at the empty tables. “Let’s get things set up,” she said to Skye.

“Things look delicious,” Reid McMillan said as he and his wife strode up to her tent an hour later.

Kristen smiled. They looked so adorable dressed in the McMillan tartan and holding hands. Had her parents ever held hands?

“I’m so glad you’re set up already,” Reid said, his black hair gleaming in the light. “Bear claw and coffee, please.”

“Reid.” Tira let out a sigh and shook her head, the hair piled up on top waggling.

“Hush, woman, it’s just one day.”

Kristen’s gaze went from Tira to Reid and back.

“His sugar has been a little high,” Tira said.

“A little. I’m fine.”

“Men,” Tira huffed but nodded.

Kristen got him his food and drink. “Tira?”

“Strawberry scone and juice, please.”

She quickly got Tira’s order while Skye helped another couple who had walked up.

“How much?” Reid asked.

“Put your money away.” Kristen shook her head. “On the house.”

Tira nodded her thanks. “Make sure Cameron takes you around so you can check out all the vendors. Reid and I have to make sure everything is set up for the dance competition.” With a wave, the couple set off.

Kristen moved to help another couple then turned to ask Skye a question and stopped dead.

Cameron strode toward her in a long sleeved white shirt with a vest made of tartan and… Her brain short circuited. Yes, she’d seen him in a kilt before, but today…the maroon, yellow, green, and green-blue colors brought out the blueness of his eyes, and he looked utterly lickable.

“Hello again, lass,” he said, using a Scottish accent.

“My lord.” She gave him a little curtsy. “And may I say your knees look quite handsome today.”

Cameron burst out laughing. “They’re behaving just for you.” He motioned her to come out of the tent.

She grinned and stepped out.

He said, “Turn around, back to me.”

“Okay.” She turned, wondering what he was up to.

“Raise your arms slightly and close your eyes, please.”

His “please” had her doing as he asked. His body heat singed her back when he leaned close. His hand spread between her breasts as he held something in place, then it was draped around her shoulder, wrapped around to her back, and tugged until tight.

“You can lower your arms and open your eyes.”

Kristen did and looked down. Tears sprang to her eyes. Cameron had taken some of the McMillan tartan and fashioned a sash for her to wear. It was held together with a pin in the shape of a sword.

“Oh my goodness.” She turned to him. “Thank you.” She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“My special lady should be decked out in my colors with my family crest.” He hugged her close. “Later, I want to see you draped in nothing but my family tartan.”

Kristen ducked her head and heat invaded her cheeks. But anticipation shot through her body, causing her nipples to harden.

“But for now, I have work to do. I’ll be back later to take you around and to show you something special.” He released her and ambled away.

Kristen went back into her tent, feeling like a princess, and Skye smiled at her.

“That looks good on you,” Skye said.

“Thanks.” Kristen couldn’t keep the grin off her face. He’d given her the family tartan…that had to mean something, right? Maybe, just maybe, it meant he would stay.

****

“Go.” Skye said hours later as she made a shooing motion with her hands. “I’ve got this covered.”

Kristen looked from Skye to Cameron and back to the tent’s counter with waiting customers. It was early afternoon, but they had a steady stream of business, buying coffee, cakes, and cookies. She didn’t want to leave Skye alone. “We’ve been really busy.”

“I’m fine.” Skye huffed out a breath. “Get her out of here Cameron before she thinks up an excuse. She’s been wanting to explore all morning.”

“Come on.” Cameron slipped his arm around her waist and guided her away from her food tent. “So what’s first on the agenda?”

“Meat pies.” Skye was right; she had been wanting to get out and see everything and taste the food.

“As my lady wishes.”

“So many vendors,” Kristen said after they had gotten their meat pies, motioning with her hand to the rows of tents as she and Cameron walked toward a picnic table with a tray of food.

“Yep. I’ll take you shopping in a bit.” Cameron set their tray onto the table.

“I can’t believe you got all this.” She gestured to the overflowing tray.

“You said you were hungry.” He waited until she sat down before taking a seat next to her.

“Hungry, yes. But how much do you think I eat?”

Cameron laughed. “Just means more for me.” He picked up the knife and fork, cutting a piece of the meat pie and holding it out to her.

“I can feed myself.” She looked at the tray. Cameron had made sure to only grab one set of utensils and one plate. This reminded her of the night at the restaurant. She hadn’t minded then, and now…she glanced around. People weren’t paying attention to them at all.

“Yes, but it will be my pleasure to take care of my lady.” He put the morsel up to her mouth. Her lips parted, and he slipped it in.

“That is delicious,” she said after swallowing the savory beef.

“Good. Just think…tonight while you’re lying in bed, wearing nothing but my tartan, I can feed you more delicious treats.”

“Cameron.” She glanced around, but no one was close enough to hear him.

“Just letting you know that tonight, you’re mine.”

Anticipation flowed through her blood. There was nothing she wanted more than to be his.