The Highlander's Choice Read Free

laughing, Liam jumped from his horse and strode to where she sat. Anger flashed in her whiskey colored eyes as she glared up at him.
    “Is there a problem, lass?”
    “Don’t you dare laugh! I’ve never fallen off a horse in my life. It must be these Scottish animals.” She tried to push herself up, but her feet slid out from under her and she fell back down. Liam reached his hand out. Obviously not happy about accepting his help, she took hold of his hand nevertheless, and he pulled her up.
    She placed her fists on her hips and gazed at the rear end of her horse making its way back to the dry, warm stable. “Now what do I do?”
    “Well, lass, the only thing you can do is ride with me.”
    She looked at him aghast. “With you?”
    “I imagine ye could wait here until a riderless horse ambles by, but it might be some time, and I’m anxious to get back to Dundas.”
    He tried very hard not to notice how her wet clothes clung to her body. He would never have expected this English miss to wear breeches and ride a horse astride. Despite her small size, the lass had plenty of curves under those wet garments. “Well what will it be, lass? We’ll be drowning soon.”
    “Very well. I will ride with you,” she said, none too graciously. She glared up at him, the water plopping onto her chest from her pert nose.
    Where were all those fine English manners?
    …
    Before she could catch her breath, Liam wrapped his hands around her waist and hoisted her onto the horse. Within seconds, he was behind her and urging the horse forward. The rain continued to pelt them as they made their way back. She still couldn’t believe she’d slid off the horse. No doubt the girth hadn’t been tight enough, but she’d never made that mistake before.
    “Why aren’t you in a riding outfit, mounted on a sidesaddle as a proper English miss?”
    “Not that it is any of your concern, but I prefer breeches when I’m riding in the country. The freedom is wonderful. As a man, you have no idea how cumbersome a riding outfit is, and how awkward you must position yourself on a side saddle. All the women in my family ride this way when we’re not in Town.”
    She held herself stiffly, not wanting to touch his body, which was indeed hard to ignore. The man was so large it was as if he surrounded her completely. His arms rested against hers as he held the reins and directed the horse. She began to shiver, the cold rain soaking to her skin through her clothes. Since she always left off her stays when she donned her outfit for riding, the chill seemed to go to her very bones.
    “If you lean back against me, lass, you won’t be so cold.”
    “I am fine, thank you.” To belie her words, she only shook more. Goodness, the rain was cold. She was sure her lips were blue. The downpour continued, making her miserable.
    “Ye will be throwing yourself to the ground again if you don’t stop the shaking. Lean against me, and we can share the warmth.”
    She’d never been so cold in her life. Despite her misgivings, she eased back against Liam’s chest, his body warm despite being as wet as hers. It was slow going with the rain and wind so fierce. This was not the soft rain of England, but a wild gale such as she had never seen. So fitting in the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
    Sybil tried very hard to ignore the feel and smell of the man behind her. His warm breath teased the skin on the back of her neck, not doing much for her shivers. Her bottom was snug against an area of which a proper young lady never took notice. Had she been caught riding in this manner in London, she would be forced to marry the barbarian.
    The miserable ride made conversation impossible, which was fine with her. She had nothing to say to the man, and only ached for the trip to come to an end so she could strip off all her wet clothes and climb into a hot bath. After having her lady’s maid, Bessie, fix her a hot toddy, she would have a tray sent to her room so she could stay