To Scotland With Love (30 page)

“Which? The cold weather or the darkness?”

“Both,” she answered.

“The Highlands are extreme, princess. If you think the short days are something, wait until the endless summer nights.”

“I don't plan to be here that long.” She pulled her
scarf more tightly around her neck, clung to her cases, and hurried along.

He led her to his ancient Land Rover.

“The same auto you had ten years ago?” She wondered if he still had his motorcycle, too.

“Aye. I recently restored the interior.” He unlocked her side of the car. “Get in.”

Even though she was colder than permafrost, she waited at the back with her bags.

He opened her door, waiting. “I said get in. It's freezing.”

“Just open the back.” She was stubborn. She intended to prove to Gabriel she wasn't the pampered princess he thought she was.

He came around to the back and unlocked it. She started to lift her bag.

“Here, I've got it.” He reached for her luggage as well.

A small tug-of-war ensued. Determined to win the battle, she yanked as hard as she could, but the handle broke, sending her backward into the snow. If she'd thought it was cold before, she was mistaken. Immediately, she was crushed-ice cold from head to toe.

He offered her his hand to help her up, but she swatted him away.

“I've got it.” She stood and shook the snow out of her hair. When she bent over to get her carry-on, Gabriel started brushing snow off her bottom.

“What are you doing?” She scooted away from him. “Stop!”

“I'm just trying to help.” He gave her a grin and one more brush.

“Don't,” she cried and slid into the car.

He got in as well and cranked up the heat. He glanced
over at her. “You should probably take your gloves off and blow on your hands.”

“Great medical advice,” she said.

“Hey, I'm here to help.”

When he got back in, he rubbed his hands together. “Brrr.”

Emma's teeth chattered a little, but she needed reassurances. “Are you sure we're going to make it to Gandiegow?”

“Aye. We'll do fine.” He patted the steering wheel. “Her engine is newly rebuilt, and she's purring like a kitten.”

“So the car's female?” She expected him to make a lewd comment, something about
All sweet rides are.

He gazed through the windshield up at the sky, which was white with blizzard-like snow. “It is damnable weather. How's your body temperature?”

“I'm fine.” But sitting next to him made her nervous. “How long does it take to get there?”

“I don't know. We'll have to take it slow. Just sit back and relax.”

Not even possible.

“Don't worry, Emma,” Gabriel said, misreading her uneasiness and shocking her by using her name. “I promise to get you to Claire safely.”

Then he did the weirdest thing; he reached out and dusted the last of the snow from her shoulder.

She sat there, stunned. He looked a little embarrassed himself. He jerked his head forward and put the car in gear. Without a word, they made their way out of the airport. The streets beyond were relatively empty and even the highway had little traffic.

After a time, she felt safe to secretly peek over at him. Mr. Perfect handled the auto with ease, his large hands
resting on the steering wheel, his uneasiness from a while ago gone. Maybe she'd imagined it. When they slid a bit on the curvy roads, he stayed calm, even then exuding confidence. His medium-length coffee dark hair was perfectly styled to fit his perfect head. When he was younger, his hair had been long and wild and out of control. He'd tamed it, and it seemed to suit him now. The only part that spoke of rebellion was the beard stubble. But it wasn't a full rebellion, like he hadn't shaved in days. No, he must have trimmed it carefully this morning. Emma ached to run her hand over it to see if it felt prickly or soft or maybe a little of both. She turned away and shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“Are you all right?” Concern pinched his eyebrows together.

“Sure. Why wouldn't I be?” The look he gave her made her feel vulnerable. “Did they teach that compassionate look in medical school?”

The doctor shot her a scowl.

Much better.
That she could deal with. They drove on for several more miles, but she couldn't help sneaking another peek at him.

He sighed heavily. “Emma, ye're staring again.”

She turned back to her window but saw only darkness. “You've filled out, too,” she said quietly.