Trouble, Twins, and a Triangle …
BY: Carrie-Anne
Chapter Nine… Breaking the rules…
Down at the office, about two hours later, Lili was trying to fix the piles of paperwork when a knock came to the door. "Lil, um, we're still on for a hike, right?" It was Paul and he was dismissing Duncan's first rule, no dangerous outings.
"Yes, we are." She replied, as her eyes wandered from her laptop to his. He then searched the room in disbelief, as he noticed the papers piled high on the desk and floor was almost gone!
"What---did you--- do?" He stammered, wondering if he should double check to make sure he was in the right place. Ever since Duncan's grandfather's bomb went off last Autumn and demolished part of the house, the office nearby was also in need of repair…especially the since parts from the blown up house had come crashing down onto the office roof with such great force. The office personal computer was destroyed when the house rumble landed on it with a smash after coming through the ceiling! The budget was tight and Archie had refused to replace the pc right away, even though Paul protested! The loss of the pc had made it harder to keep on top of the paperwork!
"Well, I got a ride into town with Molly and Andrew. They took me to a pc store so I could get the place hooked up to the Internet. The house is next on my list, as I plan on doing a LAN connection so I can access the files while I work from the room I'm staying in. Why?" She added all high-tech, which baffled Paul even more.
"Where's the paperwork?" He asked, as his eyes searched the clean desk. He then cautiously entered the room and walked towards her.
"It's been filed away in those cabinets. I also started transferring files to the laptop system. Come have a look." She answered, as she pointed out the laptop screen with her finger and turned it to face him.
"OK, so how much did this cost the Centre?" He implied, looking at the technology before him. He knew his brother was going to ask that question when he found her typing on a laptop in the office!!! He wanted to have some kind of way to defend her from Archie's soon debate about "house and business finances," as he would twist the blame to Paul for "spending money" that they didn't have until the school groups started visiting the Wild Life Centre after summer holidays! He claimed two weeks ago there just weren't enough campers visiting the Centre during the summer to pay for a new computer!
"Nothing so far…well, except a LAN modem and some cables…this pc is mine as I brought it with me so I could communicate with my father." She explained. "I'll burn all of the data for the Centre and Estate accounting on CDs that way you can store them. Molly mentioned something about using Andrew's computer in the office for the time being, as a loaner until we raise enough money for one to use in here again." Lili then smiled with her words. She could tell Paul was impressed that she had managed to get the office reorganized because he smiled and nodded his head at her. He then decided not to tell her about Archie's type A personality—tight and stressing-- about money!
"Well, instead of hiking, how about kayaking? Can I tear you away from here as a reward for your hard work?" Paul asked politely, changing the subject, while his eyes searched for an answer on her face.
Lili paused for a moment, before realizing he was trying to actually make it up to her. "OK, I'd be happy to join you, but I have a lunch to attend in 15 minutes."
"Okay, well, meet me on the shore in an hour." He suggested, wondering whom her lunch was with and knowing its probably Duncan…
"I can do that. Um…Paul." She asked, before he started to head out of the door. He stopped quickly and turned to face her again.
"Aye?"
"About that Art Show tonight…" She wanted to talk to him about it, since she didn't really want to go.
"Oh right, we'll talk about it whilst we're kayaking." He winked and left the office, leaving her to ponder how the rest of this day was going to go, "I'll see you then."
"OK." She nodded, while deciding to pack up the laptop and place it back into its case. She stood up from the desk and put strap from the case over her shoulder. She then proceeded to the door, while locking up. She placed the key in her pocket that Paul had handed her before she opened up the office a few hours ago.
She decided renting a bicycle was also a novel idea, so since Andrew and Molly had stopped over to the office to check in on her during Molly's driving lessons. They drove her into town to a computer store and also a bike rental shop. She hopped on the bike, stepped her left foot on a pedal and pushed off from the ground with her right foot. She then steered and pedaled to the main door of the house to wait for her lunch "date".
Duncan was walking from his croft as he had hurried from work to his home and then to the drive to meet Lili. He had a tight knot in his stomach, which wore away when he greeted her face to face.
"'Ello," He replied.
"Hi," She answered, while holding the bike up.
"Where'd ya---?"
"I rented it. I figure it's silly for Paul to drive me to and from the Centre's office so I wanted to bike back and forth."
"You didn't have to rent a bicycle. I have one… ya can use." He offered as he twisted his hands, like he had when he brought her breakfast this morning. She could tell he was uneasy about something as the idea of the bet with Paul played on in Duncan's mind again. He wanted to tell her the insane ploys to just get her ask one of them out to the picnic next weekend, but he couldn't.
"That's nice of you to offer, but I don't want to---"
"Nah, I hardly have time to use it anyway." He grinned, trying to sell her the idea of using the bike, but she came up with an even better thought on her own as for why she should hold onto the rental!
"Maybe we can go out for a bike ride one day?" She suggested, which made Duncan's heart swoon at the thought of being with her!
"Aye, that would be nice…" He answered, while shuffling his feet once again. "Come with me and leave the bicycle." As he nodded his head in the direction of a pathway off to the right of the house, and led her towards his cottage.
When they opened the door to his home, Lili peeked in. "This is nice and I can see you do a good job keeping it clean." She then felt awkward for saying something about his "housekeeping!" Of course, she'd hope he'd clean it before showing it to a woman!
"Um, well, I find time to keep it tidy." Duncan concluded, figuring out she was uncomfortable with what she had just said to him, but he was relieved that his instant cleaning "spree" of twenty minutes had impressed her. He then wandered over to his refrigerator and pulled out two plates with sandwiches on them. "I also took the time to make us lunch." He grinned, while placing the plates on the counter.
"Great. So…um…how was work?" Lili asked quietly, unsure of how to be alone with him, which was odd since she was instantly comfortable being around him yesterday.
"Work, eh, work…the same. " He shrugged, while standing at the counter and carrying the plates of food to the coffee table in the lounge, before suggesting, "Come sit with me."
Lili agreed and before they knew it she was sitting on his sofa, but he didn't sit down right away. As he brought over a pitcher of water and some glasses, placed them on the table in front of her and then sat down.
She was starting to become nervous again, like her own stomach had butterflies that multiplied as the minutes went by…as also the silence…while the two tried to eat lunch. "Um…I…" She tried to say something, but he spoke at the same time, "Um, you know---"
"Sorry." Lili blushed and hung her head and admitted, "I'm not good at this lunch thing."
"Me neither." Duncan replied, but he loved having her close. Just like when he picked her up from the sleeper yesterday. "Have ya spoke with yer lawyer?" as the words came out before he could find something else to say that wouldn't make her more uncomfortable! He then cursed himself for asking it in his mind!
"Not yet, Tuesday, the papers will be faxed over and then it's done." She smiled with relief. He was now trying to comfort her, which was what she needed in many ways! It was nice that he wanted to talk about her divorce, since the situation had been weighting heavy on her mind once again. She took a sip of water from her glass and put it down in front of him on the small table. "There's an art show tonight that---"
Duncan then remembered the whole incident at dinner, especially when he dumped water in her lap. He then moved the glass far away from them. He smiled as her eyes watched him move it. "Don't want any accidents."
She then let out a laugh, "No, you saved me actually from having to deal with Molly trying to put Paul and I together again! I just wish you were there this morning."
"This mornin'?" He formed the question in his mind and then it slipped out of his mouth, before he could take it back! He wanted her to think he was listening to her and not questioning everything she said!
"The insistent pair, of Lex and Molly, decided to talk me into going with Paul to the art show." She added as her eyes lifted and then lowered. Her stomach was in bigger knots and kept her from trying to eat her food!
"Don't sound so sure of yerself." He asked…while cursing meathead at the same time! He now lost his appetite at the idea of them, her and meathead, together…
"No, not really, but I agreed as long as Lexie and Archie are going too. I think Lex wants you to baby-sit the twins for an hour to make an appearance at this thing."
"I know." He laughed, but his mind was wandering away from baby-sitting the twins. His attention focused in on her and how she sat on the couch next to him. Their sandwiches were untouched and another awkward silent moment crept in.
To ease the strange tension they were both feeling, he decided to put his arm around her shoulders in a slow, causal, and comfortable way. He wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't sure about doing it. He had done it this morning, but he didn't want to force anything on her that she wasn't ready for.
She moved her head onto his shoulder and managed to recline her body into his chest. Her head turned to search his warm eyes, and within moments their lips had managed to collide once again as they were now embracing each other in their arms, while easing downward to lie on the sofa lengthwise. "Are you sure this is alright?" He whispered in her ear.
She smiled, "Yes, its nice being here with you."
Her response got a chuckle out of him as he decided to lean in for another sweet kiss. On the inside, he was thinking he had died and gone to heaven…but on the outside, he was trying to remain calm! "Nice being here too."
Lili paused as her lips pursed to accept his, as the lip lock started to gradually intensify, before she pulled away. "Um, I…" Her hesitation was put on hold when she darted in for another brush of his lips.
"We could just lie here, you know." He gestured, praying she wasn't going to do an about face and run away on him. He wanted her to feel safe, and not scared.
"I..." She replied, as her body relaxed into his. "Call me crazy, I've only been here for two days. I hate to start something and then have to---" as her rambling was cut off by another lip touch and his hand wandering to her chin to steady the movement of their heads as he slowly drew her into him more and they both could sense the warmth growing more between them.
"Ye aren't crazy." He replied, as he drew away with a wink…
Outside of Duncan's croft, a young woman was approaching the door. She stood at the front stoop and knocked loudly. She saw his truck in the driveway, so she knew he was back from work—as his Aunt had mentioned he had left…but without a book…so old woman suggested that she take it to him. He was in such a hurry to leave, that she never got to ask him about going to the art show tonight.
Duncan stopped quickly as he heard the knock and then Hermione's voice loudly booming through the door, "Dunc! Are you there?!"
"Go get it." Lili smiled, giving him a push off the sofa, not knowing she was soon going to regret her words.
"Justa sec." He added, jumping up and over her and heading towards the door.
"Hi, I was wondering what took you so long!" Hermione added, while Duncan grabbed her by the arm and walked out onto the front stoop. "What's a matter? Who's that?"
Too late, Hermione had pushed past Duncan to see Lili sitting there quietly on the sofa. "Hi." She then walked in and he exasperatedly shut the door.
Chapter Ten…What can go ghastly wrong, does…
Lili smiled at Hermione and stood up from the sofa, as she politely answered, "Hi, I don't believe we've met. I'm Lili." Her eyes shifted from Duncan to Hermione…
"Lili? Ah, I see, Lexie's cousin. I've heard about you." Hermione added and stared, as her uncle Killwillie kept going on and on about how "delightful" the American girl was yesterday after getting back from having afternoon tea. Only now the girl made her feel sick to her stomach since she was too sweet!
"Funny, I've heard nothing about you." Lili smiled, before her eyes wandered back to Duncan and how he kept shifting from foot to foot. He wasn't sure he wanted to be in the room when Hermione opens her trap about their recent dating travesty.
"I'm Hermione and I see you've met my boyfriend Duncan." Hermione implied smartly.
"I had no idea." Lili spoke slowly and softly, as her heart sank, to the floor. She then decided she was crazy for liking him, since he's got a girlfriend that he neglected to "speak" up about! "Well, I'm going…Nice to meet you, Hermione. " She nodded her head and started to walk out…
"Hold on. I'll walk you…" Duncan started to say with fumbling mannerisms, as he now felt horrible for the position Hermione put them both in. He followed her outside immediately.
"Lil- I—"
"Don't explain. I had absolutely no clue that you are infact "with" someone. That was quite foolish of me to assume that even though you told me you weren't yesterday. Anyway, I have to go meet Paul, but we can be friends. I'm not mad at you, Duncan. I understand." Lili shuttled off quickly before she could hear him answer. She basically felt quite inadequate thinking someone as sweet as him would actually be interested in her!
"Oh Bl---dy---" Duncan cursed feeling dumb multiplied by twenty. He felt more for her than a friend! He narrowed his eyes in on the situation in his cottage. He was now determined to set Hermione straight, since he had told her time and time again that they weren't an item!
Lili's shuttle became a quick-footed run. Now that confusion had set in with more doubt, she decided it was best to just move forward, but every time she did, something always went ghastly wrong! She was now embarrassed by how naïve she was with Duncan. As she neared the shore of the loch, she found Paul, preparing two kayaks for their afternoon float.
"Ahoy there!" She called out with a laugh, but as Lili was nearing the shore, both of them heard a LOUD yell coming from the direction of the lawn…
"Out of the way!! LOOOKKKK OUUUTTT!!!" Molly cried as Golly and her were on a bicycle built for two! The tandem swerved to the right and then the left before the pair plummeted into the water ahead!
Golly laughed, "Mol, a fine...er…swim, wasn't it?"
Molly laughed back, "Yes, indeed, Golly!"
Paul looked at them both with some concern. "Are you both alright?" As he fished the tandem out of the water and placed it on shore.
"I'm wonderful! Andrew has been teaching me how to drive again, as you both know. So Golly and I decided last night that I needed to learn how to steer, since it's the most important part of driving. And since its best on a bicycle, we went back to that shop you rented your bike from Lili and…"
"Here we are." Golly added, finishing her thought. The biking pair was now completely soaked, but smiling away…
"Going for a float?" Molly asked as her eyes focused on the kayaks.
"Yes." Lili nodded and laughed for a moment at the two old drenched friends. She was amazed at how well they got along, and it almost made her wonder why they weren't together. Provided she didn't know Andrew very well, but Molly mentioned this morning that she had been spending her evenings with Golly while Andrew was off working in his gallery. Perhaps, something more was brewing?
Lexie had told Lili that Molly wasn't with Andrew, as they were just friends. She tried to push out the thoughts about Duncan and his girlfriend out of her mind and decided to pick up a double-ended paddle for the kayak adventure that Paul and her were about to embark on.
Duncan walked back into his home and Hermione smiled at him. "There you are. I brought this since Aunt Liz assumed you would want to work on it. For a manager, you need to be careful with the reservations. You can't keep things lying around…" she lectured, as Duncan started to fume at her… "Dunc, what's a matter?"
"Nothin', no everythin', no, Hermione…ye better go now." Duncan started to explain and fumbling on and on in his mind about how to tell her to politely get lost! He was in no mood for her to nag him about his job or any of his personal matters. He then wanted to shove her out the door!
"My mother offered you a job months ago, so don't forget that." Hermione corrected him. Lady Dorothea, Hermione's mother, had offered him a job at a different inn, but he declined, as he wanted to avoid his "admirer" at all costs.
"No, Hermione, I like my job at my Aunt's now and it helped pay for a few of the house damages from that bomb, before boss told me not to worry about it. Now I'm saving my wages, and yer mother cannot change me mind. This isn't about money either. "
"Fine, I see. It's that girl who was here, wasn't it?" Hermione started to question and she already knew the answer. She rolled her eyes at the thought of him with her! He continued to try to gently, but firmly guide her towards the doorway.
"Look, I am not explainin' it to ya…" Duncan defended himself, trying not to blow a gasket in front of her.
"We went on a date! You fancied getting to know me!" Hermione argued. She was suddenly getting quite jealous at this new girl's hold on him. She stopped in front of him with an awful glare, wondering what his reaction was going to be to her retort.
"I was set up on a date with you, aye, but I decided to still date other people. I'm not with ya, Hermione. Yer bein' delusional!" Duncan then carted her out the door. Hermione was now upset and very annoyed that she wasn't getting her way with him. But suddenly her tune changed as she could make things very difficult for the new girl in Glenbogle.
"I am not being delusional." She muttered and then yelled at the shut front door, "For your information, I hope ya have more brains with the next lass you try to get on with!" As she stomped off in a huff, Duncan rolled his eyes and shook his head while watching her walk away in the window. He then shrugged before he walked back into his lounge to clean up lunch and noticed a heavy black bag on the floor near the sofa…it was Lili's. It looked important and so he decided to go off to find her to explain everything…while slinging the bag over his shoulder.
Paul watched her grab the paddle and then questioned, "You know how to steer one of these right?"
"Yes, I do. It's been awhile, but I know how to paddle both a kayak and a canoe." She nodded.
"Well, then, lets paddle off to---" as he pointed out the island not far from the shore." that island out there. Think you can handle it?" He asked smartly.
"Sure, you're on." She challenged.
After thirty minutes of paddling, they finally reached the shore of the small island, Paul jumped out of his kayak and pulled it to shore while she treaded water in hers. He then pulled her kayak in. She climbed out, and at first neglected to take his hand that had been offered to help her up, but she grabbed hold of it anyway. They walked around the island, checking out the view from all sides. "This is…"
"Beautiful." Paul asked, while not taking his eyes off of her.
"Yes," She answered with a hint of misery as he could tell something was wrong…
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, just a little confused that's all." She answered, trying to get along with him. She still wasn't interested in him, the way he was with her…
"What about?"
"Well, first off, we're supposed to go to an Art Show, you and I. I told Lex, I'd only go if you do." She explained.
"I know. That's tonight." He answered, remembering the conversation at dinner that Molly had brought up, "We're going, you and I."
"Second, I had no idea, Duncan had a girlfriend!" She added, which made Paul burst out laughing. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. I just…" He kept laughing as he knew he'd be winning that bet a lot sooner than he thought, especially if Hermione kept pestering Duncan and setting doubts in Lili's mind about him liking her!
"I wouldn't laugh, if I were you." She stated sharply as he was starting to tick her off again.
"Sorry. Just don't see Duncan as dating material for someone quite like you." He assured her. Because I see you with me…his mind called out as his eyes remained on her face. She had turned her head to look out at the water, trying to think of away to react to his bold statement.
"So who do you see me as dating material for?" She retorted remembering all about the kitchen and his confession about his "feelings."
He winked, hoping she knew the answer to her own question without him having to come out and say it...he then watched her nose crinkle and her eyes roll.
"I don't believe I'm having this talk with someone I work with." She shook her head in disbelief. She worked with him now and normally she didn't date her co-workers, not since her soon ex-husband was one! She then added in her mind…what a joke that marriage was…
"What's wrong with dating me? I know I blew it yesterday telling you I didn't want to since I used Molly as an excuse, and then admitting I'm soft for you last night. Besides, we're a good pair... you and I." He tried to argue his case but she wasn't buying any of it…
"You sound too sure of yourself." She commented, watching him walk closer to her. She didn't back away. She was going to stand her ground once again…and put him in his place if he needed it…
"I told you sorry last night for getting off on the wrong foot. I thought you had forgiven me when we…"
"When you kissed me." She corrected, as she had no part in the moment. She was now thinking of ways to combat him…
"Aye, okay, but you kissed back, you know." He nodded, attempting to lower in and kiss her once again, but…they heard, "HEY LIL!" as Duncan was coming into the cove on Hector, Archie's father's jet ski! Their heads turned in his direction...
Duncan hopped off the jet ski and he knew Paul had broken the first rule of no dangerous outings, hence he felt it was okay to join them! Yet, he'd made note in his mind to keep it quiet about touching her with his limbs and lips at his croft earlier. "I thought the rightful owner would …" As he held out her laptop, but he didn't drop it instead he handed her the black case.
"Oh my, thanks. I forgot to go back for that. Just hold onto it because it's electronics and if it falls into the water, it's toast!" She added trying to explain that H2O and anything computer related is a catastrophe in the making! Of course, Paul rolled his eyes since she was talking to the daft airhead, Duncan, who didn't know the difference between a hole in the ground or becoming electrocuted by a laptop!
"Oh right. Sorry. I have plans for buying another one of these..." He smiled off on a tangent how his pc was destroyed by the explosion, while his face went into a scowl at Paul, who was rolling his eyes.
"Great, well. I think paddling back might be a good idea now." She suggested, picking up weird vibes between the men.
"Um, I suspected we could have a kind word or two." Duncan asked her, trying to remain cool. He still wanted to clear up the "misunderstanding" from lunch.
"No, just wait 'til we're back at the shore, I'd hate to keep you from other people." She answered halfheartedly. He picked up on her change of mood too and didn't like how she had brought up "other people" since he could only think she was talking about Hermione.
"No, it cannot wait." He responded, while adding in a low voice, "Can I have a word, please?"
"I believe she asked you kindly to---?"
"Shut it." Duncan growled under his breath, getting irritated at Paul trying to defend her. He knew he didn't care about her, just trying to win his stupid pointless gamble he had made with him.
"Okay, we'll talk later…let's just get back to shore and head to the house." She suggested, as she decided to take it upon herself as peacemaker between the men.
"Fine idea. You heard her well, Dunc." Paul nodded.
"Yea." He then mumbled, not amused. Duncan walked over to the jet ski and climbed back on, turning up the throttle and spinning off into the direction of the castle. Lili wasn't sure of what to make of him now…he normally wasn't irritated with her, well, at least since she had arrived!
Chapter Eleven… Andrew's Art Show…
After the whole "dangerous" outing, Lili was getting herself dressed up for the gallery. She was in the middle of pulling a black spaghetti strapped dress down over her long slender body, when Lexie entered, "You look so beautiful." as she zipped up the back of Lili's dress.
"Why aren't you ready?" Lili asked wondering why Lexie was still in day clothes and not dressed up for the night out.
"I'm not going. I talked to Arch and he decided he was still going to go to show faith for his mother and her artwork. He also agreed I should stay here and rest. Duncan is still going to help me out, as sort of a tag team effort."
"Why don't I stay here too?" Lili asked, but Lexie shook her head "No".
"Not necessary." She smiled as Lili buckled her high dress heels. She then stood in front of the mirror to fix her chest and fiddled with her upswept hair. She hated playing dress up…
"I'm not used to this! This is driving me crazy! I look like a woman going to a FUNERAL!" She hollered at her cousin, in hope to be told, she could stay at the house as she fidgeted with her dressed up body once again.
"Just relax, you'll be fine." Lexie grinned with reassurance behind her in the mirror. She then joked at her cousin's idea of a funeral dress… "You'll knock 'em dead."
"I'll knock them somewhere." Lili laughed out loud before giving up on fixing herself. Lexie laughed too. She loved having Lili around, but she was starting to get depressed at the idea of her leaving Glenbogle to head "home". Lexie then reminded herself that's going to be weeks from now!
"Something for you to wear with that dress." Lexie pulled out her row of pearls and wrapped them around Lili's neck while fastening the clasp.
"Lex, you don't have to…"
"No, I want to." She smiled kindly looking at them both in the mirror once again. Then there was a knock at the door, Lili released a slow breath and hugged her cousin as Molly stood in the doorway.
"Marvelous, simply marvelous!" Molly chanted, while grabbing Lili by the arm and carting her away. Lili gave Lexie a "PLEASE help me look…" but her cousin avoided it and said…
"Have a wonderful time!" As Lexie watched Lili and Molly disappear from the hallway. She then heard her babies start to call out for her.
Lili slowly and steadily made way down the stairs to the main foyer. She had made sure she had a purse at her side. "You're going to enjoy, this show. I've been working so hard on my painting, dear." Molly said excitedly as they walked down to the bottom step. Archie and Paul were already waiting for the women. They were dressed just as formal, with a suit coat, bow tie and of course a colored family tartan.
Duncan came walking from the kitchen and stared at Lili and gulped. He was at loss for words about how magnificent she looked. His eyes narrowed in at meathead once again. Paul just smiled and nodded at Duncan. He was "the one" spending the evening with Lili and he liked it, no loved it, especially that Duncan had no control over it!
Molly stated simply, "Duncan, take care of Lexie and my grandchildren, we'll be back soon. I plan on returning my son back to his wife as soon as possible."
Duncan nodded, still staring at Lili. She glanced back at him before tucking her arm under Paul's and they walked towards the door.
"Take yer time, Molly. I know he'll back soon." Lexie joked from the top of the stairs while carrying both babies in her arms.
Archie made a point to climb the stairs and help carry one of the infants. He then drew in his wife for a long soulful kiss, before implying, "Are you sure you don't want to go?"
"Positive, I should stay here, besides Dunc, will help." She grinned as she kissed him "Good Bye." Lexie, the twins, and Duncan watched the group leave before she asked her old friend, "You and I need to have a word."
"Whad 'bout?" Duncan answered with bewilderment, but his best mate nodded matter of factly, while leading them into the sitting room. The room was wall-to-wall baby gear, as Lexie placed the two babes into a playpen before turning her attention to him.
"What's matter with ya?" She added while hitting him upside the head with her hand!
"How do ya mean?" He replied, trying to duck another swatting blow from Lexie!
"Keepin' your soft spot fer me cousin such a secret?!"
Duncan stopped short and stared at her before replying, with a large gulp, "The thought never crossed me mind, Lex. Sorry."
"You made the gal brekky in bed? That should have suspected you to make note of it to me!" Lexie firmly stated, slightly upset at how her friend neglected talking to her and the fact she had to bring it up to him!
"How'd you---?" He was about to ask, but then stopped himself, he knew Lili must have mentioned it. Did she mention the lunch today too? He felt awful at how he had invited her for lunch and then Hermione showed up with his reservation book and scared the poor girl away. Well, he did it on his own, he figured, but what else did Lexie, know?
"Lil, mentioned it this mornin'." Lexie spoke up, while covering up Jayne and Wayne with baby blankets.
"OK... Hermione showed up while I had Lili down for lunch at me place." He explained, wanting Lexie to hear his side of the story. She looked at him confused, unsure of what he was trying to explain.
"Lunch?" She asked, as he didn't make his cousin one meal but now two? Her eyes narrowed and brows furrowed…
"Uh, oh. I s'pose ye dun no 'bout that do ya?" Duncan admitted, but it was too late, Lexie was starting to get ugly.
"Are ya mad? Ye've been courtin' Lil an' Hermione is still in the picture? Ye're as daft as my brother in law!" Lexie accused, while Duncan searched for a way to dig himself out of the hole he just put himself in!
"Hermione isn't me steady girlfriend an' will not be! She's a head case, Lex, why would I continue to date her! Lili won't even speak or look at me! Paul, the bl—dy meathead, he lied to her openly and he gets to go somewhere with her!"
"Am I to blame Lil?" Lexie retorted scoffing at him. "Ya still have feelings fer her?"
"Well, I dun no, ye keep pushing her to date numskull!" Duncan added, getting furious about Lili being with Paul right now at the show.
"Do ya have somethin' for Lil? Answer me this, Dunc, or I blab to the whole world yer love fer Hermione!" Lexie challenged, knowing Duncan would fall for it. And he did…
"Aye, I do have somethin' fer her!" Duncan nodded simply, calling attention to himself. "I've only known her for two long days and I'm intrigued! She's quite a looker, Lex, but it's not her beauty that I'm fallin' fer, as it's her sophisticated charm! She's intelligent! She's---" Lexie's laughter cut him off and he stared at her with a hurt look on his face. She called his bluff and they weren't even playing cards!
"Alright, I s'pose. But Dunc, say somethin', ya told me Archie and I belonged together when we were having doubts about getting married-hours before we were wed on the hillside…it's time to stand yer ground with Lil. I also remember tellin' ya about having a bigger net to catch a woman. Well you don't need one because I saw how she looked at ya tonight. She's already been caught by you!"
"I'd stand up, Lex, but I keep being knocked down!" Duncan groaned, while sitting down on the antique sofa as he hung his head. Lexie stopped picking up baby toys and smiled, as she then sat herself down next to Duncan. He then asked, realizing what his friend had just told him, "Wait, ya think she likes me too?"
"Duh! What do ya think? Am I to do the same fer ya---help stand ya up when you're knocked down? If it's the case, Dunc, just leave it to me, Aye? Forget Paul and how he is challenging ya…I see who my cousin likes the most…and it's not my brother in law…" She implied, suddenly it meant more to her to set things straight as far as her cousin was concerned about who she was interested in dating more. She felt a huge responsibility for creating such a love mess in the first place for her old best friend. Duncan nodded, while still thinking about the love mess in despair…he then thought about the bet…but pushed it out of his mind. He had won a bet without having to wager one!
At the Art Show…
"Cannot believe it!" Molly cried, as she raised her face to her hands, in shock that her paintings were selling like hot cakes, as the buyers really liked her work!
"Of course you can." Lili grinned, while hugging Molly. "They're wonderful. You have such a gift for painting!"
The show was just about over, as many men and women in Glenbogle had arrived to check out the local artists. Many greeted Molly since they had known her for decades and also Archie was welcomed quite a bit since he was the Laird. Andrew was non-stop on his feet and by the time he got to talk to his favorite artist, it was the end of the night. He finally had some time to break his own news to her…He took her arm and arm to a corner of the room. Archie, Paul and Lili watched…
"Mol," Andrew smiled as he hugged her tight and she smiled back brightly at him.
"Andrew, this was just such a thrill, but charming for you to do for me." She replied, as he sat her down in a chair, next to him.
"You deserve it. I'm afraid, Molly, I have some news to tell you." Andrew replied, as sadness swept into his tone and her eyes widened.
"Is something a matter?" She asked, in a whisper, realizing he was being serious.
"Yes, I am moving to America in a couple days. I was offered a job at a gallery in Boston. But I have every intention of bringing some of your work with me. That's how I got the job, as the buyer over there, knew I was looking for more upscale work." Andrew pointed out a man who was dressed in an Armani suit and red silk tie around his white collared shirt. He stuck out like a sore thumb as he nodded to Andrew, and tipped his glass towards him, while drinking a beverage.
"You're moving? How splendid! Actually, I'm not upset in the least, as I was going to suggest to you my moving out of the cottage since my part of the house has been fixed up."
"Well, now, my dear Molly, you don't have to." Andrew reassured her, as he was sad to leave her, but knew she wasn't interested in being with him in a partnership. He could always count on her as a friend, but never a girlfriend.
Hermione and Killwillie approached Paul, Archie and Lili…
"Good eve, Ms. MacKinney." Killwillie nodded his head. He then turned his face to Archie…
"Archie, have to taken into reconsideration to my job offer in New York?" He asked, as everything was about business…He was still trying to talk the laird into running his restaurant in the city. But Archie kept refusing…
"Ah, no. I decided I'm not interested. But if I change my mind, I'll be sure to let you know. Excuse me. I have to find my mother…" Archie answered. He refused the job offer because of Lexie's protests about leaving Glenbogle since she had just given birth to the twins. He walked off leaving Lexie's set up pair to deal with Hermione and her uncle. Hermione's eyes never left Lili. She was jealous and still hurt at how she was "dumped" by Duncan for someone like her…
"Very well," Killwillie nodded, "I will join you." He followed Archie and left Hermione standing there with the pair…
Hermione then snickered, "How's Duncan?"
Lili looked at her baffled, "Excuse me?"
"I thought you'd be going to the…" Hermione was then cut off as Paul came to Lili's aid. He was going to set the lass straight as to who Lili was with…
"Actually Hermione, Lil and I are here together." Paul commented as Lili's stare went from Hermione to Paul and back again. "Right, Lil?"
Lili nodded, as her mind wandered, thinking about Duncan and how well he was helping Lexie out at home, and how badly she wanted to be there. But then her mind came shooting back into the reality of where she was…when Hermione replied…
"Oh good, I guess I was wrong about you." Hermione snickered once again…
"What do you mean?" Lili was starting to get annoyed at Hermione's probing!
"I figured Duncan would be off with you, that's all. Glad to know I was wrong." Hermione walked off.
"Let's go out and get some air…I think Arch wants to head home…" Paul added, trying to put an arm around her and led her out of the building…
"Mother," Archie called out, as the most of the visitors were leaving the gallery and he wanted to get back to Lexie as soon as possible. Killwillie was right behind him. He nodded to Andrew and then to Molly.
"Dear Molly, you still couldn't talk your son into working for me." Killwillie instantly provoked.
"No, but maybe one day." She winked, but she could tell Archie was getting restless and when her son acted like this, he was hard to be around!
"Shall we leave mother?" Archie asked, looking at her and then nodding to Andrew and Killwillie.
"Yes, well. I'm glad you told me." Molly added, nodding at Andrew as her face leaned in as he pulled her cheek in close and gave it a sweet peck.
"My dear Molly, I will never forget you." He replied. "Time to go, is it?"
"Yes, it is time to go." Molly stood up with Andrew as she walked over to Archie. Killwillie then noticed another guest at the show to chat with…Archie was then relieved to be off the topic of conversation!
Lili and Paul were outside when he asked her about Hermione. "Sorry about Hermione, but she gets that way, pushy and nosy, like her mother, Lady Dorothea. What did you say to give her the impression you were with Duncan?"
Lili stopped for a moment and asked, "I didn't say anything…Wait, she's not with him?"
Paul nodded his head "no." He remembered how offended she was after he had told her Duncan wasn't her type of "dating material."
"I met her at Duncan's when we were having lunch. She introduced herself and that Duncan was her "boyfriend." I had no idea that wasn't true…"
"No, it's not. She's a mental case that lass. He'd told me over and over he's not interested in her." Paul explained, and for a change, at that very moment, he wasn't thinking about his bet with Duncan...
"You can see everything." Lili chuckled, looking at the sky, as a small shiver went up her back, as she decided to change the topic as they walked towards the truck.
"Here," as Paul offered his short coat for her shoulders, while sounding out a saying under his breath. "It's a braw bricht moonicht nicht the nicht."
"Um…what did you---?" Lili laughed, at his previous statement.
"It's a beautiful bright moonlit night tonight." He grinned, while his body moved over to hers and he put his arm around her and helped her into the back of the truck. His eyes kept wandering to her long bare legs, but he smiled more at the fact that she seemed to be relaxing more with him tonight. He then entered from the other side of the truck, to sit next to her. "See, that's a planet." He pointed up above as his other arm reappeared around her shoulders. They both looked up at the sky through the truck's moon roof.
She laughed at him in response, looking up through the window as he stared at her facial expression, how her nose wrinkled when she disagreed, how her eyes gave out a quick bright light, as if an idea had come on and how her body moved forward, but his arm pulled her back to his body. "No, you're wrong." She laughed out loud nervously.
"Aye, right, it's Venus, planet of love." He chuckled along with her, as he then took her by surprise once more by going in for an intense kiss, while taking her breath away in the process. A tiny moan crept up from within her as she broke free from him.
"Um," She then tried to clear her throat and regain her posture, but her body and her tongue went numb. Paul glanced at her, hoping for more of a response than "UM".
"Well, this has been nice finally getting a chance to know you." She added feeling completely stupid and lost at her remark. She wasn't expecting him to try to kiss her! What happened to her putting him in his place, if he had tried something like that again?
"I agree, finally being able to enjoy our company and not the ill of it." He smiled, while pulling her head and neck forward with his hands, as he helped leaned her in for another kiss, more desirable to him than the first. She didn't have a chance to pull back from him, but when she did...she felt the romantic inklings only to appear quickly, and then dash away.
Her mind kept thinking about both men, who as she interested in more? She gave up the mind boggle when Molly and Archie came walking down the steps to the truck and climbed into the front seats. Paul glanced at Lili as she focused on Archie and Molly and safe conversation about the art gallery.
It was late by the time they walked back to the estate as the truck had broken down just as they reached the bridge on the lane…
"Oh no." Archie answered, unable to turn the engine over again. The truck had given out a putt, putt…sppputt… and then it stopped running.
"Well, we can always stroll in the moonlight." Molly added trying to make light of the situation with a "romantic tone".
"Just grand," Archie responded, aggravated, "Dunc fixed this thing yesterday right?"
"He did." Paul answered, trying to defend Duncan. He might not like fighting over a woman with him, but he did know about trucks and what made them run so well.
Archie reached over to the left side in the glove box for a flashlight. He found two and gave one to Paul and held onto one for himself. "Nice and a full moon too." He rolled his eyes at their luck and then climbed out of the driver side and walked over to the passenger side to help his mother get out. Lili went to get out of the truck as her hand rose for the door handle, but Paul touched her arm.
"Wait. I'll help you." He added, while vanishing from the backseat and reappearing in front of the back door of the driver side. He opened the door and extended a hand to help her out.
"Thanks." She smiled as the pair joined Molly and Archie. They all started to walk down the drive. However, as Lili was walking her high heel got caught in some gravel and she tripped forward and lost her balance. "YIKES! " She called out, while falling on her rear end with a thump. Paul tried not to laugh. "Great and these were expensive heels too!" She held up her broken high heel shoe with a pout. She then pulled off the other shoe revealing her bare feet as she sat on the ground and then pulled herself up to stand.
"Aye, you cannot walk back like this." Paul answered, before Molly agreed.
"No dear, it's not safe for your footsies." She nodded, before Archie cut in.
"So carry her then." Archie suggested annoyed at how the truck had broken down and how he missed his wife and little ones. He had worried about leaving Lexie with Duncan at first, but then his mind thought about how he looked forward to her company in their bed soon.
"Fine suggestion," Paul admitted, while bending forward to give Lili a piggyback.
"OK, but just don't, complain to me if you back aches in the morning!" She added climbing on board Paul's backside.
"Don't worry, you're a lot lighter than other things I've had the joy to carry." He replied, hiking her body upward and grabbing under her legs as her arms wrapped around his neck. "I'm actually finding this quite romantic, how 'bout you?"
"Hah, yea, rom-an-tic." She laughed and rolled her eyes, while tightening her arms around his neck more, "How about the sleeper hold?"
"The what?" He asked puzzled.
"Sorry. A wrestling move and a little piggyback humor." She smiled with delight at how she had stumped him with her American words. He then chuckled, as he suddenly liked the idea of wrestling her when they would be alone...if they were in fact ever alone again...
It was a good 30 minutes before they finally made way to the house. Molly decided she was going to spend the night at the estate in her old room, since she didn't want to disturb Andrew and his packing. She neglected to talk about his move with any of her family members. Lexie was relieved when she spotted them walking up to the main entrance.
"Look what the full moon brought in." She laughed and then instantly went to Archie. He hugged her warmly and tightly. "I missed you, Mr. MacDonald."
"I missed you, Mrs. MacDonald." Archie replied, before Lexie took a look at the raggedness that the night had brought in.
"What happened?" She asked looking at Lili's bare feet as Paul set her down off of his back.
"I fell." Lili sighed and then showed her battle scar, her broken high heel that hung off of the slipper of her shoe. She then noticed a scrape on her right shin, as it wasn't deep, but it bled lightly.
"Ah," Lexie added, "I'll get you some cold water and a cloth to help clean that up." She said, but Paul chimed in…
"Nah, Lex, I'll take care of her. Just take yer husband to bed with you, since he's been crankin' about it for the past half of an hour!"
"I have not." Archie lied, but couldn't help it as his mouth went into an upward expression.
"Where's Duncan?" Lili asked suddenly as Paul's mood darkened. He knew she was going to ask about Duncan after he told her he wasn't with Hermione.
"I sent him home." Lexie added, but she knew all about his feelings for her cousin and she could tell Lili had a small thing for him. Lexie insisted sleeping on the old-fashioned sofa would wreck havoc on his back, so she sent her old friend home and reassured him she'd be safe n' sound.
"I see." Lili's voice started to lower…Lexie took notice of her cousin's disappointment, as she recognized an inkling of love when she saw it…
"C'mon, let's tend to your wound." Paul suggested, trying to change the subject, but Lili replied…
"You look exhausted, Paul, why don't you just worry about yourself and getting up to bed and I'll tend to it on my own." She gestured lightly but firm. "OK?"
"OK." He agreed, even though he didn't want to. I guess wrestling her would have to wait for another night, he thought.
"I'll help her." Lexie agreed, while following her cousin into the kitchen.
"This isn't necessary. You should go up to bed with Archie." Lili added as the women made way into the kitchen. They were out of an earshot of all of Lexie's family or thought they were…someone was at the kitchen door…listening in…it was Molly.
"No, I am need of a favor." Lexie replied as Lili looked at her with bafflement.
"A favor? You don't have to ask me for one…" Lili answered, as her face softened and her eyes tuned in on her cousin's new request.
"You need to have a word with Dunc." Lexie blurted outspokenly.
"Oh I see. He's upset that…" Lexie then cut off Lili.
"No you don't see, Lil. You don't know at all…" Lexie's voice became firm and assertive, since she wanted her cousin to listen closely. "He likes you."
"I see. I didn't talk to him earlier like he wanted…then Paul told me Duncan wasn't with Hermione. She's quite a piece of work since she was at the show."
"Aye, she is." Lexie nodded, realizing Paul had already talked to Lili about Hermione…"Oh okay, well…"
Archie appeared at the back kitchen entrance as he had come from their bedroom to check on the twins…"Lex?" He was getting impatient about going to bed, as his night had been tough enough! All he wanted now was her warm body to snuggle to, before the twins woke them both up again for a mid-night feeding.
"Alright, I'm comin'. Night Lil. Tend to yourself, okay?" Lexie smiled, but she was defeated and exhausted…she followed Archie out of the room.
"Night, I will." She replied. After Duncan and I straighten this mess out…she thought. She was still unaware of Molly's eyes watching and her ears that had been listening in…Molly was relieved that Archie had no idea she was spying on the conversation between the cousins. She then decided to continue to peek in at Lili…before deciding to head up for bed…
Chapter Twelve…First night of togetherness… Just a little bit racy since it's PG-13. J The song quoted: Your Body is a Wonderland by: John Mayer. J
Lili had crept out of the back door of the kitchen. Moments before, she quickly used a knife and chopped off the other heel to her shoe and fixed the shoes so she could wear them out. Her footsteps were light pitter-patters on the gravel as she wandered down the path to Duncan's croft. She noticed a light on and smiled. She knew he was alone. At first she thought she was being followed and turned her body to see no one behind her. The follower had cleverly hid in the bushes nearby as jealousy loomed over...
She knocked at the door and hoped that he was really truly by himself. "Uhh, hi…" She heard as the door opened and his eyes lit up at the sight of her.
"Is it too late for that chat?" She asked, hoping he'd let her in…she wanted to just get the whole talk over with…for her own peace of mind.
"Ouck, um, hold on…" He shut the door in her face accidentally, as she heard him shout to himself, "YEA!" before opening it again. "Hi ya," as he rested his arm on the door frame trying to be seductive, "C'mon in…"
"OK, I see you're trying to do a Rico Suave move, just stop it, alright?" She laughed, as she saw right through him...
"Rico who?" He looked at her puzzled, wondering if his charm was still working on her.
"Never-mind." She shook her head, not in the mood to stump Duncan with her American comments…She walked past him.
"Look, about earlier in the day…I…" Duncan started to explain, while closing the door to his home, but Lili walked forward and openly, lovingly drew him in for a long awaited kiss. She went to draw away and he pulled her in again, and this time their lips parted and tongues lightly entwined.
"I know all about it, Duncan." She said in response and relieved, because she wasn't crazy that he did like her...the decision that had been battled out in her mind, was then put to a rest!
"'Bout?" He pulled away, to scan her face for an answer.
"About Hermione," She explained, but Duncan didn't let her finish…he assumed Lexie said something to make her want to talk to him again and he decided he'd praise her later. He embraced her once again and wanted to pull her in for one more lip-lock. He had no idea his betting partner had said something about him not being with Killwillie's niece!
"You're pretty." He smiled, as he was happy to see her still wearing that dress and her hair was still pulled back from her face. "I mean you look---"
"Thanks. I know." She laughed at how conceited her answer sounded. He didn't seem to care that she doubted herself. He instead reached out for her hand and pulled her into another room of his cottage as they walked down a hallway hand in hand. She smiled, as she looked at the books that lined the walls in the small but quaint bedroom. It was like he was showing her a new world, one of just fairytales, history, nature and animals, heritage, traveling, and of course, then mysteries. He stared at her as she read the titles of the books in her mind. "We both have a need to read."
"Aye, I've read each copy at least twice…there are some books on that shelf that I have yet to look at." He added with a laugh. "I do play pc games…but my computer was destroyed in the explosion. While I save for my new one, I'm readin' me books! That and my crazy love for comics…"
"Perhaps, we'll get to them together one day? You know, reading loves company. Funny, had I known you love computer games, I would have brought the laptop with me again!" She suggested and laughed, as her reading gesture caught him off guard. He had never dated a woman interested in reading, let alone with him. The bigger plus was she didn't care that he had an addiction for computer games! She looked at him in his tee shirt and a pair of jogger's sweats. She hadn't seen him out of the "kilt" since she had arrived days ago. "You're not…"
"Nah, I normally go out for a jog on the trails, but tonight t'was different since I helped Lex watch the twins. I hardly ever wear wool to bed, as it's too itchy and scratchy. Speaking of scratches…" he saw her shin and wondered what had happened.
"Oh, I fell down, clumsy me, since we were walking in the dark. The truck broke down by the way and we had to walk from the bridge. Anyway, I broke my heel when I fell and then I decided I needed to walk evenly down here so I broke the other heel using one of Marina's butcher's knives. I didn't want to have to go up to my room for my sneakers." She laughed, while taking off the shoes and showing him the soles.
"Inventive, me like." He grinned wide, laughing at the state of her shoes.
"You think? I figured I'd go bike riding in them next. You know, fashionable biking attire!" She laughed, but then the silence kicked in like earlier in the day as they had lain lengthwise on his sofa and hardly touching their noontime meal.
Duncan decided to leave the room after instructing and pulling her down to sit on the bed, "Sit here…don't go anywhere!" He came back with an aloe plant tip and a bandage. He squeezed the green leaf and white lotion appeared as his finger wiped the lotion off before he pulled up her leg and steadied it on his lap. His fingers circled onto the scrape, as the lotion smoothed over it and she could feel the coolness. He then gently blew out air over the scrape from his lips.
She gave out small giggle. "That tickles."
"Aye, well. Aloe's good for the healing flesh, that and a Scot's folks wooing. You know, bitin' and scratchin'?" He answered husky and then placed the bandage on her shin. She laughed at the idea of biting and scratching him, just to get more of his attention.
He returned with a laugh, before asking, "How'd da show go?" He placed the aloe tip on a bedside table near him. He didn't release her leg, but allowed her to rest it upward on his lap, as he stared up into her eyes.
"Fine. Molly is incredible. Her artwork is fantastic. She sold so many paintings too. Andrew did a great job helping her out." Lili explained as he could tell she enjoyed herself at the show. He didn't want to bring up Paul, but she did.
…You got this room for two.
One thing I'd love to do,
Discover me discovering you.
"Paul and I got along okay." She spoke out, but she could sense the uneasiness. "I just don't see myself with him. He's more of a friend and I need those since I still have my divorce to see to..."
"Understand." He nodded slowly. He loved her being herself, as it relieved him knowing she wasn't interested in Paul as much as he was in her. But still he had to take caution with her, as she did mention her divorce. "You need to make yourself happy, Lil."
One mile to every inch of
Your skin like porcelain.
One pair of candy lips,
And your bubble gum tongue.
"Yes, I do. If it sounds silly, right now I am." She smiled genuinely and he took her smile as a for sure sign to dart in for another slow, heartwarming, butterflies in the tummy lip lock.
"Ye're happy here?" He asked, as his eyes viewed her face closely and her freckles that had seemed to speckle her nose from the summer sun…
"Yes, I am. I've only been here for a couple days…I guess you'll tell me, I'll get tired of it…right?" She asked.
"Oh no, I love it. I've been here since Lexie started as a cook years ago. I can't picture any place I'd rather be…except Glasgow. I miss my parents from time to time…but not the city, really…"
She smiled again and he smiled back at her…He leaned into her…
'Cause if you want love,
We'll make it.
Swim in a deep sea of blankets,
Take all of your big plans,
And break 'em.
This is bound to be awhile…
Your Body is Wonderland…
Your body is a wonder I lose my hands.
Your Body is a Wonderland…
His arms went to embrace her again as her leg that had been lifted upward returned to the floor. The two bodies reclined down onto the bed. Her hands found the hem to his shirt and tugged upward, and exposing his bare chest as her chin tipped upward to receive his kiss… he lowered his lips down to hers again.
They tumbled with him on top, then her and then him until she was on top once again. Passionate kisses, darting eyes, fireworks shooting off around them… He sweetly found the zipper to her dress at the top and slowly zippered it down with his curiously wandering fingertips, with their lips still fused together and creating a personal heat between their souls. He smiled as he helped slip her out of the black fabric, by pulling the straps on her shoulders down and exposing her lace undergarments.
Sumthin' about the way,
The hair falls in your face
I love the shape you take
When crawling towards the pillow case
You tell me where to go
Though I might lead to find it
I'll never let your head hit the bed,
Without my hand behind it.
If you want love,
We'll make it.
Swim in a deep sea of blankets,
Take all of your big plans,
And break 'em.
This is bound to be awhile…
Your Body is a Wonderland…
Your body is a wonder I lose my hands.
Your Body is a Wonderland…
"Um…" She giggled, noticing how carried away they were getting. She was comfortable being with him, regardless if they were destined to be together tonight or not. She laughed at the baffled look on his face…both of them half naked, tumbling around without a care…
"What's wrong? This isn't such a great idea is it? I like you…" He blurted out, only to make her want him more. He relaxed after being kissed by her again!
Damn baby.
You frustrate me.
I know you're mine.
All mine, all mine.
But you look so good
It hurts sometimes…
"I like you too but…" She added, then getting self-conscious at her response…she was wondering what the repercussions where going to be the next day. They just barely met and hardly know each other…would he walk in a different direction like all the men she's dealt with before on dates and not one night stands. She only had one one-night stand and it was a disaster…she was under the impression the guy had liked her…but he was playing her instead. She also didn't want to cause any problems and upset people if they got together…
"Stop, Aye?" He asked, wanting the answer to be no, but they could save the venture for a better night. They both decided against stopping as she had swooped in to rest her lips on his once again.
"No, I meant I'd like to…" She replied with a smile as her hands then wandered down to the waistline of his jogging pants…he helped her slip them the rest of the way down his body length.
"Let's get under the covers…" He added with a smile as he lifted her body upwards and pulled the blankets down. She helped him pull the covers up to their necks and once they were in bed, he asked... "Lil?"
"Yes?" She answered, as she still thought about the consequences of being together…
"I don't think we should say anything about this to Lex. I can see her flippin' out at me…I mean she knows I like you but I don't think she should know…you know…within two days." He started to suggest as she tuned her body to face him.
"I got it. I was going to talk about that actually. Paul really likes me and I'm afraid if I said something to him…" Duncan darted forward to kiss her…he wasn't going to let Paul ruin their loving mood. She backed away. "This is serious here, Dunc. I don't want to upset him, but I know I am going to have to tell him. I just think we should watch what we do around each other, until I get the nerve to say it. I will. Don't think I'm not going to say something to him…" She trailed on and on…He liked her even more when she rambled!
"I agree." He nodded, before a concerned look came over his face. His concern was about two things: the bet had made with Paul and how he's going to react to them being together and also if they were actually together... "Long as I'm notta one nighta."
She let out a smile…"I don't think so...Now what gave you that idea?" As relief came over her…since they had been worrying about the same things! She drew him in for a light lip lock before rolling over onto her side as he had managed to spoon himself to her hind side. They lay still wrapped up into each other's arms, craving the feel of their skin. As it wasn't long until they were so cuddled together that their naked beings relaxed, and drifted off into a deep sleep.
Your Body is a Wonderland…
Your body is a wonder I lose my hands.
Your Body is a Wonderland…
Your Body is a Wonderland…
I'm never speakin' up again
Now there's no reason
I've got the kind of love in my hands,
To last all seasons and seasons…
In the next morning, Golly had called out, "Duncan!" Lili was sleeping as she had a trapped Duncan's arm under her body. He checked the clock and then mumbled, "Crap! Late!!" He tried to move his arm from under her. He tapped her shoulder, but she didn't budge until he tugged his arm again…she moaned and then rolled off of him. He heard Golly now hollering again for him on his front stoop.
"Dunc! Ye're late getting' the day going here…"
Relieved to be free, he picked up his boxers and pulled them on from the pile of clothing that was scattered around the room. He then heard Golly again only he was in his kitchen! "Gol! I'll be right there!" He yelled as he searched for his shirt, kilt, and then his boots…putting them all on very quickly. He had to head Golly off at the pass, as he couldn't find Lili sleeping in his bed! He walked out of the room…unaware that the foot of his boot was caught on a piece of cloth that tailed out with him!
Golly stood there with his arms folded on his chest. "Are ya daft? It's almost noon and the wolves need to be fed!" Golly shouted before looking down at Duncan's boot. His eyes wandered to the black lace bra attached to it. Duncan blushed right away and pulled it off his boot and stuck it behind his back. He gulped. Funny how his relative always caught on to things that Duncan was up to…at the most awkward of times…then again everything with Duncan…in Golly's view was awkward or just stupid.
"I see, why ye're starvin' the wolves!" Golly then lifted his eyes…"Ye're still not alone?" He could tell by Duncan's manner, as he was keeping something from him.
Duncan gulped very nervously, "Um, no, not exactly…I mean yes. Aye, yes…"
Golly stood there for a yes or no answer…"Which one is it, Laddy?"
"OK, um, Lili is here…" He admitted and lowered his head, only to raise it again to look at Golly.
"Yankee?" He voice rose, like his friend was nuts! "Lex finds out what you two have been doin'---!"
"Aye…Shhhh, keep yer voice down." Duncan nodded, putting a finger to his lips. He wasn't going to tell Golly everything, especially not the bet he had with Paul. "I'm not supposed to tell anyone our "wee" secret. We both agreed to keep it quiet since Paul has a thing for her and she's going to tell him about us. Lexie already knows I'm sweet on Lil and she fer I…she just doesn't know…YOU KNOW…"
"I heard Yanks act fast, but not---" Golly cut himself off… Duncan's eyes narrowed to glare at him. He knew she wasn't THAT WAY--she didn't just pick anyone to fall into bed with, as the old man immediately shut right up!
"Sorry, son. I didn't mean it to sound like that." Golly shook his head with a reply.
"Tis okay. See ya outside." Duncan added and Golly nodded, walking out the door. He then let out a breath of relief. Before running back into his bedroom with the bra in his hands, he dropped it on the pile of Lili's clothes and was about to walk out when…
"Who was that?" Lili asked groggily, while sitting up. She had a sheet wrapped around her chest and looked at him…" What time is it?" She glanced at the clock. "Oh st! I was supposed to meet Paul at the office twenty minutes ago!"
"It's no one. Just tell Paul you over slept and blame it on the time difference or something. Here borrow my running pants and tee shirt…" He tossed clothing at her, in hopes no one would know that she was coming from his croft. "Just leave your dress here or what not…Paul won't know ya were here, if he sees ya in something different than yer dress. I'll see you later…" He ran from the room and then back again. He hopped onto the bed, crawled up to her sitting form, leaned in and gave her a couple lip brushes before running out of the room again. "Bye…"
"Bye." She laughed, after he swooped in for one last final kiss, and at his bumbling as he tripped over his feet and ran out of the room…she was still attracted to him even on the morning after!
Chapter Thirteen…Tuesday…
About three days went by, and Lili was returning from the office, when she noticed Golly talking to a brown haired man. He turned, as she recognized his familiar face…she was stunned and then her annoyance became apparent when she walked herself and the bicycle that Duncan had loaned her, up to him. She then hit the kickstand with her right foot and stood up the bike. She was stunned that he was here…
"Danny?"
"Surprise! Sweetheart, I'm here to see you." He explained trying not to further startle her, even though he acted nervous, and to Lili, completely insane! The soon ex-couple had no inkling that they were about to put on a show for the habitants of the Glenbogle Estate. Molly and Lexie (with the twins) were walking from the main garden, when they noticed Lili venturing over to the young gentleman. Molly pulled Lexie into the bushes as they spied on the exchange.
"I hate your surprises and don't call me sweetheart." Lili replied, as her eyes narrowed at him. "I see you have the paperwork, so you've agreed to sign them. There was no need to come here as the lawyer---"
"I want to be with you. " He blurted out, which made Lili uneasy. She didn't like the confrontation in front of Golly. As Paul and Duncan came out of the house, hearing his bold "I want you back" statement as well. The three men were ready and willing to defend her honor. She didn't glance back at the men. She just stood there staring at Danny wanting a reason of why he was here.
"Oh really? I seem to remember correctly you…" Her anger started to bubble more with her response.
"It's past history, Lil, I came here to take you home where you belong." He added, as his eyes were focused on her.
"Oh, I see. I decide to move on with my life and suddenly you can't handle it? I'm across the Atlantic, Danny…doesn't that clue you in on how I'm feeling? You were in bed with my best friend, or have you forgotten that little fact before tried to track me down?" Her anger then boiled over, she was frustrated that he was still trying to tell her what to do…
"I didn't track you down, as your father told me…"
"Leave my father out of this! Are the papers signed?" She shouted, as she glared at him…he tried to act like nothing was wrong with him being there!
"No, I didn't sign them. Lil, I meant what I said…I miss you." He answered, before shortening the distance between the both of them. Only to make her feel worse, but she stood her ground. She wasn't going to let him bully her or play with her head anymore or less.
Meanwhile, Lexie was getting edgy at Molly telling her to stay put. She wanted to give that man the what for after hurting her cousin so much. They over heard her yelling at him about the divorce papers and she simply assumed he was in fact Lili's soon ex-husband. "I should go over there and tell him to leave the land. I wish Arch were here. "
Archie had gone off to town since he figured Duncan would fix the truck once he bought the new parts for it. The water pump and fuse had given away at the same time and that's why the truck shut down automatically days ago.
"No, just let her fight her own battle. It looks like Paul, Duncan and Golly are there incase she needs them. This is better than The Eastenders!" Molly exclaimed only for Lexie to Shhhh! her. She was comparing the scene in the driveway to a TV drama. The twins were fast asleep in two sling carriers off of Lexie's arms, and had no idea about the chaos going on, as they peacefully dozed away, enjoying the warmth, and closeness of their mother.
"What is she doing?" Lexie cried, as she watched Lili take Golly's rifle and her eyes grew wide with concern.
"Can I borrow this for a moment?" Lili asked Golly, as he raised the handle of the rifle to hand it to her. He didn't even say a word, as he just acknowledged her with a simple "yes" nod of the head! Duncan and Paul were on edge when she raised the gun, pointing the hunting rifle at her soon ex-husband.
"Liliana, what are you doing?" Danny said shocked, as she wasn't surely planning on shooting him! Granted, he knew she wanted the marriage to end, but to take his life too?
"Ah, Lil…" Duncan spoke with more concern, but Golly raised a hand to silence him. Paul quietly observed, knowing a woman of her wits, wouldn't hurt a fly, or could she?
"I want the papers signed and now. We're not dealing with lawyers here. Instead, we're going to end this my way. If you don't agree then…" She lifted the rifle, making Paul shout out.
"Lil! Don't---"
But it was too late she shot off the rifle and the bullet zipped inches past Danny's head and aimed for her target, a green apple that sat on the roof of the temporarily "out of order" truck a good 30 yards away. The apple, which had been Duncan's snack, since he was trying to tear the vehicle apart looking for the cause of why it stopped running, was then blown to bits. She stared at Danny ruefully as he understood she either meant business or had lost her foolish mind!
"Are you crazy? Liliana? Are you trying to kill me? Why? You really want me to sign these?" He yelled, as she then pointed the rifle on him again. "Alright, fine. I'm signing them. I don't think you should be so willing to forget about us though! Take the gun off of me! I'm leaving, okay? This is the biggest mistake of your life and you know it, Liliana." He crooned, and took a pen out of his shirt pocket. He opened the folder, signing all of the X's, crossing the T's and dotting all of I's.
"The biggest mistake of my life was marrying you. Now hand over the papers." She argued, and grabbed the folder with her free hand while she still focused the weapon on him. "Thank-you!"
"No, thank-you! You miserable woman!" He then announced to the audience,
"Good luck with her here! She's a fing lunatic!" He cursed her again while turning his attention to the men standing behind her, who were watching the whole awful scene. But he wasn't looking where he was going and tripped over his own two feet. He pulled himself up in rage, opened the door to his hire car and slammed it shut before turning on the engine. He then drove off in a huff down the lane.
Lili watched her ex-husband sped away before she handed the gun back to Golly, as Lexie and Molly then approached the on looking group. She didn't even say one word to the concerned women, or the baffled men. She just pushed past them and entered the house with the folder clutched in her hands. "Forgot how great of a shot she has." Lexie stated, while the men stared at her.
"She's got great aim, that darling girl!" Molly exclaimed, as she was thoroughly excited at how Lili took charge of the predicament.
"Aye, lass, I agree." Golly nodded, lifting his brows in agreement, but he took it upon himself to follow Lili inside and leaving Duncan and Paul staring at each other with disbelief.
"Wait, she's---?" Paul asked, curiously, unsure if he should be thrilled that she can shoot well, or plain scared!
"Her father taught us both, the one summer I was there, how to fire off!" Lexie laughed, remembering the event so vivid and fondly.
Duncan followed Golly into the house, up the stairs, as he knew they had run off to the office…his worry started to grow about Lili's well being…
Lili ran upstairs and into the Estate office. She was thankful that Archie allowed the house to buy a fax machine. She quickly punched in the numbers of the keypad and scanned the legal documents before sending them onto her lawyer. Within the moments she would be legally divorced and a wave to relief swept over her. As tears started to form in her eyes and she couldn't stop crying, she sat down in a chair.
Golly heard her from outside of the door. He then entered the room as Lili's hands wiped her tears away. She was frustrated and also equally embarrassed for causing such a commotion outside. She turned her head and tried to force a smile.
"Lass," Golly answered.
"Hi, Look I didn't mean to scare anyone…"
"Hush, we're proud of you fer standing yer ground."
"Really?" She asked, as his statement set in on her mind. "Thank-you, I think."
"Be what ye seem, an' seem what ye are. " He replied with a smile. "Keep in mind, Yankee, you did what you could to ensure yer future, even if ya dun no what it might be."
"Golly, do you always seem to have the right answers for the right times?"
"No," He answered, thinking about his daughter in the back of his mind. "I have a daughter, who I now know. She's young, but resides in Glasgow. The day she showed up here, I had no words for her, as I was dealing with her Ma as well. We didn't exactly hit it off so well either…"
"I see."
"Aye, what cannot be helped must be put up with…I'm learning how. My suggestion to you is to do the same. Get past your turmoil, but don't lose yer self in it. The worst maybe handled when it is known, now you know what it is, so handle it with care. It's something I can picture ya doing, Yankee." Golly nodded his head to her before strolling out of the office.
Lili tried to break down all of the words of Golly's wisdom, as she was lost in her thoughts before the fax machine turned on and printed out a long paper. It was her lawyer's office confirming that they rec'd the paperwork and it would be processed that day. There was a quick knock on the door and Duncan walked in…
"Lil?" He asked…he wanted to scoop her up in his arms as she was reading the fax. Instead he came up behind her…
"Yes?" She turned to face him as she stood up from her chair. "Sorry…"
"Nah, however, too bad ye won't be here in the Autumn as ye should definitely join Golly's gaming parties! Me imagine ye could kill quite a few stags with that shot that ye have! " He chanted trying to get a smile out of her and it did work for a moment. Tears welled up in her eyes and she turned away… "Don't be sad…"
"I'm not crying for being sad, Dunc, I'm relieved." She smiled through her tears. He then decided to embrace her as she replied… "It's over with, that jerk's history."
He laughed, "Good thing, I want ye by me side tonight…" He winked and hinted to her. It had been since Saturday that she had stayed with him.
"I'll have to think about it." She teased with a smile as she watched his face drop in protest!
"Think 'bout it?" He groaned, before his eyes caught the glimpse of her play fullness on her face…he then felt powerful and figured the best way to persuade her to spend the night, was to kiss her…it had been a full day since they had shown each other affection! And his mind was doing loop-de-loops, as hers was too! He had spent the past two nights tossing and turning. When he fought nodding off, he went through his bookshelves in his bedroom, trying to find a book he could read with her! He leaned in…they were about to pucker up and then the office door opened! Lili released herself from Duncan's arms and he backed away from her immediately, just before they saw Paul walk in!
"Are you alright?" He asked her and ignored Duncan. He just assumed they were chatting about the whole incident.
"Yes, Paul. I think I'll live." She laughed. "I had to fax the lawyer that's why I left like I did. The papers will be processed within the day and that's it. It's said and done."
"Good to hear…Arch is back so it's time for you to fix the truck." He suggested to Duncan, as he was going to find away to be alone with her, without Airhead being around to ruin it.
"Aye, right. Truck." Duncan nodded, but his head turned to her…his eyes were begging for answer to his question earlier…
"Paul, can you give us a second?" She asked, while Paul stood there…Duncan's heart soared…
"Um, I guess." He shrugged and walked out of the office. Why Airhead what do you have to say to her? He stood out in the hall as he had shut door…he wanted to listen in…but he didn't. Airhead has no hold on her, why should I stoop that low? He thought…
"A second?" Duncan asked, before moving closer to her.
"Do you want an answer?" She asked, "Because if not, then I can let Paul back in here…I could have---" He cut her off in a intense but firm kiss, letting her know exactly how much he appreciated her asking Paul to leave…
"Aye, stay with me, Lil…after it gets dark…sneak down to me place again?" He begged between innocent lip brushes to her lips.
She finally pulled away…"Yes."
Duncan's face beamed as he opened the door and pushed past Paul. His rival was completely confused…but he entered the office again. She was smiling brightly…but then it faded as she noticed Paul was grinning back at her.
"Sorry. You just seem quite cheery all the sudden, I assume I have something to do with it?" He asked arrogantly. He was going to probe and not lightly…he was now wondering what Duncan was up to…
"It's okay. Dunc just told me a joke that's all." She replied, trying to let him know she wasn't cheery because of him!
"What was it? I don't mind having a laugh too?" He asked…he walked closer to her but she quickly backed away.
" Just a joke about a lawyer with a shot gun. " She replied again. She was going to have to say something to Paul about her being with Duncan…she just wasn't sure of how or when.