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the weather.
    “How do I ken ye willna lock me in my room once I get there?” I narrowed my eyes.
    Ioan grinned and took a slow and purposeful step forward. “Ach, lass, if I locked ye in yer room, ye wouldna be wantin’ to leave.” He winked at me and I blushed at his implication. Though I was certainly attracted to Ioan, I was equally annoyed with him.
    “Ye’ve lost yer senses, but I knew that already. Are we ta go or what — or are ye goin’ to sit there dreamin’ o’ me all afternoon?” I retorted, arching an eyebrow.
    “Ach, lass, my dreams are far better than the likes of ye.” Ioan responded lazily and leaned against the stone fence.
    “Then I don’t think ye’ll be lockin’ me in my room, eh?” I grinned.
    “I willna lock ye in yer room, for pity’s sake. Where do ye get these ideas in yer head, Elle? Ye need to be more of a lady.”
    “You are the one that said—”
    “Ach, lass, I implied. You took it from there. I’ll meet ye in the kitchen in about a quarter hour.”
    He turned and left, whistling a merry tune as if he hadn’t a care in the world. I fumed, angry at his implication and more so, that he had bested me.
    Two can play that game , Ioan .
    ****
    True to his word, Ioan was waiting for me in about fifteen minutes. Though I had only seen him in the belted plaid, I still struggled to keep my eyes from staring at his bare legs and tall socks. He looked every bit the highland warrior and my annoyance melted against the heat of my attraction. And then he opened his mouth.
    “I’ve been getting grey here waiting. Did ye try on all yer clothes tryin’ to impress me?” He tisked with his tongue and shook his head. “‘Twill never work. ‘Tis best if ye ken now no’ ta fall for me charm and braw body.” He tossed me a charming grin and strode over to where I waited, silently fuming.
    “Actually, it just took me a moment to stomach the fact that I had ta spend the afternoon in the company o’ the likes o’ you.” I spoke through clenched teeth.
    “Ach, Elle, donna pretend ‘tis no’ true. Lyin’s a sin, ye ken.” Ioan lips twitched in a half grin.
    “I could say the same ta you.”
    He chuckled and walked to the door.
    “Are ye comin’ or are ye goin’ ta sit there with yer mouth open catchin’ flies?”
    With a deep breath I followed him out the door. If I made it through the afternoon without strangling him, it would be a miracle.
    We walked to a stone stable and he led me to a brown horse. There were only three in the stable.
    “Where are the other horses?”
    “Other horses?” Ioan glanced at me as he patted one gelding’s rump while walking behind it.
    “Aye, certainly there are more—”
    Ioan’s laugh interrupted me.
    “Are ye sure ye didn’t hit yer head as well as catch that fever? More horses? Donna ye ken how blessed we are ta have three? Many donna have even one!”
    He shook his head and began leading the horse outside. “Dag is yer mount. He’s a gentle one. Come here and I’ll give ye a lift.”
    I eyed the beast dubiously. Surely I knew how to ride? Ioan gave me a long-suffering sigh, and I straightened my shoulders and strode over to the horse. With little effort, Ioan hoisted me onto the saddle. Automatically I straddled the horse but it felt wrong. Though my position was secure, it seemed like my legs should be together. Ioan’s lips twisted in a wry grin.
    “Donna tell me ye now use the sidesaddle? Elle, what happened? I leave fer a few years and come back ta ye thinkin’ ye’re a lady.”
    “I am a lady.” I shot back.
    He just grinned and went to his mount.
    Ioan led us onto a road that wound around a glen and through lush forests. The damp air was chilly, so I pulled up my plaid tighter around my shoulders. The rhythm of the horse’s pace was relaxing and though nothing I beheld was familiar, I was at peace. That Ioan was astoundingly quiet added to that sense of well-being. I wished I remembered our history. Had we always