Sunrise came too soon. Cailyn took a deep breath and turned to her side. She opened her eyes and she found herself still in Jamie's bed, only this time alone. Her heart lurched and she leaped from the bed to where her clothes were now folded neatly on a chair. She threw clothes on and went straight to her room across the hall.

Just as she went to pick up the leather bag that held Victoria's note, a knock sounded at the door.

"Cailyn, are you awake?" Dugan asked; his words tight.

"Come in, Cousin," Cailyn called over her shoulder. Her hand inside the bag, she took out Victoria's note.

The door swung open and Dugan stepped through. "Why'd you take so long to rise today? This is my second time coming to knock."

"I didn't hear you," Victoria lied. "Strange, since I never sleep so deeply, don't you think?" She cocked her head to the side, studying her handsome cousin, who narrowed his eyes.

"The others want to know if we depart today."

"Yes, but I must speak to Captain Westcott first. Have you seen him as yet?"

"Aye, he came downstairs to break his fast, and then went out. I followed him. He met with his men, most of who went out on a dingy to the ship. He managed to slip away from us and we haven't seen him since."

Why would Jamie go about his day and not demand Victoria's note? He must actually trust her to wait and deliver it to him.

"I must see him and deliver this note." Victoria slapped the parchment against her hip. "I suppose I must find him then.

"If you'd been up when I came to find you earlier, perhaps you could have done so. I don't care for the man. Let's hope he joins his men and sails off."

Dugan went to the window as if to see if the ships were indeed sailing off. He made her chuckle. "Yes well, you'll maintain from angering him, we don't want war Dugan, not now so soon after it ending."

Her cousin only grunted in reply.

"We'll wait for him to exit before leaving then," she told him, and sat on the bed. "Dugan, can I ask you something personal?" She waited for his amber eyes to meet hers.

"I suppose," he looked to the door as if he'd rather escape than listen to what she'd ask.

"Do men ever fall in love with a woman who gives herself freely, without regard for propriety?"

He frowned and shifted his eyes back to the window, past her, and then to the doorway. "I don't know, I suppose it depends on the nature of the situation," Dugan replied, swallowing visibly. His eyes widened, and he took a step back when she stood. "You should ask someone else. I am not sure why you're asking me." He held his hands up as if to defend himself.

Realization dawned, and Cailyn let out a loud laugh. "Oh goodness, Dugan, I am not referring to you and me that one time…we were young idiots." She left off and began to laugh again. "I'm sorry, just something I considered last night."

He visibly relaxed. "Right, well then, I will go and tell the others we shall wait for the captain to exit." He dashed from the room and Cailyn followed in his tracks. "So you don't love me then, Dugan?" She teased and giggled when he scowled up at her.

"Don't you have things to do? Your hair is a tangled mess, cousin," Dugan replied and rushed down the stairs.

Cailyn reached up to touch the locks, which were as Dugan described. A memory of a very nude Captain Westcott, ensuring she earned every one of the tangles made her hesitate. She hurried to change and wash up.

Two hours later, Jamie entered the inn. His hair was windblown, his cheeks reddened by cold wind. Her heart jumped at the sight of him.

Dressed for riding, he scanned the room until he found her. A brow cocked, but other than that, he remained aloof.

"I'll ask him to come over," Dugan grumbled, and stood.

Cailyn noticed that both men were about the same height. Dugan was broader and bulkier than the lean muscular Jamie. The men spoke and Jamie's eyes flicked over to her. He then followed Dugan to the table.

"Miss McDougall," Jamie bowed at the waist, his eyes locked to hers.

She was aware that everyone in the inn had stopped talking and now watched them. Cailyn waved to a chair. "Please, Captain Westcott won’t you join us."

Dugan scowled not looking at either her or the captain.

Cailyn slid the parchment across the table toward Jamie. "This is a missive from Victoria; she asks you give your reply to me."

Jamie reached for the parchment and tore it open. Victoria's flourished handwriting reassured him. As Cailyn had told him the night before, his sister did indeed request Jamie put off coming for her. Victoria informed him she'd come to him instead, once Conor McDougall returned from battle. She then went on to inform him she was no longer a maiden, and therefore not under his control.

It was signed "Torrie", his nickname for her, which reinforced Victoria was not in distress at all.

Jamie let out a breath and looked up at Cailyn. At meeting her beautiful eyes, his first thought was to grab her and throw her atop the table and feast upon her. It shocked him how much he wanted to take this vixen back to his ship and sail away, spending endless days and nights with her.

"Tell my sister I will await her. But I will only remain for three days. At that point, I will come for her."

"I will tell her." Cailyn looked to her brawny companion. "Cousin, tell the men we leave as soon as I collect my things. Please get the horses." She stood, as did the captain and her cousin, who then strode to the door.

"Will you return with her?" Jamie wasn't sure why he asked. Obviously she had no plans to see him again.

She slid a look to the stairs. "Meet me upstairs in my room." She left the table and walked to the stairs.

He waited enough time to not rouse suspicions, and then went up the stairs to find Cailyn in her chamber, placing items in her bag.

Not sure of her reaction if he went to touch her, Jamie remained just inside the doorway. Relief flooded him when she came to him and leaned into his chest. His arms around her, he nuzzled her hair inhaling the sweet perfume.

She looked up at him. "I'd hoped for a farewell kiss."

Their mouths met with an ardent kiss that drew him in. He'd not had enough of this woman, needed more.

When they finally pulled apart, her eyes were bright. "I will do my best to accompany Victoria when she comes to meet with you."

"Come back to me," Jamie told her, and pressed his lips upon hers again.

"Cailyn!" Dugan's voice at the doorway, just behind Jamie, jerked them apart. He stared at them, mouth agape.

"Let's go!" Cailyn flew toward her cousin and grabbed his arm with both hands. "Come on, Dugan." She dragged the man away, whose face had colored to a dark shade of red, and fists curled.

Jamie braced for the first hit, which he'd allow.

For some strange reason the man allowed Cailyn to usher him away. She turned one last time to Jamie.

"I'll return to you, Captain."

"Are you mad?" her companion asked as they left.