Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“It’s comforting for me to be near you too.” More so with each minute that passed. Gently, he turned one of her hands over, picked up the shampoo bottle and squeezed a dollop of apple scented shampoo into her palm. “This is shampoo, what we use to clean our hair.”


“It smells delicious.” With one finger, she swirled through the creamy colored mix then cupped the back of his head, drew him closer and buried her nose in his black locks. “Mmm, whenever I eat an apple, I shall now think about you and this very moment.” She rubbed the shampoo in her hands and grinned as the mix bubbled up. “Show me how to shower.”

This he couldn’t wait for, to see her surprise at the sight of running water streaming from the shower head. With the nozzle unhooked from the slide rail, he flicked the lever on then with his hand under the spray, waited for it to hit just the right heat—nice and warm and not too hot.

“That is so fascinating.” Julia scraped her chair closer and grasped his hand being hit by the spray. “’Tis like a waterfall of water, a heated waterfall.”

“There are metal pipes that bring this water right through these walls into this very bathroom. When one turns the lever on, water flows, or when the lever is turned off, the water halts.” He passed her the shower head. “You’re to control where the water goes.”

She turned the nozzle on herself and the spray hit her front and flattened the thin cloth to her body. Lifting it over her head, she laughed as water sluiced through her locks and down to her feet tucked under the chair. Her big blue eyes met his, the twinkle within making him catch his breath. Comforting didn’t even begin to describe how he currently felt around her. Inspired, thrilled, at peace and bursting with happiness, did.

“Here, let me help you.” He picked up the shampoo and squirted more into his palm since she’d washed what he’d given her away. From behind her, he gently worked the bubbles through her wet hair, the silky strands sliding so sensuously through his fingers.

“I feel like I’m in heaven. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of me.” She tipped her head back farther and sighed with delight.

Transfixed, he couldn’t take his gaze from her. Tiny dimples either side of her lush lips begged for his touch and her sheer exuberance warmed the inside of his heart.

She waved the shower head up and down her body until the wet cloth was plastered against each and every inch of her. Slim legs and shapely calves, soft hips and the roundness of her full breasts. Hell, even a heavenly tease of her pink nipples showed. His mouth watered and his bear fairly purred for more. Never had the sight of a woman ever caused such a staggering need to rear to glaring life within him, not once, not ever.

He took the shower head from her and rinsed the bubbles away.

Was it possible the Fae Angel of Love had brought his chosen one right to his doorstep? Never had he imagined meeting his mate like this. He mulled the thought over, although not for long. Everything about Julia captured and enticed him. There was only one woman for him, his soul bound mate and it was her. Of that he was certain.

His chosen one sat right before him, and his soul lifted and rejoiced.



Warm water streamed through Julia’s hair and with it eased the thumping in her head, or mayhap that was from the pills Tavish had given her. No matter which it had been, she’d never felt so relaxed and alive as she had in this moment. For so long she’d grieved for her parents, but this trip here into the future had relieved a little of the terrible burden she always carried.

Tavish leaned in behind her, touched his cheek to her cheek and whispered, “You’re all done.”

“Thank you.” She reached back with one hand and cupped his stubbly jaw. Being near him soothed her, in a way she’d never experienced around a man before, and the red edging his pure white aura shimmered even brighter. So too the gentle purr emanating from him rose to a wickedly low rumble. She swiveled around on her chair, rested one hand on the metal back and used it to keep her balance as she stood. Goodness. Her shift was plastered to her. She plucked it away from her chest, swiped a drying cloth from the rail and wrapped it around her. Such fluffy white cotton. Never had she wrapped herself in such a decadent cloth before. She rubbed her cheek against it. Tiny loops had been woven into the weave that thickened the cloth and made it lusher. “What is this called?”

“A towel.” His shifter eyes blazed with smoldering heat as he gazed at her. “Feeling warmer?”

“Very.” Heat flushed through her and she swayed.

“Hold onto me if you feel faint.”

“I cannae halt this dizziness.” Leaning against him, she nestled her cheek against his chest, his white shirt damp and clinging to his skin from the shower water she must have accidentally sprayed him with. “I wouldnae mind that bed to rest in now.”