“Crazy woman.” Caleb jerked her inside, slammed the stable door shut, and locked it. “What are you doing running around in the storm? What good does it do for me to tell MacDuff to get you more protection when you decide to stroll around here in the middle of the night.”

“Shut up.” She tossed her leather jacket aside and went into his arms. “You were here. I knew you were here. I could feel you. And I’m not crazy. I could see the shadows.”

“And that’s not crazy?”

“Of course not. I only had to catch a glimpse of you as you entered the stable. I know that smooth gait, the way your body moves. Are you telling me that you wouldn’t be able to do the same?”

“I might have trouble with shadows.”

“Liar. You opened the door and were waiting for me.”

“I was trying not to.” His arms closed around her, and he buried his lips in her throat. “I wanted to be cool and collected so that I could tell you what an idiot you are.” His voice was thick. “And impress you that you shouldn’t do this ever again. And then I saw those damn bare feet splashing across the courtyard.” He picked her up and carried her to a vacant stall near the back of the stables. “Why the hell couldn’t you have put shoes on?”

“I didn’t know I hadn’t.” She wriggled her bare toes. “I remembered the jacket. I was in a hurry to get to you.”

He took off his shirt and was wiping her damp feet with it. “Well, you’re here. I suppose I’ll have to confess that yes, I’d know you in the shadows, or the mountains, or in the depths of the ocean.” He gently rubbed the top of her foot. “Anywhere. Anytime. But I’d just as soon not test it in the next week or so.”

“That started out to be very nice, but it didn’t end up that way.” She tucked her feet beneath her. “I believe you’d better tell me why you’re here.”

“I wanted to check out MacDuff’s arrangements to make sure they’re everything I’d want them to be.”

“And are they?”

He nodded. “Absolutely no slip-ups. This vacant stable was the last item on my list. It leads down to the boat dock by the shore. If they’re okay, you couldn’t be more safe.”

“Wonderful. I’m so glad that you approve.”

Caleb tensed. “Do I detect sarcasm?”

“How clever of you to recognize it.” She smiled. “A little sarcasm. Perhaps I’m just sick of you telling me what to do.”

“I believe you know I’m just trying to keep you secure. Have I done anything else to displease you? What can I do to make up for it?”