After thanking him for the ride and collecting her parcels, she left Zach in the lobby and tiredly climbed the stairs to her room. She soaked in a hot scented bath, then changed into a blue-and-gold plaid kilt she’d bought that afternoon. With it, she wore a thin white sweater under her navy-blue blazer. She tied a navy scarf at her neck, pleased with the effect. A little blush, a dab of eye shadow and she was finished, by now more than ready for something to eat.

Zach was waiting to be seated in the dining room when she came downstairs. He wore a thick hand-knit sweater over black dress slacks and made such a virile sight she found it difficult not to stare.

The hostess greeted them with a warm smile. “Dinner for two?”

Janine reacted first, flustered and a little embarrassed. “We’re not together,” she said. “This gentleman was here before me.” Anything else would negate the agreement they’d made earlier.

Zach frowned as he followed the hostess to a table set against the wall, close to the massive stone fireplace. The hostess returned and directed Janine to a table against the same wall, so close to Zach that she could practically read the menu over his shoulder. She was reading her own menu when Zach spoke. “Don’t you think we’re both being a little silly?”

“Yes,” she admitted. “But earlier today we agreed that being thrown together like this could lead to trouble.”

“I honestly don’t think it would hurt either of us to have dinner together, do you?”

“No…I don’t think it would.” They’d spend the entire meal talking across the tables to each other, anyway.

He stood up, grinning. “May I join you?”

“Please.” She couldn’t help responding with a smile.

He pulled out the other chair, his gaze appreciative. “Those colors look good on you.”

“Thanks.” She had to admit he looked good—darkly vibrant and masculine—himself. She was about to return his compliment when it dawned on her how senselessly they were challenging fate.

“It’s happening already,” she whispered, leaning toward him in order to avoid being overheard.

“What?” Zach glanced around as though he expected ghostly clansmen to emerge from behind the drapes.

“You’re telling me how good I look in blue and I was about to tell you how nice you look and we’re smiling at each other and forming a mutual admiration society. Next thing you know, we’ll be married.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

“Sure, you say that now, but I can see a real problem here.”

“Does this mean you want me to go back to my table and eat alone?”

“Of course not. I just think it would be best if we limited the compliments. All right?”

“I’ll never say anything nice about you again.”

Janine smiled. “Thank you.”

“You might want to watch that, as well,” he warned with a roguish grin. “If we’re too formal and polite with each other, that could lead us straight to the jewelers. Before we know what’s happening, we’ll be choosing wedding bands.”