Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue. Susan Carlisle

“Ticklish.” It was more a statement than question.

      “A little.” It sounded childish to admit.

      Cass groaned inside.

      “There’s no sign of frostbite here. That’s good.” He placed that foot on the floor. “Let me see the other one.”

      Cass didn’t even try to resist this time. He gave that foot the same attention as the other, but without tickling her. For some reason that disappointed her.

      “Wiggle,” he commanded.

      She did.

      “Good.” He rose from the floor and moved to pick up one of her socks. “These are still damp. You really are going to have to get some thicker ones when you buy those boots if you plan to take walks. When the snow melts it can get very muddy. I’ll get you some dry ones to wear back to the castle.” He left the room.

      It was past time for her to get back to the clinic but his place was so cozy, so comfortable. Too much Lyle’s space. She shouldn’t be having such a reaction to him. This wasn’t the time to add more conflicting emotions to those she already had.

      He soon returned and handed her a pair of thick, very masculine navy socks. She had no doubt these would keep her feet dry. He took his chair while she pulled them on. Immediately her feet were warmer.”

      “These feel great. Thank you. I’ll have them laundered and returned as soon as possible.”

      He poked at the fire, making sure the screen was secure around it. “No hurry. I know where to find them if I need them.”

      Cass reached for her shoes. “I think it’s time for me to be going. I’ve taken up enough of your evening.”

      Lyle didn’t disagree with her. Instead he rose and went into the hallway. With her shoes now on, Cass reached for her damp coat.

      “Wait. You need a dry coat as well.” He had one in his hand, holding it open for her. She slipped her arms in and he settled the heavy jacket on her shoulders. There was that same smell she had caught when she’d first met him. The coat swallowed her whole but it was like being wrapped in his arms. Although that was an unsettling and unrealistic notion, it was nevertheless a reassuring one.

      Lyle pulled on his own outdoor clothing while she waited. He studied her a moment. “You need a hat, scarf and some gloves as well.” Disappearing upstairs, he returned with a handful of woolen items.

      “I can’t take these. Surely you need them.” She offered them back to him.

      He shook his head. “I have a drawer full. My mother knits these.”

      Cass ran her hand across them. The wool was so soft. “It feels wonderful.”

      “Try on the hat. It may not be tight enough, but it’ll be better than nothing.” He watched her expectantly.

      Cass pulled the dark tan hat over her head, tucking in stray hair around her face. She still held the scarf. “I’ll be all right without this.”

      “No, you won’t.” His stern look stopped her from further argument.

      Cass wasn’t used to having people tell her what to do. A bit irritated, she wrapped the scarf around her neck. It too smelled of pine and wood smoke, like him. Those scents would forever remind her of Lyle.

      She forced that thought out of her head and focused on tucking the ends of the scarf inside her borrowed coat. “Your mother does a beautiful job.”

      “Thank you. What I can count on is that you’ll stay warm in them. These gloves will be far too large but they will work for right now. You’ll need to buy some of those as well. Now, come on, it’s time we got you back to the castle.”

      She inhaled. There was that scent again. Yes, she needed to get out of here. Something about Lyle and his home made her wish for things better left alone.