“Of course,” she said, smiling. It would cut into the time she spent working on her own engagements, but as successful as this one was, everyone would do something similar next year, and she wouldn’t need to spend quite so much time on it. And maybe she could pass out business cards to potential clients who would like her to help set up such events for them.

“All right, if that’s it, we will have a busy day tomorrow,” Ian said, taking Julia’s hand and saying their good nights.

Most said their good nights after that and headed off to bed. Heather yawned, stretched, and smiled at Calla. “I’m so glad you’re staying with us. Never in a million years would Ian have agreed to anything like this if you hadn’t suggested it. We’ll have more time to advertise next year, and it’ll be even better.”

“I thought it was truly wonderful,” Calla said. “I’m certain news of the fair will spread by word of mouth. When people start sharing pictures on all the networking sites, that will help to get the word out too.”

“Aye, I agree.” Heather glanced at Guthrie. “Well, good night. Have to get my beauty rest to give tours again tomorrow. At least Flynn’s ghostly spirit didn’t bother anyone. Maybe he realizes how important this is to the clan.”

Heather took her leave.

Now just Guthrie and Calla were sitting in front of the glowing fire. Calla was tired, but she felt relaxed and happy to be here and didn’t want to retire to bed just yet. In silence, she watched the flames flickering. She assumed Guthrie was as well. Until she cast a glance in his direction and saw him watching her.

She suddenly felt as though she was sitting way too close to the fire.

He moved to the love seat and sat beside her, heating her all the more. Because of the small size of the love seat, his hip and thigh were pressed against hers, but he didn’t make any move to act more intimately.

“I have you to thank for making it all happen,” he said.

“It was your class that gave me the idea.”

“The one that you taught?” he asked, sounding thoroughly amused.

“Aye, but it gave me the notion.”

“I think you should teach more of my classes if that gives you such great ideas.”

“Then you would be out of a job.”

“I think we need to teach them together,” he said, a brow raised.

She thought he was talking about a mating. She wasn’t ready to go there.

She laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped his arm around her. “We can’t keep doing this, you know,” he said very seriously.

“What’s that?”

“Keeping everybody in suspense. Everyone is waiting for the big day.”

She raised her head and looked at him, wondering if he meant the Christmas celebration.

“Us. A mating. I think they’re dying with anticipation as much as I am.”

She laughed.

Chapter 15

The next day, Ian pulled more men away from other duties to watch for McKinleys. If Baird was going to try to see Calla, this was the last day the castle and its properties would be open to outsiders. It was easy to lose track of people when so many of the pack members were busy, and the crowds were even thicker today. Calla suspected it had to do with everyone showing off the fun they’d had at the castle the day before on blogs and other networking sites.

She noticed that Guthrie was more watchful of the visitors today, and more watchful of her. A time or two, a man had caught his eye, and Guthrie had lost sight of her as she helped some kids with crafts.

After hours of working, she finally had to go to the bathroom. No way was she using one of the port-o-potties meant for the public outside the castle walls, so Aunt Agnes—who insisted everyone call her that, not just her nephews—told her to go inside. Calla figured she didn’t need to tell Guthrie personally. She needed a little privacy, after all.

Guthrie saw Calla headed to the keep and watched her progress as he joined his aunt.

“She went to use the bathroom, Guthrie,” his aunt said before he could question her. “Och, for heaven’s sake, leave the poor lass alone for a few minutes.”

Guthrie saw Logan, phone to his ear, speaking quickly and running toward him. The boy should have been with the dogs, but he was ashen and frowning.

“Had to go to the bathroom. Saw Baird come in through the servants’ gate. I didn’t have a weapon to stop him. I tried to get hold of Ian, but then I saw you,” Logan hurried to say.

“Where’d he go? Baird? Where’d Baird go?” Guthrie was already running toward the keep, his heart racing.

“Inside the keep.”

“Damn him.”

“Aye.” Logan glanced back as they heard someone running to catch up to them. “Your brothers and Oran are coming.”

Guthrie would kill Baird if he harmed Calla in any way.

***

Calla had just washed up in her bathroom when she heard the lock to her bedroom door snick closed. She frowned. Guthrie couldn’t have come to see her. Not with all the activities going on. Not right now.

She opened the bathroom door and saw Baird standing by her bed.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her heart drumming against her ribs. How in the world had he gotten in? Her skin felt chilled. She hoped now that Guthrie would come to check on her.

“My life isn’t worth living if you don’t come back to me, Calla,” Baird said, truly sounding like he was pleading.

She couldn’t believe it. He was either the greatest play actor there was, or on some level, he truly believed what he’d said. Neither made any sense.

“You need to leave right this very minute.” She hoped she could talk him out of this madness. “If Ian and his people find you here…”

“You don’t understand. I can’t leave until you agree to be my mate. Stay here if you like and plan the MacNeills’ Christmas party…but please come back to me. Just say you’ll be mine.”

Please? She’d never seen him behave in such a way. Groveling. If his pack members saw their leader begging before her, she figured they’d kick him out of the pack.

“Baird, you have to leave. I don’t know what your game is, but Ian and his men—”

She heard the men running toward the door. Her heart was already pounding hard. Baird didn’t even look away from her. He had to be crazy!