Chapter Eleven It was much later that morning when they climbed the porch steps of Caitlin's cabin while laughing in shared amusement over what Tanya's reaction would be at Caitlin's late arrival. As Caitlin unlocked and opened the door, they were both immediately assaulted by a barking, jumping bundle of energy as Tanya tore down the steps and off into the woods. "Well, so much for thinking she missed me." Caitlin said, her arms akimbo, slightly miffed at the Husky's dismissive behavior. Duncan merely laughed, which piqued Caitlin even more. "Oh, so you it's think funny do you?" She said, advancing on the wary Highlander with mischief gleaming in her sparkling green eyes. Reaching out, she began to tickle his ribs mercilessly. "Caitlin, Caitlin, stop I'm warning you," he said between fits of laugher. When she continue her attack, he had no choice but to defend himself likewise in return. While fending off each other's persistent, successful attacks they stumbled into the cabin and tumbled over the back of the sofa, landing in a heap on the overstuffed cushions. They were both laughing so hard, their eyes watered and they could hardly breathe, until Duncan finally managed to capture both her hands and yell for a truce. Untangling their limbs, he shimmied up against the pillow at the end of the sofa and pulled Caitlin along side him. Still breathing hard from their playful fight, Duncan kissed her forehead, while holding on to her tormenting fingers. "Caitlin Taylor, I'm so glad you came into my life. I haven't laughed like this for a long time." Caitlin stilled. Removing her fingers from his light grasp, she looked into his dark eyes and saw the deep emotion there. The deep emotion she knew was mirrored in her own expression. Moving up against his chest, she kissed Duncan deeply, passionately, and felt him respond. Unfortunately, Tanya chose this very intimate moment to announce her presence by loudly barking at the door outside. Startling the two lovers so much that Caitlin tumbled off the sofa, hitting the coffee table as she fell to the floor. Duncan became concerned as she lay on the floor and didn't move. Quickly rising, he pushed the table aside and knelt beside her. Reaching to carefully turn her over, his concern soon turned to anger as he felt her body shaking with silent laughter. Jumping to his feet, angrily folding his arms across his chest, he stood back and shouted. "Caitlin dammit, it's not funny, you scared the hell out me." Rolling onto her back, still giggling, she said. "Don't blame me, Tanya scared the hell out of both of us first." Seeing her words fell on deaf ears. She tried again. "Oh, come on Duncan, a minute ago you said I made you laugh. Get over it, and help me up." Stretching her arms up and wiggling her fingers, she pleaded. "Come on, please? I promise I'll be good." Glancing down at her, with her arms raised and pouting lower lip, she reminded him a naughty child. Heaving a sigh in exasperation, he grasped her waiting hands and non-to-gently pulled her to her feet. Holding her against him, he caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger and scolded, "What I'm I going to do with you. One minute you've got me laughing hysterically and the next minute, I want to ring your neck for scaring the life out me." Smiling impishly, while wrapping her arms around his neck she answered. "Oh, I think what you're doing right now is just fine." Smiling in return, he rested his forehead against hers and said. "Oh, you do, do you." "Ah, huh. But, I think a kiss would be even better." Moving his head lower, he spoke against the softness of her lips. "I think I can handle that." Covering her mouth with his, they kissed passionately, and got so caught up in the moment, Tanya's impatient barking went completely unnoticed.