“Tapping out already?” he said, sinking down in the chair. The air around me crackled with his presence. “What was that, your second?”
“Fourth,” I corrected him. And I was still going strong.
He hummed.
“What?”
“I’m impressed by your tolerance. I’ve watched you flitting about the dance floor taking photos. Not even a wobble.”
“And that’s in heels,” I added. “Also, why are you watching me?” My pulse thumped unevenly at the question.
“Because you’re interesting. Annoying, but interesting. And my eyes are always drawn to what interests me,” he quipped. “It’s human nature. Just like curiosity.”
I crossed my arms, pursing my lips. “And what are you curious about?”
He shrugged. “For starters, where’d you learn to put away drinks like that?”
I smirked, holding my arms out. “Do you not realize the excellent company you’re keeping is that of a MacRae?”
His expression shifted, his amusement turning to genuine surprise. “Wait…as in MacRae’s Whiskey?”
I nodded just as a new drink was deposited in front of me. I raised my glass. “The one and only,” I said. “So of course I can hold my liquor. It’s practically my birthright to be able to drink anyone under the table. When I was little, I half lived in the distillery. Even had a swing set in the garden behind the building.”
“So,” he said, genuinely interested. “What was that like growing up? Were you bottling whiskey as a toddler?”
“Obviously.” The corner of my mouth curled. “No, I mean, it was a really small operation back then. I mostly just remember poking around my father’s office and the smell. A weird mix of malty sweetness and, like, tangy vinegar.”
He shook his head, lips pursed.
“What?” I asked.
“I’m surprised, that’s all. Never would have guessed you were actually from Scotland.” He crossed his arms, sinking against the back of his chair. “Based on your accent, I assumed you were American, just visiting for the ceremony like some of Lena’s friends.”
“Braeburn born and raised,” I said. “At least for the first chunk of my life.”
He hummed. “I didn’t realize the distillery was so close by. You think I would have noticed it driving in one of these times.”
“Oh, it’s not here anymore. These days, all that’s left is an abandoned building. The operation was relocated years ago,” I said. “The land has basically returned to nature. It’s been really great for the local wildlife. There are some gorgeous walking trails out there.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded. “I take my dog out sometimes. There’s a trail along the creek that runs all the way to this massive waterfall. It’s just about the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen.” My chest warmed, remembering how much my mother had loved that waterfall.
“Sounds lovely,” Locke said. I smiled a bit; he actually meant what he said.
“It’s my favorite place in all of Braeburn.”
“I fancy Hamish’s Pie Shop, personally,” he quipped. “But the waterfall can be a close second.”
We talked a bit longer, sharing stories of our favorite places in the area. I wasn’t even aware of how much time had passed until I noticed people around us shifting, collecting their things, and heading off. We’d basically shut the place down…and I’d been so caught up in talking to Locke that I’d barely even noticed.
“I think people are turning in for the night,” I said, tucking my camera into its case. “Guess that means my job is done.”
“Aye,” Locke agreed, tossing back the rest of his drink.
I did the same, and he eyed me with an expression that was equal parts amused and impressed. He got to his feet, surprisingly steady for a man who’d drunk just as much as I had.
“Are you good to drive?” I asked.
