Page 99 of A Scottish Highland Surprise

I accepted the phone from him and read the article from a newspaper gossip column that was shining up at me from the illuminated screen.

“Cameron Lomax received a generous divorce settlement from her ex-husband,” explained Xander.” But it would seem Jake has plans on how he is going to spend it.”

“Good grief,” I murmured, reading the lurid details of the divorce case, before handing back the phone. Xander tapped at the mobile screen again and fetched up another article. “Now read this.”

It was in the latest society column from some gossipy magazine in the States;

LOMAX’S NEW ARTIST LOVE HAS DESIGNS ON HIS OWN MUSEUM

Jake Caldwell, the handsome British artist now accompanying Cameron Lomax around town, has made it plain he wants to launch his own museum.

Caldwell (36), whose reputation as inventive artist James Deighton was tarnished when respected art critic Xander North alleged a series of plagiarism misdemeanours, is attempting to relaunch himself into the artistic establishment, by having his own museums in both the UK and the States.

Caldwell, born and raised in Edinburgh, has admitted that following his fall from grace, he is keen to establish at least two museums, housing a variety of unique British art and ceramics, that would enchant visitors from across the world…

Fury and disbelief seized me. Jake wanted the tea set, not because of any legitimate reason or passion, but just to spite Xander and me. Of course, if he had been successful, he would have tried to deny it – at least for a little while – and then the temptation to gloat would have proved too much for him.

I read the article aloud to Mum, Dad and the rest of our assembled clan. They emitted a series of dismissive snorts and rude words.

So Cameron Lomax had been bidding her own money, manipulated by Jake.

Xander pointed at his phone still in my hand. “I expect it was her who decided not to bid any more of her cash. You can bet your life Jake was barking down the line at her, trying to persuade her to increase that bid to goodness knows how much.” He allowed his sexy mouth to break into a smirk. “I should think Jake was livid when she refused to top my bid.”

I allowed all of these thoughts and revelations to settle in my mind. I turned to Xander and gazed up at him. “And that’s why you stepped in.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind, if he had had his way, Ophelia’s tea set would have been winging its way to New York now and being touted around by Caldwell like some shabby novelty,” said Xander. “He didn’t want to acquire it for the right reasons.”

Ophelia shook her head. She moved forwards, gazing up at Xander. “But the amount of money you’ve paid for it…”

Xander brushed aside her concerns. “Please don’t concern yourself with that. I’m just about to close a deal on a Banksy.”

Ophelia’s eyes almost popped, as did mine. She reached up and planted a grateful kiss on Xander’s cheek. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say. That is so generous. That amount of money will be of such assistance in setting up Annabel’s fellowship project…”

“Then please don’t say anything.” He smiled, blushing. “I’m planning on donating the tea set to the Glasgow Museum. It will stay in Scotland and close to Briar Glen, where it belongs.”

As we all filed down the short staircase that would take us to the function room for brunch, I held Xander back for a moment. I greedily drank in his aquiline nose and arched, dark brows. “You never fail to surprise me, Mr North.”

He bathed me in that smile that triggered fireworks in my chest. “And I intend to keep it that way, Ms Harkness.”

We shared another lingering kiss, smiling against each other’s mouths.

“Bugger!” I said, annoyed with myself. “I’ve just remembered I’ve left my mobile back in the shop. I was so preoccupied this morning about the auction…”

“Don’t worry,” Xander reassured me. “Let’s go and grab something to eat downstairs and then we can pop back and get it. I know you. You’ll start suffering withdrawal symptoms if you don’t have it with you.”

I pulled a sarcastic face. “Thank you. I think.”

We enjoyed a delicious buffet of seafood canapes before excusing ourselves and driving back in Xander’s car to The Cup That Cheers to collect my mobile.

We had decided to close for the rest of the day, so we could all truly celebrate the event of the auction.

I unlocked the shop door and Xander hovered in the doorway. He performed a theatrical shiver. “Don’t be too long, will you, Sophie? It’s not exactly tropical out here.”

There was a brisk October wind today, sending the leaves cartwheeling like Olympic gymnasts through the street.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. “Don’t worry. I remember where I left it. In the store room.”

I hurried through the shop and clicked open the store room door. I cast my eyes about, before spotting my phone sitting on one of the closed boxes of newly arrived stock.