Page 53 of A Scottish Country Escape

Dexter’s generous mouth softened into a smile. What was going on inside my head?

‘So, see you this evening then?’ he asked.

What should I do? Say no? Suggest he go up to the reserve alone? But he wants to see it for himself and he’s showing a genuine interest in it, would it look childish not to go with him?

I set my shoulders and hoped I appeared far calmer than I felt. ‘That’s fine by me.’

‘Good. I’ll give you a call a bit later on this afternoon and you can let me know when to come and collect you.’

I departed, negotiating the last few steps of Hawk West Hall with Dexter framing the grand entrance. I didn’t dare look back at him over my shoulder.

As soon as I heard the stately creak of the oak doors closing, I let out a long, cool rush of air.

I clambered back into my little Mini, grateful that I had a moment to compose myself. My stomach was exploding with butterflies.

I knew what I was doing was risky – dangerous, even – allowing myself to be enticed by Dexter. But I realised that right at this moment, despite my previous insistence that I could resist him, I suddenly wasn’t so sure.

Chapter Thirty-Four

The high street soon slid into view, all winking shop windows, swinging baskets of flowers, and ornate lampposts.

I parked the car and returned to Paper Roses. Two departing customers nodded at me in greeting as I held the shop door open for them to pass.

Cate was on her phone, head thrown back and laughing at something Lucy was telling her. When she saw me, she waggled her fingers in greeting and rounded off the call. ‘See you soon, babes.’

I asked her how Lucy was and if she had managed OK while I had been gone.

‘Lucy’s good and business has been steady.’

When I asked her if she’d managed to have her lunch yet, Cate confessed that she hadn’t. I pointed at the shop door. ‘Well, go and get some now. You couldn’t pick me up a chicken salad wrap while you’re out, please?’

Cate threw on her denim jacket, which she picked up from the back of a chair. ‘Sure.’ She looked at me. ‘Are you ok?’

‘Why?’

She narrowed her black eyes. ‘You seem a bit… distracted.’

When I didn’t argue the point, she led me through to the kitchen and ordered me to sit down. ‘OK, spill.’

I dropped my bag onto the floor with a thud and explained about Dexter.

Cate listened, inclining her head like a beautiful tropical bird.

‘You like him. A lot.’

‘Who?’

‘Tom Hardy. Who do you think I’m talking about?!’

Now it was my turn to throw my head back and laugh. Somehow, it didn’t sound convincing, even to me. ‘Me? Like Dexter Grayling? Don’t be daft!’

Cate folded her arms and sat back, like a seasoned interrogator.

I squirmed. ‘Why are you looking at me like that? I just think if he’s keen to help with the cause, then we would be foolish not to let him.’

A tiny, knowing smile bloomed across Cate’s lips. The sight of it made me wriggle in my seat.

‘Uh-huh. So, you’re taking our handsome author up there this evening?’