Page 72 of The Christmas Highland Lodge

‘Not me.’

I blinked across at him, surprised by his sudden sharp defensiveness. He was shutting down again.

I tried to keep my voice light. ‘I just mean, where are you from? What’s your background?’

Blake’s dark-brown eyes took on a guarded flicker. Had I said something wrong? It was like the flirtatious guy I had been chatting to just a minute ago had walked out and been replaced by his reserved identical twin when I wasn’t looking.

He fiddled with the stem of his pint glass. ‘I lived in Edinburgh before moving here,’ he answered. ‘I wanted a change from the city. Somewhere quieter.’ He flashed me an unfathomable glance. ‘I’ve been living here in Craig Brae for a few months now. I bought one of the new flats over by Craig Brae Park.’

I wondered if he would elaborate or mention his background, but he switched his attention to out of the pub window. ‘I checked out the forecast and they aren’t predicting any more snow tonight. I hope not, as I’ve got an early hike scheduled with a honeymooning couple first thing in the morning.’

It was clear he didn’t want to discuss himself. A pop of disappointment exploded in my chest, but I hoped I managed to disguise it. ‘Oh, where are you hiking?’

‘Ben Linn.’

A sliver of worry shot up my back. ‘That mountain can be really tricky at the best of times, but in conditions like this, it can be dangerous.’

Blake gave me a long look. ‘If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were worried about me.’

I pulled a funny face. ‘I’m not worried about you, Mr Dempster. I’m more concerned about your clients.’

‘Gee. Thanks.’

I let out a sigh. ‘No. Seriously. Blake, that mountain has caught out a few experienced climbers over the years.’ I awarded him a charged expression. ‘I know you’ve climbed Everest but Benn Linn… well, she can be a right tricky madam.’

Blake shook his dark head. ‘Please don’t worry. I know what I’m doing and both Caitlyn and Dylan are experienced climbers too.’

I must have looked puzzled.

‘They’re the honeymoon couple I’m taking on the hike.’

‘Oh. Right.’

Blake’s white smile flashed through his beard at me. ‘And we aren’t tackling the whole of Ben Linn anyway. Just part of the north face. They have a flight booked to London for five o’clock tomorrow afternoon.’ He indicated to his now empty beer glass. ‘Can I get you one for the road?’

‘Go on then. Same again for me, thank you.’

My eyes followed his broad back retreating to the bar. His muscles slid and tensed under his jumper.

Blake Dempster was deep, like a complicated puzzle you couldn’t solve, no matter how hard you tried. You might begin to think you stood a chance of getting to know him, but then he would shut you down or say something or do something and you would be thrown off-kilter.

* * *

Once we’d enjoyed our second round of drinks, Blake insisted on walking me home to my flat.

We left the hustle, warmth and hum of the pub and stepped out into street. Craig Brae was like a scene from a festive calendar, covered in a lacy white blanket of snow, with the inky black sky and Christmas lights bursting their colours in the background.

He opened his mouth to say something, but his mobile in his coat pocket buzzed.

‘Excuse me one second.’ He reached in and pulled it out. He frowned down at the screen.

‘Is everything ok?’

He slipped it back into his pocket. ‘Yes. All good, thanks. It was a text from Sarah Turner.’

I blinked across at him as we strode along together.

‘Miss Turner. The school teacher?’