Page 101 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Chapter Twenty-One

I could feel myself travelling, my terrified gaze staring up at the elaborately designed ceiling, which reminded me of a whipped meringue.

I couldn’t brace. I couldn’t do anything.

I waited for the inevitable pain to rock through my body when I landed.

But it didn’t.

Hold on.

I hadn’t tumbled down the staircase, nor had I appeared to have hurt myself.

Instead, I was staring up into the warm, deep-brown eyes of Evan. Again, just like when he’d carried me up these same stairs just days ago.

What?

I was being held in his arms, like a swooning Scarlett O’ Hara being rescued by Rhett Butler.

‘This seems to be becoming a bit of a habit,’ grinned Evan, his attention hovering on my mouth. ‘Not that I’m complaining. Are you ok?’

No, I felt like saying. I’m far from ok. My heart was racing like mad in my chest as though caught in a crosswind. His arms were around me, his fingers gently pressing into my back. I couldn’t stop looking at his mouth. I’m so close to kissing you right now, you have no idea.

‘Yes,’ I bleated. ‘Thanks. I’m fine. Thank you. You can put me down now.’

The last thing I wanted was for Evan to let me go, but I knew I couldn’t stay like that forever.

‘Sure.’

Evan released me and set me down on both feet on the next step of the staircase.

Louise was charging up towards us, flapping her tea towels around. ‘Oh God, Daisy! I’m so sorry. Are you alright?’

She bent down and snatched up a small, white, leather spectacles case. ‘That’s what almost made you come a cropper. My bloody glasses!’

‘I’m ok, don’t worry.’ I turned and looked at Evan standing beside me. ‘Thank you for catching me.’

‘You’re welcome.’

The air stilled between us. I didn’t want to drag my eyes away from him.

After a few more charged moments, we set off together down the staircase.

Louise stuffed her retrieved spectacles case back inside the pocket of her apron. She was observing us with keen interest. ‘Right,’ she twinkled. ‘I’ll go and make you a cup of sweet tea to steady your nerves. I’m going to have one as well. Evan?’

He didn’t answer. There was a preoccupied angle to his face as he looked across at me. We reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘Evan? Earth calling?’

‘Oh, sorry. Er, yes, a tea would be great, Lou. Thanks.’

She beckoned us to follow her into the kitchen. Strobes of sunshine were spilling in through the windows and over the tiled floor of the great hall.

We seated ourselves at the black marble breakfast bar while Louise fetched the teapot and proceeded to fill it at the sink. ‘How are you feeling now, Daisy?’

‘I’m fine, thanks,’ I reassured her.

‘You sure?’

‘Yes.’ I flicked Evan beside me the briefest glance. My blood pressure had rocketed, but for different reasons.