Page 105 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

‘And is that why you broke up? Because of her attraction to Dane?’

‘It was one of the reasons, yes, but mainly because she was so ambitious. She got shortlisted for a news desk post at one of the tabloids in London and was all set to drop everything; drop me; forget our future together if she got the job.’ He let out a small laugh. ‘She got interviewed for it and was convinced the position was hers. Told me that she hoped I’d understand that she had to move on.’

‘But she didn’t get the job.’

‘Nope. By that time I realised all the genuine love and affection was on my side – or at least had been. Kind of ironic that she’s now saying she’d follow me to London to be with me after all that.’

Evan gazed down at me, a knowing look in his eyes as the sunshine slid down the staircase ahead of us. ‘Is that why you’ve been dancing around me, Daisy? Why you’ve been so prickly? Because you thought I was involved with Sacha?’

‘I haven’t been prickly,’ I managed, imprinting his gorgeous features onto my mind.

Evan cocked his head to one side.

‘Yes. Ok. Maybe a little.’

The only sound thrumming in my ears was my rattling heart.

‘That day when I carried you upstairs,’ he began. ‘I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t want to let you go.’ Evan’s eyes were like melting, dark chocolate. ‘I’m sick of trying to hide my feelings for you. That first day at the cream tea, I thought you were the loveliest, most feisty and most principled woman I’d ever laid eyes on.’

What? Wait. Did I just imagine him saying that?

My stomach was a sea of knots. I sucked in some air. What now? What should I do? What did I want to do?

Downstairs, I could hear feet clipping on the tiles as Louise bustled around. Upstairs and just a matter of feet away, behind his closed bedroom door, Grandpa was humming along to Andy Williams.

Without waiting for my reply, Evan lifted one finger and tilted my chin up so I was staring into his face.

I knew I was ignoring my own advice. I was discarding everything I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do: that I wouldn’t fall for someone else. That I wouldn’t put myself out there to be hurt again. That I’d protect myself; protect my heart.

But right now, in this glorious stately home with its creaking floorboards, gilt-framed portraits and shimmering woodland, I knew what I wanted right now without any shadow of a doubt.

I wanted Evan.

I didn’t make any attempt to move away as Evan glided one finger down the side of my face. The wait for him to kiss me was agonising. Every movement seemed considered and deliberate. It was as if he knew I was burning up inside with anticipation. His lips moved closer to mine. I wanted to snatch his face and taste him over and over.

‘Don’t keep trying to deny you feel the same way, Daisy. I can see it in your eyes whenever you look at me.’ His hand caressed my hair.

‘Evan,’ I stumbled.

But I didn’t say anything else. When our lips gently met, my legs performed a little tremble of anticipation.

His kisses were soft at first, like butterfly wings, searching me out and savouring me for the first time. But after a few more moments, our mouths wanted more.

Our kisses became greedier, with a growing ferocity. Urgency tore through us as Evan slid his hand up to my hair and laced his fingers in it.

I caressed his back as we pushed ourselves against each other. I could feel his muscles and sinews; the cuts and angles of him from every glorious direction. Our bodies moulded together as though they were one. Every contour of each of us, fitted together in perfect harmony. This was exhilarating. Leon had never made me feel like my world was tipping on its axis. I’d loved him. I’d been in love with him. But this rampaging feeling of wanting someone so badly was running amok in my chest. It was out of control. I’d never experienced this passionate urgency before.

I’d never known a kiss or feeling like it. Everything was slipping away, twisting and dancing around me, and I couldn’t get a grasp on reality.

A growl escaped from the base of Evan’s throat. Our kisses were harder and more insistent.

‘Evan? Son? You around at the moment?’ Bennett’s voice shot up from the great hall, tearing us apart.

‘Oh, for Christ’s sake!’ groaned Evan against my mouth.

I stifled a laugh.

Evan smoothed his T-shirt. ‘What is it, Dad? I’m upstairs.’