Page 44 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

The sight of my bed and the two of us alone, me still wrapped in Evan’s arms and him carrying me … I was struggling to concentrate on anything except him. My tumultuous emotions clashed with the charged silence. The feel of his arms encircling me was a sensation I’d never experienced before.

With so much care, Evan laid me on top of the bed and proceeded to remove my socks and boots. Thank goodness I’d given myself a pedicure at the weekend.

Evan took a step backwards, still studying me as I lay there on top of the bed. ‘How are you feeling now?’

I wanted to say, ‘Hot and bothered,’ but I bit it back.

Lying here, feeling so vulnerable under the watchful hot gaze of Evan, was making bubbles explode in my stomach. This wasn’t me. It shouldn’t be me. I never allowed men to get this close after Leon. Much less risk being left heartbroken and used that way.

How I wished I was wearing something sexier than a sparkly T-shirt and jeans. Then I remembered I wasn’t speaking. I hadn’t answered his question. I hurried to gather my thoughts. ‘It’s feeling a lot better, thanks.’

I pushed myself upwards onto my elbows. ‘Thank you again, Evan, for taking such good care of me. I mean it.’

Evan sank down on the edge of the bed. ‘Don’t mention it.’ He pointed at my right ankle. ‘You’ve got an impressive bruise there. Give me a second, and I’ll fetch that bag of peas and some arnica cream from the kitchen cupboard.’

‘Evan. There’s really no need.’

But he just rewarded my protests with a withering look. I heard him bound back down the stairs, and he returned moments later with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel of Edinburgh Castle and a tube of arnica cream. ‘Can you manage?’ he asked, waggling the bag of peas.

‘I think I can.’

I accepted the peas from him and set them on my ankle. I made a satisfied, groaning noise.

He grinned. ‘That good?’

‘Oh yes.’

I’d keep it on for a few more minutes before removing it.

‘Are you ok for me to apply the arnica, or do you want to do it?’

I sat up a little straighter. ‘I can manage,’ I insisted. I didn’t think I could take the idea of Evan’s hands touching me.

But I couldn’t apply the cream myself. I tried reaching down to my ankle a couple of times, but it was an awkward angle, and every time I did, it niggled as if to remind me to be careful.

‘Here,’ ordered Evan. ‘Give it to me.’

He squeezed some of the soft, white cream onto his finger and proceeded to rub it gently into my ankle. His fingers glided up and down my skin. His lashes were thick and black as he continued to look down. ‘You don’t like accepting help, do you?’

I flinched at his question.

‘Keep your foot still while I apply this.’

There was a beat. ‘Well?’ He pushed. ‘You don’t, do you?’

‘I like to be independent.’ I was in danger of gasping, but I managed to turn it into a weird cough.

A couple of blackbirds chirruped their song right outside the bedroom window.

I had to remind myself to keep breathing as Evan finished applying the cream. The ache had subsided now, replaced by the zinging sensation of Evan’s fingertips playing against my skin.

We continued to study each other.

My mind slotted Evan and Dane side by side. Dane was attitude, charm and confidence. But Evan was … he was caring and intense, with that dry sense of humour. What with the way his muscles bunched, too… Stop, Daisy! Just stop!

‘You rest for a bit.’ Evan’s voice broke through my meandering thoughts. ‘Just shout if you need anything, ok?’

The kindness and concern in his voice took me by surprise. I wasn’t used to it; being fussed over by others. My grandparents and Jade, but that was about it.

Emotion rose in me, and I bit it back. ‘I will. And thank you again.’

He moved towards the bedroom door and turned around. ‘And no heroics on the stairs, otherwise I’ll have to insist on carrying you again.’ The lingering look he gave me made my insides quiver.

As soon as Evan closed the door behind him, I let out a frustrated sob, grabbed a pillow and sank my teeth into it.