Page 42 of Chasing a Highland Dream

‘Good shocked? Or bad shocked?’

She shook her head, which was a mistake as the streetlights seemed to move with her. ‘Just shocked… I suppose.’

‘I have a question,’ he said as they walked.

‘Fire away.’

‘How come you live at the castle? I know Olivia is your best friend, but it all seems a bit odd.’

‘Oh yes, there was a flood at Granny’s house so we’re there temporarily, like you.’

‘Ah, that makes sense. So how long will you be there?’

‘No idea. I’m talking with the builders and the insurers daily but it’s early days yet.’ They stopped and leaned on the wall overlooking the river. The streetlights opposite glinted on the ripples of the water that appeared black at this time of night. Bella turned to face Aiden. ‘How about you? How long are you going to be there?’

He shrugged. ‘As long as it takes, I suppose. And now I’ll have a bit of friendly company, too, which is a nice surprise.’ He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘Sorry about the kiss thing. That was a bit forward of me. I hope you can forgive me.’

She breathed in a lungful of chilly night air and smiled. ‘It’s fine.’

‘So, which books of mine have you enjoyed the most?’ he asked with eagerness.

Ah, something I can answer truthfully, she thought. ‘I loved your Long Way Home series. Maddy, the main protagonist, was such a strong woman with everything she’d been through. So inspirational.’

‘I’m so glad you like Maddy. She’s my favourite character too. I’ll let you in on a secret, she’s based on my mother.’

‘Oh, wow. That’s so lovely.’ She took in his features, his messy blond hair, sculpted cheekbones and vivid blue eyes, and realised once again how different he looked to her mental picture. It was probably the alcohol that caused her to blurt, ‘You know, because there’s no author photo on your book jackets, I have to admit to having a totally different image of you in my head.’

He grinned. ‘Oh, really? Come on then, what did you think I’d look like?’

She chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment, wondering if she should actually voice her thoughts, but once again the alcohol emboldened her. ‘You’ll hate me. But I presumed you would be this middle-aged, balding man with a beer belly and wrinkles.’

Aiden laughed harder this time. ‘Honestly? Nice, thanks. I hope the real me didn’t disappoint then.’

Bella giggled. ‘Absolutely not. You’re more Aiden the Hunk than Jabba the Hutt.’

He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. ‘Thank goodness for that. Warning, I’m going to kiss you again.’ He did and she let him. She was past the point of resisting now. He pulled away. ‘Come on, I should take you home or your granny will be phoning on WhatsUp to ask if you need bananas.’ He laughed.

Bella gasped and she covered her eyes with her hand. ‘Oh, my goodness, you heard that?’

Aiden grinned. ‘She’s got quite a pair of lungs on her, your granny.’

Bella was so embarrassed she feared her face might burst into flames. ‘I can’t believe it. I feel so stupid!’

He took her hand in his and interlaced their fingers. ‘No, don’t be daft. I’m actually relieved that bananas haven’t been mentioned once throughout the entire evening.’

Bella giggled. ‘I’ve had no reason to bring them into the conversation, thankfully.’

‘Even though I told you all about my breakdown and kissed you without invitation?’

He actually had a point. ‘Well, apart from that.’

He seemed to gloss over her reply. ‘I have to say, though, I’m glad that, during our getting to know each other chat, we didn’t get to talking about our favourite fruit.’ He laughed, his shoulders juddering up and down. ‘I’d’ve had to lie.’

Bella’s insides squirmed. ‘Honestly, my granny has a lot to answer for.’

He fiddled with a lock of her hair. ‘Nah, she’s looking out for you. I think it’s sweet.’

‘Having known her my whole life, sweet isn’t a word I often associate with Isla Douglas.’