Page 69 of Chasing a Highland Dream

‘Aw, no, I don’t want to keep you. You must be wiped out from the events of today.’

‘Honestly, I know I probably should be, but I think I’m running on adrenaline and possibly all that coffee at the hospital, so maybe I should have a camomile tea instead. Come and keep me company for a while?’

He nodded. ‘If you’re sure.’

He glanced towards Aiden’s apartment and a strange expression washed over his features before Harris followed her into her apartment.

Bella walked around quickly turning on lamps. ‘So, tea?’

‘Aye, that’d be grand, thank you.’

She set about making the drinks and then took them through to the living room. She placed the mugs on the coffee table and sat; Harris took a seat beside her on the sofa.

‘I’m so glad everything’s okay. I’ve been worried about you,’ he said with a light laugh.

‘I’m okay now I know my granny’s being taken care of. I don’t know what I would do without her, and at this stage, I don’t know what the future holds.’

He nodded. ‘Aye, I totally get that. That’s why I’m taking my mum to Skye with me.’

Bella’s heart sank. ‘You’re definitely going then?’

He nodded. ‘I am. I had to make a decision and Mum’s signed up for a sheltered housing scheme in Broadford. I went and had a look around while I was there, and video called her so she could see. It’s a lovely wee place and only fifteen minutes from where I’ll be, so I think she’ll be happy there. I’d still rather have her at home with me but she’s having none of that.’ He chuckled. ‘They get more stubborn with age, don’t they?’

‘They certainly do.’ She paused and searched for the right words to express how she felt but instead said, ‘I’m really happy for you.’

‘Thanks, Bella. It’s a fresh start, not that I was looking for one really, but it’s a good opportunity. A wee bit scary, but I’ll cope. I’m big enough and ugly enough to take care of myself, that’s for sure.’

She wanted to say, ‘You’re anything but ugly,’ but instead remained silent.

‘So, how is the interior design course application going?’ he asked as he reached for his tea.

‘All done. The materials should be arriving any day now.’

‘Fantastic. I’m really glad you went for it.’

‘Me too. I have you to thank for planting the seed.’

His face brightened. ‘Really? That makes me so happy.’

His arm was resting along the back of the sofa and his fingers were so close to her she could turn and touch them, but she didn’t.

She lifted her chin and found his gaze fixed on her. ‘Skye isn’t so far away, you know,’ he said in an almost whisper. ‘I do hope you’ll visit. And bring Isla when she’s on her feet again. My mum will miss her.’

‘Definitely,’ Bella said, her eyes locked on his. Heat flooded her body and she swallowed. Neither of them spoke.

‘You can bring Aiden too.’ Bella watched his jaw clamp firm and tick under his skin, and she felt sure he was going to say something more. But instead, he stood. ‘I probably should go. It’s getting late and you must be tired.’

Bella stood too. ‘Don’t go,’ she whispered.

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Harris frowned, clearly confused by her request, and he shook his head. ‘But… I don’t understand. I didn’t think for a minute you’d want me to stay. I thought you’d prefer to be alone.’

She took a step closer to him. ‘The place feels strange, it’s not my home and without my granny it feels less so. To be honest, I definitely don’t want to be alone. If I’m alone, I know I’ll think too much and end up in dark places, and I really don’t want that tonight. I can’t let myself go there.’ Her chin trembled.

His face relaxed. ‘Ah, I see.’ He chewed his lip for a moment as if contemplating his next words. ‘I get it. I really do. It’s been an upsetting day and I know how worried you must be. But how would it look? I mean, I don’t think Aiden⁠—’

She huffed and turned away, running her hands through her hair. Maybe she had misread the signals. Maybe he had been playing along with his mum and Isla and he didn’t feel anything for her. Maybe she had mistaken his compliments for something other than the way they were intended?