Page 52 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

‘Look, I’m sorry about earlier. I was a total ass,’ he said. A line had formed between his brows, and there was sincerity in his eyes.

Bella nodded. ‘Yes, you were.’

‘I guess you were right, I’m so used to women wanting me that I just expect it to be the case with everyone I want for myself. That they’ll just want me too.’ Although he did sound a little conceited, she understood what he was saying. ‘And before you say anything I know that makes me sound like an egotistical dick. But… it’s true. Women have always kinda fallen at my feet, so to speak.’

‘Wow, sucks to be you,’ Bella teased.

‘Although not literally, I might add. I’ve never drugged anyone or anything as dumb as that.’

‘Good to know.’

‘And I swear I wasn’t going to do anything to you when were upstairs. I’m not that kind of guy. I may be an asshole but I’m not a criminal.’ When she didn’t answer he continued. ‘So, you’re getting married at Christmas, huh?’

She nodded. ‘I am.’

‘What you got planned? For the wedding, I mean. Where are you tying the knot?’

‘We’re heading over to Inverness. My friend is Lady Olivia MacLeod, and she owns Drumblair Castle.’

‘No shit? You’re getting married at a real-life castle?’

He sounded like a child and Bella couldn’t help smiling. ‘We are, yes. At the chapel in the grounds anyway. Then we’re having the wedding breakfast in the castle’s picture gallery, surrounded by Olivia’s ancestral portraits.’

‘Wow, sounds grand. And I bet the place will be all decked out for Christmas, too, huh?’

‘It sure will. They have a plant and tree nursery in the grounds, so their trees are out of this world. Their fragrance is so fresh; the epitome of Christmas. They always have the most stunningly decorated Scots pines and these huge garlands of holly and ivy over every mantel. I’ve been going to the castle since I was a kid so getting married there will be very special.’

‘So, this Lady MacLeod, does she do lots of state visits and stuff? Is she related to royalty?’

‘Not as such, no. She’s a fashion designer in her daily life and has her own line. In fact, she used to design for Nina Picarro in New York.’

His eyes widened. ‘You’re kidding me right now. You said her name is Olivia?’ Bella nodded and he shook his head, smiling. ‘Not Olivia MacBain?’

Bella narrowed her eyes. ‘Yes, that’s right.’

He slapped his thigh and let out a laugh. ‘I knew her! I was in the New York office, years ago now, and Nina introduced me to her. She was working on a fashion show I was in, and she did my fittings. Great gal. Beautiful but kinda quiet. Huh, small world.’

‘She’s designed my wedding dress,’ Bella said, feeling a lot more relaxed now.

‘Really? Then you’re definitely gonna look hot. I mean… sorry… I mean you’ll look beautiful in her design.’

She let his comment slide. ‘I hope so.’

‘So, what are your bridesmaids wearing? What colour did you go for?’ She scrunched her brow, surprised by his questions so he pointed at himself and responded with, ‘Model, remember? I’ve done a few wedding catalogue shoots.’ He shrugged.

‘Fair point. They’re wearing a deep, rich green colour and their dresses are long with floaty sleeves. They have shawls too in Donaldson tartan.’

He nodded. ‘Makes sense with the temperatures in Scotland. I like green. Good choice.’ He fell silent for a moment but then said, ‘I bet you’re excited, huh?’

‘Very. It’s going to be the wedding I always dreamed of having. And I’m truly marrying the most incredible man.’

Carlton nodded. ‘He’s a lucky guy. It’s clear he adores you from the size of the rock.’ He nodded at her hand. ‘But why wouldn’t he?’ He gave a small smile.

He fell silent for a while so, to keep the distraction going, she asked, ‘So have you ever been in love?’

He clenched his jaw and nodded slowly. ‘I have. Well, I think I have. It was pretty one-sided and it didn’t work out, but there’s no surprise there, huh?’ There was a distinct look of sadness in his eyes.

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’