AllFreeNovel Stories worth discovering

Midnight Mooring

Page 77

by Samantha Young

I was in too good a mood to be annoyed by the local gossip. “You weren’t even here when Cameron and I first met.”

“But I’ve heard the stories. You are local lore. People are in a frenzy about that kiss. I have to go back to the bakery with something.”

“Did you volunteer for this?”

“Well, I had a reason to come over here.”

Chuckling despite myself, I crossed my arms over my chest. “All I’ll say is that we’re taking things slow.”

His eyes brightened with delight. “So, it’s serious, then?”

Though my relationship with Cameron was private, there was no denying that living in a place as small as Leth Sholas meant everyone’s relationship to a small degree also belonged to the community. It was irritating and I didn’t agree with it. But it was small-town life. And I didn’t want any fucker thinking for one second I’d treat Cameron casually.

“It’s very serious,” I replied seriously.

“Oh my god.” Bryan was salivating. “She is going to make the most fabulous bride. That hair, those legs, her rebellious style. If I were a straight man, you’d have some competition.”

“Good to know.”

“Like you’re worried about competition.” His gaze raked over me appreciatively. “I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your arse and recognized what was in front of you.”

“Right, thanks.” I shooed him out.

The baker laughed, turning around with a wave as he hummed Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” loudly for all to hear.

I was mid chuckle when movement caught in my periphery and I turned to find Caoimhe, frozen in the doorway between the back garage and the front. Her eyes were wide, her expression pained.

Guilt flickered through me as she threw me a look of betrayal and disappeared.

I knew I had no reason to feel guilty, but Caoimhe was young and you couldn’t help who you had feelings for.

Rubbing the nape of my neck, I considered what this meant for her and Rina’s future here at the garage. I didn’t want to find someone else to take over, but I’d done a lot of work on myself to get to a point where I felt worthy of Cameron.

I was happy.

And while happiness wasn’t a constant … I knew I’d never felt as happy as I did right then.

I shrugged off my guilt and decided to let myself be happy. Because maybe I deserved it after the truly shite start I’d had in life.

Before Taran fell pregnant, Quinn had won a bid for his and Ramsay’s construction company to build a small, luxury development on the outskirts of Oban. The problem was it would have meant a lot of traveling back and forth on the ferry, and being stuck on Oban anytime adverse weather made ferry travel impossible was not an option. With Ramsay wanting to stay on island more because of his wife and daughter, Quinn decided to promote one of his men to project manager. It allowed Quinn to take on local jobs.

I knew he and Ramsay were working together with a small team to build an extension for an islander about thirty minutes down the east coast in the wee village of Seriskay. I’d asked if the lads wanted lunch, Quinn texted their orders, and I grabbed everything from the deli and bakery before driving out that way. I hadn’t been along that coastal road in a while, and the view across the water back to the mainland was gorgeous. It was a sunny day, reflecting my great fucking mood, and the thought of having a conversation with Quinn about my relationship with his sister tried its best to dampen it.

It couldn’t.

Which told me how happy Cameron made me.

Moreover, deep down, I knew Quinn. I knew he’d never make me choose between them.

That didn’t stop him from giving me his best stone-faced expression as I parked outside the house they were working on. My best mate approached the vehicle as I got out and reached back in for all the food.

“Brought supplies.”

Quinn let out a whistle. “Lunch, boys and girls!”

What felt like only seconds later, I was surrounded by six construction workers, including Ramsay, who was one of the biggest blokes I’d ever met. He scowled at Quinn as he took his lunch with a thanks. “Don’t ever shout that again.”

Their colleagues joked with Quinn before they dispersed to enjoy their lunch with a view across the water.