Page 61

“Deal.” He held her gaze, eyes glinting with something unreadable but definitely not platonic.

They clinked bottles.

Jenn’s heart was thudding again. Just like the Halloween dance, Ruairidh wasn’t what she’d first thought—aloof and distant. No, he was measured, confident, thoughtful. He didn’t leap before looking. Not like Jenn, who’d thrown herself into island life on a whim. Though, for once, her impulsiveness seemed to be paying off. And maybe that was what made him so compelling—he was constant where she was chaotic. A quiet anchor she hadn’t realised she’d been craving.

When the barman began stacking stools, they realised the night had slipped away from them.

Outside, the cold night air hit Jenn’s cheeks, sharp and bracing. She shivered, and Ruairidh automatically reached for her hand as they walked to the car. His fingers wrapped around hers—warm, sure—and she couldn’t help wondering if he could feel the pulse hammering in her wrist.

He opened the car door for her, and for one suspended second, their eyes locked. The air between them tightened. He leaned in just a fraction too close—close enough that she caught the faint, citrusy, woody trace of his aftershave—and her breath snagged. But then he simply smiled, that slow, devastating smile that made her toes curl, and stepped back before walking around to the driver’s side.

Jenn sank into the seat, wondering how on earth she was meant to survive the drive home without spontaneously combusting. Or worse—blurting something about his boxers.

Chapter 29

“Do you fancy coming in for a coffee and cake?” Jenn asked as he pulled up outside the cottage.

“How could I possibly resist that?” Ruairidh grinned, practically springing out of the car.

Morag—the little hussy—made a beeline for him the moment they stepped through the door.

“Wow, this is a great place you’ve got here,” Ruairidh said, taking in the cottage as she gave him the grand tour.

“Thanks. It’s really my gran and mum’s place—they’ve done it up for the tourist lets.”

“Ah. So will they be letting it out again next year?” There was a faint note in his voice she couldn’t quite read.

“Yeah, first booking’s April sometime,” Jenn said quickly, steering the conversation away from her uncertain future. She gave a quick hand wave, like she could brush it aside. “Anyway, cake?”

“Mmm, yes, please.” Ruairidh put his keys and wallet on the coffee table before settling onto the sofa, where Morag instantly claimed his lap like it was her divine right. Lucky git.

“Well, you’re my guinea pig tonight. I’ve been experimenting.” Jenn came back with a tray of random plates, plus tea and coffee.

“Well, I’m more than happy to be experimented on.” Ruairidh’s wink sent a pulse skittering through her stomach.

“Wow, this is a spread! What have we got?” He leaned forward, all giddy enthusiasm and bright eyes. Morag, offended at his divided attention, hopped off his lap and sauntered out with an indignant flick of her tail.

“These are gluten-free chocolate cupcakes,” Jenn said, gesturing to the prettily iced pair—she was rather proud of them. “I finally convinced Ealasaid that we need more tourist-friendly options. Gluten-free options, healthier snacks…”

“Good thinking,” Ruairidh said, picking up a flapjack. His fingers brushed hers—just the lightest touch, but it sent a jolt of heat straight up her arm.

“High-protein flapjacks,” she said quickly, clearing her throat. “Good for you… but just a little bit bad.”

“Mmm, I love it.” He groaned around a mouthful, and it was far too indecent a sound for something as innocent as flapjack. “These are seriously good. Way better than the sad snack bars I usually eat on shift.”

Jenn’s cheeks heated, and she fussed with a napkin as if her hands needed the distraction. “Thanks. Would you change the ratios at all? I thought I might have gone overboard.”

“Oh no, this is perfect.” His grin—flapjack crumbs and all—was ridiculously cute.

“Well, since you’re such a good taste tester, I’ll need you to try the other two things.”

“At your service, ma’am!” He gave her a mock salute and a boyish grin before taking a slow sip of coffee.

“Okay, so we’ve got the gluten-free cupcakes, as you know.” She held up another plate. “And this is a banana loaf with peanut butter and chocolate chips. It’s still indulgent but with a healthy twist. I mean, I don’t want to go too far and scare people away. Cake isn’t ever meant to be truly healthy.”

“Definitely not,” Ruairidh said. “Ìosa, I am so happy right now,” he added, leaning back on the couch with a groan of satisfaction as he took a bite.

Jenn laughed. “You really do have a sweet tooth, don’t you?”