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I blushed, desperate for a change in conversation. “Cork taint is a constant threat for our neighbour’s winery back home. They decided to bottle all of their range with screw caps. Most of what I know about taint is due to hanging out with my best friend at the winery.”
“Now, enough of work. It’s late and I took some liberties with your accommodation. I heard ye were staying across the road at the hotel. But they’re doing renovations over the winter and ye won’t be very comfortable over there, what with tradesmen, noise, the smell of paint and the like.”
“Oh, I -”
“We own Kerrera House next door, named after the sound it overlooks. I’ve set ye up in a studio with a kitchenette and small lounge where ye can be more comfortable. I’ve talked to the hotel and it’s no bother.”
Mrs Mac talked about knowing the hotel owner and assuring me everything was sorted. I suspected that resisting her was futile.
“That sounds lovely, thank you.”
“Shall we get ye settled for the night, so ye can rest? Should ye have to work back late after hours, here’s your swipe card, so ye can get access tae the administration block.”
I pocketed the swipe card and walked fast to keep up with her as Mrs Mac led me through a labyrinth of corridors to a secure door that opened into an adjacent building.
Kerrera House was at least a hundred years old, quite young compared to the distillery. It had Art Nouveau period features in the cornicing, leadlight windows and the bannisters of the interior staircase. This was certainly grander than any three-star hotel.
“It’s just up one floor, dear. Give me your smaller bags and ye should be able to handle your suitcase just fine.”
My studio overlooked Kerrera Sound. The moon lit up the gentle swell of the sea every time there was a break in the clouds. Lights were reflected on ripples across the bay and in Oban’s harbour.
“Like a fairy-tale,” I whispered.
“Ye should get out and see the place while you’re here.” Mrs Mac was at my side, taking in the view with me. “I’ll get Stuart tae take you tae see the sights.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary!”
“All work and no play make for a dull lassie!” Mrs Mac chuckled as she busied around the kitchenette. “And my wee boy could do with a distraction from work.”
“Caroline is taking me out for a girls’ night tomorrow.”
She quirked an eyebrow at me. “Oh, well that’s great too. Now, I left some groceries I picked up for ye downstairs. And it’s nae bother, hen. Just some things to tide ye over for supper tonight and breakfast tomorrow. All part of the McAlister welcome to Oban, ye ken. I’ll be back in a jiffy. The bathroom is just off to the side there.”
She was out the door as I took in my new lodging. My studio flat had a queen-sized bed, an armchair with a small, wall-mounted TV, two bar stools at the kitchenette’s bench.
The mention of the bathroom made me realise it had been a while since I used the facilities.
A door was ajar on the far side of the room.
Bingo! I strode through the door and found another studio flat on the other side. Moving boxes were lined up against the common wall. A home gym had been set up, and a fire had been lit, ready for a cold night.
Two suitcases were open on the bed, and I frowned.
“This is not the bathroom…”
As if summoned, Stuart appeared, wearing nothing but a towel and standing in the open door to a bathroom, steam billowing out around him. My mouth fell open, and my eyes roamed over his body
His chest was covered in hair and my fingers twitched at the thought of running over him, feeling his chiselled pecs and abs. Droplets of water ran down his sternum and over this abs, and down a happy trail that...have mercy, he had those V muscles that pointed down to what lay hidden under the towel.
He wasn’t a Beast: he was a god. An angry, grumpy god but, when he wasn’t yelling or frowning, he was art.
My eyes travelled back to his. Busted!
“I did a tour of the distillery today!” I blurted.
Stuart just stared.
Why was I still here? “Oh my god, I should go -”
