AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Thirteen
Ian couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent a more enjoyable or more frustrating day. Watching Bella “see” Scotland was a delight he hadn’t anticipated. Her enthusiasm knew no bounds. She must have taken a hundred photographs before they stopped for a picnic lunch at the side of a small, unremarkable loch. Even that was deemed spectacular.
Still, underneath his enjoyment ran a deep vein of sexual frustration. His bubbly companion treated him like a favorite uncle. Nothing in her behavior suggested they had spent the previous night in his bed.
Either she was a consummate actress, or the interlude had meant nothing to her. Both choices were problematic in their own way.
He stewed about it as they drove, managing to keep his libido in check with the promise that surely he could eventually decipher the code…solve the problem. Puzzles of any kind were a welcome challenge to him. He loved utilizing his brain, shaking up the synapses and seeing if he could get extra neurons to fire.
Bella Craig wasn’t a science experiment, but he was determined to dissect her cool responses this morning and get to the truth. Had she found him boring in bed? That would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Was it better to know the truth? Or should he leave the whole thing alone and carpe diem with the best of them?
The hotel he had chosen in Edinburgh was pricey, but known for its discretion. He’d seen no sign of photographers following him yet, but he doubted they had given up.
The elegant building combined a historic façade and interesting architectural details with amenities and accommodations tailored for the modern guest. Paying for two rooms was not the problem. What he was worried about was whether or not he had a shot in hell at convincing Bella they deserved another chance.
Everyone knew sex wasn’t always great for women the first time with a new partner. It was up to him to convince her that he almost always improved with practice.
They checked in at the front desk and carried their bags up a narrow flight of stairs. The hotel did have an elevator, but it was old and finicky by the desk clerk’s admission, so they avoided it. Their two assigned rooms were side by side on the third floor with a great view of the city. Though the accommodations didn’t have a connecting door, Ian wasn’t worried. If all went well, Bella would be spending the night with him.
She hesitated, her room key in hand. “What’s the schedule?” she asked. “Do I need to change clothes?”
He grimaced. “I have to take care of getting a tux. But the good news is I made my appointment at a shop just off the Royal Mile. After I get fitted, we can play tourist as long as you want.”
“The Royal Mile? I put that on my must-see list.”
“I should think so. It’s one of the most historic roads in all of Europe. Goes from the palace of Holy rood all the way up to the castle. We probably won’t have time to tour the castle today, but there’s lots more to see.”
Bella’s happy grin slugged him in the chest. “I’ll be ready in five. I can’t wait.”
It was more like fifteen minutes than five before she joined him in the hallway, but he couldn’t fault the results. Her neat khaki skirt and teal top were just right for a stroll in the warm afternoon sunshine.
“I called a cab,” he said. “Parking is hard to find where we’re headed.”
In no time, the chatty driver deposited them at a narrow alley partway up the famous street in Old Town. Ian helped Bella out of the backseat, trying not to notice when her skirt rode upward, exposing a tantalizing length of thigh.
He cleared his throat. “This way,” he said.
Bella followed along beside him, craning her neck to see the tops of weathered stone buildings that had stood for centuries. “I feel like we stepped back in time,” she exclaimed.
“’Tis one of my favorite places,” he said. “Well, at least when the tourists go home. It might be a wee bit crowded today.”
“I’m a tourist.”
The tart reminder made him grin. He tugged her hair. “Aye, lovely Bella. That you are.”
“Where are we going?” she asked. The question was breathless. He slowed his pace when he realized that she was having trouble keeping up with his long stride.
“To see a childhood friend of my grandfather. Mr. Duffy is an old-school tailor, one of the last in the city. He’s promised to fit me into a tux, God help him. His wife is also a seamstress. I thought she might be able to help you with a dress, if you like.”
“Definitely. I wouldn’t begin to know what’s appropriate in this situation. I brought the only thing I have, but it’s too casual, I’m sure.”
* * *
Bella was totally out of her element and already regretting her pledge to accompany Ian to the ceremony at Holyrood. Back home in North Carolina, she found few opportunities to dress formally. Except for going to the theater or the opera with friends, she rarely put on a skirt. Even the little church she attended was extremely casual.
Ian appeared confident about their destination, so she tagged along behind him as the narrow side street became more clogged with passersby. The breeze tousled his thick, sun-streaked hair. He was wearing what she had come to think of as his mad scientist wardrobe. Ancient khaki pants. A conservative white button-down shirt, and on top, a soft cotton pullover in sky blue.
