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This stupid alarm doesn’t stop so I head downstairs. The owner of the bed-and-breakfast says she wakes up early to prepare food for the day. I trudge downstairs to the main floor, looking for relief from the terrible buzzing sound. My mouth is drier than the Sahara Desert as I spot Fiona cooking in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” I say since her back is to me and I don’t want to startle her.
“Oh, hello, dear.” She smiles.
“I can’t seem to get my alarm to turn off,” I explain. “I’m going on a hike with Callum this morning.”
“Yes, he told me he was taking you out,” she says. “I figured I should set the alarm for you after I heard you stumbling in last night.” She blushes when she looks up at me.
“Sorry, did I wake you?” I ask. I know I got in early.
She shakes her head.
“I tried the pub you mentioned. Their beer is strong.”
“Aye.” She nods. “Turn the knob and press the button at the same time. It’s a tricky alarm, but that should do the trick.”
“Thank you,” I say.
She walks over to the coffee pot and pours a mug of coffee. “Here ya go.”
“Thanks,” I reply, taking in the fresh aroma. “I really needed this.”
“Cream and sugar are on the counter.” She tilts her chin to the left.
I head back to my room and turn the button while pressing it, and it finally shuts the hell up. I take a calming breath with the silence that ensues.
I scroll through my messages with Evan to make sure I didn’t say anything inappropriate,
and I blow out a breath. Then I head to the shower, even though I’m sure the hike will make me sweaty again. I wash my hair and body quickly since I’m running out of time, and then I get dressed in a pair of cropped leggings and a fitted tank top. I put my hair in a ponytail and slip a sports cap on my head.
I head downstairs to find Fiona has made me a glorious breakfast for all the guests.
“Thanks so much, Fiona,” I say, staring at all the delicious platters laid out on the long table.
“Help yourself.” She smiles, waving over the table proudly.
I take some fried egg, link sausages, and bacon. I skip over the black pudding and fried tomatoes, and I take a few pieces of toast.
After eating way too much for this time of day, I head out using the directions Fiona gave me to meet Callum.
Turns out, Callum is a gorgeous six-foot-three Scot with bright red hair, stunning blue eyes, and a body built like a highlander. Okay, maybe I watch too muchOutlanderand swoon over the character Jamie too hard but, seriously, this guy looks like his spitting image. They could be freaking twins.
Callum smiles when he sees me. He’s all business as he guides us up a mountain to where he promises I will see the best sunrise. When we reach the top of the mountain, he is absolutely right. I’m also completely exhausted, so he appeases me and sets out a blanket for us to take a rest.
“What brings you to Scotland?” he asks.
“I had free time on my hands for the first time in my life, and I’ve always wanted to travel on my own. I figured it would be a good way to connect with myself,” I share, surprising myself with how much information I’ve offered. I leave out the part that I start working in the hospital in town tomorrow.
“Ah, how is that working out?” he asks.
“I’ve been bored out of my mind.” I laugh. Even though I’m sure that will change once I begin working and feeling like I have a purpose.
He nods. “Aye, makes sense.”
Callum and I sit and chat for a good hour. He’s a nice guy. He’s gorgeous. I would usually be up for having a fling with a guy like him. He told me he’s single and with the way he’s flirting I can tell he’s interested. Only Evan’s words sink into my mind at exactly the wrong moment. He didn’t want a meaningless fling the other night. He said he’s been there and done that and it only left him feeling empty. His words hit home more than I would like to admit.
Callum stands. “Come, we should take a picture of the sunrise.”
