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That tingle evaporates. It's a nice kiss, but not enough to stir any real desire.
Without trying for a deeper kiss, Hugh pulls away and studies me. "How was that?"
"It was nice." I hunch my shoulders. "But I didn't feel what I'm sure you were hoping I would. I'm sorry, Hugh, but I'm just not attracted to you."
He sighs. "Fair enough. Good night, Kate."
"Good night, Hugh."
He walks out the door.
And for reasons I can't fathom, my thoughts return to Callum.
Chapter Six
Callum
Yesterday was my day away from Kate and therapy and all that rubbish. This morning, I get up at my usual time, six a.m., while Hugh keeps on sleeping. He left the door to his room open, so I can see him sprawled across the bed and hear him softly snoring. I take a shower and do some of the stretches Kate taught me on Wednesday, then I check my email. Before I left Loch Fairbairn, Jack had told everyone to email me instead of calling because I need to "concentrate on getting better."
There's nothing wrong with me. I donnae need to "concentrate."
Hugh insists on driving me to the clinic again today, despite my attempts to convince him that's unnecessary. I do not need a babysitter or a chauffeur, but trying to talk Hugh out of doing anything once he's set his mind to it is like telling a dog not to bark. I think he just wants to see Kate again, even after their date last night fizzled out. Aye, Hugh is also as stubborn as a dog with a tasty bone. He won't give up until Kate smacks him on the head with a large hammer. Even then, he might keep at it.
On the short drive to the clinic, Hugh brings up the subject ofthatwoman. "Cal, are you sure you're all right with me pursuing Kate? I'd understand if it makes you uncomfortable since she is your therapist. I know you said you're fine with it, but—"
"Donnae care what you and Kate do together."
"You are one hundred percent sure about that."
"Aye, I'm sure. If ye ask me again, I'll skelp ye."
"All right, calm down. No need for violence." Hugh steers the car into the car park at the clinic, pulling into a slot. "You are my best mate, Cal, and I would never want to get in the way if you have feelings for a woman."
I've never liked the nickname Cal, but I let Hugh call me that because he's my best mate. "I don't have feelings for Kate. Unless wanting to strangle her counts."
He chuckles. "She does get under your skin, but I suppose that's a therapist's job."
Aye, it seems to be. Driving me off my head, humiliating me, giving me stern looks… Her therapy method needs work. "If you want Kate, have at it."
Hugh slaps my arm. "You'll find a girl too, don't worry."
"You don't have Kate yet. She told ye she's not attracted to you."
"Do you think I'd be called Lord Steamy if I gave up that easily? Gentle persuasion is the key."
Hugh jumps out of the car while I'm still struggling with my seat belt and opens my door.
When he holds out his hand like he expects me to take it and let him help me out of the car, I scowl at him. "Ahmno an invalid."
"All right, have it your way." He steps back. "I'll be on standby, in case you need emergency support."
"Falbh dàirich fhèin."
Hugh chuckles again. "Considering your mental state, I'll forgive you for telling me to go fuck myself."
"My mental state is fine."
I limp across the car park, limp through the clinic doors, and limp over to the reception desk. Hugh watches me with an amused expression, like he thinks I'm a bloody-minded eejit. Maybe I am. Or maybe I just don't like being tricked into four weeks of double-barreled therapy—mental and physical. Aye, Jack is going to pay for doing this to me.
