by Cali MacKay
A Highland Home
A Contemporary Highland Romance
Book Two
Table of Contents
Title Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Sample Chapters For A Highland Heist
Chapter Two
A Highland Home
By Cali MacKay
Copyright © 2012 by Cali MacKay
Published by Cali MacKay
Http://calimackay.com
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing, 2012, first edition
ISBN: 9781301814367
For Joe, Maeve and Amelia.
Chapter One
The pungent and salty sea air filled Rowan’s lungs as the wind from the open window whipped through her hair, tugging her red locks loose. She took in the craggy cliffs and heather, the sparse beauty and desolation. It was at once so new and yet it felt incredibly familiar, even if the Scottish highlands were nothing like the mountains of Vermont.
More importantly, this felt like home. It was a new start to a new life-and that left her feeling giddy, like champagne bubbles had tickled her nose.
“We’re nearly there now. I’m sure ye’ll be wanting to get settled in. Ye must be exhausted after such a long trip.” Angus’s smile lit his blue eyes from within, his dark tumbled curls and rough stubble making him look ruggedly handsome and far too charming.
He was the son of her mother’s best friend, and kind enough to collect her at the airport in Glasgow. Having studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge, his clipped lilt was mild and easy enough to understand, though her heart still raced to hear its melody.
“I think I’ll end up sleeping for a week.” She gave him a warm smile, her excitement refusing to be contained despite feeling jetlagged and exhausted. Now in her mid-twenties, she’d done a fair amount of traveling, but this was where she hoped to put down roots and finally get the answers she’d been searching for all her life. “I can’t thank you enough, Angus-for everything.”
Once she’d decided to make the move, Angus had been an amazing help. He’d even seen to updating the cottage that had been her grandfather’s and then her mother’s, both of them now gone, leaving her without any family. It was just a small home, she’d been told, sitting on the edge of a cliff to overlook the raging sea.
It couldn’t sound any more perfect.
Angus threw her a sideways glance, before turning his attention back on the road. “There wasn’t too much that needed doing, since the place has had tenants living there on and off. Still, it’s probably a far cry from what ye’re used to, aye?”
She took a look at the rugged landscape. Massive rocks seemed to jut out of the ground with no rhyme nor reason, and though it was a stark beauty, it was a beauty nonetheless. The amazing views would give her ample material to work with, and as an artist, it didn’t matter that the closest city was hours away.
“I’m happy for the change and have been looking forward to this for a long time. I swear, I’ve never seen anything more breathtaking.”
“Not many locals stay anymore, though we certainly get overrun with tourists due to the cliffs and the circle of stones. The town is picturesque too. Still, the last generation or two have left for the city as soon as they’re able.”
Like her mom. She’d left as soon as she could, the ink barely dry on her nursing degree when she headed for the States, never to return to her childhood home.
He pointed to a large home. “That there’s your closest neighbor. Conall Stewart. Went to school with him. He can be a right bastard, but keeps to himself mostly. So if you’re looking for a bit of company, you’ll still be stuck calling me.” He gave her a wink that made her laugh.
She looked at him with one brow perked in disbelief. “You make it sound like you’re the only two people on the Firth.”
“We are, unless you’re looking for someone more grey and hunched over like. If that’s the case, then old MacDougall might suit you fine.” His sly smile had her laughing. “You think I’m teasing, but it’s the truth. You’ll find out soon enough. Unless, of course, you prefer the excitement of a brief affair-plenty of visitors to choose from, if that’s yer preference.”
She threw him a mischievous glance. “So my choices for entertainment are you, my cranky neighbor or a fling?”
“Aye, and don’t forget the old crabbit MacDougall.” When she caught his gaze with a stern look, he gave her a wink and a laugh. “Actually, there are a handful more people our age. My good friend, Iain, and his fiancé, Cat, aren’t far from here. She’s also American, by the way.”
“Well, I’m glad I have more options than just crabbit MacDougall. But you can’t tell me you’re actually single.” If he were in the States, she knew the women would be fighting for him hand over fist. Nice, smart, good-looking, successful and straight. It was a rare combination in her book.
He shrugged and threw a smile her way. “Had a lass when I lived in the city, but it ended when I decided to come back home and start my veterinary practice. It wasn’t serious though, and she was off to London before I’d even finished packing my bags. What about yerself? Surely ye’ve left hoards of heart-broken lads pining after ye.”
“Nope. No one left behind with a broken heart. I haven’t stayed in one place long enough to really bother, and relationships always seem far too complicated.” She wouldn’t mention how she’d given her heart to Stephen and even agreed to marry him, only to find him screwing her roommate when her flight landed early. “I’m hoping to stay put this time around.”
“Well, it makes me a happy man to hear ye’ll be settling down in our wee little village.” He gave her another sideways glance and a smile. “And since ye’re choices are old crabbit McDonald, cantankerous Conall, and lovable old me, I’m liking my odds.”
She burst out laughing. “You know, you really are incorrigible.”
“Well, I do try, my dear.” Another dashing smile.
Pity she’d sworn off men for anything other than the rare casual involvement-and there was something about Angus that made her think he did not do casual. It’d be one thing if they were in a big city, but it would be impossible to avoid him in a town this small, and frankly, she liked him way too much to let things get awkward between them.
He pulled her from her thoughts. “Rowan… I’m really sorry about yer mother. My Ma’s still heartbroken over it. They were inseparable growing up.”
Though it had been a year since her mother had passed, it was still hard to deal with. But being in the village where she grew up would be one more way to remember her. More importantly, she might finally get the answers to the questions she’d been asking her entire life-answers her mother refused to give her, even on her deathbed.
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br /> She tried to stay positive, not wanting to spoil things with sadness. “I’m hoping I might get the chance to speak to your mom about their adventures growing up. I’m sure they got into all sorts of trouble.”
“I guarantee it.” Angus turned the car down a gravel drive and put the car in park. “Here ye are.”
The white-washed cottage was just as she’d imagined it. Diamond paned windows sat nestled in thick stone walls, the thatch most likely replaced at some point with slate. Wild pink roses clung to the walls, making it picture perfect, and off in the distance Rowan could see the ocean, the sun dipping towards the horizon.
She grabbed his arm and all but jumped for joy. “It’s gorgeous, Angus. I can’t believe I’m finally here.”
“There’s not much to the place, but the view can’t be beat, and the stone circle is just over the hill there. Come, I’ll show ye around. Door’s open if ye want to head in. I’ll be right behind ye with yer bags.”
Rowan grabbed her carry-on and stepped into a blustery wind coming off the ocean, excitement and anticipation bubbling within like the swirling waters that crashed against the craggy cliffs. The stone path led to a red front door, bold and inviting. With a hand on the brass handle, she let herself in and stepped into the living area.
It was cozy and sweet. On one side, a long red sofa and chair sat by a small iron stove and TV, whereas the other side served as a dining room with a small table and chairs. Rowan moved beyond the living room to find a decent-sized kitchen, and a small bath. A small bedroom was being used as an office and would serve well as her studio. She then took the narrow stairs up to a large bedroom which occupied the entire floor.
Likely once an attic, the longest walls were short, before moving up into a sloped roofline. It could have felt claustrophobic, but the room was large and the ceiling height at its peak was generous, with several skylights aiding the airy feel. Two large windows on the opposite walls let the light pour in through the lace curtains, mottling the bedspread in shadows, while a cheery yellow danced on the walls.
“What do ye think? Will it do?”
Rowan turned to find Angus standing behind her, and had to resist the urge to hug him. After months of emailing him, months of him making sure everything was ready for her arrival, she couldn’t thank him enough. “It’s perfect.”
“Glad to hear it. I stocked the kitchen with some basics, but ye might want to get to the grocer’s before long. The keys to the car-a manual transmission, by the way-are hanging in the kitchen by the back door. But if ye’re planning on staying, ye’ll likely want to get yerself a more reliable vehicle.”
“I’m definitely staying.” Going back home was not an option-and definitely not until she got the answers she was looking for.
“Ye say that now, and it’s a good thing we’re heading into warmer weather, but wait until we’re fully into winter nine months from now. I’ll find ye on the first plane to Ibiza looking for a bit of sun and a handsome Spaniard.” Another charming smile had her taking a deep breath to keep her pulse steady.
“I grew up in New England-cold winters don’t scare me, my dear. And it’ll take more than that to make me leave if I don’t want to go. I’m stubborn-or so I’ve been told.”
“Aye, well, that’d be the Scottish in ye.” He wandered back towards the kitchen. “I left yer bags in the sitting room, and the boxes ye sent ahead of time are in the back entry just there. Ye’ve got my number should ye need it, but I’ll warn ye now, coverage with a mobile can be spotty at times.”
“Again, I can’t thank you enough, Angus.”
“I’ll go so ye can rest and get yer bearings, but will swing by tomorrow to see how ye’re fairing.”
She walked him to the door, and saw him out with a final word of thanks before turning back to her new home.
And for once she felt like she belonged.
***
Rowan woke up in a strange bed, feeling lost as her mind tried to work through the grogginess and she tried to get her bearings. The sun filtered through the lace curtains as a slow smile spread across her face. Jetlagged, she still felt a bit off, but a not-so-hot shower worked wonders to wake her up and clear her head. Wrapped in a robe, she grabbed a bite to eat, and with a coffee in hand, felt all the more human for it.
After digging through her suitcases for jeans and a comfy sweater, she grabbed her camera, threw on her pea coat and boots, and headed for the door, ready to start her new life.
The fog clung to the heather in waves, as the sun broke through the clouds in streaks of brilliance. There was an ethereal quality to the light, the way it shone golden bright against the darkness surrounding it. With camera in hand, she adjusted her aperture and focus, and snapped one image after the other, the peace and energy of the place vibrating through her. As the light shifted, so did her focus, catching the ever-changing images before her.
Distracted by the photos she was taking, she heard the commotion heading her way before she saw it. Finishing her shot, she looked down to find a wiggling ball of wiry fur, the dog’s tail whipping around with excitement.
“Where did you come from?” Rowan slung her camera over her shoulder and then crouched down to pet the pup. It was a bizarre mix of some sort of collie, with… greyhound? And maybe a bit of Jack Russell thrown in for good measure? Not terribly tall but with long spindly legs. Hyper little thing for sure, and cute as a button with a raccoon mask surrounding her eyes. No collar, but in good enough shape to not be a stray. “Did you escape? Or are you lost?”
And then she heard a voice being carried on the wind. “Piper!”
She had to laugh. “I take it that’s you, right? Sounds like you might be in a bit of trouble.”
A figure came up over the hill, the fog clinging to the ground by his feet. The dog paid him no attention, even if there was no doubt in Rowan’s mind that he was the owner-and looking none too happy about it. She held onto the pup to prevent her from escaping.
“Is she yours?”
“Aye. Thanks for grabbing her.” The man leaned forward and slipped the dog’s collar over her head, adjusting it so it wouldn’t slip free again. He then stood, and turned to go.
“I think we might be neighbors.” This had to be the neighbor Angus had mentioned. Conall was it? A curious sort. Rough exterior with tumbled dark blonde hair, and scruffy stubble. Intelligent eyes in an unusual amber color.
With a sigh, he spun back to face her. “Are ye in the Campbell’s cottage then?”
“I am. Just got here yesterday.”
“Well, ye best be careful walking in the fog. Liable to fall into the sea.” He looked at her camera and then back to her face, impatience in his stance. “Ye best head back. Leave yer photos for another day.”
She should probably let him go, but if they were neighbors, then she’d like to know his name, at the very least. She stuck out her hand. “I’m Rowan. Rowan Campbell.”
He sighed, and shook her hand, the feel of it strong and just a bit rough. “Conall Stewart-and Piper.”
“I thought so.” When his eyes narrowed in question, she added, “Angus Macleod mentioned you’d be my closest neighbor. He’s a family friend.”
“Hmph. I’m sure he is. Keep away from the cliffs and ye’ll be fine.” And with that, he turned and made his escape.
Rowan watched her neighbor and his dog walk away, the fog wrapping around them like a lover’s embrace. Unable to resist, she snapped a picture, man and dog fading into the mists.
Angus warned her that her neighbor was a bit of a loner, but experiencing it firsthand brought it home for her. Cute dog, though-not that Conall wasn’t something to look at. With loose curls the color of dark honey, gold eyes and a scruffy five o’clock shadow, it was all she could do to not smile at the mere thought of him. Between Conall and Angus, she was starting to think there must be something in the water.
Good thing she didn’t have time for that sort of distraction. She’d come to Scotland with a set plan and goals
, and she’d be damned if she was going to let a couple of men distract her, no matter how good-looking.
Getting back to work, she wandered for several more hours, taking photos of anything and everything, playing around with the settings on her camera for different effects. When she finally headed home, it was with her heart full and her spirit at peace. The fresh crisp air and the amazing views had energized and renewed her, reinforcing that this was a new start and a new life. And with luck, she’d soon have answers to the questions that had plagued her throughout her lifetime.
A smile sprung to her lips when she saw she had company. She wandered over to where Angus was leaning against his car. “You should’ve let yourself in. I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”
“Ye can make it up to me with a cup of tea.” Angus tilted his head towards her camera and followed her into the house. “Were ye able to get any photos? The fog’s been coming in waves all morning. If ye timed it just right, I’d think there might be some interesting shots.”
Settling in the kitchen, she flicked her camera on and handed it to him so he could page through the shots she took. “Every now and then the light was amazing. I’m really looking forward to exploring the area further. Maybe drive up the coast.”
“North of here is really beautiful. I’d be happy to take ye one of these days.”
“I’d love to, but I feel guilty hogging all your time, especially when you’ve been such an amazing help. You’ll be sick of me by the time summer rolls around.” She filled the kettle at the sink, but when she turned to the stove, she quickly realized she wasn’t sure how to use it. “I swear, I’m not normally useless in the kitchen, but right about now even boiling water is looking a bit tricky.”
Angus laughed and got to his feet. He lifted the hinged cover on one of the top burners, set the kettle down, and turned the dial. “It’s an Aga. I got it warmed up and going for ye the other day, so ye should be set since it’ll keep itself running. It’ll do a decent job of heating the house too, though ye’ve got the fire in the living room if need be.”