by Cali MacKay
“I’m afraid I went the other way when I took my walk this morning.” Her eyes then drifted past him to the crowd beyond. “Speak of the devil; there’s Conall.”
And no seat to be had in the entire place. Angus hoped Conall would turn around and walk away, but he knew he’d not be that lucky. His worst fears came true as Conall wandered over in their direction, looking for a table.
When Conall spotted them, Rowan gave a quick wave in response to his head nod. With a look of apology at Angus, Rowan shifted over in the booth and addressed Conall. “You’re welcome to join us if you’d like. I doubt there are any available seats.”
“I appreciate it.” Conall slid in next to Rowan. “Angus. How ye been?”
Angus tried to swallow his annoyance, knowing full well that if not for Rowan’s company, Conall would rather sit on the floor than with him. And what of the bad blood between their families? He guessed Conall was willing to put it on hold in the presence of a pretty face. At least that was something.
Angus decided he’d try his best to be civil-for Rowan’s sake. “Been well. And you? Heard ye have a new dog.”
“Aye. My sister left the pup with me when she took the job in Paris-though I half-suspect she left just to get away from the crazy mutt. She sends her regards, by the way.” Conall stared at him as if to judge his reaction. Or was it purely to annoy him?
“I’m sure she’ll enjoy Paris. It suits her.” It’d been at least a year or two since he’d last seen Moira, and a good five years since their relationship ended. “As for the dog, make sure ye bring her by if she’s not up to date with her vaccinations.”
“She’s up to date.” His tone was clipped, his eyes hard.
Before they could say another word, Lara showed up at their table. “Well, I ne’er thought I’d see the day. Look at the two of ye sitting together and not killing each other. The only thing marring the vision is that ye look like two hungry dogs fighting over the same bone, despite there being plenty of others to choose from. Typical.”
Conall glared at her. “Are ye going to take my order or did ye come here just to annoy us?”
Lara threw back her head and laughed. “Ye always were a feisty one.” To Rowan she added, “Ye’ll have to let me know if that feistiness extends into the bedroom.”
“Lara! Quit harassing my customers and do yer job.” Lara’s father scowled at her from behind the counter as he pulled a pint.
“What’ll ye be having then?” Lara glared at Conall, as if it was his fault she got in trouble.
“Burger and a pint, if you’d be so kind.” Once Lara had gone, Conall turned his attention to Rowan. “Has Angus been showing ye around the place?”
“He has, though we’ve only just started.” Rowan glanced over at Angus, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Aye, we’ll head to the stones from here and then maybe wander down the coast.”
“Well, if ye need anything, I’m just down the road from ye. I’d be happy to help, especially since I owe ye for Piper. I’d ne’er have caught that mutt if it weren’t for yer assistance.”
Rowan smiled with a casual shrug. “She found me, so I can’t take all the credit, though I’ll certainly keep you in mind if I find myself in need of anything.”
Angus wanted to groan. He was sure Conall would love to help fulfill her needs. He could see being nice in a neighborly sort of way, but given their family history, the last thing Angus expected was for Conall to be cozying up to her.
Granted, if he had to choose someone to cozy up to, Rowan would be an excellent choice. And with that thought, he felt the earth shift below his feet and his heart quicken, knowing he was going down one slippery slope.
Chapter Three
Rowan felt bad that she’d invited Conall to join them, not realizing how bad things were between the two men. She was thankful they were doing their best to keep it civil, and it seemed like the tension between them had started to fade.
Conall finished the last of his burger and pint. “I appreciate ye letting me grab a seat. Rowan, it’s been a pleasure.”
She nodded, happy that his gruff demeanor had passed and he even seemed down right friendly.
“Angus.” Conall tipped his head, tossed some money on the table and was off through the crowds.
“Shall we get going then?” When Angus pulled out his wallet she stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“Don’t you dare. This is on me, you hear?” She’d be indebted to him for an eternity if he kept this up. She grabbed the check, and pulled out several bills from her wallet, leaving enough to cover the total and a generous tip.
“Only if ye let me repay ye by cooking ye dinner one of these nights.” When Angus smiled at her, she had to smile back. Maybe by then she’d have a better idea as to whether she should ask Angus for help finding her father.
She could do it on her own, but he was far more familiar with the people and the area. And finding her dad was her top priority. She’d lived her entire life wondering, questioning, and beating back the insecurities that constantly threatened to creep up on her. Her mom had done her best to give her a normal childhood, but it was hard to ignore that not only was her father nowhere to be found, but her mom refused to say a word about him. There were no pictures of him, no correspondence, not even a name.
Rowan was happy to leave behind her thoughts and the crowded pub. Stepping out onto the cobblestone sidewalk, she reveled in the energy of the crisp salt air whipping around her. It left her feeling as if anything was possible.
Though she didn’t want their day together to end, she knew Angus must be juggling a busy schedule. “You don’t have to show me around if you’re busy. I know you have patients to see.”
“Nonsense. Anyone who needed seeing to was taken care of this morning, and after all these months of talking to ye online, there’s nothing I want more than to spend the day showing ye the sights.”
That made her smile. “You’re really sweet, Angus.”
“Come then. We’ve yet to see the stones, and the coast will be a lovely drive.”
It didn’t take long to get there, and would make a nice walk from the cottage. Rowan wandered down the path with Angus at her side, the circle of stones sitting off in the distance at the crest of a hill. Purple heather clung to the rocky surface like a patchwork of color dotting the fields, while the sun streaked through the clouds, painting the world in gold. It was beautiful.
With camera in hand, she paused for a moment and after a few adjustments, took several shots. “Now it’s your turn.”
“My turn? Very well.” Angus turned towards her, and closed the distance between them, his hand outstretched to take the camera.
She handed it to him, and then leaned in to point a few things out, her body brushing against his, the feel of him solid with muscles hard and lean under casual clothing. She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the matter at hand-though his scent of leather and wool only made matters more difficult.
She shook her thoughts free, and did her best to ignore the catch of her pulse. “There are two settings that will affect how much light gets into the camera-your aperture and your shutter speed. If you want to focus on something in the foreground while blurring the background, you want this number here next to the f to be a small number. If you want both the foreground and background to be in focus, then you want a larger number.”
“Got it. Small number for focusing on a pretty face.” He played with the dials and then held the camera up, pointing it at her.
She tried to remember how to flirt back, and came up empty. Had she always been this hopeless or was it just the effect Angus had on her? Well, until she figured out how to flirt without batting her eyelashes like a total fool, she’d have to concentrate on taking pictures.
“You’ll need to focus the image now.” His hand went to the lens at her instruction. “That’s right. Just slowly turn it until my image becomes crisp. Once you have it where you want it, gently depres
s the button and take the picture.”
She heard the click.
“It worked.” He gave her a big smile, while holding the camera out so she could see his handiwork. “I may still need a few more lessons though.”
“Not bad at all.” She looked up into those blue eyes, and realized he was even closer. When he brushed a stray curl from her face, a burning heat flushed her cheeks and made her pulse race. Cursing herself, she looked away and hoped he didn’t notice. “Shall we head to the stones?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Aye. Just watch your step. The rocky surface can roll underfoot, and it’s far too easy to sprain an ankle.”
They continued on, and before long they arrived at a circle of large stones, easily as tall as Angus at just over six feet.
It was breathtaking. Excitement bubbled within her as if the area itself vibrated with an ancient power. Perhaps it was just being in the presence of something built so long ago, or maybe it was the area and its history-but it was as if the place itself was steeped with centuries of energy from those who’d come to worship the gods of old.
They said nothing for a long time, while taking in the beauty of the stones set against a backdrop of rolling hills and heather. A calm overtook her as she breathed deep, the salt air already familiar.
She took several pictures, and then handed the camera to Angus. “Why don’t you try and take one that keeps both the stones and the hills beyond in focus.”
Mumbling her initial instructions under his breath, he adjusted the dial, focused the lens and took several pictures, pausing between each one to see how he did. “What do you think?”
He handed her the camera, and she took a step closer so they could both look at the pictures. She smiled while tabbing through the images. “They’re very good, Angus.”
“I have a good teacher.” Their bodies brushed again as he glanced down at her with a sweet smile.
It would be so easy to lean in just a little more, his lips far too enticing. She was starting to think he was trouble she’d be happy to have, but she was rushing things like a virgin on prom night. He was not a distraction she had time for, even if she had no doubt he’d make it worth her while.
Forcing herself to put some distance between them, she focused on the amazing scenic views and took several more pictures. “What’s that there-the stone with the hole in it?” She took several photos of it, thinking it odd.
“Ah… that’d be the lover’s stone. Lover’s would pass their hands through the hole and declare their undying love. It would bind them to each other as husband and wife, their marriage often consummated here under the stars. The old ways still manage to stay alive. I’ve heard couples still use it.”
“It’s incredibly romantic, if you ask me.” She stepped closer and touched the stone, the surface rough and cold under her palm. “It’s almost like the place is alive with energy. Like a thousand bees have been trapped just under the surface and have the place humming.”
“Aye. You’re sensitive to it.” He placed a hand on the stone near hers. “I’ve often wondered if it’s the place itself or the stones. I guess it matters not in the end, since they’re one with each other.”
Rowan breathed deeply, the crisp salt air filling her lungs as the wind swirled around her. She felt at peace here. Looking over her shoulder at Angus and deciding to be bold, she took the time to really look at him, rather than just another stolen glimpse.
He was handsome, with a casually rugged look to him. Though his hair was short in the back, the top was just a hint on the long side, allowing his nearly black locks to loosely curl with a mind all their own. Funny enough, his dark stubble held a hint of red, as if calling out to the smattering of freckles on his cheeks.
But it was his eyes that left her mesmerized. Not a light blue like most, but rather an intense aqua. They were kind. Kind and intelligent and humorous. And when he smiled, it always reached his eyes.
Maybe he was right-maybe once she settled down and got the answers she needed, then a relationship might not be completely out of the question. But not until she found her father. Until then, she’d need to stay focused on the task at hand. How could she give herself fully to another when she didn’t feel whole? When she had that big ole question mark haunting her? It was no wonder one relationship after another had failed-and she liked Angus far too much to risk ruining things between them.
Needing to escape before she did something stupid, she slipped around to the other side of the rock, putting some distance between them. It was easy enough to hide behind her camera, and she could always do with some good shots.
As she wandered around the circle, Angus trailed behind her. There was a grace in his movements and a surefooted ease in his step, despite the rocky surface which kept threatening to leave her with a twisted ankle. He seemed to belong to the place, and it suited him.
He’d easily caught up to her with his long stride. “Shall we take a drive down the coast, then?”
“I’d like that a lot.” Do you mind if we stop by the house first? It’s getting a bit cold, and I didn’t think to bring a jacket.” What had been a relatively mild, if foggy, morning, turned bitter cold with a brisk wind blowing in off the ocean. Her thick sweater just wasn’t cutting it, and she hadn’t brought her pea coat with her.
“Aye, the weather can be finicky around here, and if ye catch yer death, my mother will have my hide for not taking proper care of ye.”
They got back to the car, and minutes later were pulling down her drive.
Chapter Four
Angus never figured Rowan to have a temper, given that she always seemed so sweet and easygoing. So it caught him off guard when she cursed like a sailor and hopped out of the car, stalking towards the flowers someone had left on her front stoop.
He followed after her. “Rowan.”
“What a bastard.” She glanced at the card, cursed some more, and then grabbed the flowers. It didn’t take long for her to find the rubbish bin, and toss in the roses, vase and all.
“Do I dare ask?” Angus didn’t want to pry, but… bloody hell.
“Sorry about that.” The words were spoken through gritted teeth as she fished around for her keys and let them in.
“Why don’t ye sit and I’ll get ye a drink.” He steered her towards the kitchen while he grabbed the bottle of spirits and a couple of glasses. Pouring the whisky, he thought it best to distract her from the flowers and whoever sent them. “Did ye know I lived here for a short while? For about nine months while I was renovating my place.”
The smallest of smiles managed to make its way onto her lips. “I was wondering how you knew where everything was stashed. Are you done with your renovations then? My mom and I did most of the work on our house, and given that it was a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse, there was a lot to do.”
He settled a glass of whisky in front of her and took a seat at her side. His mind drifted to images of her wearing a plaid flannel shirt, her hair pulled back in a perky ponytail, and a tool belt hanging on her hips. Now there would be an image to behold in person. “Och, well, if ye’re handy with a hammer, I’d be happy for yer expertise. I’m afraid I didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped, though I sorted enough of the place to live in while I fix the rest.”
“I’m happy to help, though I don’t really know what I’m doing either. My mom and I sort of winged it and hoped no one would take a close look.” Another small smile. She took a sip of her whisky and quickly choked on it. “This is strong.”
“Aye, it can sneak up on ye if ye’re not used to it.” He patted her back as she coughed.
She seemed more settled, her anger quick to flare and burn out. “The flowers were from my ex. Ex-fiancé. It was what he always sent when he was in the doghouse. Red roses so dark, they’re nearly black. Lying, cheating bastard.”
Ah! It was no wonder she had no interest in a relationship. And here he’d been grilling her about settling down and flirting with her like a fool. Was that w
hy she’d left home? To get away from him? “He’s clearly daft, aye?”
“I was the stupid one for not seeing what was right below my nose. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’m definitely better off without him.”
“That ye are.” Hoping a change of scenery might help, he gave her hand a squeeze. “Finish your drink so we can get out of here. It’ll do ye good to get some fresh air and see something new.”
She gently pulled her hand from his. “I appreciate it-really, I do, Angus-but I should probably finish unpacking. Maybe I can catch up with you tomorrow?”
He wanted to argue with her, to tell her she’d be better off getting out and about, rather than sitting here alone with her thoughts and her memories, mulling over what happened. Yet it wasn’t his place to say it. With a weary sigh, he got to his feet and she followed suit.
“I’m only a call away. If ye need anything at all-or even just a bit of company if ye don’t feel like being alone-call me. I don’t care what the time, ye pick up that phone, aye?”
“I will.” She then stood on her toes and, grabbing his shirt to pull him down to her level, kissed him sweetly on the cheek.
And damn if he wasn’t a goner.
Chapter Five
The wind lashed at the windows of the cottage as Rowan tried to distract herself with work after a very long night alone, and an even longer day. She swore she wouldn’t let Stephen get to her anymore, yet the flowers he’d sent were enough to bring it all back. How the hell was she supposed to start fresh if Stephen kept reminding her of her past-and her stupid mistakes? It left her wondering if she could trust her own judgment, and it made her more than a little skittish about getting into another serious relationship.
Angus was sweet-and damn sexy-but she was already growing far too attached to him, when she had more important things she needed to get done.