A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two

by Cali MacKay

  Something in her voice must have betrayed her, because he pulled away and looked at her, his brow furrowed. “Hey… what’s happened?”

  She debated whether or not she should tell him about the letter. If she did, he’d worry and heads would likely roll. If she didn’t, he’d still worry-and if he found out later on, he’d be furious with her for not being honest with him. In the end, it wasn’t a risk she was willing to take. She knew there was no place for dishonesty in a relationship-not if you wanted it to survive.

  “Promise me you won’t get angry.” She dug around in her bag and pulled out the envelope. “Promise me, Angus.”

  “I’ll make no such promise.” He snatched it out of her hand, his jaw already clenched as he yanked the paper out. Angus unfolded it and immediately tensed, his voice straining with fury as he read the note. “You’re not welcome here. Leave Scotland, or you’ll be sorry you stayed.”

  His fist curled around the paper, crushing it, his teeth clenched tight as he spoke. “I’ll murder the bastard who sent ye this.”

  “Forget about it, Angus. It’s nothing more than one of the locals venting.” She let out a weary sigh, even if it felt good to know she was no longer alone. “It’s been a long day and I’d rather not do this. Besides, it’s a plain paper, plain envelope, and even the font is typical. Not even the police could manage to figure out who sent it.”

  “Grab yer things. It’s not safe for ye to stay here on yer own.” He started to pace the floor, the kitchen far too small to contain him.

  “I’m not going to let anyone scare me off.” She stepped in his path and looked up at him. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you.”

  “How could ye think of not telling me, Rowan?” His eyes roamed over her face, while his hands ran down her arms. “I promised to keep ye safe, and I meant it. Now get yer things or I’ll get them for ye-and I’ll warn ye now, I haven’t always been known for my fashion sense.”

  “I’m glad I have a choice in the matter.” With a glare, Rowan spun around and headed to her room, cursing under her breath as she tried to curb her annoyance. She threw a handful of items in her carry-on bag, including her camera, and headed back downstairs. “I’m only staying for a day or two.”

  “Ye’ll stay until it’s safe.” He hefted her bag over his shoulder and with a gentle hand on the small of her back, tilted his head at the door.

  They drove to his home in silence, his speed way too fast for the narrow lanes, though she supposed he’d been traveling them his entire life. She knew he’d overreact, and it should bother her, but after her past relationships, it was a welcome change, since it meant he cared.

  The sound of his tires crunching the gravel of his drive echoed in the car as he pulled in towards his home. With the car in park, he reached out and twined his fingers with hers, bringing her hand to his lips. “Ye’ll be safe here, love.”

  They got out of the car and headed in, though the conversation wasn’t over. She appreciated his concern and thought it sweet, but she didn’t want him getting paranoid and stringing villagers up by their ankles. “I was safe at home too, Angus. It’s nothing more than one of the locals being grumpy that I’ve snagged one of their cutest bachelors.”

  He let out a long sigh and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist as a smile managed to tug at his lips. “One of the cutest? And who would the others be, pray tell? I know old crabbit MacDonald could give most men a run for his money, but since I’ve got all my teeth, I’d think that’d bump me up to a separate category. No? And cute? Really? Ye don’t want to rethink that? Perhaps dashingly handsome would be more appropriate? Or maybe sexy and gorgeous would be a better fit?”

  He waggled his eyebrows up and down at her until she burst out laughing and the tension in her chest slipped free. She playfully slapped his chest as he pulled her in for a kiss that made her toe curls. “You really are too much, Angus.”

  “And I’m all yers, love.” He spun her around and slapped her bottom. “Dinner. I need something to eat, and if I don’t get food soon, I’ll find other ways to satiate my hunger.”

  Angus had dinner on the table in record time, though how he managed such a tasty dish of spaetzle with chicken and mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce, while looking like he was doing nothing more than throwing things into a pan, was beyond her. A salad of spring greens with a balsamic vinaigrette helped to cut the richness of the sauce, as did the dry white wine he served.

  Conversation was kept to a minimum as they finished their meal. Though Angus threw the occasional smile in her direction, she also found him lost in his thoughts with his brow furrowed when he didn’t think she was looking at him. Was it because of the note? Or something else?

  It was too easy for her paranoia and past experiences to get to her, leaving her to wonder if it was about their relationship-and their night together. The logical side of her said he’d been busy and was distracted by the note. Why would he ask her to stay over if he didn’t think things were going well? But there was still a niggling worry that something definitely felt off, and it went beyond the note.

  She couldn’t take the silence much more, but told herself she was being foolish. She tried to ignore the knot forming in her chest, and chewed on her words-repeatedly-until there was no holding them back. “Is everything all right?”

  He looked up at her with a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. No sparkle in that sea of blue, no humor. “Aye, love. Just a bit distracted-and none too happy about that threat.”

  She tried for humor, hoping it would pull them both out of their funk. “You know, it’s probably just one of your many heartbroken girlfriends.”

  “Damn it, Rowan. This isn’t a joking matter.” He shook his head and stabbed at his food, not saying another word.

  “Well, pardon me.” She pushed her chair back and put her plate in the sink, rinsing it off before stacking it in the dishwasher.

  “Rowan… I’m sorry, aye? It’s just been a long day and I’m worried about ye.” He sat back, his eyes locked on hers.

  “Well, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve always managed just fine on my own.” Not quite knowing what to do with herself, she started to clear the counter of anything that hadn’t been put away while Angus cooked.

  “Would ye leave it?” When she walked by, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. “Come sit with me, love.”

  He pulled her into his lap, and she let him, leaning her head against his shoulder as he held her tight. “Tell me you have no regrets, Angus.”

  “Och, well, there will always be some regrets, love. Like the time I decided to talk back to my Ma and she nearly tore my ear off, or the night at university when Iain and I had just a wee bit too much to drink and ended up at the school stables trying to ride some poor horse bareback when we could barely stand. I nearly broke my arm and Iain threw his back out. Couldn’t walk right for weeks. But if ye’re asking whether I have any regrets where ye’re concerned, the answer is no. I haven’t a single regret, love. Not one.”

  She let out a long sigh, her head against his shoulder as he held her close. “Then why do things suddenly feel awkward between us?”

  “It’ll pass, aye? Dinnae fash yerself. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  So why did that feel like a lie?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Angus had spent the last few weeks waking up with Rowan in his arms, and should be ecstatic. Yet he couldn’t enjoy himself, couldn’t settle with his conscience eating away at him, especially when she only became more insistent about finding her father. He’d have to tell her soon, though the thought of making a confession like that had his gut in knots.

  He’d been lying to her ever since she got to Scotland and his mother pulled him into this mess-and it was killing him. It’d been a month of manipulating things to keep her from searching, to keep her from getting into trouble. The threatening note only made him paranoid, and though there hadn’t been another-that he was aware of-he was
still worried about her safety.

  With a promise to see Rowan later that afternoon, Angus spent the day seeing patients with nothing but his ever-present guilt for company. The more he lied to Rowan and tried to keep the truth from her, the more his mood soured. Even the animals were getting nervous around him.

  The threatening note could easily be one of the locals trying to scare Rowan off, but knowing Iona had been frightened when she left Scotland, he had to wonder if this had to do with their search for Rowan’s father. Had their questions stirred the hornet’s nest? News and rumors traveled fast around these parts. Even news of Rowan’s arrival in Dunmuir might be enough.

  He wrapped up with his last patient, and then knowing he had a bit of time before meeting up with Rowan, he decided it’d be best if he vented some of his frustrations. Needing some company of the male variety, he headed to his best mate’s home.

  Iain MacCraigh answered the door, a smile on his face. “Bloody hell. Thought ye forgot the way to our house-it’s been weeks. Months.” Iain stepped to the side. “What’s wrong with ye? Ye look like shite.”

  Angus pursed his lips and glared at his friend while walking into the ancient home. “And a hello to you too.”

  Iain followed behind him, clasping his hand on Angus’s shoulder. “Ye’ve got the rumor mill churning, lad.”

  “I’m sure I do, though I wish they’d all just bugger off and leave it the hell alone.” Angus looked around, searching. “Where’s yer better half?”

  “Coming up right behind ye.” Iain tilted his head towards his fiancé, Dr. Catriona Ross.

  Angus turned and gave Cat a hug and a kiss on the cheek, his mood lightening for just a moment. “How are ye, my dear?”

  She took a step back and looked at him. “Better than you are, by all accounts. Come and have a seat.”

  They settled in the library by the fire, and it didn’t take long for Iain to have a glass of whisky in each of their hands. Angus took a long sip, and savored the smoky taste of the spirits as it filled his head, before slipping down his throat like a molten sun, spreading its warmth. Already, he felt better.

  Angus held his glass up. “Thank ye for that.”

  “Now are ye going to tell me what’s going on?” Iain sat back, with Cat nestled against him, his eyes pinned on Angus. “I’ll not even start to tell ye the rumors circling, since I know ye’ve got a wee bit of a temper when it comes to this sort of thing.”

  “I can imagine, aye? They’re talking about Rowan, no? And her mother.” His hand tightened around his glass until his knuckles went white, and he was forced to take a deep breath through clenched teeth.

  “They’re also talking about you and Rowan being a couple-shacked up together, no less. And don’t even get me started on the rumors that were circling a few weeks ago. Said ye nearly had her then and there on the street before slinging her over yer shoulder and carrying her off to yer bed. They say ye’ve barely been seen since.” Iain’s eyebrow perked in question, a smug smile dancing on his lips. “Any truth to all of that or are ye going to tell me the townsfolk have gone completely mad?”

  Angus groaned at the thought that his parents were probably hearing those same exact rumors. But he’d come to talk and vent, so he might as well. “It’s not far from the truth.”

  “Bloody hell, lad. So why the mood then? I’d think ye’d be happy as a pup who found the Christmas goose unguarded.” Iain looked like he was trying to contain his laughter, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Cat who slapped his chest. He mockingly rubbed the area she’d hit, a teasing smile on his lips. “Watch it, woman. That hurt.”

  Ignoring their playful banter, Angus sighed, his gaze lost in the liquid gold of whisky, the flames from the fire dancing on the spirits. “Things are a bit strained. All along, she’s said she didn’t want any sort of serious relationship, and though I’ve convinced her to give things a try, I worry that she’s already regretting it, especially since I’m only mucking things up.”

  “Angus… I don’t want to speak out of turn, but ye’re my best friend, so I’m going to open my gob anyway.” Iain sat forward, elbows on his knees. “Ye always fall for the ones who aren’t interested in settling down. Ye’re going to get yer heart broken.”

  “In the past, it suited me just fine that they weren’t looking for anything serious. Neither was I, when I still had to finish with my studies and get my practice started.” Angus shook his head, thinking of how Rowan made him feel, his heart swelling at the mere thought of her. “But now…”

  “It’s different with Rowan.” Iain finished his thought for him and linked his hand with Cat’s, his eyes on hers with a fierce intensity of love and devotion. “Aye, I know.”

  Cat gave him a sympathetic look. “Just be yourself, Angus. She won’t be able to resist yer charms for long.”

  “Ye’re a kind woman, Cat, and I can only hope ye’re right. Unfortunately, there’s more.” Angus debated how much he should tell them. “Someone’s left her a threatening note. Don’t know if it’s because she’s gotten someone’s knickers in a twist over opening a gallery in town or if it has to do with more personal stuff. Either way, I’m none too happy and it’s only complicating matters further between us.”

  Iain sat forward and looked at him-really looked at him. “Is that all? ‘Cause I’ll admit, I feel like there’s something else eating at ye. Ye’ve ne’er been one to deal with a guilty conscience, and you look damn guilty, lad.”

  Angus groaned, his chest tight and his temper flaring. “Truth is, I’m keeping things from her-things she certainly has a right to know, but that could put her in harm’s way since the lass refuses to look before jumping. And it’s killing me to not be completely honest with her.”

  With a shake of his head, Iain gave him that look. The one that told him he was being a fool. “It’ll bite ye in the arse. Ye know that, aye?”

  Frustration bubbled up in his chest, threatening to choke him. “I know. But what the hell am I supposed to do? I need to keep her safe-that’s my first priority, no?”

  “Och, aye. And ye can only hope she’ll forgive ye for it.”

  ***

  Angus was in no better a mood when he parked in town. But it didn’t matter. He needed to make sure he wasn’t adding to Rowan’s worries and that meant setting aside his guilt and worries. There was nothing he could do until he had more information to go on and could make sure she’d be safe.

  The glass front to the gallery made her easy to spot while she sat at her desk, her attention on her laptop. He tried the door and then knocked, happy to see she locked it, just like they’d discussed soon after the threat. If he could spend each day with her, he would, but he couldn’t neglect his patients, and he knew Rowan would pick up on his worries and guilt, impossible to keep the charade up for the entire day.

  “Hey, love.” Stepping to her side, he swept the hair from her eyes, letting his touch trail down her cheek. Cupping the back of her neck, he pulled her in for a slow kiss, so incredibly happy to see her again. His pulse raced as she melted against him, his head dizzy with need. When he managed to pull himself away, he was breathless. “Did ye have a good day?”

  “It’s better now that you’re here.” Her smile had him leaning in to kiss her again as she batted him away with a laugh. “Managed to get the glass cases finished, and your friend came by and started on the electrical. Said he should have it done in the next day or two, since most of the wiring is up to date. All he has left to do is put in the lighting and then run the wires for the kiln.”

  “Does that mean ye’ll be open for business soon?” Perhaps opening the gallery would give the locals a chance to get to know her better-especially if some of them signed up for the classes she’d be offering. And keeping busy with her classes would probably do a better job than he was of distracting her from her search.

  “I don’t know. I still need to get my pictures printed in various sizes, and then I’ll need to put together a list of the classes I’ll be offe
ring, but… I think it’s going to have to wait. I’ve spent way too much time on this, when I really should be looking for my father. Even if it seems like a longshot, I haven’t given up hope. Someone knows something. I just need to track them down.”

  “There’s plenty of time for that later, love. Why don’t ye let it rest a bit while ye get yer life settled here, and then maybe we’ll come across some new leads. We don’t have a whole lot to go on right now.” Damn it. She’d never give up and his attempts to stop her were only putting a wedge between them. Already, his words had her eyes clouding over. “Come, love. Let’s go home. It’s been a long day, and I have some new recipes I want you to try.”

  The crease in her brow faded as a smile worked its way to her lips. “Does this mean I’m your culinary guinea pig?”

  “Aye, love. Just be thankful my experiments have come a long way from when I first started. My meringue fiasco got me banned from my Ma’s kitchen for over a year. It took months before we could turn on the oven without having the house fill with smoke.” When she laughed, it eased the knot twisting around his heart.

  Luckily, the ride home was a short one, especially since his thoughts kept nagging at him, telling him it would all go wrong. If she finally decided to question Conall’s father, it would all go to hell, especially once she found out Angus had already spoken to him about Rowan’s mother. He couldn’t ask the man to lie on his behalf, and Gordon was the next logical choice if she chose to go looking.

  He’d just have to distract her, and he’d start with a meal that would blow her away. If he could make her happy, then maybe she’d concentrate on the things she did have in her life, rather than the things that were missing.

  Astro was ecstatic to see them, and after a quick jaunt out to mark his territory, he followed them back into the kitchen with a bark of excitement and a full body wiggle. He watched Rowan play with his pup as her laugher filled the room, and knew his home would feel empty without her in it. It’d be impossible to go back to the way it was before she’d come into his life. Unable to resist and needing to feel her touch, he stole a quick kiss.