by Anne Fraser
‘Let’s go and tell her the good news, shall we?’ he said.
A few days later, on a Saturday afternoon, as Meagan sat outside her cottage, coffee in hand, marvelling at how the sun lit the sky and turned the sea pewter, she was surprised to see Cameron’s battered vehicle making its way up the track. He jumped out and walked towards Meagan with long strides. He was wearing faded jeans that moulded to his thighs and a thick dark sweater. At his side was an excited-looking Ian and a shy Effie.
‘Dr Galbraith.’ Ian ran up to Meagan. ‘We’re going out in the boat. And Daddy said I could ask if you’d come. You will come, won’t you? You said you would.’ The little boy was hopping excitedly from foot to foot. ‘We have a flask of orange juice and some scones from Jessie.’
Cameron looked apologetic. ‘He’s been on at me ever since you told him you like going out in boats. I told him that you’d have other things to do, but I agreed we’d ask you.’
All of a sudden she wanted nothing more than to be out in a boat with the wind in her hair. It was such a beautiful day, with just the right amount of breeze. On the other hand, the children had probably put Cameron in a difficult position. Somehow she doubted that he wanted to spend time with her away from work. And did she want to spend more time than absolutely necessary with him?
‘Oh, I’m sure you and your daddy will enjoy it better without me,’ Meagan said. ‘Besides, you have Effie here for company. How are you, Effie?’
Before the small child had a chance to answer Ian interrupted
‘Daddy says we need two adults if Effie is coming too. And she wants to come, don’t you, Effie? And Mummy won’t come. She says she can’t bear boats.’ Meagan almost laughed out loud. He had mimicked his mother’s voice perfectly. ‘Please, Dr Galbraith, say yes.’
Meagan looked at Cameron. She was sure this hadn’t been his idea.
‘I think Dr Galbraith has other plans, children,’ Cameron said softly. ‘We can go another time. Why don’t we go to the beach instead? We can look for starfish in the rock pools.’ He turned to Meagan.
‘I’m sorry for the interruption. We’ll be on our way. Come on, guys—back into the Jeep.’
But one look at the two small disappointed faces was enough for Meagan to make up her mind. Then she remembered. Even if she wanted to go she couldn’t, it was her turn to be on call.
‘I’d love to go with you and Effie,’ she said a little wistfully, ‘but I’m afraid I’m supposed to stay here in case any one gets sick and needs a doctor.’
‘If that’s all that’s stopping you,’ Cameron said, ‘I’ve already arranged cover.’ He looked a little sheepish. ‘One of the GPs in the other practice phoned earlier, asking if they could do this weekend in return for us doing another weekend for them. One of the practice staff is getting married in Inverness in a couple of weeks and they all want to go. They had arranged a locum, but that fell through so they’re kind of stuck. I hope that’s OK with you? I’m happy to do it if you’re not.’
‘No, no, don’t worry. I’m happy to swap. Any weekend is fine with me. I don’t have any plans.’
‘Anyway, I thought that this would be a good opportunity for me to take you out and show you where the safe channels are. It means you can go out on your own next time.’
That was the clincher for Meagan. She knew Cameron would never let her use Colin’s boat until he was satisfied that she knew where the dangers were.
‘In that case,’ she said, ‘I’d love to come. You need to give me a minute or two to get ready, though. I’ll be as quick as I can.
Ian ran around in circles, clearly delighted. Meagan laughed. ‘He’s a bundle of energy, isn’t he?’
She left Cameron and the two children outside while she changed into jeans and a thick jumper. Although it was a beautiful day, she knew once they got out on the water, it would get much cooler. In a small backpack, she packed some waterproofs and a flask of coffee. She hesitated for a moment before picking up a woolly hat she had found lying around. She added it to her bag, along with a picnic blanket. After slipping on some plimsoles, she was ready.
By the time she walked down to the bay below the house, Cameron and his two small helpers had already rigged the boat.
‘We’ll go out under the engine and put the sails up once we are clear of the bay,’ Cameron said. ‘It’s pretty rocky just here and I need more manoeuvrability than the sails allow. I’ll be helmsman, if you’ll crew?’
That agreed, and with all of them wearing lifejackets, Meagan cast off and they were on their way. Cameron handled the boat easily, smoothly navigating their way into the open sea. Meagan watched him as he concentrated. At the tiller, he seemed more relaxed than she had ever seen him. It was as if he was in his element. The wind ruffled his almost too long dark hair.
Once they were out at sea, Meagan and Cameron unfurled the sails. They worked easily together, almost as if they had sailed in partnership for years. Soon they were speeding along. Meagan was thrilled to be back out on the sea. Until now she hadn’t realised how much she had missed being on the water.
‘Where are we heading?’ she yelled across to Cameron.
‘If you are up to a bit of hillwalking, I thought we’d take her to the foot of Eaval.’ He indicated a hill in the distance. ‘It’s the highest hill on Uist, although it’s a baby compared to most in Scotland. It’s an easy climb, even for the children. I thought we could picnic at the top—the views are great there—before coming back down. Is that OK?’
‘I’m sure if it’s manageable for the children it’ll be OK for me.’ Meagan grinned back at him. ‘Is this as fast as this boat can go?’ she challenged.
‘It’s as fast as I’m prepared to take it with children on board,’ Cameron said. ‘Perhaps after we drop them off later we can go out again. Then you can show me what you can do.’
Meagan accepted the challenge with a grin. Cameron Stuart had no idea just what she could do with a boat. She was looking forward to showing him. She hoped it would wipe that confident grin off his face.
Before long they were coming into a sheltered bay. Once again they lowered the sails and came in under the engine. Out of the wind, Meagan could feel the heat of the sun on her shoulders. She removed her sweater and tied it around her waist. Cameron indicated for her to hold the tiller then, as they came in, he leapt off the boat onto nearby rocks and tied the boat securely.
‘The tide will be on its way out by the time we come back down. ‘We’ll be able to wade out then. In the meantime, could you pass the children across?’
‘I can jump!’ Ian protested. ‘I’m too old to be lifted—by a girl,’ he added, giving Meagan a look of disdain.
‘You’ll do as you are told, young man,’ Cameron said severely. ‘Remember what I said. When you are out on a boat you always do exactly what the skipper says. Without argument.’
Something in his father’s voice must have told Ian that there was no point in arguing. After Meagan had passed Effie across, Ian allowed Meagan to help him on to the rocks and into his father’s arms.
‘Wait for us up the hill a bit,’ Cameron said, holding his hand out to Meagan. She grabbed her rucksack and took hold of his hand. She felt his roughened hand take hers and she leapt lightly onto the rocks beside him. For the briefest moment he held her to him. She could feel the rough texture of his sweater on her bare arms and the heat of his body on hers. She looked up to find his eyes on hers. They held for a moment then he stood back to let her past.
They walked up the hill at an easy pace, letting the children run on ahead. Cameron insisted on carrying her rucksack as well as his. Soon he stopped and removed his sweater. His T-shirt rode up with the movement and Meagan caught a brief glimpse of his tanned muscular abdomen. Unbidden memories of trailing her hands across the hard muscle of his chest came rushing back. She felt her ears go pink at the tips. He looked at her and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
‘Work out, do you?’ he said, his eyes app
raising her.
‘I like to keep fit,’ she said. ‘We can hardly tell our patients to take more exercise and then slob out ourselves, can we?’
However, as they climbed higher Meagan wondered if she would have to eat her words. In order to keep the children in sight Cameron lengthened his stride and it was all Meagan could do to keep up. She was glad he didn’t seem in the mood to chat, as she would have found it impossible to talk and walk at the same time.
She was very glad, therefore, when they reached the top of the hill. Meagan had to admit the climb had been worth it. As Cameron had said, the hill wasn’t particularly high but they could see for miles under the cloudless sky. Cameron pointed out the neighbouring islands of Skye and Harris.
‘If you like hillwalking, you’ll enjoy Skye,’ he told her. ‘If you prefer beaches, then Uist is just a short ferry ride away. You should visit both on your weekends off.’
‘I might just do that,’ Meagan said. ‘Actually, if you think Colin wouldn’t mind, I would love to sail his boat across to Uist.’
Cameron frowned. ‘Please, Meagan, don’t underestimate the conditions around here. Although it’s a beautiful day today, the weather can change in a moment. We are always having to rescue unwary tourists from the mountains and the sea. I don’t want to have to rescue you. We need you…’ He looked into her eyes. Meagan felt her heart thud. What did he mean? Was he implying…?
‘The practice needs you,’ he finished abruptly. ‘Hey, children,’ he called out, ‘are you ready for something to eat?’
Meagan could have kicked herself. Why was she always reading more into Cameron’s behaviour than she should? Hadn’t he made it clear enough that their relationship was purely that of two professionals? And the only reason he had invited her on this trip was for the sake of the children.
Shortly after they had finished their picnic, Cameron stood up. He scanned the sky with practised eyes.
‘There are clouds rolling in from the north. Could be there’s a storm on the way. We’d better get back. Besides, we can’t let the tide get too far out or we’ll be stuck here until it comes back in.’
Looking at the sky, Meagan could see no evidence of a storm, although the wind had picked up a bit. Perhaps he’d had enough of her company?
‘Fine by me,’ she said, gathering their belongings together. The children seemed happy enough to be returning to the boat.
As Cameron had predicted, the tide was on the way out, dragging the boat with it away from the shore. Now there was an expanse of sand to be crossed before they could get to the vessel. She’d have to roll up her jeans and wade out. Cameron had obviously come to the same conclusion. He had already rolled up his jeans, revealing muscular calves, and had removed his shoes.
‘It’s too deep for you to wade. You’ll get soaked. I’ll carry you and the children out.’
‘No.’ Meagan said hastily. It was just too embarrassing. ‘I don’t mind getting a little wet. I’ll soon get dry.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Cameron said, striding towards her purposefully. Before she had a chance to protest, he had scooped her in his arms and was carrying her out towards the boat. ‘Stay there Ian, Effie,’ he called over his shoulder. ‘Don’t move an inch until I come back for you.’
‘Put me down,’ Meagan snarled at Cameron, struggling in his arms.
‘The devil take me,’ he said, grinning down at her. ‘Why can’t you just do as you’re told? Anyway, if I let you wade out, the children will want to do the same. Far better all crew get treated the same.’
By this time they were halfway out to the boat and the sea was already above Cameron’s knees. Despite her indignation, Meagan was once more acutely aware of his muscular chest and powerful arms as they held her. Her face was inches away from his and she could smell the faint scent of his aftershave. She closed her eyes. She couldn’t help it. She fancied him like mad. The thought brought her to her senses. She wriggled in his arms.
‘I said let me down.’ The next second she had her wish. Without a word he dropped her. She slid into the water and, catching her foot on some seaweed, slipped under. She gasped as she was submerged in the icy water. Well, it was one way to cool her libido which after a couple of years without sex seemed to have traitorously gone into overdrive.
The next second she felt her T-shirt being grabbed and she was pulled unceremoniously upwards. She came out of the water, choking and gasping, and looked straight into glinting brown eyes. Without a word Cameron hauled her the last two remaining feet towards the boat and, gripping her under the arms, lifted her onto the side of the boat where she hung like a landed fish, gasping and spluttering. Then she felt him grab her hips as he tossed her all the way over the side onto the deck.
She raised herself to her knees, aware that her hair was plastered to her head. And wasn’t that a bit of seaweed she could feel curling around her ear? Any feelings of lust had vanished.
‘Do you mind?’ she snarled. ‘I’m not a salmon or some other fish to be landed. I told you I was perfectly able to get myself on board. And you…’ She almost spat out the words, aware that she had worked herself into a fury, but by now unable to stop herself. ‘What century do you think we are living in?’
But it was too late. Cameron was already making his way to shore and was out of earshot. As Meagan continued cursing under her breath, he placed Ian onto his back and Effie under his arm and started making his way back.
Although Meagan had managed to regain some of her composure, she wasn’t finished with him yet. As he deposited his charges and leapt on board, she muttered at him, ‘Just you wait, Cameron Stuart. I’ll get my revenge. Just you wait and see.’
‘You told me to let you go,’ he said easily as he turned the boat in the direction of home. ‘I was only doing what I was told. Isn’t that what you women want?’
He could hardly admit the truth, he told himself ruefully. That the feel of her in his arms had almost made him lose control. The only way he’d been able to resist the temptation of bringing his lips down on hers had been to dump her unceremoniously into the sea. Hardly a gallant gesture, he acknowledged wryly.
‘I’m soaked,’ she said through gritted teeth, removing another piece of seaweed from her hair and looking at it with distaste before throwing it back in the sea.
‘Here,’ he said rummaging around in the rucksack. ‘Get below and change into this. At least you’ll be warmer.’
Effie and Ian were trying unsuccessfully to smother their giggles behind their hands. Meagan thought for a moment how she must look and then burst out laughing. Relieved, the children joined her, Ian rolling around the deck hugging his sides. Soon they were all laughing.
Meagan picked up the sweater. ‘I’ll go get changed, then, shall I? But, Dr Stuart, I meant every word I said. You’ll pay for this.’
‘There a small gas stove down below,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you make some tea once you’ve changed?’ he suggested.
Below Meagan found a small galley and a couple of berths. She also found a towel which she used to dry her hair as best she could. She slipped out of her wet clothes, leaving her panties on, and pulled Cameron’s sweater over her head, catching a faint whiff of his aftershave as she did so. It came to just above her knees. Well, sweater dresses were all the rage, she thought ruefully, although she was pretty certain the catwalk didn’t have a version like the one she was wearing. She was equally certain that the catwalk didn’t have models whose hair hung in rats’ tails either. Needless to say, she hadn’t thought to bring her comb with her. Then she remembered the woolly hat. It would cover the worst of the damage, she thought, pulling it over her head and tucking her damp hair inside. Still plotting her revenge, she set about making some tea.
When Meagan appeared from below deck, Cameron almost dropped the tiller. Even with her face devoid of make-up and her hair hidden under the ridiculous hat, she was as beautiful as any woman Cameron had ever seen. Without the distraction of her hair, her perfect cheekbones
, wide mouth and striking green eyes stood out. Beneath his sweater her legs seemed to go on for ever. Barefoot, she oozed sensuality and he felt heat in his belly. But he had to keep his distance from her, no matter how difficult it was. The last thing he or Meagan needed was island gossip. And if talk got back to Rachel, or if Rachel even suspected he had feelings for Meagan, he had no doubt that she would carry out her threat and sue for custody of their son. And with the hours he worked, she stood every chance of winning. She wouldn’t do it, not as long as she thought there was a chance, however remote, of them getting back together. Despite the feelings he had for Meagan, and they had never truly gone away, he would never risk losing his son. But, he thought, glancing over once more at Meagan, it was going to be a lot harder keeping his hands off this woman than he had ever thought possible. He almost groaned aloud.
‘Nice hat,’ he said instead.
CHAPTER FIVE
BY THE time they arrived back at the bay in front of Meagan’s house the wind had picked up. Dark clouds were scudding across the sky and the first drops of rain were starting to fall. It seemed as though Cameron’s weather predictions had been right, and he hadn’t been making excuses to cut their trip short after all. As Meagan tidied the boat in preparation for leaving, she knew the worsening weather meant there was little chance she and Cameron would be heading out again later. Probably a good thing—although she longed to give him a taste of his own medicine. Already a plan for revenge was forming in her mind.
As she stood forward of the boat, ready to leap out with the ropes to fasten her, she noticed a slim, blonde figure watching them approach. Rachel! She had probably come down to collect the children and take them home, Meagan thought. Or perhaps she was checking up on Cameron. With a shock of dismay, Meagan realised she was still dressed in very little except Cameron’s jumper. It was too late to do anything about it now. And anyway, whatever Rachel thought, whatever was between Cameron and his ex-wife, it had nothing to do with her.