I bent down to put my things away, but Aidan’s boot-clad feet were in my eyeline and I felt totally self-conscious crouched down, so I stood up quickly, brushing my hair out of my eyes.
‘Is there anything you can’t do?’ he asked. ‘So far, I’ve seen you in charge of sound, wardrobe and make-up. Any other hidden talents I’m likely to discover as the day goes on?’
I smiled. He had noticed me.
‘Or, in other words, I get to do the crap jobs that nobody else wants,’ I said.
‘Doesn’t sound quite so glamorous when you put it like that,’ he replied, laughing.
I looked at the boats bobbing on the water, wondering how we were going to get through the afternoon with expensive camera equipment to keep dry and a presenter who would rather put pins in her eyes than row herself out into the middle of a Scottish lake.
‘Are you an expert at this, then? Kayaking?’ I asked.
Aidan shook his head, lowering his voice. ‘Hardly. I’ve only just recovered from diving this morning. Don’t tell anyone, but water sports aren’t actually my thing.’
‘Same,’ I confessed. ‘Have you ever been out on a banana boat? Because don’t.’
Aidan grimaced. ‘That bad?’
‘Worse.’
‘Right you lot. Find a kayak each and let’s get you out on the water,’ called Finlay, who was clearly the only person actually feeling optimistic about our impending jaunt.
Aidan and I looked at each other.
‘Good luck,’ he said.
‘I think you’re the one who might need the good luck,’ I said. ‘You’ll be at Ruthie’s beck and call now, you watch.’
There was something about his gaze that made me feel quite exposed. As though for some reason he could see right through me, to the vulnerabilities I usually went to great pains to hide.
‘Is she always this demanding?’ he asked, his eyes not leaving mine.
I nodded, swallowing hard. He was making me all hot and bothered again. ‘Afraid so.’
I glanced down at my notebook, reminding myself I had work to do and couldn’t afford to get distracted.
‘OK,’ said Aidan, taking a deep breath. ‘I’m going in.’
‘I’ll be right behind you,’ I said, ushering him towards the kayaks. ‘Don’t fall in, will you?’
‘You do know that if I go in, you’re coming in with me, right?’ he said, giving me a sideways glance.
I laughed. ‘No chance.’
I watched, amused, when, as predicted, Ruthie made abeeline for Aidan. He helped her get into the kayak, being very attentive and holding the boat still while she sat down.
Tim, on the other hand, who was supposed to be in the kayak next to Ruthie’s, set one foot into it and recoiled. ‘No. Nope, I’m sorry, I don’t think I can do it.’
I went closer, looking at him quizzically.
‘Everything all right, Tim?’ I asked.
He did look a bit green now I could see him close up.
‘I get very seasick,’ he said.
I looked out at the water, which barely had a ripple on it, let alone any waves.