Reminding myself he’s not mine to keep always ruins my day. This is a short-lived romance that will end once we’re both healed. But bloody hell, every moment with him is gratifying. If only he was a few years older.
To respect his daughter, we socialize out of the area or in each other’s homes. After the scene at The Coorey Inn, discretion was essential. Hannah’s not aware we’re seeing each other, and it’s best kept that way. For everyone involved.
I refuse to be the reason a twelve-year-old’s life gets messier. I won’t be with him forever, so we need to limit who knows about us to minimize any damage when this ends. It will end. And there will be damage. Most likely the destruction of my heart.
Each time we’re together, I fall a little more. It’s not love, it can’t be, but I care deeply. There’s honesty between us. He’s become my safe place. My laugh until I snort partner. He’s my substitute best friend. My comfort.
Amy’s concerned about how strong my feelings are.He’s Mr. Right Now, not Mr. Right,I told her during our phone call last night, but she’s catastrophizing. I miss my friend; she’s been my rock. But I need to do what’s right for me, no one else. Prideaches a little with the thought of putting myself first. A new trait I’m liking more and more.
Tonight, we’re going out to dinner with Lance’s friend, Dog, and his girlfriend, Millie. My nerves are tap dancing, every detail of my outfit overthought.
Lance talks about them a lot; they’re important in his life. Both are a similar age to him; I’ll be the granny of the group. Millie is blonde, bubbly, and disgustingly pretty. If anyone mistakes me for their mother, I may throw myself into the nearest snowdrift.
These concerns have been building since I started seeing him, but his obvious attraction to me quietened my worries. In private, my confidence is high; I feel like the only woman in the world.
He worships me.
But in public, I’m on alert for sly glances and snarky remarks. He gives me no reason to lose confidence, holding my hand and always showing me affection. Deep down, I know our time is limited. Will I cope without him? Can I really write this relationship off as the fun fling it was meant to be?
At six o’clock, we head to Inverness for a night out in the city. Having lived in London all my life, I miss the big city vibe, the constant noise and chatter, the anonymity of being surrounded by thousands of people but not knowing anyone.
Aviemore is the exact opposite—everyone knows everyone. In the five months I’ve lived here, every resident has told me their life story. The information can be overwhelming at nine in the morning while at the butcher counter, but I like it all the same.
As much as I love the serenity of the area, it’s going to be fun getting dressed up and having a few cocktails. Inverness is a forty-minute drive away, but my man has arranged for an old friend to pick us up and bring us home. Very responsible. And out of character for both of us.
Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I stare at my reflection. The motto tonight isGo Big or Go Home. My black bandage dress hugs my curves and accentuates my cinched waist. The neckline scoops low to show my ample bosom. Skyscraper heels paired with sleek black tights give me a sophisticated but sexy look. My face is fully made up with dark cat eyes and bright red lips. Frankly, I look like I eat men for breakfast.
A knock at the door, and butterflies flutter in my tummy. Grabbing my bag, I negotiate the stairs and wriggle into my fur coat. Scotland is freezing in December, but the night is crisp and dry. Snow is in the air.
A true Scotsman stands on my doorstep. He looks edible wearing a kilt and ghillie shirt. A damn masterpiece. Even this man’s knees are sexy, I think to myself. My gaze roams over his body, and I pinch myself that he’s here for me. For now.
Stepping forward, he takes me in his arms, heat radiating off him. He’s like a bloody boiler. It feels so good.
“I need to kiss you, Katie,” he drawls.
“Kiss me, and you’re dead. This lipstick is on point.” I laugh and swipe at his shoulder playfully. “You’ll have to make do with a cuddle.”
“I’d prefer a naked cuddle. Fuck dinner, let’s go to bed.”
“No! Look at me. I’m all dressed up. You’re taking me out. I expect to be wined and dined, Major.”
He hisses through his teeth, “God, I just want to fuck you here and now, you gorgeous woman.”
His friends wait in the car watching. Lance smiles, then leads me over.
Dog greets me with a hug. Millie gives me a warm kiss on my cheek, then wipes her stray lipstick from my skin. Sweet and pretty like her photo suggested.
“Lovely to meet you both,” I say.
“Oh, Katie, you’re as stunning as Lance said you were,” Millie says. I blush.
“Wait till I tell you all the gossip about what these two get up to in that bachelor pad.” Her stage whisper provides chuckles.
“Millie.” Lance rolls his eyes. “Try not to scare off Katie in the first five minutes.”
She giggles, the tension I imagined easing. We all pile into the car and head off for Inverness.
The bar is sophisticated and classy with a full frontage of glass. Inside are sleek black glass tables and chairs; an intricate walnut and steel bar runs down one side of the room, and the mirrored back wall shows rows of colored bottles. Smartly dressed bartenders shake and make drinks with finesse, like they were trained in Vegas. The music is low and classical. This place screams wealth.