“But I have bad one’s too,” she interrupted.
“If you do, I’ve never seen them and I’d be willing to bet neither has Dougall. He loves you, Helene. Enough to make a journey that I don’t think I’d be brave enough to make. He ventured into the unknown to find you. I know it’s not in my best interest to say this, but don’t push him away because of some crazy idea you have that his life will be better without you. It couldn’t possibly be.”
Helene wasn’t sure how to respond to this. She took Zeke’s hand in hers. “Yer a good man, Zeke Barrett. I appreciate all ye’ve done fer me. I’ve had the best time here with ye. Ye’ve taught me much and I’ll never ferget ye.”
“Does that mean you’re going back?”
“Aye. It does.”
“Well, then I think we should both get a good night’s sleep. Dawn comes awfully early.”
Zeke escortedHelene to her room and kissed her forehead, taking a moment to breath in the scent of her. He was going to miss her. Why was doing the right thing so damn hard? He’d never been one to worry over much about other people’s feelings. It wasn’t until he met Nick Mackall that it all changed for him. Nick taught him what it meant to be a man of honor. It was a lesson he took to heart and he lived his life every day with that in mind. Helene belonged with Dougall, not with him. As hard as that was to accept, he would. He’d let her go without the fight he’d once thought he’d put up for her. He’d find the woman he was meant to spend the rest of his life with, but not today and probably not tomorrow. It would happen when it was right and he’d know it. Until then, he had his studio and his students to keep him occupied. He’d go back to his life the way it had been before Helene had entered it. What else could he do?
Alight drizzlehit the streets as the cab pulled up to Sara’s apartment.
“Thanks,” Sara said as she paid the driver.
She gazed sympathetically at Dougall, who was heartbroken about Helene. The injuries he’d sustained battling with Zeke were nothing compared to the emotional pain he was in.
“You must be hungry,” Sara said to Logan.
“Aye. I’m always hungry.” He grinned and those adorable dimples appeared.
“Let’s go upstairs and I’ll order something for delivery. Are you sure you’re okay, Dougall?”
“I’ll live.”
“I have no doubt you will.” Sara smiled to herself and shook her head. He was a tough guy, but underneath it all she caught glimpses of the man Helene loved. He wasn’t always the big bad highlander he allowed people to see. There was more to him hiding under that gruff exterior. She was sure that was the side Helene saw. Sara hoped her friend would make the right choice tomorrow morning. Zeke would be heartbroken, but he’d get over it. He’d only known her a brief time, Dougall and Helene had a history not easily forgotten by either of them.
She unlocked the door to the apartment and her two misplaced men followed her in. Dougall immediately went to the sofa where he stretched out, covering his face with a pillow.
Logan appeared at a loss as to how to handle his friend’s sadness. Sara felt the need to distract him.
“Tonight’s your last night here. What would you like to eat?”
“Something I’ve never had before.” Logan always perked up at the mention of food.
“Okay. I’ll order Chinese.” Sara took out her phone and began punching in the number to her favorite take out place.
Logan furrowed his brow in confusion.
“Don’t worry. You’ll like it.” She held the phone to her ear waiting for someone to answer. “Yes, I’d like to place an order. Delivery please.” She gave them her address and hoped she’d ordered enough food to feed these two.
“When will it come?” Logan asked.
“You’re that hungry, huh?” She went to the kitchen and retrieved a beer for him and one for Dougall. “Here. Maybe this will help.”
He examined the can and she realized he probably wasn’t going to be able to figure out how to open it. She went to take it from him and much to her surprise he pulled the tab and began drinking.
“Wow! I’m impressed. You figured it out.”
“I’m nae an idjit.” Logan seemed hurt by her comment.
“Sorry. It’s just that you don’t have cans like that and I guess I thought you might need some help.”
“’Tis fine, lass. Ye should remember just because I’m from another time doesnae mean I’m nae as smart as ye.” He winked at her to let her know it was alright.
Sara beamed a happy smile back at him. She’d be sorry to see him go. She really liked him. It figures, the one time she meets someone she could fall for, he’s from another time.
