I wondered how he featured in the story of Leith and my family’s history.
Maybe I was shooting at stars to think any of this was relevant, but then again, maybe I was on just the path I was meant to be on.
“Is this safe?” I hummed as the small stone path we’d been following grew wet with the waves that licked the seashore.
“Only on sunny days.” His grin was mischievous. Everything about him tugged at my heartstrings.
“It seems like the sun sets as soon as it lands on Leith.”
Harris chuckled. His laugh made me happy to be the one to elicit it from his lips. “You aren’t wrong about that, lass.”
I sighed, the toe of my sneaker slipping on a wet rock just as we began to climb up the path to the misty crag. “Maybe you’re the one responsible for all the vanished girls. How many fair maidens have you walked along this path, Geldof?”
Harris’s grip twitched and tightened for a moment.
I bumped into his shoulder. “I’m kidding. Don’t get all dark and broody on me.”
Harris tugged me by the hand, forcing us farther up the path. The way his shoulders bunched beneath his black T-shirt made me think he spent his time off from the pub lifting weights. I didn’t imagine Kylemore was big enough to have a gym, so maybe he spent his time doing some other physical labor.
“What do you do when you’re not working at the bar? I mean, pub,” I corrected quickly.
He glanced back at me, reaching the top before turning to help me up the last of the path. Mist clung to him everywhere, his hair damp with the cloud we’d climbed into. “My dad’s a fisherman. I drive boats in his fleet when he needs me to.”
“Oh.” That explained the broad shoulders and lean but muscled form. “What does he fish?”
“Anything in the water.”
“Anything?”
“He’s been offshore the last few weeks, with six boats using nets to reel in tuna now. So yes, anything.”
“Why didn’t you go with him?”
“I canny bearsed with the crusty old bawbag. If I did, I’d find myself the same, livin’ by the sea with a bunch of dirty fishermen too.” Harris leaned closer. “Truth is, I can’t bring myself to live with him ever again, even if the coin on that boat is better than in the pub.”
“And how long have you owned the pub?” I pressed, eager to learn more about him.
“Since I turned eighteen and cashed in my granddad’s inheritance money. My dad thought it was the worst decision I could have made, but I don’t think he’d judge it so harshly if I’d offered to invest in the fishing business.” The gruff turn of tone in Harris’s voice surprised me.
“I think you’re the perfect pubkeep, as it were.” I grinned. “I’m struggling to imagine a better one.”
“Try my best to play the role the tourists expect. They don’t come to Skye for the coffee. Tips are better if I lay the accent on extra thick and throw in a few ‘lasses’ for good measure.”
I burst into a laugh. “Why does this feel like a betrayal?”
“More like a confession. Spent some time on your side of the pond. A few years, actually. My Scottish accent mysteriously grew thicker with time and tips.” His crooked grin and that charming dimple lured me in. “Welcome to the top of Skye.”
His fingers tightened around my wrist as he guided us to within feet of the cliff’s edge.
I took a breath, my eyes piercing the gray clouds to discern the jagged rock that jutted out into the ocean far below.
“It’s breathtaking,” I whispered.
“Aye. And terrifying.” Harris tugged me back from the abyss.
“Have you forgotten so soon that pretty ladies like yourself often go missing ’round these parts of Skye?” Harris pulled me farther from the edge and let me linger momentarily in his arms as he breathed, “Some say it’s a curse.”
“Aye?” I breathed, still tingling from his touch.
