‘It’s very much appreciated, Effie. Thank you,’ said Robbie with that air of earnestness that he managed to convey without sounding patronising.
‘It’s important to support the emergency services,’ she said matching his tone.
‘Actually, Effie, I was wondering if you’d like to—’
‘We’ve had a great idea,’ said Kacey, waving her hands about. ‘Aaron, my husband,’ she said and Shanie rolled her eyes, ‘thought we could pay like that TV programme where you pay what you think the stay has been worth. What do we all think?’ She bit her lip as she scanned the other faces excitedly.
‘Great idea,’ said Liv.
‘Fine,’ said Shanie. ‘As long as I can pay by card. I don’t carry cash.’
‘That’s if it’s okay with you,’ said Kacey to Fraser.
‘Seems fair,’ said Fraser.
‘I’d best fire up the card payment machine,’ said Dolly wheeling herself and Jock’O out of the room.
*
The guests all lined up at the reception desk. Aaron and Kacey were instantly distracted by the mistletoe hanging above them. Liv stepped back. ‘I guess I should wait until the car’s fixed before I pay and check out, shouldn’t I?’ she asked Fraser.
‘From what Robbie says, you could be here for another night at least.’ This didn’t fill her with dread as it would have done a couple of days ago; in fact she felt quite the opposite.
‘It’s not a problem,’ she said trying to sound nonchalant. ‘As long as it’s okay with you, of course.’ She watched him for a response.
‘Makes no odds to me. Just one more for dinner.’ Was he playing it cool or did he really not care?
Aaron and Kacey were so focused on snogging under the mistletoe that Dolly had to keep tutting to get their attention long enough to complete the transaction.
Shanie tapped in her PIN. ‘I’ve had an unexpectedly good stay. Thank you all.’
‘It’s been a pleasure,’ said Dolly, and Jock’O barked his agreement.
‘I’ll put our luggage in the car,’ said Aaron.
‘Miss you already,’ said Kacey.
‘Miss you too,’ replied Aaron.
Dolly tutted and shook her head.
‘Someone’s here!’ called out Kacey from the entrance and everyone went to see except for Liv, because Fraser took hold of her arm and held her back. The touch of his hand on her skin gave her goosebumps.
‘I think I know why I was a wee bit off with you before,’ he said looking sheepish.
‘A wee bit? A great clonking… yeah well, I think I know why but let’s hear your version.’
‘I’ve been hurt. And I mean real heart crushing, stomp all over ma feelings level of hurt.’
‘Not by me,’ pointed out Liv.
‘I know. But there’s something about you. I don’t know what it is but…’ Fraser looked deep into her eyes as she waited for him to finish the sentence. A shudder went through her and it was nothing to do with the weather. ‘Do you not feel it?’ he asked.
She took a moment. Did she feel anything? Confusion mainly. She had come to roast the guy who ghosted her but she couldn’t deny that the Fraser she’d met here did have a certain attraction. He was gorgeous and kind so despite everything she knew about him she was still attracted to him, which was very inconvenient. However she felt, Liv was not going to show her hand. ‘I do feel something,’ she said and his features lifted. ‘But I figured it was because of the bang on the head.’
‘Can you not be serious for a second. I’m trying to be honest here.’
He seemed unsure as he slowly looked up. Liv followed his gaze to the mistletoe hanging above them. ‘Ah the famous evil spirit and witch repellent. Are you checking to see if I shrivel into a ball?’ she asked.
