“I said I found an alternate castle on the other side of the loch where the Hollywood people can shoot. Your quiet little castle and quiet little town can stay that way.”
Quiet. Dormant. Devoid of any inspiration. No muse.
“Um, actually, Logan, my dad convinced me it’ll be good for everyone. Bring money in, help the economy, all that.”
“You sure?”
The blood rushes to my ears, roaring loudly. What about my mom?
She would understand. I hope.“Yep.”
“Okay, I’ll call Dun Hares and tell them the whole thing’s off. Are you sure?”
Miles is only feet away from me, his smile wide. Even if he did read my stupid letter, even if it really was him who replied, it was so long ago, there’s no way he remembers. What’s past is past.
“I’m sure.”
MILES
Skye’s out front on the phone, so I hang back, slow my pace. Her hair is catching the morning light, making it look like fire. I want to reach out and touch it, so I put my hands in my pockets instead.
Once she tucks her phone away, I approach and tell myself to be cool. I’m Miles Casey. I walk into far more intimidating situations than this on a weekly basis. What is it about this blue-eyed, long-legged woman that sends adrenaline coursing through my veins?
“Of all the roads in all of Scotland…” I say with a smile.That was cool.
She returns my smile with one of her own, and it shatters me. “I would argueyouwalked ontomine.”
I raise both my hands. “Fair point.”
Skye looks down at her bike. “I was going to go for a ride, but…” She seems to be considering her next words, then looks up at me, her blue eyes so breathtaking I catch myself from staggering back. “Unless you might want to go for a horseback ride.”
“With you?”
She laughs. “Aye.”
My heart floats out of my chest. I expect to see it hoveringbetween us like a party balloon. “Yes, please. I would like that very much.”
So much for being cool.
She smiles. “Let me just put this away.”
I can’t help but watch her as she goes. Her jeans hug her curves in all the right places. When she heads back toward me, she motions for me to join her. I want to run, but I walk — fast.
“The horses are just back here.”
“Is what I’m wearing okay?”
“Yep. It should be fine, but if you want to change, you can. I actually need to get a few things too.”
We agree to meet at the stables in fifteen minutes. I shuffle around some things in my backpack and notice I have a couple of missed calls. Whoever it is will have to sweat it out, because there is no way I’m making Skye wait.
I walk behind the castle and into the field where there is a large barn. Skye introduces me to the horse I’ll be riding. Foxy is a beautiful old Clydesdale with shaggy white feet and brown markings all over. Skye hands me an apple to feed her. Foxy munches it gratefully as I stroke her soft neck on the side.
“She likes you.”
“I like her too.” I look at Skye, her blue eyes piercing right into my thoughts. “She’s gorgeous.”
Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink, and I think she knows I wasn’t just talking about the horse.
