“And? What did they want?”
“They wanted us to sell. Neither of them are involved anyway – not that I’ve ever asked them to be – but they said it wasn’t for them. It was for me. They didn’t want to see me trapped in a lifeI didn’t choose, pining after Da.” Angus is quiet. I can hardly see him. Only hear his voice, soft and sad. “It’s different for them. The farm is something they’ve always been able to pick up and put down. But for me? It’s my home. It’s in my bones. Without it… I don’t know what I’d do. Who I’d be.”
“I guess you didn’t agree to sell then?”
“No. I didn’t sell. Come up with a new business model. Got investment from my friend. Spent the year trying to turn things around. And now here we are, our first big event on the horizon, and I’m shit scared it’s all going to go wrong.”
“My sister’s wedding is your first event?”
“Big event, London. Calm down. And don’t even think of telling her.”
I hold up both of my hands. “I swear by my right hiking boot that I will not.”
“Your hiking boot? That’s serious.”
“What can I say, I’m a serious woman.” I bite my lip. “Hey, at least if it does all fall apart, you’re in the same position you started.”
“You’re right. That’s very reassuring. Fucked either way.”
“Or it will all work out: the farm will be saved, your brothers will come around, and you can stay there for the rest of your life.”
“Or that.” But he doesn’t sound convinced – or happy. “Thanks, London. You’re a good listener.”
“No, thank you. For telling me.” I echo his words from the night before.
Angus turns his face towards mine, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on my cheek, catch the glint of his dark eyes in the low light. There it is again. That tension between us. Stretched tight enough to snap.
We freeze like that. Nose to nose in the quiet tent. Outside, the wind howls. The rain lashes. Inside, a different kind of storm is brewing.
I don’t know if he moves, or I do. If he lowers his lips, or I raise my chin.
Our lips touch. A fire sparks.
It is nothing and everything. It is a rush of pure sensation: soft and deep and all-encompassing. Angus presses his lips harder into mine, and I open for him, letting my fingers tangle in the soft hair at the nape of his neck.
He groans. I’m lit from within.
I never want this to end. I’m greedy. Hungry for him.
Angus pulls back. “I— Rowan. We need to stop.”
“Why?” I hate how much the words sound like a plea.
“Because if we keep on like this, it’s going to lead us somewhere else.”
“What if I want to go somewhere else?”
His every touch sends shivers through my skin. I want him. All of him.
“Not like this.”
“But why not?”
Angus’ mouth twitches. “Because if we’re going to do this, I want more than an awkward fumble in a damp tent. I want to take my time. Learn your every sigh and gasp. And I can’t do that if I’m going to have to worry about Lila and Priya overhearing us through these thin walls.”
“That’s actually a very reasonable argument.” I try to hide my pout.
“No need to sound so surprised.”
