Bea chuckled. ‘Well, when you put it like that, it sounds kind of tempting. And, to be honest, you had me at full pleasure package.’
Cal stood up and held his hands out to her. ‘I’m looking forward to this,’ he said as she joined him on her feet. ‘I’m going to make sure you have an amazing time in Scotland that you never forget.’
‘Well, I’ve already one episode in my memory bank, but I am definitely excited about adding more.’
‘I’ll pick you up at six then?’ He pulled her to him and kissed her and a rushing river of anticipation rushed through Bea at the times that lay ahead with this gorgeous man who was holding her so confidently in his arms.
Chapter 29
Bea
As he’d promised, Cal arrived promptly at Bea’s apartment at 6 pm on Sunday. As soon as she had determined via the intercom that it was him, Bea grabbed her small overnight bag and made her way down the stairs. She didn’t want Cal to see where she was living, even if it was only temporary. She bet he hadn’t ever lived in accommodation as bad as hers.
As she reached the front door, Bea’s phone beeped with a message from Craig.
Just checking you’re sure? Thought we could have a fun time together.
Yes, absolutely she was sure. She’d called things off with Craig in a phone call that morning. It didn’t sit well being with Cal and still having someone else in the wings, and Craig was never going to work out, not after last night’s experience.
Cal was waiting outside the main door at ground level, wearing jeans and a blue button-down shirt and looking fresh and handsome in the low evening light. He kissed Beagently, and she got a waft of his delicious cedarwood and lime scent.
‘You look beautiful this evening,’ he said.
‘Thank you. You’re very eye-catching yourself.’
‘I try my best.’ Cal reached for her bag. ‘I’d have come up and got that for you.’
‘Oh, it’s nothing,’ she replied. ‘Not even heavy.’
‘So, it’s about an hour’s drive,’ Cal explained as he pulled away from the apartment. ‘Hope you don’t mind having to talk to me for that time.’
‘On the contrary. I can’t wait.’
‘I would suggest you read to me, but knowing what’s in your books, I’m not sure I could be trusted to concentrate on the road.’
‘That is very flattering.’ Bea glowed at the compliment. ‘And I’m a big believer in road safety so let’s stick to safe topics. Until we get to your house, at least.’
Cal smiled. The knee-weakening effect was something that probably cost Hollywood studios thousands in make-up and strategic lighting to create, and Cal just had it naturally. She would be sorry to have to leave that face behind, but what was the point fast-forwarding when they’d just begun their adventure together?
‘So why do you live so far from the bar?’ she asked. ‘Far for Scotland that is. You must enjoy driving.’
‘It’s not that I enjoy driving as much as I need to have somewhere to get away from it all. I grew up in a village called Kinshore on the Kintyre Peninsula and I crave the country quiet to help recharge my batteries, you know? The bar can get intense and I love that, but I need the flip side too.’
‘I understand,’ said Bea. ‘I grew up in a small town, too.’
‘You did?’
‘Yeah. New York City is an amazing place to live, but sometimes I need to go home to unwind and take my foot off the accelerator. So I can appreciate NYC when I’m back there.’
‘Yes, exactly,’ said Cal. ‘I couldn’t be Edinburgh Cal without Belhaven Cal. But too much village living and I’d go stir crazy. I need a break where old ladies don’t chat over scones and tea about the fact that they saw you posting a letter that morning.’ He chuckled.
‘Are you something of a local celebrity, then?’ Bea asked, then thought she saw something shift in Cal’s face at this question. But if it bothered him he didn’t reveal anything further.
‘I’m definitely no celebrity. Although, I think maybe a few of the pensioners might have a bit of a crush on me. Dorothy Mackay asked me out on a date last week.’
‘She did?’
‘Aye, I went into her house to change a lightbulb and she asked if she could take me for tea and cake.’
