And the idea of that… Well, it’s hard to swallow.
I shake it off, trying to ignore the sudden flutter of nerves in my stomach as I pull my phone out of my pocket. There it is. The message from Callan. My heart does this weird flip. I stare at the screen for a second, not sure of what to expect. Maybe some casual “Hey” or “What’s up?”
Instead, I get…
Callan:
You. Me. Ghost tour in Edinburgh.
Well, how could I possibly say no to that?
fifteen
CALLAN
She said yes. We’re going on an actual date.
I’m sitting in the driver’s seat of my truck, and I’m pretty sure I’ve been smiling like a damn idiot for the last fifteen minutes. I know I’m usually all about keeping my cool, but right now? Screw it.
It’s the middle of the week, but I managed to snag a couple of days off, which I rarely do. My team at the distillery is more than capable of running the show without me for a bit. I’m the one who usually pulls the late nights and early mornings, checking in at the family distillery with Knox, but today’s different. Today’s for her.
I asked if she wanted to stay in Edinburgh for a couple of nights before she flies out. She’s heading back soon, and I figured, why not make the most of the time we’ve got left? Show her a little more of Scotland, give her something to take with her that’s more than just the sight of me looking like a distracted fool every time she walks into a room.
To my surprise, she agreed. No hesitation.
I didn’t tell her where we were staying, though. Call it partof the plan to keep the mystery alive. She probably thinks I’ve already booked some posh hotel with views of the castle or some fancy, crowded spot everyone’s always recommending.
I pull into Rose’s drive, the tires crunching over the gravel as I shift the truck into park. Before I even get out, the front door swings open and Rose’s standing there, already waving me inside with that amused smile of hers. Bree’s behind her, slipping on her shoes, ready to head out.
“Hey!” Bree’s eyes light up the second she spots me. It’s like a damn switch flips. The moment her face lights up like that, all excited and happy to seeme, my heart does something funny.
“Hey, beautiful.” Then I turn to Rose “Aren’t you looking lovely on this fine day.”
Bree’s bright laugh rings out, and just as I’m thinking about how much I love that sound, a sharp smack lands on my arm.
Rose.
“Oh, you,” she huffs. “You think flattery is gonna save you for stealing her away from me?”
I chuckle, leaning against the doorframe. “It’s always worth a shot.”
“Well, you’re right,” Rose says. “But it’s not gonna work. Not on me, anyway.” She shoots me a look that saysnice try, then turns to Bree with open arms. “Come on, get over here and give me a hug. It was so wonderful having you here.”
Bree rolls her eyes at me, smirking as she steps past. I shrug, flashing Rose a knowing grin. “You sure? ‘Cause I was talking to you, you know.”
She snorts. “Uh-huh. Keep dreaming, lover boy.”
I grab Bree’s bags and head for the truck. After tossing them into the backseat, I glance up in time to catch Bree pulling away from Rose. She spots me, her lips curving into that small, playful smile that always makes me feel like I’ve just dropped off the edge of a damncliff.
Before I even realize it, I’m smiling back. It’s instinct at this point.
My hand finds the small of her back without a second thought, my fingers brushing against the fabric of her shirt, the warmth of her skin seeping through. It’s nothing, just a touch… Except it’s not. Not when it’s her.
I’ve always thought adrenaline was my thing, the rush of a hard ride, the snap of a well-timed decision. That was what kept me sharp. But right now, with her this close, those endorphins come from somewhere else entirely.
She glances up at me, her eyes shining with that familiar, almost electric energy that makes it impossible to look away. “Sure am.” Then, without missing a beat, she calls over her shoulder, “Bye, Rose!”
I guide her to the truck, and when I open the passenger door, she slides in effortlessly, all graceful and unhurried. Like she’s done this a hundred times before. And maybe it’s stupid, but I like the way it looks. Her in my truck, tucked into the seat like she was always meant to be there.
