Every hair on my body goes on high alert. I’d know that voice anywhere. Deep, soft, accented, sexy as sin. I’ve dreamed of that voice, fantasized about it, heard it in my head when I’m alone in bed and missing his touch. My throat starts to close as I turn slowly, almost afraid of breaking the spell, terrified I really am dreaming this whole incredible night.
My eyes lock with the most beautiful moss-colored gaze I’ve ever seen. He’s here. Hugh is here. I blink several times, unable to process what this means.
“I hope those are happy tears.” He touches my cheek with his thumb. I didn’t even realize I was crying, but I feel the tears now, pouring down my cheeks. I can’t seem to form words, so I throw myself at him, locking my arms around his neck. He lifts me off the ground, holding onto me like his life depends on it.
I have no idea how much time passes. I’m lost in my own little Hugh bubble. Eventually, murmured voices and giggles start to penetrate my awareness. My eyes pop open and I see half the people in the store staring at us, some of them even snapping pictures on their phones. I catch sight of Piper, who’s watching with tears in her eyes and her hands clasped near her face.
Ms. James rises from her seat at the signing table. “Highlanders were a few books back, Ivy. Shouldn’t you have hired a cowboy?” The way she winks at me makes me think she was somehow in on this. That can’t be possible, can it? Hugh sets me down and Ms. James’s words suddenly make sense. Hugh is decked out in full Scots mode: kilt, white shirt, black vest, tie, knee socks, shiny shoes. Hot damn.
“I like this much better than your Santa suit,” I choke out. He laughs, cupping my face and bringing his smiling lips to mine in an all-too-brief kiss. “What are you doing here? How long have you been planning this? I just talked to you last night, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? How long are you staying?”
His hands are still loosely gripping my face. “I promise I’ll tell you everything, but not here. I want you to enjoy the rest of this incredible night you helped make possible, and then…well, then if you’ll have me, we’ll go back to your flat and I’ll explain everything.”
“Promise?” I cover his hands with mine, turning my face into one of his palms and kissing it.
“Promise.” He kisses me again. He’s barely released me when Piper barrels over, saying she can’t wait another second. Hugh hugs her tightly, then Bridget and Celia appear, and he hugs them too. We have our own mini reunion in the middle of Pied Piper Books, with people continuing to watch us curiously.
When the last person leaves the signing line, I pull Hugh over so he can meet our special guest. “Ms. James, this is Hugh MacKinnon. Hugh, this is—”
“Andrea. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” He takes her hand, smiling warmly.
“Wait, wait. You two already know each other?” My voice is pitched several octaves higher than usual.
“Andrea is a patron of the literacy program I run,” Hugh explains. “She’s been an advocate and loyal supporter from the beginning.”
This night is full of surprises. Ms. James can officially consider me a fan for life.
“You made quite the entrance earlier.” Andrea lifts her chin in the direction of the food table.
“Yes, apologies for that,” Hugh says ruefully. “Didn’t mean to steal attention away from your big night.”
Andrea scoffs. “Are you kidding? That’s going in my next book. Kilt and all.”
We chat with her for a while longer before she says she’d better return to her hotel and get some sleep. “This has been wonderful, Ivy,” she says, hugging me tightly. “I’ll look forward to returning to Pied Piper Books in the future. Andyou,” she says, turning to Hugh. “I’ll be calling you soon for an update.” With that, she heads for Piper, who has a container of cupcakes packed up and ready for her to take with her.
“I can’t believe you’re friends with Andrea James and you never told me,” I say. “Wait, you didn’t just come for the event, did you?”
“No, Ivy. The event and seeing Andrea are a bonus, but I’m here for you. I’m so proud of you.” He leans in to kiss me as I catch sight of Bridget approaching. I turn my head and Hugh ends up planting a kiss on my cheek.
Bridget giggles. “Sorry, bad timing. I wanted to tell you Piper said for you two to take off.”
“But there’s so much cleanup to do,” I say, waving a hand around.
“There is, isn’t there?” She purses her lips and gazes around the store, which is a hot mess now that most people have left. Books need to be reshelved, and the food and decorations need to be cleared. “Good thing you have a team of friends who are willing to step up and get it done so you two can get out of here.”
“Oh, and I’ll be spending the night with Bridget,” Celia calls from the food table, where she’s standing with Meredith, stuffing her face with mini quiches. My gaze slides back to Bridget, who nods.
Last year, Celia had nothing but animosity toward my best friend, and now there are times when I’m afraid the two of them are going to officially declare themselves besties for life. Despite the occasional twinge of jealousy, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the relationship they’ve forged this year.
“Go,” Meredith calls. “If you don’t emerge in the next few days, we’ll send a search party for you.”
Another round of hugs and kisses ensues, and then I gather my signed books and a container of food Piper insists I take with me, and we leave. In the parking lot, I look around for Hugh’s familiar SUV. He explains he had a car drive him from the airport to his apartment, then took a taxi here. It takes all my concentration to get us home without swerving into oncoming traffic. I keep looking at Hugh in the passenger seat, checking to make sure he’s really there.
Back at my apartment, I’m forced to share Hugh for a little while longer while Fiddlesticks gets her cuddles in. Looks like I’m not the only one who missed him. Finally, I’m able to lure her away with treats. I’m done sharing.
Hugh rises from the couch and meets me halfway between the kitchen and living room. “You have so much explaining to do,” I tell him.
“I know. I—”
