“Can I come in?” He waited expectantly.
Fumbling, I stepped aside. “Of course.”
His big boots thumped across the floor as Elspeth ran into his arms. Her strawberry-blond hair cascaded over his dark clothing like a ray of sunshine. His big hands clutched at her back, and I watched as he closed his eyes to savor the hug.
The last time I saw him was when he was twenty-one, and he’d had a couple of months off from duty.
Suddenly, a flashback of sixteen-year-old me gawking at William washing Lindsey’s vintage car replayed in my mind.
“The Stroke”by Billy Squierwas playing on the radio as sprinklers ricocheted behind him. He was lean and muscular then, with a shadow of stubble on his strong chin.
I breathed heavily through my mouth, mostly because of my sinus infection but also because of his hard body. It was getting slick and shiny with soapy water.
I’d never seen rippling muscles and tattoos in real life before. His jeans rode down a bit as he reached over the hood. I felt tingles I didn’t know what to do with and bit down on my lip, revealing my shiny row of braces.
I shook my head to clear it of the memory.
Elspeth’s voice was muffled by his massive shoulder. “You’re here!”
“I’m here.”
Even the timber of his voice made my knees weak.
“How was your flight?”
“Bloody long, but I’ve been through worse. How are you doing?”
Elspeth shrugged. “As good as you can be when your mom dies.”
William looked at her with such tenderness I thought my heart would break.
“Aye. What can I help with?”
Elspeth ushered him into the house, and he set his bags down on the couch as they made their way to the kitchen. I followed and went to grab William a plate as I stared at his tight butt in his dark jeans. I made one of my grandmother’s famous dishes tonight and scooped up the fragrant rice and meat, setting the plate down in front of him.
His eyes flicked up to me. “Thanks.”
I silently nodded and went back to serving Elspeth’sand my plate.
Elspeth got us drinks from the fridge and sat next to William. “I need your help with the pub.”
William took a spoonful of my food and let out a grunt of approval.
Elspeth said with pride, “Good, huh? Nairie’s been cooking our dinners.”
William looked over at me again, and I quickly smiled and looked back down at the pot to hide my blush.
“Yeah, it’s great. Of course I can help with the pub, but what about the funeral?”
“Oh, Nairie and I have it all figured out. She’s been a lifesaver this past year. Helping take care of Mom with me.”
“That’s right. Well, we can’t thank you enough for stepping in, Nairie.” He said my name in a damned sexy purr.
I clenched my legs and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, joining them at the table. I couldn’t keep looking at him or I’d combust, so I kept my eyes down at the table.
“Of course. I’d do anything for you. I mean for the family.”
Elspeth snorted. “Yeah, except sing karaoke at the pub.”
