Slowly, she subsided, taking up her place within the circle of his arm again. ‘She’s right.’
‘Yeah.’ He sighed.
After a moment, she asked, ‘Was that why you said we shouldn’t be ashamed? That there’s something between us and it’s OK that we spent the night together?’
‘Exactly.’ He felt a lift in his sensitive areas at thisreference to the most amazing lovemaking of his life. ‘And …’ He paused, not sure whether to voice his thoughts.
‘And … ?’ she prompted, treating him to her blue-eyed stare.
He decided to go for it. ‘And you shouldn’t feel new shame about the accident because of Valentina’s reaction, Ezz. What you did was against the law, but you acted in the heat of the moment. Did you ask Thea to stand in for you?’ He was stroking her hair rhythmically now, enjoying the silk beneath his fingers.
‘No,’ she admitted. ‘But I shouldn’t have let her.’
‘No,’ he conceded, though the potential for this beautiful, vibrant woman to be locked in a cell made him queasy. ‘But no one has ever laid blame on the car driver, and there’s no proof that you had too much alcohol in your blood from the night before.’ He transferred the attention of his stroking hand to her collarbone. He could just extend his caress far enough to touch the skin of her neck. ‘Is Valentina always so judgy? You and Thea are so warm and friendly.’
‘No, not normally,’ She sighed. ‘I’m shocked at how hard and horrible she’s being. She must be really hurt.’
Haunted by the grief in her voice, he snuggled her closer.
Though he stayed till well past midnight, they didn’t make love, but cuddled on her squashy sofa watching a movie and drinking coffee. Mats loved it. Just holding her, warm and soft, was a delight. It felt as if he’d been forgiven, and he thought perhaps she found some peace in his arms.
Later, when he was preparing to leave, he said, ‘Will you come with us to Portree again tomorrow? Astrid wants to show everyone the Christmas lights, eat millionaire shortbread and drink hot chocolate.’
‘I don’t know—’ she started.
He kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Everyone’s hoping you will, and nobody will think you should be at your desk. Consider yourself our local guide.’
A smile grew in her eyes. ‘Then, yes. Thank you.’
He drove home feeling as if he’d just won a particularly finely balanced lottery.
