“Aye, my dining room should be full of patrons who are breaking their fast after staying the night in my inn, but alas, that is also empty.”
“Ye have one customer,” he chided.
“If ye are referring to Jocelyn, ye can damn well take those words back and ye well ken it.”
Theodore put his hands up in defense. “I am just saying. Isna it funny how she arrived on your doorstep, out of the several inns in this town, asking for free lodging and food? Seems suspicious to me.” He shrugged as if he hadn’t just insulted Gunn’s intelligence.
He wouldn’t have Theodore speaking ill of Jocelyn.
“Ye are dismissed for the day.”
“Excuse me? Ye canna be serious.”
“I am. I can run my own pub for the day. And I suggest that if ye want to stay employed in this establishment, that ye mind your words when speaking of Jocelyn.”
Dawning widened Theodore’s eyes. “Ye two.” He waved his hands in the air. “Ye two. Are together? Ye’re courting her?”
“Tisna any of your business what we are doing. Now leave before I have the mind to remove ye myself.” He would take immense pleasure in doing so.
“Fine. Ye want me to leave for the day? I shall. But I think ye need to get your affairs in order, Gunn.” He pointed his index finger at him. “Ye are running out of resources and unless ye start pulling them from your estate, ye’re going to lose your pub and inn. No bonny lass will save it.”
Gunn stood, pushing his chair back with such force it toppled over.
Theodore’s eyes rounded as he noticed Gunn’s clenched fists and put his hands up in defense.
“I’m going. Ye can relax.”
He watched Theodore exit through the door, catching the sneer he threw back before disappearing down the street. He wanted naught more than to kick him out of the Thistle & Pig for good, but he couldn’t. Not yet.
His earlier thoughts gave him an idea. It was time he went out into the town and talked to the people to find out why they stopped frequenting his business.
Even better, he could use the time to walk with Jocelyn on his arm.
He found Jocelyn and Lizzie playing a game of cribbage in the salon.
“Hello ladies,” he called out. “Who’s winning?”
They looked up at his voice and Jocelyn smiled widely. He couldn’t help but return the smile. It was the same every time he was in her presence. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling widely.
“I am,” Jocelyn answered, clapping her hands excitedly.
“Calm down,” Lizzie drawled. “’Tis beginner’s luck.
“I think not. It’s because I had a great teacher.” Jocelyn giggled and turned to him. “I had never played cribbage before. Lizzie taught me. It’s fun!”
“I’m glad ye’re enjoying it. I wondered if ye cared for a walk or shall I come back later?
“My legs could use a stretch, and the fresh air will do me some good. Lizzie, do you want to join us?”
“Nay. Ye two go on. I’m waiting for Malcolm and hopefully, he’ll arrive soon.”
“I am certain he misses ye as well, Lizzie,” Gunn offered.
“I didna say I missed him.”
Gunn laughed. “Ye didna have to, ’tis written all o’er your face.
She blushed. “Shush. Ye two go.” She stood and gestured them toward the door. “Enjoy your walk.”
