Page 29 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Bella was riddled with guilt as she took his phone and typed her number in. ‘I really do appreciate your help. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.’

He shook his head. ‘Hey, no, it’s fine. It’s not like I was asking you out as some kind of quid pro quo. I thought it might be nice to get to know you a little better, that’s all. Honestly, it’s fine.’

She swallowed as she noted his disappointed expression. ‘Okay, well, thanks again for the help, and the lift.’

He gave a curt nod and a very brief smile before tugging on his helmet. ‘Bye for now. I’ll be in touch.’ He quickly straddled the bike, started the engine and drove off without looking back.

16

Bella heaved a sigh. Had she been too harsh on Harris? Too dismissive? He was a nice guy, and very good-looking, admittedly. But he really wasn’t her type; he seemed far too serious and strait-laced… and that beard…

‘Are you okay?’ came a voice from behind her. ‘You look fed up.’

She turned and was greeted by the tilted head and squinted eyes of Aiden O’Dowd as he shielded his face from the sun. His blond hair was tousled as if he’d just got out of bed, in spite of the hour, and there was a distinct shadow of stubble outlining his square jaw.

‘Oh, hi, Aiden. Yes, I’m fine, thanks. How are you? Getting plenty of words down?’

‘Urgh, no, I’m having a bit of writer’s block, hence my lack of typing and the coffee I’m drinking.’ He held up his mug. ‘Can’t seem to get going today.’

‘Ah. That’s not good.’

‘Nope. So, where’s the vintage Citroen today? I didn’t take you for a two wheels type of person.’

She scoffed. ‘Why ever not?’

He shrugged. ‘I don’t know, you’re one of those put together, never a hair out of place types. I saw the way you messed with your hair the moment you took the helmet off. And wasn’t he the copper from last night?’ Well, he’d certainly read her correctly.

‘It was, his name’s Harris. And I admit, you’re right, I was terrified the whole ride home. I think my life would’ve flashed before my eyes if they’d been open.’

Aiden laughed. ‘Ah. Can’t say I’d enjoy it either, to be honest. Give me four wheels and a metal cage any day.’

‘Agreed!’

‘So, why were you on the back of the police sergeant’s bike?’

Aren’t you the nosy parker? ‘Long story,’ Bella lied. She didn’t want to give him any ammunition to mock her poor car.

He held out his arms. ‘I’m not busy. I should be, admittedly, but I’m not.’

She plonked herself down on the bench beside him. ‘I broke my car,’ she stated plainly with a deep exhale.

He raised his eyebrows. ‘Oh! How did you do that?’

‘Pothole,’ she replied bluntly again. ‘Very big pothole.’

‘Oh no. Is it repairable?’ At least he seemed sincere.

She shrugged. ‘I have no idea at the moment. Harris has had it taken to his friend’s garage in Inverness. He’s going to let me know when he hears anything.’

Aiden nodded. ‘Right. Fingers crossed then?’

She sighed. ‘Fingers crossed.’

‘Are you and he…?’ He wagged his fingers in a back and forth motion, but she guessed what he was getting at.

‘Together? No. We’re not. Why would you think that?’

‘I suppose because riding pillion is a fairly personal mode of transport.’