Page 55 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Bella frowned. ‘Oh no, it’s just me, he hasn’t been invited. I think it might be a girls’ thing.’

‘Ah, well, that should be fun. It’s good to have such strong friendships.’

‘How about you? Are you going out tonight?’

‘Aye, I think I might go out with Neil tonight for a couple of lemonades.’

‘Don’t you drink alcohol at all?’ Bella asked.

He smiled. ‘Very rarely. Weddings and Christmas, but I’ve made sure I know my limits.’ Her expression must have been questioning so he continued, ‘I’ve seen what alcohol does to people. Not only with my dad but road traffic accidents, fights, falls. I like to have my wits about me. It doesn’t mean I’m boring, though.’ He winked. ‘I like to have a laugh as much as the next guy. And you should see me dance. I’ve got the moves, you know.’ He held up his arms and did a wiggle in his chair.

Bella giggled. ‘So I see.’ She ate a mouthful of cake then rested her fork on the side of the plate.

‘Did you get anywhere with the interior design courses?’ he asked.

‘I did, as a matter of fact. I found one that might work. It’s a pay monthly thing, so I could study in the evenings while I work at the castle.’

His eyes lit up. ‘That’s brilliant. I’m so glad.’ Something about his enthusiasm and genuine happiness for her made her heart race a little faster. ‘So is Aiden really your type then?’ Bella was taken off guard by his question and as if he realised he was prying, he scratched at his beard. ‘Sorry, that was blunt; you don’t have to answer that.’

‘I… I don’t know that I have a type as such. I mean, he’s attractive, sure. But the other day when he made those comments, I was reminded a person’s looks aren’t enough to make them partner material. Although he did try to make amends so…’ The truth was she didn’t know any more. A handsome face didn’t last; a personality and sense of humour are the things that stick around. But there had to be some physical attraction there, too, surely? She wasn’t usually one to be so superficial and had questioned if, in fact, her attraction was more likely down to being star-struck by her favourite author.

‘I agree about the looks part. They’re not enough on their own. Someone who makes you laugh, and who you know you can trust implicitly, is what counts. And someone who trusts you and really cares about you is far more important in my book.’

She tilted her head. ‘Oh, so you have a book?’ she teased.

He chuckled. ‘I could definitely write a book. A dating horror stories book.’

‘Have there been a few then?’ She realised that question was possibly asked a little too eagerly.

Harris rolled his eyes. ‘More than I care to admit since I split up with my long-term girlfriend a couple of years ago.’ He paused and then wagged his finger. ‘But there was this one woman who sticks out in my memory for all the wrong reasons.’

Bella was more intrigued by the mention of a long-term girlfriend but nevertheless she leaned on the table, ready to hear the gossip. ‘Do tell.’

‘She had about six cats.’

‘And you don’t like cats?’

He shrugged. ‘Love them. But I’m ridiculously allergic. I spent the whole date sneezing and wheezing because of her clothes. I never even set foot in her house. So, I was allergic to her because of her closeness to her cats. Couldn’t see her again.’

Bella giggled. ‘Oh no. That’s terrible.’

‘Aye, then there was someone I met on a dating app. She had such a strong accent I could hardly understand a word she said to me the whole night. By the end of it, I was sort of nodding and saying, “Oh aye, that’s funny,” and laughing at everything. I got a message from her the day after to say she didn’t want to see me again because I’d laughed when she told me about the death of her pet budgie.’

Bella laughed louder this time. ‘You didn’t?’

He shrugged. ‘I have no bloody clue! Then there was the woman who cried the whole way through dinner because we bumped into her ex and his new girlfriend at the restaurant. That was one uncomfortable date, I can tell you. After that, I kind of gave up, hence my mum trying to fix me up with every female who so much as smiles in my direction.’

‘Aww, that’s a shame. You should get back out there.’

He smiled but shook his head and played with his fork. ‘Nah, I think I’ll wait patiently for the right woman to find me this time. I’m sure she’s out there.’

Bella smiled. ‘I’m sure she is too.’

He kept his gaze on her for a moment but then she noticed an infinitesimal shake of the head and he said, ‘So, did you get something to wear for tonight?’ He was clearly ready to change the subject.

She nodded. ‘I did, as it happens. I got a lovely blue maxi dress; very fresh and summery looking. So, it’s as well I’m only going to be outside for two minutes with the traditional Scottish weather we’ve been having today.’ She took a sip of her coffee and glanced out of the window.

‘I bet you’ll look beautiful.’