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As we enjoy our sweet treat, Maw asks Richard a few questions about the job he’ll be starting as a wind turbine technician. Until a month ago I had no interest in returning to Bannock, but on the same day Richard heard about this new role, Bannock Vets posted a job opening, and it was like it was meant to be.

Rested and refuelled, Richard and I fetch the rest of our things from our cars then haul them upstairs. We stack most of the boxes in what used to be my brother’s room but dump the ones containing clothes in my childhood bedroom, which is still adorned with teenage relics. I was eighteen when I moved away—barely an adult. The naive girl I was then seems almost like a different person.

“It’s not how I pictured our first place”—Richard lifts a Highland cow cuddly toy and gives it a wee squeeze—“but it’ll do for now.”

Down in Glasgow we had our own flats, but I’d spend a night or two at his each week, or him at mine, so living together shouldn’t be too big a leap.

“Now we’re here, it’ll be easier to go to viewings and find somewhere to call our own,” I point out.

“Yeah. Anyway, how about some music as we unpack?”

My phone is closer, so Richard wakes it and taps the play button without checking what I was last listening to.

“The laird roughly pulled Felicity against him, her voluptuous breasts pressing into his chest. She could feel his throbbing manhood—”

Richard pauses my audiobook, and I giggle, fully expecting a bit of playful teasing for my listening habits.

“The Laird’s Feisty Virgin Bride was your entertainment for the journey up?” He shakes his head. “Honestly, considering how bright you are, it’s a mystery to me why you like such rubbish.”

Okay, well, that wasn’t so much playful as judgemental. I enjoy what I enjoy—what’s wrong with that?

My expression must betray my feelings because he envelops me in a hug. “I’m just joking.”

Except it wasn’t funny, I think, but I take a breath, let go of my irritation, and snuggle into him. Tracing his chest with one finger, I say, “Maybe those books give me ideas. Did you think of that?”

“Like . . . bedroom ideas?”

He shifts uncomfortably. He can be pretty inhibited when it comes to sex. I mean, we do it, but . . .

“Having your mum in the next room might cause us problems.”

“Well, we’re not going to go celibate, are we? It could be a few months before we move into our own place. Having to be discreet and do it quietly could be kind of . . . exciting.” I kiss his neck.

He pulls away, laughing nervously. “Sorry, it’s just . . .” He shrugs. “I don’t know. It feels really weird while your mum’s in the house. Anyway, let’s unpack. While I’m sure you’re desperate to hear more about Felicity’s voluptuous breasts and the laird’s throbbing manhood, I’m going to put on some music.”

CHAPTER THREE

LEWIS

The piercing cries of a baby sound over the cheerful Scottish folk music that plays at reception to welcome guests to the Bannock Hotel.

“I’m so sorry about this.” Emily’s rather frazzled voice reaches me back in the office. “There, there, Ru, you’re okay. Now, ladies, I’ll just grab your keys and then—”

I put on my best managerial smile and step out to the front desk. “Welcome to Bannock,” I say to the two fifty-something women standing on the other side. To Emily, my sister-in-law and colleague, I suggest, “Why don’t I take over from here?”

As she bounces and soothes my nephew, Ru, she shoots me a disapproving look. She doesn’t like it when I “interfere”. Luckily, our guests don’t notice her irritation because their focus is on me.

“Well, look at you!”

“A sight for sore eyes—and that accent! It’s to die for.”

Both women are American—from Texas, possibly, or somewhere in the South anyway.

“Say, did you pose for a calendar of topless men in kilts?”

“Er . . . no.”

“Oh. I picked one up in a gift shop yesterday and I swear you’re the spitting image of Mr July.”