The Highland Fling(22)

“Be nice,” Dakota says, taking a seat.

For some reason, I do the same. Maybe because Dakota insisted, or maybe because I’m a glutton for punishment. Either way, I can foresee this being an uncomfortable meal. That’s for damn sure.

“How does this work?” Dakota asks, picking up a menu from the table. “Wow, three choices. Okay.” She chuckles. “What do you suggest?”

“Go with the fish and chips,” I say. “Never can go wrong with them.”

“Perfect. Is there a waiter . . . ?”

“I’ll order at the bar. What do you want to drink?”

“Water is good for me. I don’t need to drown in my sorrows like Bonnie over here.”

At that moment, Bonnie tips her drink back and takes a large gulp, leaving a mustache of froth along her upper lip.

With a smirk, I hop off the chair and go up to the bar, where Hamish is filling up a pint. I’ve known the man since I was a wee lad. Younger than my father but older than me, he took over Fergie’s Castle when his father retired and handed over the establishment. Now Hamish and his wife take care of the place, keeping the menu simple every day and the locals happy with never-ending drinks.

“Three orders of fish, a Wolf for me, and a water.”

He nods at me and starts pouring. He spots the girls over my shoulder, and his eyes widen in interest. “The Americans?”

“Aye.”

“Leith and Lachlan called it.”

“Called what?” I ask.

He hands me my beer and works on the water. “That you wouldn’t be able to stay away.”

“Their plumbing wasn’t working. What was I supposed to do? Not answer the call?”

“Nay, you help.” He hands me the water. “But eatin’ with the lasses, now, that wasn’t necessary.” He winks and flashes a knowing smile as he turns away. “I’ll put in your order.”

Ignoring him, I head back to the table and hand Dakota her water, debating if I should sit down or not. It would be weird if I didn’t at this point. Hamish had a point, though: I didn’t have to join them, but I wanted to see how many of Bonnie’s buttons I could push.

“Thank you,” Dakota says, holding up her water and taking a drink. She eyes my beer. “What did you get?”

“The Wolf.” I take a sip and let the malty flavors sit on my tongue. “It’s going to be really good with the fish and chips.”

“Isn’t that what you got?” Dakota asks Bonnie.

“Aye, ’tis the name that caught me wee eye,” Bonnie replies in an over-the-top Scottish accent.

“Poor impersonation.”

“I don’t know, I thought it was pretty spot on.” She sips her beer, and for a second, I think I catch a humorous glint in her eye, but she looks away before I can assess it.

“Awright, me lad!” I hear Leith’s voice call out behind my back right before his hand lands on my shoulder.

Fucking great.

“Isla and I thought we’d find you here, but I didn’t think I’d see you with two lovely lasses.” Leaning to Bonnie and Dakota, he whispers, “The big guy is kind of a loner.”

Bonnie stretches out her hand immediately. “I’m Bonnie, and I can already tell we’re going to be best friends. Come sit right next to me.”

Leith takes her hand in his. “Leith, and it’s nice to meet you. This is me sister, Isla.” He takes a seat next to Bonnie, who looks far too happy, and Isla sits next to me. I can see she’s feeling shy, from the way she leans a little closer to me and hunches her shoulders.

So I decide to do the intros for her. “Isla, this is Bonnie and Dakota. They’re both watching over the coffee house while my parents are on holibags.”

She smiles. “Nice to meet you.” When she makes eye contact with Dakota, they both quickly turn to their respective drinks and bring them to their mouths.

“So, Leith, tell me all the dirty details about Rowan.” Bonnie jabs a thumb toward me. “How do you know each other?”

“Best mates since we were wee lads,” Leith says. He smirks at me, and I know that grin. He’s about to take the piss out of me like any other good friend would. Though taking the piss can go both ways, and I have way more dirt on him.

“Oh, so you know a lot. Has he always been this grumpy?”

“Aye.” He points his fingers at my brow. “See that crinkle between his eyes? It’s been there since he was five.”

“Don’t let him fool you.” Isla speaks up, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “Rowan might be grumpy, but he has a heart of gold.”

“Is that so?” Bonnie asks. “I have yet to see this heart of gold.”

“Nay, you saw it when I picked you up by your breeks and hauled you into the cottage.”

“You tossed me on the floor.”

“Where’s this story going?” Leith asks, rubbing his hands together.

“The numpty thought she could get water out of the well, but instead she summoned a wave of bats. I arrived just as they were—Bonnie, how did you put it? Trying to suck her blood?”

“They were. I felt fangs.”

I roll my eyes. “I took care of it.”

“Tossed me around like a wet rag.”