The Highland Fling(23)

“You’re welcome.” I tip my beer in her direction.

Leith looks between us. “Is it just me, or am I sensing some sexual tension between the two of you?”

“Nope”—Dakota raises a hand—“I’ve been feeling it for the past two hours.”

Isla smiles over at her. “I feel it too. It’s practically bouncing off them.”

With a sly grin, Bonnie tilts her head to the side. “Do you find me attractive, Kilty?”

Without skipping a beat, I say, “If I found the Loch Ness Monster attractive, then yes.”

Bonnie’s eyes narrow.

Leith claps his hands and laughs, while Dakota and Isla both chuckle and sip their drinks.

“Well, in case you were wondering, you’re pretty revolting yourself,” she snaps.

“I wasn’t wondering,” I say, only pissing her off even more, though I couldn’t really care less what she thinks.



“So far, what have been the biggest culture shocks for you?” Isla asks Dakota and Bonnie, though she’s really looking at Dakota.

Among the five of us, we’ve all split three large plates of fish and chips while the band’s been striking up a folksy tune in the back of the pub, setting the mood. And hell, I’m in a good mood. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m on my fourth beer, the fiddle is upbeat in the background, or I’m surrounded by friends, but I’m having a hell of a time. It has nothing to do with the blonde sitting across from me and the way she’s poking her fingers in the air in a dance move she claims is all-American, or how she swapped seats with Dakota when Leith was asking about graphic design, so now I can smell her flowery scent as she sits right next to me.

None of that.

Nope.

It’s the beer.

Most definitely the beer.

Her shoulder sways against mine, and I swallow hard as I catch a whiff of her shampoo.

God, it smells amazing.

“Biggest culture shock?” Dakota asks, nursing a beer now, her glass of water long forgotten. “Probably nothing being open. We’re so used to having everything at the tips of our fingers. Stores are open twenty-four seven, food delivery is always available, and in LA there are so many different food choices that it’s hard to make a decision.”

“That and the daylight,” Bonnie says, swaying to the music now. “I was not expecting it to be so sunny all the time. Four in the morning felt like nine.”

“Our summer days are long, but it’s nice, since we all shut down at five—at least most of us,” Isla says. “We get to enjoy the summer weather.”

“Are there any hiking trails around here?”

“Lots,” Leith answers. “Plenty of outdoor activities. Sunday, when everything is closed, we can plan a hike up to Corsekelly Castle. It’s half in ruins, but it’s a great place for a picnic.”

“We love it up there,” Isla adds.

“Up where?” I hear Lachlan say as he comes up to the table and stands behind Leith.

Bonnie grips my arm and sways. “Holy shit, how many beers have I had?” She blinks. “Is anyone else seeing two Leiths?”

“’Tis my twin brother, Lachlan,” Leith says, laughing.

“Two of you?” Bonnie looks me up and down. “Are there two of you? Is the other one nicer?”

“Just one.” I sip my beer. “You wouldn’t be able to handle two of me.”

“Aye, this must be Bonnie and Dakota,” Lachlan says, grinning. “I can already tell Rowan’s smitten with Bonnie.”

Jesus Christ.

“I recall him comparing my attraction level to the Loch Ness Monster,” Bonnie says. “I don’t think ‘smitten’ is the right word.”

“That’s Rowan for ya—truly knows the way to a lass’s heart.”

Fucking bawbag, doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.

I stand from the table and push my stool in. “Off to the cludgie.”

Without another word, I walk toward the back of the pub and pass some of the locals, who give me nods, and straight to the back, where the stall is vacant. I make quick work of relieving myself and wash my hands. By the time I exit, I catch Lachlan dancing near the band with Bonnie.

I pause for a moment, taking her in. Her long blonde hair flies about her shoulders, released from her hair band about an hour ago. Music from our local band fills the small confines of the pub, the fiddle taking center stage. Her contagious smile stretches from ear to ear as she shakes with the beat, using those pointy fingers to guide her movements.

She looks happy.

Relaxed . . .

Everything I’m not as I stand here staring at her, realizing very quickly that the girl in front of me is catching my attention.

Hell, not just catching my attention, but making me think stupid things like What do her lips taste like?

She gives Lachlan’s chest a playful push, and they both laugh. He takes her hands in his, spinning her around the floor. All eyes are on them, and if I didn’t know any better, I would say Lachlan is trying to goad me with the smirk he shoots my way when he’s done spinning her.

Well, it’s not going to work.

Not interested.

But even as I think that, jealousy pricks at the back of my neck.