The Highland Fling(69)

“It has been since I met you.” He gives me the smallest of kisses and then releases me before walking over to a table and bringing me with him. We both take a seat, and he leans back, casually sitting in the chair while my body hums, ready for anything he wants to give. “Saw a man leave here with some coffee.”

“He said he liked boring coffee, so this was the place for him.”

“Ouch.” Rowan laughs and glances around the empty space. “So . . . what’s the plan?”

“Plan?”

“For the shop. What are you going to do?”

“Oh, well, I mean . . . I have some ideas, but I haven’t started anything.”

“Why not?”

“Because I wanted to run them by you first. This is your family’s shop, after all.”

“Aye, true.” He nods at me. “Then, run ’em by me.”

Simple as that, huh?

Excited to share, I run to the counter, grab my notebook and pen, and sit down across from him. “Now, these are just ideas—nothing is concrete.”

“Hit me.”

“Well, we need to power wash these floors—they’re grimy and need a new life.”

He glances down. “Aye. I have a power washer.”

“That’s amazing, really? God, I love power washers. Unsung heroes of renovating. I can’t wait to blow the dirt off these—”

“You’re not using it,” he says with finality. “I’ll do it.”

Uh, excuse me?

“Oh no. I’ll have the pleasure of doing it. I’ve spent way too many bored hours in here watching power-washing compilations on YouTube to not have the pleasure of doing it myself.”

“You’ve been watching power-washing videos on YouTube?”

Doesn’t everybody?

“Yes, it’s quite soothing. Like raking sand in one of those sand gardens people keep on desks. It’s crazy satisfying to watch dirt be blasted away by water. I’m afraid to admit I’ve probably committed at least ten hours to watching compilations online. Paired with fun music, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful way to waste some time.”

He blinks a few times. “You’re serious.”

“Do I need to show you my YouTube history? I don’t even need to search them out anymore—they just show up on the suggested feed. But do you know what really chaps my ass?” I lean forward conspiratorially. “It’s when these YouTube people compile some of the same power-washing videos. I’ve seen them already—we want new material.” I shake my fist in the air.

“I think I’m going to take back the other night.”

“Can’t,” I say with a smile. “Already had my mouth on your dick, and that means I claimed you.” His eyes seductively narrow as he shifts in his chair. “Oh, you like that, huh? Me talking about having your c—”

“Watch it, Bonnie, this teasing can go both ways.”

My mouth snaps shut. Based on past experience, I’m assuming he could do some real damage.

“Anyway.” I clear my throat, tapping my pen on my notebook. “Power washing and then some fresh paint on the walls. I think we stick with the beautiful white in here, but freshen it up, and the red door as well. I love the colors in here, but they’ve dulled over time. And do you think we could add shutters to the windows and some window boxes? Is that something you know how to do?”

He nods. “Aye.”

“Will it take you long?”

“Few hours.”

“Really? Gah, okay. I think it will dress up the outside and make it more inviting. And as for the inside, we need some new tables. These”—I tap on the table—“are firewood. Is there a place around here where we can get some tables and chairs?”

“Kyle of Lochalsh.”

“Uh, what?”

“Quick fifteen-minute drive to the west. Larger town, has a woodworker there. Hamish and Alasdair both bought their tables and chairs from there, and reasonably priced. Maw’s been wanting to purchase some, but Da said only once these tables fall apart.”

“Well, looks like I’m taking an ax to them, because they need to fall apart.” I make a note in my notebook. “Would you be willing to take me over there? I don’t ever want to drive on these roads myself again.”

“Aye, I can take you. We can go eat at the Waterside Restaurant after.”

I pause, look up. “Are you . . . are you asking me out?”

With that devilish smirk, he leans over the table and pinches my chin. “Aye, lass. I am. Are you saying yes?”

“I don’t know . . . ,” I tease.

He chuckles, leans over, and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. “Offer stands for as long as it takes to be accepted.”

My oh my, he’s the charmer. He knows exactly how to make me weak in the knees.

“I would love to go out with you, Rowan.”

“Good. Wednesday night.”

“Okay. After we close tonight, I would like to power wash the floors. Can you bring over the machine?”

“You’re not power washing.”

“This is not up for discussion, Rowan.” I stab my pen to the table. “I am power washing, and then tomorrow we can paint.”