Only You (Adair Family #5)(60)

Melancholy threatened. “I used to be best friends with Brodan. When we were kids. Much like Callie and Lewis. It’s wonderful she’s found a good friend.” I attempted to change the subject.

Sloane’s whole face lit up. “I’m so relieved. And Regan is a sweetheart. She’s been telling everyone about my baking, and I got a few orders for birthday cakes.”

Flora stopped at our table. “What can I get you, ladies?”

I greeted her warmly before she took our orders, and she rested a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. I met Flora’s eyes, and she offered a grim smile, and I knew she knew. Last evening I’d popped in to see her mum, and I’d told her I wasn’t helping my mum anymore. I’d even told her why. Belle understood. She hadn’t known my dad had died either. Apparently, Mum had told no one. Belle was so sad for me, and I’d tried my best to assure her I was okay. She’d obviously told Flora.

I think I’d been ignoring my feelings about Mum. It was easier to be distracted by Brodan than to contemplate my mother’s lies. To contemplate searching for my dad’s resting place.

I couldn’t think about it just yet.

Sloane and I fell easily back into conversation. While we dodged personal details about our pasts, we were comfortable with each other, and I sensed that one day we could confide the hard stuff. I’d always had a gut instinct about people, about whether a person would be a casual acquaintance or a friend I could have a fun but shallow relationship with—or someone with whom I could share a deep, genuine friendship.

I hadn’t felt the latter in years, which was why I moved back to the Highlands without it upsetting anyone’s life back in Glasgow. Sure, I got a text now and then from teachers I was friendly with down there, but that was it.

Sloane Harrow was the first person in a long time, outside of the Adairs, who I felt so comfortable with that it was like we’d known each other for years.

It wasn’t ideal that I taught her daughter, but Ardnoch was a small place, and these things couldn’t be avoided.

Sloane was in the middle of telling me that Regan had already invited her and Callie to spend Christmas with the Adairs, since they were alone here, when her attention drifted outside and she paused midsentence. A flush crested her cheeks, and I glanced out the window.

I tensed in my seat.

Brodan and Walker were strolling toward the café.

Shit.

Butterflies fluttered to life in my belly.

Seeing Sloane’s suddenly bright eyes, I shifted uncomfortably. “I thought you were used to famous people.”

Her gaze flew to mine. “Oh. Oh no, yeah, I am. It’s not … I have a little crush on Brodan’s bodyguard.”

I relaxed and hated myself for the reaction. “Ah.”

“He’s just so …” Her dreamy stare drifted back out the window. “Rugged and sexy and tall. He works on the estate, too, you know. Every time I catch a glimpse of him at work, I swear my knees turn to jelly. What is that? I’ve never reacted like this to a guy. And that accent … yum. And he likes my baking a lot.” Sloane’s lips pinched together for a second. “But he doesn’t seem to know I exist beyond the baking. Not that I need to be in a relationship. In fact, I need a relationship like I need a hole in the head.” She leaned toward me and whispered, “It would be nice to get laid, though.”

I chuckled, nodding. “Aye, I know that feeling.”

Sloane grinned. “And I could climb that man like a tree.”

I burst out laughing just as the bell above Flora’s door tinkled.

“What’s so funny?”

Tensing, I looked over my shoulder to see Brodan smiling at me. Walker stood by his side. The two of them, as always, filled the small café. I shrugged. “Just girl talk.”

He studied my face like he was memorizing every feature before he looked at Sloane. “Nice to see you again.”

“You too.” She smiled prettily at him, immediately turning it on Walker. “Hi, Walker.”

“Sloane.” He nodded at her and then at me. “Monroe.”

“Hi.”

“Flora, my love, how are you?” Brodan called across the busy café. “Any extra seats so we can join these lovely ladies?”

Flora tittered like a schoolgirl as she nodded, and Walker followed her into the back to grab the folding bistro chairs.

Fuck.

Sloane practically squirmed with delight. “Looks like we have company.”

Of course, it was thrilling for her to sit with her crush. Not so thrilling for me to sit with Brodan.

It pissed me off.

I’d told him I had plans, and he’d deliberately crashed them.

Narrowing my eyes on him, I let my displeasure emanate from me as they tried to squeeze their too-tall bodies into the small chairs. Brodan, of course, sat beside me. He leaned his elbows on the tiny table, so his arm touched mine. His grin was wickedly boyish and sexy as hell. “Well, this is cozy.”

I glowered at him.

The bastard grinned harder.

“Oh, sorry,” Sloane suddenly said, her cheeks flushed as she shot Walker a look.

He waved her off. “I’m the one who kicked you.” He scowled at Brodan, but his friend and boss wasn’t paying attention.

“You look beautiful,” Brodan said sincerely.