by Lisa Hobman
She lowered herself to a chair, suddenly void of her appetite and feeling somewhat defeated. ‘What charade?’
He smiled that same emotionless grimace again. ‘The little game of independence you’ve got going on. As admirable as it is and as much as you’ve proved you’re capable of living alone, I need to know when you’re planning on coming back. You know, so I can get the wedding plans back on track. We’ll have to delay a couple of months now after your little wobble but that’s not a problem. Not with my connections.’
Her heart began to hammer at her chest. ‘It wasn’t a little wobble, Seth, I’m not coming back. We broke up.’ Had he gone insane? Why was he acting this way?
He shook his head. ‘Ah, poppet. You don’t seem to realise yet that you’re nothing without me. But you will. I can assure you of that.’ It almost sounded like a threat.
She swallowed a lump of worry that had dried her throat and glanced towards the door, fearful that Mac would return with Cliff and Seth would be angry and get the wrong end of the stick.
He tilted his head inquisitively. ‘Are you expecting someone, poppet?’
‘Erm… n-no. I just think you should be leaving that’s all. I’m not coming back to you, Seth. And you’re acting strange. I don’t like it.’ She immediately regretted making herself vulnerable by admitting her concern like that.
He chuckled. ‘Strange? Me? Don’t be absurd. I think we both know it’s you that’s lost a few marbles, darling. But it’s fine. We’ll sort it all out. Once you’re back in Glasgow. And you will be back in Glasgow. Oh, and you’ll be glad to know I’m selling the apartment so we can make a fresh start. I’m buying us a beautiful old villa. You’ll love it. Lots of character, just how you like things.’
She sighed as a combination of frustration, fear and annoyance caused her heart rate to pick up. ‘Look, Seth, you can keep the bloody apartment. I’m not coming back. It’s over. You cheated on me and I’m not prepared to forgive that. Please just leave.’ She raised her voice and he scowled at her.
His lip curled. ‘There’s no need to shout, Cassandra. I’m neither deaf nor a child.’
‘Well then stop acting like one and leave. This isn’t a game, Seth. There’s no prize for you to win. Just go!’
‘Hey, Cassie, is this bloke bothering you?’
Her gaze snapped to the kitchen door way. Shit! ‘Hi Mac, no, Seth’s just leaving aren’t you, Seth?’ The words fell from her lips in a panicked rush. The last thing she needed was confrontation between Seth and Mac. Even though she knew Seth would have already jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Seth held out his hand to Mac. ‘And you are?’
Mac glanced at Cassie, concern creasing his brow but he shook the proffered hand. ‘Mackenzie. Tadhg Mackenzie.’
‘Good to meet you Mr Mackenzie. How do you know my fiancée?’
Mac’s gaze flitted to Cassie once more, this time with a hidden question. Cassie shrugged and cringed apologetically. ‘I’m helping her out with Cliff ’til she’s back on her feet.’
Seth turned to Cassie, his nostrils flared. ‘Mr Mackenzie and Cliff? My, we are making new friends, aren’t we?’
‘Cliff is my dog. Goodbye, Seth,’ Cassie replied.
‘Well I must be off anyway. Lots to do. No rest for the wicked, hmm? I’ve properties to see so I’ll love you and leave you,’ Seth said, totally glossing over the fact that Cassie had told him to leave several times.
Mac chucked his chin. ‘Aye well, don’t let us stop you.’
*
Mac
The suited man paused in front of Mac and gave him a snide grin filled with disdain before leaving the cottage and slamming the door behind him.
Mac huffed air from his lungs through puffed cheeks and shook his head. ‘Well he was a barrel of laughs,’ he said as he stared at the door to be sure the unwanted guest had definitely gone.
In his periphery he saw Cassie rub her hands over her face and when he turned around she met his gaze briefly but quickly lowered her head as if ashamed. ‘I’ve never known him to be like that. So… menacing. He’s changed. I felt quite intimidated and a bit scared to be honest. I was worried about you coming back and him seeing you, but also relieved when you did. I have no clue how to even categorise his behaviour. But he’s definitely in some kind of denial.’
Mac raised his eyebrows. ‘Aye, I thought so, seeing as he still called you his fiancée. He’s kind of a sinister guy, eh?’
‘But he didn’t used to be. At least not with me. He’s a ruthless businessman and doesn’t like to lose where that’s concerned but this side of him is unnerving.’
Mac knew very well people like that didn’t tend to change, they just showed their true colours eventually. ‘What was he doing here anyway?’
She lifted her chin once again and her countenance was filled with a mixture of emotions but the overriding one was certainly anxiety. ‘To find out how long I was staying here. He was acting like I’m going back to him. Like this is all a game he’s waiting for me to finish. And it seems he hasn’t accepted that we’re over. It was… weird. And he says I’m being absurd. That I’m playing at being independent.’
Mac sat opposite her at the table and unclipped Cliff’s lead. ‘What was he saying about looking at property around here?’
She shrugged but worry creased her forehead. ‘Oh, it’s probably nothing. He’s always buying and selling property. It’s what he does. But why he’s interested in this area I have no idea. It’s totally outside the usual portfolio location.’
Mac raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? You have no idea? I can tell you exactly why, Cassie. You said you felt intimidated and that’s it. Mission accomplished. He thinks he can manipulate you into going back to Glasgow. Men like that don’t give up once they’ve set their minds to it no matter what it is they want. And it sounds like he’s going to keep trying. But he’ll have to find another way to do it, ’cause unfortunately for him there’s no land or property for sale around here at the moment.’
Cassie smiled weakly. ‘Yes, let’s hope he buggers off back home and realises he’s wasting company time and money.’ She sighed and stared blankly. ‘Although, he does have a lot of connections. Maybe he knows something we don’t.’
Mac was determined to ease her worry. ‘Nah. I’d know if there was property for sale, Cassie. I’ve lived here my whole life. I know everyone. And things like that spread like wildfire around here. Anyway, forget it. If you dwell on it, he’s winning.’
‘Yes, you’re right.’ She shook her head as if to dislodge the negative thoughts. ‘So, did Cliff enjoy his walk? He looks worn out, poor thing.’ She gestured over to where her little dog was curled up in a ball fast asleep.’
‘Oh, aye he did. He made a new friend too.’
Cassie beamed. ‘He did?’
‘Aye. Sally’s boy Jack. They seem to be big fans of one another those two. They’ve probably got the same amount of boundless energy—unlike us adult humans, eh? In fact, whilst I remember Sally’s invited you to dinner on Friday night. She asked me to pass the message on. She thinks it’d do you good to have a change of scene by then.’
‘Oh, that’s sweet. And she’s probably right. I imagine I’ll be stir-crazy by Friday if I can’t go out. She seems really lovely. I met her in the shop a few days ago.’
Mac nodded. ‘She’s a great lass. Very thoughtful. In fact, they’re a great family. She’s like ma big sister. Likes to make sure I have at least one home cooked meal a month.’ He chuckled. ‘She thinks I can’t cook properly in my van.’
‘Van?’ Cassie looked bemused.
Mac’s cheeks heated a little. ‘Aye, I live in a caravan on my folks’ land. Never got around to building the house they had planned. And now I’m just used to living in the van. I do have a cooker and I do use it in spite of what Sally thinks. Anyway, shall I call for you on Friday? I’m guessing you might need a chaperone if you’re still on crutches and it’s easy enough for me to stop by.’
He opened his hands as if it was obvious. ‘I sure am. She’s making lasagne and I never miss that.’
‘Ah, right. Okay, well yes then. That would be good, thanks.’
He nodded. ‘Great, that’s settled then. Right, well I’ll be off but I’ll call back later to take Cliff out again. And you have my number if you need anything in the meantime; especially if you get another unwanted visit from Mr Happiness.’ He leaned in conspiratorially. ‘Although maybe we should knock off the hap bit, eh?’ he said through the side of his mouth and winked, immediately regretting it. He wasn’t usually a winker and she’d no doubt think he was even more of an idiot, seeing as he had just intimated her ex was Mr Penis.
She pursed her lips, clearly trying to stifle a laugh which was a relief. ‘Thanks, Mac. I do have your number but let’s hope I don’t need it, eh?’
Mac stood from the table and fixed his gaze on Cassie, suddenly reluctant to leave after what he had encountered earlier but knowing he should. They had only just built bridges and he didn’t want to outstay his welcome.
‘See you later then.’
She raised her hand. ‘Bye, Mac and thanks again.’
Chapter Twenty-four
Cassie
The shock of Seth appearing on her doorstep began to dissipate and was soon replaced by anger. How dare he turn up unannounced at her new home like that? What the hell did he think he was going to achieve? She had made it perfectly clear on more than one occasion that she was not going back to him but yet again he had ignored her and had stomped his way back into her life to make demands on her and insult her to her face about the choices she had made. Well he could sod off. She wasn’t going to give in.
The talk of purchasing property or land in Coldingham was clearly a rouse to rile her and make her feel like he had eyes everywhere, that she couldn’t escape him. All of which was manipulative and creepy and she was so relieved when Mac turned up when he did. Once again, he had rescued her from a shitty situation that she hadn’t intended to find herself in and had no desire for. She got the feeling the real reason he was helping her was either pity or the fact that he adored Cliff. Mac had certainly grown quite fond of her little dog that much was obvious. But whatever the reasons she was grateful and indebted to him once more. She would have to figure out a way to repay him for his undeserved kindness.
*
As the week wore on, the swelling in her ankle decreased and a house call from Doctor Cairns encouraged her that she was healing fast. Getting around was still a little tricky and Mac had called in twice a day to take Cliff for walks and check if she needed provisions. His visits had been brief and conversation had been minimal but Cassie had managed to get plenty of work done as a result. At least there was something positive about being immobile.
On Friday morning she managed to shower a little easier and blasted her hair with the dryer before carefully descending the stairs to make tea and toast. Mac arrived at the usual time and knocked twice as he had been doing, before letting himself in to the cottage to announce his arrival. As always, he was greeted by the excited little dog’s yips and frantic tail wagging.
‘Morning, Cassie, how are you today? Still up for our big night out?’
Thanks to a full work schedule, Cassie had forgotten about the dinner arrangements. ‘Oh, gosh yes. It had totally slipped my mind. But yes. Erm… should I bring something? Dessert maybe? I could bake a cake.’
Mac stopped to clip Cliff’s lead on. ‘Oh no, I’m pretty sure just yourself will be sufficient. She always cooks enough to feed an army. Although I can pick you up a bottle of wine if you like?’
Cassie reached into her bag on the back of the kitchen chair and fumbled around for her purse. ‘That’d be great if you don’t mind?’
He shook his head. ‘It’s nae bother, really. Red or white?’
‘I prefer red but get whatever you think Sally will like.’
He took the offered ten -pound note and saluted her before leaving the cottage with his furry friend leading the way.
*
It was almost time for Mac to call for her and Cassie’s stomach was knotted with nerves. Good grief Cassie, it’s not like it’s a date, she told herself as she flicked through the clothes in her wardrobe. At least she hoped Mac didn’t think of it as a date. No… he wouldn’t… they were just friends. And they were barely even that. There hadn’t been a single hint of any chemistry between them so she knew deep down that she was safe. Yes, he was a good-looking guy if you liked that laid back, floppy haired thing. But she didn’t. She liked the clean-cut, suited look—when she was looking. Which she absolutely wasn’t. A memory of Seth in his favourite, navy blue designer suit sprang to mind and she shook her head to dislodge the unwelcome intrusion.
She pulled out a deep red top with cut outs at the shoulders, black jeans and the only boots she could fasten comfortably at the moment. They weren’t exactly dressy but they’d have to do. She hobbled around her room spraying perfume, fluffing her hair and applying lip-gloss. She hooked her red feather earrings into her ears and stepped back to assess her appearance in the mirror. She wondered if she’d made too much of an effort. But as she stood there, hands on hips wondering if she should change, she heard Mac’s voice.
‘Hi Cassie, you nearly ready?’
‘Hi Mac, yes down in a minute.’
After one last glance in the mirror she made her way down the stairs to find Mac standing in the kitchen. He wore black jeans and a grey, long sleeved t-shirt that moulded to his torso, showing just how toned he was beneath. His hair was just as shaggy as usual but it suited him and there was the usual stubble gracing his strong jaw. He held a bottle of wine in one hand and a bunch of flowers in the other.
Oh shit. He does think it’s a bloody date. ‘Oh, Mac they’re lovely but you really didn’t have to do that.’
He frowned and then glanced down in the direction of Cassie’s gaze. ‘Oh! No these aren’t for you. They’re for Sally. I didn’t want to bring wine seeing as you were. Didn’t want to duplicate, you know?’
You could have fried an egg in the heat radiating from Cassie’s cheeks when the embarrassment at her mistake kicked in.
She rolled her eyes. ‘Oh yes, of course. I knew that.’
He trailed his gaze down her body and then back up to meet her eyes again. ‘You look… wow… I mean… you look great, Cassie.’
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘Thanks. You scrub up well too.’
‘For a scruffy surfing lout?’ He chuckled. ‘Anyway, are we off?’
She nodded and grabbed her jacket, bag and keys. ‘Be a good boy, Cliffy. See you soon.’
‘Oh, so you can call him Cliffy?’ Mac teased.
‘Shut up, Tiger,’ she giggled.
*
Sally greeted them at the door with hugs and kisses. ‘So good to see you both. Come on in. Derek is just putting the kids to bed.’
She stepped aside, and the two friends walked into the hallway of the old beamed cottage. Mac handed Sally the flowers and Cassie in turn handed her the wine that Mac had picked up for her.
‘You two are so kind. You shouldn’t have. But thank you. What can I get you to drink?’
‘Beer would be good,’ Mac replied.
‘Whatever you have open in the wine department will do nicely,’ Cassie said as Sally led them through to the living room.
‘Take a seat and I’ll be back in a sec,’ Sally told them.
‘Wow, what a gorgeous house,’ Cassie said as she took in her surroundings. The cottage was sympathetically decorated in a combination of modern and period style. And it was surprisingly tidy considering she had a toddler and a baby.
‘Oh aye. She’d like you to think she’s house proud. But the truth is she’ll have spent today having a mad tidy up.’ Mac laughed.
‘Sadly, he speaks the truth but don’t tell Sal I said so,’ Doctor Cairns whispered as he ap
peared in the room. ‘How’s the ankle, Cassie?’
‘It’s getting better every day thank you, Doctor Cairns,’ she replied without thinking about where she was.
He grinned. ‘You can call me Derek if you like. It’s not so formal.’
Cassie’s cheeks heated again. She seemed to be making a habit of embarrassing herself. ‘Good grief, sorry.’ She shook her head. ‘You and Sally do have a lovely home, Derek.’
‘Ah, thank you. Mostly down to Sally I have to say. I just decorate how I’m told.’
They laughed and were joined once more by Sally. ‘What’s he saying about me?’ she asked as she narrowed her eyes at her husband.
‘Oh, just that you’re a wonderful cook.’ Derek laughed.
‘Yeah, I bet. And I hope you haven’t built this food up into something amazing, Mac. I can do without the pressure.’ She whacked him lightly on the arm.
‘Too late. Cassie knows it’s the best lasagne she’ll ever taste this side of the border.’ Mac grinned.
*
They sat at the dining table and Sally served up the lasagne; steam rose from within the layers of pasta, meat and melted cheese. Mac’s eyes were wide like a kid in candy store and Cassie couldn’t help giggling at him.
He held his hands up innocently. ‘What? I’m a growing lad, eh Sal?’
Sally tilted her head to one side and raised her eyebrows. ‘Oh yeah, growing outwards if you’re not careful.’
The food was delicious and the conversation easy as the four adults enjoyed their evening. There was one brief interruption when Jack appeared in the doorway asking if Mac had brought Cliff along. But he was ushered back to bed quickly by his father.
‘So, Cassie, how long do you think you’ll stay in Coldingham? Is it a permanent move?’ Sally asked as they all tucked in to Eton Mess.
‘Oh… I don’t know really. I do like it here though. It’s so… peaceful.’ She smiled wistfully.
Mac interjected. ‘Oh aye, it was until that ex of yours showed up.’
