“Okay.” Angus chuckled. “How about the two of us fix that fence? Penelope’s dying to go to that winter festival in town, and I promised her we’d go.”
“Aye, let’s get it done.”
One fixed fence section and many hours later, Angus and Rory stopped inside the barn to take care of the horses. It had taken them the entire day to fix the fence. They’d ridden in with a little over an hour to get cleaned up and dressed for the night’s activities.
This was the first year the town was putting on a festival of this kind. Granted, it was supposed to be cold, but whoever was in charge was determined to have it outside. The full moon was a perfect setting, and Rory wondered if it hadn’t been planned on purpose.
Dressed in a button-up shirt and jeans, Rory stepped inside the farmhouse just in time to see the entire family gathered.
“We thought we were goin’ to have to go without ye,” Mum said.
“Naw.” He looked around the room. “Where’s Taran?”
“He said he’s not coming, and he said if you tried to make him, he’d shoot you or let that ram pound you,” Sarah said.
The entire clan looked at her.
“Ye talked to him?” asked Rory.
Her cheeks turned apple red. “I was in the barn when he came in from the pasture. I was brushing one of the horses because it looked like it needed to be done. He yelled at me at first,” she squared her shoulders, “but I told him under no uncertain terms was he going to speak to me like that. I think I kinda shocked him.”
Rory smiled. “I bet ye did.”
“I love horses. My mom, well, my mom and stepdad, own a horse sanctuary outside of Pensacola.” Sarah smiled.
The door opened, and Paige stepped inside. “Sorry I’m late. I wanted to make sure I was dressed warm enough.”
All train of thought was gone. The green cowl-neck sweater dress she was wearing hugged her curvy body and brought out the color of her eyes. And tall brown leather boots that came just below her knees topped off the casual but stunning outfit.
Angus bumped his arm and leaned over. “You’re drooling.”
Rory lightly shoved him. “Shut it.”
His brother tipped his head back and laughed.
“Are we ready to go?” asked Paige.
“Aye. More than ye know,” Rory said as he glared at Angus.
Chapter 9
So far, the night had been filled with great food and plenty of fun. Annis’s children were fun to play with. Rhona had pulled her all over the place, telling her about the town, and Kyle had asked her to dance. They were so cute, and she found herself loving being in aunt mode.
Paige also got to see how Angus treated her sister, which she had to admit, he seemed genuinely in love with her. So much so that Paige nearly wanted to hurl a couple of times.
The way he would touch the small of her back. How he’d hold her in his arms. The way he smiled when he looked at her, or how he’d get a glazed-over love-struck expression when she wasn’t looking. It all pointed to what Penelope had insisted on, that Angus loved her.
If Paige were honest, it was everything she’d hoped to have with Tyler, or at least someone by now. After her visit with Penelope on the show and her sister’s confession, Paige had gone back to Florida thinking pretty highly of herself, until she realized she’d been just as stupid. More so, really. At least Penelope hadn’t lost her money to a sweet-talking thief.
Paige sighed and set her elbow on her knee and her head in her hand as dancers moved across the dance floor. Couples spinning around, looking lost in each other. Even Sarah had been pulled onto the dance floor.
And then it hit her. She was envious.
Penelope was living the life Paige wanted. The life she’d pictured she’d be living. She and Tyler were supposed to have been married and have children by now, spending summers with Penelope on the beach.
No. Who was she kidding? Yeah, Paige would have been married with kids, but Penelope would have been a side thought. They might have visited a few times a year. Most of the time, it would have been a hit and run. Nothing would have changed except for the fact that it would have been a family invading Penelope’s small home instead of Paige alone.
“Penny fer yer thoughts?”
She looked up, and Rory was standing next to her.
Her mouth went dry. Over the last few days, she’d learned he was incredibly funny. His relationship with his niece and nephew was something out of a Hallmark special. Tonight, in his button-up shirt and jeans, he looked adorable. And that accent did not get old.
She was two left feet and a hair shy of a freak anytime he came around. Her mouth would either be on vomit mode and talk endlessly or her tongue would be so tied she’d be unable to speak until he looked at her funny and walked away.
“I don’t think they’re worth that much.” Paige sat up.
He chuckled and paused a second as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, I was wonderin’ if ye would like to maybe dance. With me.”
With that kind of invitation, her mouth better work tonight. “I’d love to.”
He held out his hand, and she took it. As he led her to the dance floor, her heart raced, and adrenaline made her whole body shake. Her knees were knocking so hard she was thankful for the music.
Rory pressed the flat of his hand into the small of her back and brought her closer to him. The way he smiled as he looked at her made it feel as though it was a thousand degrees instead of thirty. Hot fried guacamole and cheese.
She licked her lips and found her words. “This is the first year for this festival, right?”
“Aye, but I kinda like it. I hope they do make it yearly.” He smiled, and those dark eyes sparkled in the glow of the lights.
“Me too. I’ve enjoyed it. Plus, I’ve come to the conclusion that either Angus is the best actor in the world or he loves my sister.”
“Maybe he’s both.”
She pursed her lips but couldn’t keep from smiling. “Right.”
They moved around the dance floor, and the more they danced, the closer he held her. “We’re leavin’ for Edinburgh in a couple days. Are ye excited?” he asked.
“I’ve been excited to go since you offered. It feels like time has crawled to a stop.”
“Aye. I’m lookin’ forward to the time away. I’ve nae been away for a while now. I’m a bit tired, to be honest.”
Paige slid her hands up his chest. “I think I’d be tired too.”
He didn’t look tired to her. To her, he looked great. Smelled great. Rory was great. He was her type.
Rory took her hand and spun her around. “I’m nae tired at the moment. And ye look incredible tonight.”
“In this? It’s a sweater dress. I’ve got on old ugly boots.”
Rory shook his head. “Well, ye wear it well.”
She covered her cheek with her hand and looked down. “Thank you. That’s sweet. I think I got the better end of the deal.”
“I think I like it when ye blush.”
She pulled her lips in as she looked up. “You keep talking like that, and I’m gonna need a fan.”
Rory laughed, and it covered her like a blanket. Warm, comfortable, and something she could listen to all the time. His deep baritone voice was like honey to her. He made her melty in all the right places.
“What are ye lookin’ forward to most in Edinburgh?”
She shrugged. “Oh, the castles for sure. And getting away with Penelope. Sarah too, of course. Plus, working on the blog and seeing all the other things there are to see.”
“I think ye’ll like Cawdor Castle. It really is a good mixture to satisfy all three of ye.”
And she’d get to spend time with him. Without feeling like a stalker. “I’m still thinking you’re going out of your way for us. You really don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to.”
“I’ve overheard you talking about your fences and stuff. Something about someone breaking it.”
“Why would someone be doing that? I mean, what do they get out of it?”
Rory shrugged. “Yer guess would be as good as mine.”
“Oh, well, I hope they stop. It sounds like a lot of work to keep fixing it.”
“It is. That’s what took us all day today.”
The song ended, and Paige hated it. She liked dancing with him. He was easy to spend time with. “Thank you for the dance.”
“Yer welcome,” he said and winked.
He took a step away and stopped. “Paige?”
“Yeah?”
“I really dinnae mind bein’ yer tour guide. I’m lookin’ forward to it more than ye know.” One corner of his mouth quirked up. It was flirty and playful and all sorts of heart-skipping gorgeous.
Her jaw dropped, and her whole body had goosebumps. If she spent any more time with him, she was going to be in a quandary. She liked him already, and she barely knew him. If she got to know him better, she was positive she’d only like him more.
Chapter 10
“Where are ye goin’?” Taran asked as he stood in the doorway of Rory’s bedroom.
Rory stood with his back to his brother. “I’m goin’ to be gone for about three weeks. I told Sarah and Paige I’d show them around Edinburgh, and Penelope is goin’ dress shoppin’.”
Taran blew out a sharp breath. “That woman.”
Rory whirled around. “That’s enough. I know Angus hurt ye when he was with Clara, but Penelope is nae her. And Angus grieves for the choices he made. He loves ye, Taran. Have ye lived such a perfect life that ye live in a glass house?”
“I didnae leave the family and pick a woman over us.”
“No, ye held it over everyone’s head is all. We’ve all suffered the wrath of Taran the Terrible. So, should we push ye away and never speak to ye again because of the way ye treated us?”
Taran ran a hand through his hair and paused in the doorway. “Ye pushin’ him on me is nae goin’ to make things better.”
“Me pushin’ him on ye is nae goin’ to make things worse either. I’m takin’ Penelope. Duff’s busy, and Pop cannae help. He’s all ye’ve got. So either ye deal with it and have his help or nae and hire someone. And since I know ye need help and are too stubborn to hire help, I suggest ye start buildin’ that bridge so ye can get over it.”
“I dinnae know which of ye I hate more at the moment. Ye or Angus.”
“Well, go ahead and hate me. I’ll care a whole lot while I’m in Edinburgh with three sweet bonnie lassies. I can feel the sufferin’ I’ll endure already.”
Taran stomped out of Rory’s room and pulled open his front door. “What are ye doin’ here, and what do ye want?”
Rory walked out of his bedroom to find out who Taran was grumbling at. Paige? She looked at Taran like she wished she could escape. “Ye dinnae have to be rude. She’s nae done anythin’ to ye.”
Taran glared at Rory over his shoulder. “She exists.” He shoved her with his shoulder on his way out the door. “And stay out of my barn.”
Rory shook his head. “I’m sorry about him.”
“Uh, it’s okay. He just took me off guard is all. I’m sorry for being in his barn, but your mom said I should come tell you dinner is in an hour,” Paige said as she peeked inside.
“Dinner?” The word came out a little higher than he expected.
“I’ll go. I’m sorry. I’m not sure why she sent me.”
He knew why. “It’s okay. Would ye like to come in?”
“Are you sure? I feel like I’m intruding or something.”
He waved her in. “Naw, no intrusion.”
She fidgeted with a dainty gold chain around her neck as her gaze roamed over his home and landed back on him. “This place is gorgeous. It’s so open and spacious. The colors go so well together. And the barn is something else. I’m impressed.”
Rory nodded. “Would ye like a tour? Should last all of about two minutes.”
Chuckling, she said, “Okay.”
“Well, this is the livin’ room, kitchen, and dinin’ room.” He took a quick left through a door, and he waited for her to follow. “And this is the bedroom, and over there is the bathroom.”
“I think that took less than two minutes.” She chuckled.
With a shrug, he smiled. “What can I say? I’m an excellent tour guide.”
“You think so?” Her eyes sparkled.
Was she flirting with him? Because he was definitely flirting with her. “I know so. Quick and to the point. No babblin’ on about borin’ things.”
Paige laughed, and his breath caught. Her laugh was like a breeze settling over him. Then she pierced him with his one weakness: her eyes. They were like jewels. If she held his gaze for long, she’d be able to see his soul.
He pulled his eyes away from her and cleared his throat. “Would ye like some hot tea?” The question had popped out before he could stop himself. What are ye doin’, man? He swallowed. Askin’ a cute girl to sit and stay awhile, came the reply. Duh. The answer came in the voice of his thirteen-year-old awkward self as it flitted through his mind.
Paige glanced at him shyly. “Sure.”
He slid past her out of the bedroom and walked to the kitchen with her following.
“You know, when you said you lived in a flat over the barn, I didn’t expect something that should be featured in a magazine.”
He chuckled. “It’s comfortable.”
Rory filled a kettle with water and set it on the stove to heat.
He pulled a stool over and sat facing Paige. “So, how have ye liked Scotland so far?”
“Are you kidding? It’s great. It’s so green.”
“And cold.”
“Yeah, it’s freezing, but it’s okay. I brought long underwear and fortitude to get through it.”
“Long underwear, huh?”
Her cheeks turned a light pink. “Uh, probably didn’t need to mention that.”
“At least ye’ll nae freeze.”
The rosy tint to her cheeks turned a darker shade of pink. She tucked a piece of her honey-blonde hair behind her ear and pulled in her bottom lip.
“Are ye lookin’ forward to seein’ Edinburgh?” he asked, fidgeting in the seat. She was making him feel things he hadn’t felt in a while.
She relaxed and leaned forward on the counter. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “More than I ever thought I would be. Thank you so much for doing this.”
His heart jumped as she caught his gaze and held it. “No problem. Like I said, I needed the vacation.”
“Why was your brother so angry?”
Rory groaned. “He’s not that happy with me at the moment.”
“Oh yeah? Why?”
“Long story for a different day.”
“I can respect that.”
She toed the floor and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “Uh, you know, I think I should get back. Penelope is probably wondering where I am.”
“Ye sure? The water is almost hot.” Now that Paige was in his flat, he wanted a chance to talk to her.
“I really need to finish packing for tomorrow.” She slipped off the stool and walked to the door.
Rory quickly stood and stopped at the door with her. “I dinnae bite, ye know.”
Her cheeks turned light pink again. “Oh, well, no…I mean, I wasn’t thinking that. I just, uh, you know…” She jerked the door open.
“Are ye normally this jittery?”
Her eyes widened. “Uh, no. I had too much coffee.”
He chuckled. “Can ye have too much coffee?”
“I’m sure people can. I mean, I can. I did. I need to go.” She tripped over the threshold, and he caught her.
He’d never actually seen a deer caught in headlights, but now he had a good idea of what it would look like. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. “Careful. Wouldna want ye to fall.”
Paige nodded and stepped
back. “Tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Ye mean at dinner?”
“Uh, right, dinner. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Rory waved bye, and she backed out of the door and took the stairs at a run. He’d never had a woman get that tongue-tied before. Then again, he wasn’t sure how he’d managed to keep his tongue from getting tied. She was cute, and the nervous energy pouring off of her when he caught her wasn’t hard to miss either. Maybe Edinburgh would hold more than dress shopping and touring.
Chapter 11
It was so awkward the few days after Rory caught Paige to keep her from falling. He’d smelled even better than when they’d danced at the winter festival. Plus, when Sarah mentioned type, Paige couldn’t exactly deny it. Rory was her type through and through. She’d actually daydreamed about running her fingers through his hair.
The little group had flown into Edinburgh the day before on a private plane. Knowing how comfortable the seats were, it would be hard to go coach after experiencing a flight so cushy. They’d arrived in the evening, had dinner, and then settled in at Rory’s home on the edge of town. It was a beautiful home too. Not much larger than her parents’ home where Penelope lived.
It was a little more modern than the farmhouse, but it was still just as charming. She could tell he’d had a different decorator for it than his flat above the barn. His home in Edinburgh felt more…bachelor than home. Maybe before the three weeks in Edinburgh were up, she’d find out why.
At the moment, Paige stood in front of Cawdor Castle’s dining room fireplace. The entire estate was as beautiful and as fairy-tale like as Rory had said.
Sarah and Penelope had hurried through the castle and then taken a tour of the gardens. They’d arrived pretty early, and it wasn’t prime tourist season, so the castle was relatively empty. It meant she could linger as long as she wanted without worrying about being in someone’s way.
“Enjoyin’ yerself?” asked Rory as he walked up behind her.
“Oh! You gave me a heart attack.” Paige’s heart raced. She exhaled sharply and flattened her hand against her chest. At least they were in a public place. She silently hoped she could keep her cool and actually have a conversation with him.
Mending The Billionaire Scotsman (MacLachlan Brothers Romance Book 2) Page 5
