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“Well, I love it!”
Grace nods her agreement. “You look great, honey.”
Once we’re all in Emily’s room, Grace and David gaze around, taking in the furnishings. I cringe, for the first time appreciating how the place must appear to a new guest, especially considering David, as a graphic designer, seems to have an eye for style.
“I’ll be giving all the rooms a lick of paint soon,” I say, trying to cover for the disappointment I think—or fear—I see in their faces.
Emily glances at me with a mixture of surprise and amusement. Grace, meanwhile, wanders over to the window.
“Oh, wow! What a view!”
That makes me feel better.
“A new lick of paint?” Emily whispers, a smirk playing on her lips.
She plants a chaste kiss on my cheek, and before I can stop myself, I flinch. I can’t help it—we’ve never had an audience before.
“He doesn’t normally do that—honest!” Emily laughs and pats my chest. “He’s just not used to PDA yet.”
David grins, but I can’t read Grace’s expression.
“PDA?” I ask.
“Public displays of affection. We’ve been keeping this thing between us a secret,” Emily explains to her friends, “this being a small town and all. Once one person finds out, it won’t be long before everyone knows.”
“Er, aye, about that.” I scratch the back of my neck. “So . . . Lewis figured it out, which means Jamie now knows too. And then Aidan walked in and overheard the two of them talking. I asked them all to keep it to themselves, but honestly, it’s only a matter of time before one of them lets slip.”
“Oh, okay.” Emily sits on her bed and tugs me down beside her. “And is that . . . well, is it a problem?”
Is it? Despite me flinching, it felt good when Emily kissed me in front of Grace and David. And anyway, after how the two of us danced in the Pheasant, I doubt anyone in Bannock would be surprised to learn we’re an item.
“No, it’s not a problem. In fact, I could get used to doing this whenever I want.” I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her in for a kiss on the lips.
David claps and squeals, but Grace seems less than impressed.
Shit, she doesn’t like me, does she? Am I making a really bad first impression? She’s Emily’s best friend—I want her to like me. Maybe I should give her some time to settle. She has had a long journey up. I’ll try winning her over later.
I get to my feet. “Well, I should get back to work. The restaurant will be opening soon. I’ll leave you three to catch up. Grace, David, here are your room keys. Your rooms are just along the corridor.”
“Aw, do you have to go already?” Pouting, Emily reaches for my hand and squeezes it.
“Aye, I do, but I look forward to getting to know your friends later.”
“Maybe after you’re done in the restaurant, the four of us could grab drinks in the snug?” Emily suggests.
“I’d like that. I’ll see you all later on, then. Cheers!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
ALLY
“Evening. Mind if I join you?”
Dinner service has finished for the night, and I’ve come to the snug, where Emily, Grace, and David—all a little worse for wear—are gathered around a table on which I count three empty bottles of wine. Earlier, there were other customers here, but now the only other person is Jamie, who’s behind the bar.
“Finally! There you are!” Emily climbs to her feet, sways, then throws her arms around me.
“Wow, you guys have been enjoying yourselves.” I guide her back to her seat and sit beside her.
