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At least I get to admire his rather magnificent arse. And when he bends over to pull up his underwear . . .
“I saw your balls!” I say triumphantly.
He turns to me, still grinning, fixing his boxers so they’re comfortable. “Aye?”
“Mm-hmm.” My eyes drift down, admiring the way his boxer briefs sculpt around his manly bulge. “Take them back off, and get over here!”
“You’re persistent, you know that?”
“At least give me a quick flash!”
“Emily!” Chuckling and shaking his head, Ally tugs on his jeans.
I let out a disappointed sigh. “I’m not happy with you!” I cover myself with the duvet and fold my arms.
“I’m already looking forward to sharing this bed with you again tonight.” He fastens the buttons of a blue shirt. “But for now, breakfast!”
He leans over me and plants a quick kiss on my lips. “You’re so beautiful.”
I scoff. “It’s first thing in the morning, and I was drinking last night. I don’t believe you.”
He places a hand on either side of my face and stares deep into my eyes. “I said you’re beautiful, and I meant it.”
I bite my lip, heat scorching through my body. This man . . . he just does something to me. I want him right now. It’s not fair he has to go prepare breakfast.
He makes for the door then hesitates. “By the way, last night you said Lewis is more capable than I realise. Do you really think I can leave him in charge all day? You didn’t see him yesterday. He was chasing Jamie around the kitchen with a dish towel, flicking him with it. Hardly managerial behaviour.”
“Are you being serious? Ally, the night I arrived here, you and Lewis were play fighting at reception. How is that any different?”
He grins sheepishly. “Fair point.”
“Lewis is two years older than you were when you took on the running of the hotel. Sometimes you need to give people responsibility for them to act responsibly.”
“Wise words for first thing in the morning.”
“Wise enough to earn me a peek at the goods?”
He laughs. “You’ve got sex on the brain today! A hike up Ben Garve will sort you out.”
He reaches for the door handle but again hesitates. “Oh, and about your room, from now on, it’s on the house. Your food too.”
“No! I can’t accept that. I’m a customer. I’m happy to pay!”
“Nah, it feels weird charging you money when we’re sharing a bed. I know the sex is so good you probably want to pay me for it, but honestly, there’s no need.” With a parting wink, he leaves to go and get breakfast prepared.
* * *
Despite drinking too much last night, Grace, David, and I make it to the top of Ben Garve, a hill not far from Bannock. We don’t bump into a single person on the way up or the way down—we have the beautiful Highland landscape all to ourselves. It’s nice having quality time with my friends to catch up properly, rather than our usual hurried meet-up in a coffee shop or pub, with the drone of many other conversations going on in the background.
The hike takes a few hours, and afterwards, back in Bannock, I introduce Grace and David to the delights of Morag’s Bakery. Of course, Morag has heard the news that Ally and I are now an item—I don’t know whether it was Lewis, Jamie, Aidan, or Elspeth who couldn’t keep their mouth shut—but to my surprise, I find I don’t mind being the centre of gossip. I think it’s because I’m not ashamed about being with Ally. Only Grace’s disapproving glance threatens my mood, even though I spent a good deal of the walk assuring her I’m fine and that Ally and I are not rushing things. Thankfully, the tempting array of baked treats on offer soon distracts her.
Once Grace and David’s hunger is sated, David says he needs to get some work done, while Grace decides to take a leaf out of my book and try an afternoon nap. So we head back to the hotel, and when they both go upstairs, I seek out Lewis.
“How does it feel being in charge for the day?” I ask as I stroll into the office.
Lewis is staring at a laptop, his brows furrowed together, his mouth set in a straight line. But when he looks up and sees me, his expression relaxes, and a forced smile appears on his lips. “Oh, hi, Emily. Er, fine, I suppose. Although . . .” He lifts a sheet of paper. “Ally left me a detailed itinerary for the day. He may not be here, but he’s still micromanaging everything.”
I tut and shake my head. “That man! I’m sorry about him.”
