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When we finally part, we stare at each other, both panting slightly. Iona’s cheeks are flushed.

“Wow,” she says. “That’s what I’ve been looking for. I’ve kissed a few boys, but it was never even close to what they describe in books. That, though?” She fans herself. “You took my breath away.”

I can barely form words—my mind is still reeling from the feel of her lips on mine.

“What now?” She places her hands on my chest. “Because I’m about to leave for a five-year course, and you’re staying in Bannock.”

“Shit, we’ve not timed this very well, have we?”

“No, but I’m glad you kissed me. And . . .” Her gaze drifts downwards, her mouth curving into a mischievous smile. “It seems you enjoyed it.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I scratch the back of my head. “Sorry, I—”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. If anything, I should be flattered, shouldn’t I? It’s like a compliment. Wouldn’t it be worse if you didn’t react at all?”

“Er, aye, I suppose?”

“Ha, don’t take it so seriously—it’s just an erection. I’m off to study veterinary medicine, so I’m quite aware of how animals make new animals. I only wish I had one of those special condoms on me. Then you could have popped it on, and your boner could have lit our way back home through the dark.”

I smirk. “You missed a trick there. I was sure you were going to say something about using my lightsaber to boldly battle against the dark side.”

“Damn it!” Iona stamps her foot. “I’m ashamed of myself. I bet another vet student would have made that connection. That’s what worries me—I’ve always done well in Bannock, but it’s a small pond. What if in Glasgow I can’t compete with other students and their lightning-fast minds?”

“I doubt anyone else on your course is spending their last night at home making up jokes about lightsabers. No one else’s mind works the way yours does, Iona. You’re one of a kind, and that’s your secret weapon.”

“Whereas your ‘secret weapon’ isn’t so secret anymore!” she blurts and then pumps her fist into the air. “Ha! That was pretty quick, wasn’t it?”

“It was.” I wink at her. “Thank you for being you. Other girls might have politely said nothing about my hard-on, but you’ve made it the subject of a stream of gags. Just what every guy wants.”

“I know you’re being sarcastic, but I’m amusing myself, and that’s the main thing. Anyway, fancy another kiss?”

I don’t hesitate. I take a hold of her waist and pull her firmly back against me, my self-consciousness forgotten. If she’s not bothered by my arousal, why should I be? Our lips meet again, more eagerly this time.

CHAPTER EIGHT

LEWIS

Now

“Hello?” Emily says. “Are you listening to me?”

We’re in the hotel office, working on a mood board for the next room refurb. We’ve been doing them up one by one, giving each a unique makeover and injecting a bit more personality into them.

“Er . . . aye, sorry.” I rub a hand over my face. “You were talking about . . . colour schemes?”

“No!” Her brow furrows and she exhales deeply. “We already signed off on the colour scheme. Or did you just say ‘yes’ earlier without actually paying attention to what I was saying?”

I try not to look too guilty. Normally, I’m fully absorbed by the project of doing up the Bannock Hotel. For the longest time, it was in need of a bit of TLC, and I’ve been fiercely proud of all Emily and I have achieved over the last year. Today, though . . . I’m distracted.

“I asked Grace to watch Ru so we could have this meeting without any baby distractions. I need you present and alert, Lewis!”

“Shit, I really am sorry. It’s just . . .” I can’t think of a good excuse, but I can hardly admit that Iona’s return to Bannock has stirred up old feelings and I’ve been struggling to concentrate on much at all these last few days.

I’m saved from having to tell a white lie by Elspeth, who sticks her head around the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if I could borrow my sous chef for some help in the kitchen?”

I quite literally jump at the chance. For me, food prep is almost as therapeutic as the gym. “Emily, I like it all—you’ve got an amazing eye for this stuff. Let’s go with your vision.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Er . . . okay. Well, that was an easy meeting.”