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“It was incredible,” I reply honestly. “But . . . it made me realise something.”

In the romance books I read, there always comes a time when the heroine just knows she’s meant to be with her hero for the rest of her life. I’ve never had that certainty with Richard, and I know I never will. It’s not fair on me or him to drag out this relationship any longer.

I break it to him as gently as I can.

He accepts my words stoically, although when I’m finished, he asks, “Is this because of Lewis?”

I shake my head. “I’m well aware how Lewis feels about me, but I don’t know if I could ever enter into another relationship with him. As for us, though, I’m sure we’re not meant to be. I like you, Richard, I really do, but . . . I don’t love you. I’m sorry about that, but I have to be honest with myself and with you. I feel terrible that we travelled to the Highlands together, and I know this puts you in an awkward position, what with the fact you’re working here now and will need to find a place to stay. We’ll . . . sort something out.”

Richard glances away, staring at the distant hills for some moments before meeting my eyes again. “Thanks, but there’s no ‘we’ anymore. I’ll sort something out. But it’s okay—I get it.”

“You do?”

“Don’t get me wrong, it sucks, but yeah. You’re not sure about me, and I don’t want to be with someone who’s having doubts, so . . . this is for the best, I suppose. I am experiencing stronger emotions inside than I’m maybe letting on, but I get this is how things go. And for what it’s worth, I like this job. It’s interesting, and it feels important to be helping Scotland towards a greener future. Plus, hey, climbing up the turbines is just fun.

“I don’t regret coming here, and I don’t plan on leaving the role, although I will be looking to stay in a town or village other than Bannock. Who knows, maybe I’ll find another Highland girl, one who’s a better fit for me. Don’t they say everything happens for a reason?”

I flash him a grateful smile, impressed by his composure, then give him a quick hug.

Pulling apart, I say, “Right, well, awkward car share back to Bannock?”

Richard gives a small wistful smile and nods. “Yeah, awkward car share back to Bannock.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

LEWIS

“So, it looks like Richard is moving out,” Jamie says.

“What?” My head snaps up, the paperwork I was immersed in immediately forgotten.

“Come see for yourself!”

Suspecting this may be one of Jamie’s wind-ups, I come out from behind the reception desk and join him at the window. Across the road, Richard is piling things into the boot of his car. It does very much look as if he’s packing up to leave. When he glances up and spots us gawking at him, we jump back like we’ve been caught red-handed.

Jamie is the first to peek again. “Oh shit!” He laughs gleefully and bounces from foot to foot. “He’s coming over! You know how to throw a decent swing, right? A few jabs?” He punches the air, demonstrating some moves.

This time I’m convinced Jamie is winding me up—but no. When I check, I see Richard really is headed this way.

“Oh shit!” I parrot. “What does he want?”

If he’s moving out because things have ended between him and Iona, maybe he blames me and is intent on payback? I desperately run through some potential scenarios and responses in my head, not that I’ve a lot of time to prepare. I’m not worried about getting hurt, but this is my place of work and I’d rather stay professional. Besides, I honestly don’t wish the guy any harm.

The door opens and in he comes.

“Er, Richard,” I say. “Hi. How are things going?” I try to sound casual while remaining on guard, ready for whatever may happen.

He takes in my rigid stance and chuckles dryly. “I just thought I’d pop in to say I’m leaving.”

I nod. “Right.”

“Iona and I have . . . split up,” he elaborates.

“Oh.” What am I supposed to say to that? “I’m, er, sorry to hear that.”

He smirks. “Sure you are.” He casts a glance at Jamie then turns his attention back to me. “Fancy stepping outside?”

I tense at this, so he clarifies, “Just for a chat.”