Page 15
“You hardly gave me the chance,” Ruairidh said drily, and something about the way his mouth curved made her pulse skip.
“Ah well, it was only very briefly the other day,” Jenn added quickly. “He and Enrique popped into the café.”
“Mmm, Enrique. How is he?” Màiri said dreamily. “He’s sooo handsome, don’t you think, Jenn?”
“Umm… can’t say I was paying much attention…” Jenn replied, suddenly aware that Ruairidh was now scowling.
“Not notice? The guy’s positively oozing deliciousness!” Màiri continued, either oblivious to her brother’s mood—or winding him up for sport. “You two would make such a gorgeous couple! You’re single, right, Jenn?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“No buts! We need to make this happen,” Màiri declared. “Ruairidh, you need to set them up!”
“I will do no such thing,” Ruairidh said firmly.
“Why not? Are you jealous or something?” Màiri challenged, her grey-green eyes gleaming. Uh oh. Sibling spat incoming.
“Màiri…” Ruairidh’s voice dropped, low and dangerous—and Jenn felt it, like a pulse down her spine.
Jenn couldn’t help it. He looked especially delicious when he scowled. And she hated that she’d just noticed how his forearms flexed as he crossed his arms. Get a grip, Jenn.
“What? She’s beautiful, he’s a total hottie, and they’re both single—what’s the problem? Don’t you think she’s beautiful, Ruairidh?”
For one breathless moment, Ruairidh’s gaze locked on Jenn’s, and the room went quieter than it had any right to.
“Umm, I should probably get going…” Jenn said, trying to defuse the situation and make her escape. Plus, she really didn’t want to hear his answer. Her fragile sanity couldn’t take it.
“Haha, sorry, Jenn! Don’t mind us—and definitely don’t mind sourpuss here.” Màiri grinned, waving a hand at her brother. “Come on, let’s leave him to his manly weights.” She linked arms with Jenn and sashayed her away.
“Byyyye, Ruairidh!” she called in a sing-song voice over her shoulder.
Jenn glanced back just in time to see Ruairidh leaning against the weights bench, arms crossed, jaw tight—that steady, intent stare like he was memorising every inch of her. It sent a shiver right through her.
Chapter 9
It was mid-morning and Jenn was clearing tables when a burst of familiar chatter drifted from a few seats over. Lizzie was munching carrot cake and chairs scraped as people sat at the table next to her.
“Hey Lizzie! How are you feeling today?” That sounded like Cairistìona.
“Not bad actually.” Lizzie laughed. “I thought I’d be in agony after some of those positions she put us in. But I managed a decent walk this morning, so I’ve decided to treat myself.”
“That looks good,” an unfamiliar voice said. “Carrot cake?”
“Yup. And it’s fantastic. I’m so glad they’ve got an amazing baker again. I was stuck between that and the Victoria sponge.”
Aww, thanks, Lizzie. Jenn smiled to herself as she headed behind the counter to prep some drinks.
“Hmm… do you know, I’ll go for a slice of the Victoria sponge,” the stranger said. Jenn glanced over discreetly—older woman, vaguely familiar.
“Right, this is on me. What are you all wanting?” That voice made her pause. Ruairidh. Of course.
Jenn tried not to make it obvious that she was watching as he stood up from the table. She hadn’t seen him since that awkward gym encounter—Màiri peppering her with questions about Enrique and Ruairidh in the same breath. She’d laughed it off. Small islands and all that.
Still… the image of him sweaty and dishevelled, then glaring at her like she was a public health hazard, had lingered longer than it should have.
“Surprise me!” Cairistìona said. “But I’ll have a cappuccino with it. Taing, darling brother.”
“I’ll just have a tea with my cake, taing, m’ eudail,” the older woman added—her tone notably less sarcastic than Cairistìona’s.
