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“Gosh—must be over five years at least,” Nellie replied. “How many times did he win the south loop when he was younger?”

“Think it was twice. For the island lads, at least,” Flòraidh said.

“Sounds about right.” Auntie Peigi nodded. “That’s them coming over now. We can ask them!”

Sure enough, Ruairidh and Housty were making their way over towards the stall, along with a few other competitors. The men had all taken off their tops and Jenn tried her damnedest not to stare. She couldn’t help the flush that was crawling up her neck. Why did she always turn into an idiot around this guy?

“Well done, lads,” Auntie Peigi said. “Come and help yourselves.”

“Ah, ladies, what a beautiful sight you are! And bearing juice too!” Housty exclaimed with a huge grin on his face—he was clearly as cheeky and as confident as his father was.

“I see the old yin can still beat you in a race, Housty,” Auntie Peigi said with a wink towards Ruairidh, making Housty hoot with laughter.

“Less of the old there,” Ruairidh said with one of those deliciously rare smiles on his face. “Maybe he’ll catch me next year… Hello, ladies, you are indeed a lovely sight! Can I get some of that orange diluting juice?” He pointed at the large jug in front of her.

“Sure, let me get that for you…” Jenn half-squeaked, half-croaked. The others looked over, eyebrows raised.

The other competitors were putting in their orders, so Ruairidh wandered around to stand across from her as she filled up large cups of diluting juice, concentrating far too hard on not baptising the table in it.

“Hello, Jenn. How have you been?”

Something flickered in his gaze—quick but unmistakable—like he was really seeing her. The teasing was gone for a moment, replaced by something quieter. Almost soft. Her stomach did something unhelpful.

“Good, thanks,” Jenn mumbled, mouth drying.

Get a grip. She was ‘seeing’ someone else, for goodness’ sake. Well, kind of… Javi looked like a kid next to this man. She’d only got a glimpse that time in the gym—still seared into her brain—but with his top off, Ruairidh was… yeah. Delectable. Not absurdly ripped—just enough of a cake layer to make him extra tempting. Hot, sweaty, cake-layered hunk was clearly what did it for her these days. For crying out loud, Jenn. Focus.

“How are you getting on? Haven’t seen you around much,” she managed to say, trying to sound casual, though her fingers were already betraying her with a nervous rhythm against the table. Jenn could see Auntie Peigi watching them out of the corner of her eye, although thankfully several other competitors were keeping her busy.

“Good, yeah. I know, I’ve been doing a few of the other routes recently,” he said. “But I should be back on the Hellisay route more often. I’m hoping to actually base myself out of here.”

Her heart kicked. “Oh wow, really. I bet your family’s glad to hear that.”

Ruairidh chuckled. “Yes, I’ve already promised all sorts to the kids, and I’m sure Màiri has me signed up for a million things. You know what she’s like!”

“Haha, yes, I know. I didn’t realise you were a runner. The ladies here were saying you’ve won this before? Is that right?”

“The south loop and the Tri-Beinn Challenge are the only ones I do—when I’m around, anyway. It’s been a few years. At least I haven’t let myself go too much!” he said, laughing and patting his stomach.

Jenn tried very hard not to stare. Honestly, it was so distracting. She’d seen topless men before—obviously—but this one came with that smile and a gravelly voice and warmth.

“Although I was worried young Housty here was actually going to beat me for a minute!” he said, laughing and slapping Housty on the back as he came over.

“Next time, old man, next time!” Housty replied, winking.

Ruairidh turned back to her, and for just a beat, he hesitated. His eyes lingered—not on her face, not on her hands pouring juice, but on her.

“You look…” He stopped himself. Swallowed. “You look well, Jenn.”

Her cheeks flamed. “So do you,” she said, quieter than she meant to.

And then—

“Ruuuuaaraaaiiiiddhhhh!” Jenn heard a very shrill feminine voice shout before a stunning, but very sharp-featured redhead threw herself at him. Because clearly the universe couldn’t let her have one uninterrupted moment with this guy.

“You did sooo well out there, Ruairidh!” Redhead crooned.

“Where’s my hug, Moira, eh?” Housty said mischievously, holding out his arms.