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It was a two-storey stone croft house in a traditional style. There were loads dotted around the island, but this one had clearly been lovingly restored. The interior was unmistakably a man’s house—clean lines, sturdy furniture, no fluff or trinkets in sight—but it still managed to feel warm and inviting. Solid. Comfortable. Understated. Just like its owner.
Thankfully, Vivi and Lizzie kept up a steady stream of chatter and questions as they got a full house tour. Jenn took in the surroundings, secretly fantasising about waking up one morning in that main bedroom.
“So, what do you think, Jenn?” Ruairidh’s voice snapped her out of it.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she breathed, praying he couldn’t read her mind—and that her face wasn’t pure scarlet. “You’ve done a lovely job.”
“Thanks.” He smiled—just a small, easy curve that somehow knocked the breath from her chest. “I still need to bring out all the small stuff—books, pictures, that kind of thing. But I’m really happy with how it’s come together. My mum and sisters have been brilliant. They let the trades in when I was away.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Lizzie agreed. “I love how you’ve taken an old crumbling shell and brought it back to life.”
“I always remember this house from when we were younger,” Ruairidh said, glancing at Màiri and Ally. “We used to dare each other to go inside at night, didn’t we?”
“That’s right.” Ally grinned. “It’s a miracle nothing happened to us. It was a total ruin.”
“Yeah, but as I got older, I just kept thinking—‘that’s my house. That’s where I want to live,’” Ruairidh said, a touch wistful.
Jenn didn’t think it was possible to fancy Ruairidh more than she already did. But this side of him—the home, the memories, the big dreamy bed—was stirring up all sorts of dangerous ideas. She needed to get outside and cool off. Immediately.
“Meant to be—I love that,” Vivi said, bringing Jenn back to reality. “And thanks for letting us nosey buggers in!”
“My pleasure,” he said. “Now—who’s up for a beach party?”
They made their way down to the beach, the moon lighting their path, the bonfire a flickering beacon in the distance. The air was crisp and clear, hardly a cloud in sight. As they got closer, the soft thud of bass and laughter drifted through the night, mingling with the sound of the sea.
Puka’s Beach was tucked into the east coast—a calm, sheltered bay, unlike the wild, windswept stretches on the western side that Jenn was used to. Getting there meant picking her way past craggy rocks and uneven ground, before the path finally softened into sand. Tonight, it was the perfect backdrop: peaceful, silver-lit, otherworldly. She could make out the silhouettes of Flodaigh and Eilean Mòr, and further still, the scattered twinkle of lights from distant islands.
The smoke from the bonfire was gently blowing out to sea, the flames casting shadows across the sand as dry driftwood crackled beneath them. Laughter and muffled music wove through the breeze. People were clustered around it, drinks in hand. Blankets and cushions were scattered nearby, though most were relying on their alcohol jackets. The sandbanks and rocks helped block the breeze—not that there was much to begin with.
Jenn’s eyes slowly adjusted to the dark. Even with the moon and the fire, the stars were unreal. With so little light pollution—no streetlights anywhere near Ruairidh’s house—it was like the entire sky had been dusted with silver.
“Oh my God,” Vivi whispered beside her, grabbing Jenn’s arm and gazing upward. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen skies like this…”
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Lizzie said, smile soft and a little tipsy. “If you had more time, I’d take you to Dark Sky Hellisay.”
“Wait, that’s a thing?” Vivi asked.
“Yep.” Lizzie nodded. “I’ve helped out since I arrived. My grandad’s a serious amateur astronomer—I grew up stargazing.”
“Ladies?” Ruairidh interrupted with a smile. “Want a seat? You’ll be able to lie back and look up, if you like.”
He gestured to a generous pile of blankets he and Ally had laid out. They were off to the side, in a slightly quieter corner of the party—but still within reach of the music and buzz.
Most people were lounging and chatting, occasionally wandering over to other groups. A few of the more energetic ones—including several wobbling crayons—were still bouncing near the bonfire.
Then—he took her hand. A zap of static shot between them.
“Ouch!” Jenn squeaked, laughing. “Every time!”
“Think we’ve got some chemistry,” Ruairidh said, winking at her.
She wasn’t sure if he was actually flirting or just making a joke. It felt like flirting.
Her stomach had been a mess of twists and knots all evening.
Clearly sensing uncertainty, he added softly, “Go on—lie back. Enjoy the view.”
Jenn glanced over. Vivi was already stretched out beside Lizzie, Màiri, and Ally, sipping sparkling wine from plastic glasses while Lizzie pointed out constellations. Intentional or not, they were clearly giving her and Ruairidh space.
