Page 69 of Gift-Wrapped in a Kilt

She took a step back since he'd edged closer, too close. "I'm not qualified."

"Yes, you are." He gave her an exasperated smile. "Honestly, love, you underestimate yourself. You are the office manager for MacTaggart Construction. You're also clever and hard working."

"I do paperwork for Aidan. I wouldn't know what to do with a museum."

"You'll figure it out."

He leaned in, aiming for her lips.

She smacked a hand on his chest and pushed him back. "No, Trevor. No to the kiss, no to the job offer, no to you in general."

He sighed, shrugged, and moved toward the door. With his hand on the knob, he paused to glance back at her. "Think about it, Jamie. The offer will be open indefinitely."

Before she could inform him to close that offer this instant, he swung the door open and stepped outside.

"What the hell are you doing here?" snarled a familiar voice.

Jamie rushed to the doorway.

Gavin stood tall and imposing on the gravel path to the house, several feet away from Trevor. The ex-Marine wore his best steely glare. It outperformed even Rory's flintiest expression.

The Englishman, positioned between Jamie and Gavin, aimed a genial smile at the American even as he backed up half a step. "Good day, Gavin. Jamie's all yours — for today. I'm sure she'd love to tell you about the offer I've made her."

"Run back to your cesspool," Gavin said. "That's where slime belongs."

Trevor sniggered as he strolled past Gavin and thumped his shoulder.

Once the English Ass had left in his Bentley, Gavin stalked up to her where she lingered in the doorway. The sunlight shimmered behind him, casting his face in shadows.

"What the hell does he mean about an offer?" Gavin asked.

"Trevor offered me a job working at the distillery he bought, the one he wants to turn into a museum."

"Did you take the job?"

"Of course not."

He turned sideways, and the light slashed across his cheek. One golden-brown eye ignited in the sunshine. "Don't turn it down on my account. If you want to work with Trevor —"

"I don't. Not ever. Understand?"

"Maybe you should. He'd probably pay you a shitload of money."

"Why would I want a load of shit from anyone?"

"You know what I mean." He hunched his shoulders. "I'm grateful Aidan gave me a job, but we're shutting down for the winter. That means I'm unemployed again. If Trevor can give you a good living, you should take it."

This had been Trevor's plan, she suddenly realized. Her ex wanted to cause trouble between her and Gavin by making Gavin feel inferior.

"I am not working for Trevor." She grasped Gavin's face and forced him to look at her. "I don't trust him, for one. He says he's not trying to get me back, but I don't believe it. And I would never betray you by accepting a job from my ex when he's determined to come between us. I don't care if you're skint. How could I be upset about that when you spent all that money sending me gifts? Besides, money doesn't make a man, and you are ten thousand times the man Trevor is."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. He held motionless, his gaze drilling into her.

She spoke in the most authoritative voice she could muster. "I do not want anything to do with Trevor."

With a crisp nod, he said, "Good to know."

Gavin swept her into his arms and carried her to her bedroom. For the next hour, he made her forget Trevor Langley even existed.

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