Page 9 of Wild Scottish Rose

“No, like, it’s for today. Tonight. For a month. I don’t even know what to do. Am I ready for this? What if he’s super needy? Or a jerk? Or…” My eyes trailed to the darkness outside. “A serial killer?”

“Today? Right, yes, I can see the concern, but maybe he’s just traveling through and needed last-minute lodging?”

“For a month? Who books lodging for a month on a whim with same-day check-in?” I demanded, nerves making the fine hairs at the back of my neck stand up. Headlights sliced the darkness outside, and my grip tightened on the phone. “Oh my God. I think he’s here.”

“Just stay on the phone with me until he’s checked in. Even if you have to put it down. That way I know you’resafe.” I could hear gravel crunch through the speaker, which meant Agnes was pacing outside MacAlpine Castle as she waited for me. I felt a bit silly, knowing she had bigger things to worry about than me getting my first guest, but still I appreciated her waiting for me.

“Yes, that’s the guest.” Hurriedly, I flipped on the other lamp by the fireplace, and scanned the room to make sure everything was in place. Popping my head in the bathroom, I noted that the soap and towels were appropriately placed, and the toilet paper was well stocked. By the time I’d come out, a car door slammed. “Eeek, that’s him. Okay, breathe.”

“You got this.”

A knock sounded on the door that I’d left partially open, and my heart hammered in my chest as it swung open. The moment hung suspended, my breath caught, and then Owen Williams stepped over the threshold.

Of course.

That was why the name had seemed familiar.

Owen Williams—brother of one Kennedy Sullivan of Dallas, Texas. Formerlly KennedyWilliams.None other than the man I’d insulted to his face and had thought about more times than I cared to admit since. Dazzlingly, devastatingly hot, Owen Williams was a man who seemed to suck all of the air from the room, bringing all the attention to him, and I was transfixed as recognition registered.

“I know you,” Owen said, a grin transforming his face from rugged to deeply appealing.

“Oh,” I breathed, and Agnes’s voice startled in my ear.

“What is it? You’ve gone silent. Is something wrong?” The alarm in her voice shook me out of my trance and I hurried to reassure her.

“No, that’s me sorted, Agnes. The guest has arrived. Turns out I’ve met him before. Just this past weekend. Owen is from the wedding that I worked up in Glasgow.”

Owen crossed his arms over his broad chest as I spoke, patiently waiting for me, and I realized I was being rude.

“Wait. Owen? Too hot for words, dark hair, eyes that turn your insides liquid?”

I swallowed.

“Um, yes?”

“He’s Ryan’s friend. The lad who got hurt. He booked here for an entire month? That seems…odd…to me. I don’t like it. Be careful what you say around him, Shona. We’re trying to keep this Kelpie rumor on the down-low.”

“Understood. I need to go, I believe I’m being rude.” I gave Owen a tentative smile, and he grinned, rocking back on his heels. Damn it, but this man was hot with a capital H. His masculinity seemed to overpower the charming cottage, throwing the delicate touches into stark relief, and there was something about the contrast, like when you saw a big, strong man holding a fragile teacup, that really did make my insides go liquid like Agnes had described.

I wasn’t sure I liked it either. He’d put me on edge since I’d met him, and now I had an entire month with him squatting in my garden. Well, not squatting. He was paying for the ability to stay there, but his arrival had thrown me all out of sorts. Disconnecting, I pocketed the phone and surreptitiously wiped my damp palm on my jeans before walking forward and holding out my hand.

“Shona. It’s nice to see you again,” I said, and Owen took my hand, holding it a moment longer than was normal. Or maybe he didn’t. Maybe it was just that as soonas his skin touched mine, his large hand swallowing mine and making me feel as dainty as the aforementioned teacup—when I decidedly was not a dainty woman—made heat bloom inside of me.

“That’s right, it’s Shona. I’m sorry I forgot. It’s been a tough day. I’ve just come from visiting a friend in the hospital.” Owen released my hand, and I instantly missed his touch. My thoughts froze as I studied his handsome face, noting the exhaustion in his eyes. When the silence drew out, I jolted when he cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he’s okay.”

“He’s pretty resilient. They’ve patched him up.” Owen looked at me expectantly.

“Och, right. Sorry, sorry. You’re my first booking and an unexpected one. I suppose I should have a welcome spiel down, but I’m new to this, so bear with me, all right?”

“Do your best.” Owen nodded at me to go ahead, and I turned to look at the cottage, needing to catch my breath.Why did this man make me feel like an awkward teenager?I gestured at the room.

“Welcome to the Enchanted Garden Cottage, though that’s a working title. I live at the cottage you passed when you turned at the front gate, and you’ll have your privacy back here.” Why would he need privacy? To entertain women? I pushed those thoughts away and continued. “This is a fully functioning farm, with an active greenhouse, though on a much smaller scale than commercial farms. Basically, I grow produce and flowers to sell at markets and area restaurants. I’m happy to give you a tour during the day. I’m usually around, mucking about in thedirt, so if you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to find me.”

“You grew the flowers for the wedding?” Owen asked and I turned to see approval on his face. The heat ratcheted up a notch, and I gave him a small smile before turning away again. It was like looking at the sun, I realized, and I couldn’t stare too long before I did something foolish like ask him to carry all the new soil bags from my van to the greenhouse.

Shirtless.

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