Page 47 of Wild Scottish Rose

“I think I can. And, I mean, how cool is that? And Ilove knowing that Gran was magick too. It’s just…it feels good.” I traced my finger down the side of the pot holding the thyme, remembering how much Gran had loved her gardens.

“How’s it going with Hollywood?” Agnes asked, shifting the subject, and I bit my lip, unhappiness unfurling inside of me.

“Good. He’s really great, Agnes. He helped me all day at the farmers market today.”

“Did he ask anyone about the Kelpies?”

“No, not that I’m aware of.”

“Be careful there. Do you have any idea what a man of his stature can do to Loren Brae? I googled him. I don’t think he hasn’t had a winning movie, like, ever. If he puts out a film about us, we’re doomed.”

“Or maybe it would be really good for tourism? People are curious. It might draw in more crowds,” I suggested, hoping that maybe we could put a different spin on things that didn’t end with me lying to the man I was falling for. My hand tightened on the phone.

Falling for?

Where had that thought come from? I mean, I’d been having some intrusive and unwanted thoughts all day long, but nothing like this. This…it was life-changing. Earth-shattering.

Heartbreaking.

Owen was the type of man that women didn’t get over.

At least not easily.

If I fell for him, if, no,when, he left, I’d always compare every man I met in the future to him. And they would come up lacking. Because, truly, how could anyonecompare to this devastatingly handsome, easygoing, whip-smart, ambitious man?

“Sophie’s on the marketing campaign to bring people in to visit the castle. I hardly think shining a light on murderous water horses that have killed and have injured others, one very recently I’ll remind you, is going to be the boon for tourism that you think it would be.”

Agnes’s words sliced through me.

“No, you’re right. I understand.”

“Listen, I’ve got to run. Good luck with the seeds. Brilliant job, Shona.”

I disconnected the phone and stared blindly down at Eugene who was currently rolling around with his pet hedgie, and sighed.

“Be honest with him.”

“Damn it, G.” I whirled on the gnome, my hand at my heart. “You’ve really got to stop doing that.”

“For farm’s sake, lass, it’s not like you don’t know you have a gnome in here. Seriously? Have I been given the dullest witch of the lot? Surely you can’t be that dense.”

“I’m aware you’re here. You just move around a lot, so it’s unsettling to have someone talk to me when I think I’m alone.” I sighed, holding up my hand to stop the gnome from continuing. “I’m not up for banter with you right now. I’m tired, and I’m feeling a touch emotional. Just tell me what you meant.”

“To be honest with him? It’s not a hard concept, hen. See, you just tell the truth.” Gnorman crossed his arms over his chest, an annoyed look on his face.

“I’ve been advised that the truth will hurt a lot of people.”

“Maybe you can trust him to make the right decision,” Gnorman suggested in a tone like he was explaining an easy concept to a toddler.

“I’m under strict orders to say nothing.”

“From whom? Your boss?” Gnorman mocked looking around, stalking over to a plant and peering under a leaf. “I don’t see anyone here who controls you.”

“It’s complicated, G.”

“So uncomplicate it.”

I glanced at the time on my phone, my precious shower time running out.

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