Page 62 of Wild Scottish Rose

“No problem. As much as I hate to disappoint these bonnie lasses, I’ll have to agree with the lads.”

“Did he just call me a bonnie lass?” Agnes whispered, her eyes shooting hearts at the phone screen.

“Thanks, bro. Good to see you.”

“Cheers, mate.”

Owen disconnected and we all took a collective breath before exploding.

“Ewan freaking McGregor! You heard that, right? We’re mates.” Lachlan jumped up, dancing around the pub.

“That’ll do, lad. That’ll do.” Archie clamped a hand on Owen’s shoulder, giving him an approving nod.

“Bonnie lass,” Agnes hummed.

“I call you a bonnie lass all the time, Agnes,” Graham growled.

“Pshh. You call every woman with a beating heart a bonnie lass.”

“I stand by that,” Graham said. “Women are beautiful.”

“None so pretty as my Shona here,” Owen put in and everyone quieted, casting speculative looks in our direction.

“Right, time to go. Owen, let’s get you home.”

“Oh perfect, I don’t think I can drink anymore.” Owen hung his head in shame. “I had hoped to keep up with the guys, but nope.”

“In fairness, we fed you whisky while we drank beer,” Lachlan said, and Agnes swatted him lightly on the head.

“That’s not playing fair.”

“Och, calm down. We needed to get an idea of the lad. Now we know.”

“Come on, you. Let’s go for a wander.” I looked toGraham, and he waved a hand at my glass, letting me know the drink was taken care of.

“You’ve got my card,” Owen said, pointing at Graham. “Just keep it open for the group here. I’ll collect it tomorrow.”

“Not a problem,” Graham said.

“Och, come on,” I said, hooking an arm through Owen’s. “That’s not fair. He shouldn’t have to buy rounds when he isn’t even here. You’re all better than that.”

“We won’t be putting any more rounds on his card,” Archie barked, and everyone nodded dutifully. With that, I dragged Owen outside, snagging our coats and walking stick on the way, and we started toward home. Luckily, the cool night air seemed to sober Owen a bit, and he was steady on his feet.

“I think you made their night. No, probably their year,” I said, bumping Owen’s shoulder. He looked at me, his blue eyes lighting up.

“It’s not a tool I use often, but I will deploy it when necessary.”

I pulled up short, grabbing his arm, and leaning in closer. Staring into his eyes, I scowled.

“Why, Owen Williams. You’re not drunk at all!” I exclaimed, seeing the amusement in his eyes.

“I wouldn’t say I’m entirely sober.” Owen laughed, stealing a quick kiss while I sputtered. “But I’m nowhere near as drunk as I made out to be.”

“You faked it.”

“Just a bit. It made them feel more comfortable, and I don’t mind looking like a fool on occasion.”

“I thought you didn’t lie.”

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