Page 3 of Wild Scottish Beauty

My email pinged on my open laptop, and I automatically went to silence the sound, but my eyes caught on the subject line. It was a reply to my internship offer.

Except I hadn’t replied yet.

Sophie’s words faded into the background as I clicked the email open, my stomach plummeting as I read the words.

Thank you for your reply. We’ve offered the position to the next intern on the list.

Tears flooded my eyes as I saw the reply that my brother must have written, declining the offer on my behalf.What the hell?

“Willow?”

“Oh, shoot. Sorry. The line must have broken up for a moment. Can you repeat that?” Dashing the back of my hand against my cheeks, I slammed the laptop shut, trying to tamp down my fury. I wanted to run downstairs and kick my brother in the crotch for interfering in my life. Again.

“Of course. I’m calling because we have a unique opportunity to offer you at MacAlpine Castle. Our castle is rich in history, and we’re working on increasing the tourism to the area. We have a gift shop that really could use some help. Apparel is our largest seller, but frankly, our designs aren’t that great. We’d like to offer you an opportunity to come work with our kiltmaker to design an exclusive line of merchandise for our visitors.”

“Wait, you’re offering me a job?” My brain was sluggish to catch up to her words.

“Absolutely. Full-time, with accommodation at the castle.”

“I could live in a castle?” I sucked in a breath, shock propelling me to standing. “In Scotland?”

“Aye, lassie.” Sophie’s laugh rang through the phone. “Sorry, I tried, but my Scottish accent still isn’t great.”

“Why me? How did you even find me?”

“Your website! You had some great tartan pieces in your last line, and your background says you have ties to Scotland. If you’re interested, I can email you the offer.”

“Oh, I’m interested.Veryinterested.”

“Great, I’ll ping it over now. Do you want me to stay on the phone while you review it?”

“Please.” If this was as good an opportunity as I hoped it might be, I wanted this signed, sealed, and delivered before Miles could get his grubby mitts on it. I scanned the exceedingly generous offer, my mouth dropping open at the salary, and the list of perks that came with it. “How did you end up in Scotland? You sound American.”

“Oh, I am.” Sophie laughed again. “It’s a long story. I’m from California, and while I dearly miss the sunshine, Scotland has my heart now. Basically, I inherited the castle, and now I’m determined to bring tourists back to Loren Brae.”

“Sophie, you know what?” Nerves hummed, causing me to pace my room. There was a shiver of recognition—a knowing of sorts—that had come to me at key points in my life. I listened to that instinct now. “I’d love to come work for you. This sounds fantastic.”

“It is. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. If you send me the dates you can come, I’ll arrange your flights.”

“You don’t need me to book them?” I asked, incredulousness filling my voice. Sophie laughed again.

“No, Willow. We’ll handle that. You’re part of the team now.”

At that, my heart sighed, happy that I had a place to go.I don’t have to give up my dream.I needed to pack. And then, only when I was at the airport, would I tell my brother where I was really going.

Nobody was going to take my chance away from me again.

CHAPTER TWO

Ramsay

“Three. Solid. Corner pocket.” I leaned over the pool table and neatly pocketed the ball, while Munroe groaned, and Lachlan chuckled.

“I told you to watch out for him, Munroe.” Lachlan, manager of MacAlpine Castle and childhood friend of mine, beamed at Munroe’s annoyed expression.

“The lad’s lost his touch now that he’s on the way down the aisle,” I said, poking Munroe’s buttons.

“You’re not wrong. Who knew planning a wedding would be so involved? I just want to throw money at it and tell Lia to do whatever she wants so long as she shows up at the aisle on the appointed day. Her mother…” Munroe shook his head, real fear entering his eyes, and he swallowed. “I thought the Scots were bad, but an Italian mother-in-law? Man, when she’s not mothering me to death, she’s ordering me around like a drill sergeant.”

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