Page 52 of Wild Scottish Beauty

Another clap of thunder sounded, and Calvin let out a tiny little “brrrrp” in my arms. Shifting, I hugged him closer.

“I don’t mean to be like this, but do you guys mind if I go home? I think I just need to get out of these wet clothes and take a moment. This is all a lot, and I want to get him settled.” I nodded down to Calvin.

“I’m glad you’re already calling it home.” Sophie hopped up and patted my shoulder. “Come on, Lachlan will grab the car. You don’t have to walk in the rain.”

“Is it okay for me to leave?” I asked Ramsay.

“It’s far past closing time, lass. You’re free to do as you wish.”

“I’ll see you in the morning then. Not before your coffee, of course.”

“Bring Calvin.”

His words warmed me all the way back to the castle. He may be rough around the edges, but there was a softness underneath that hard exterior of Ramsay’s. The innate gentleness was what I remembered about him from when he was a teenager. Yes, he goofed around with my brother, but he hadn’t been churlish.Charming, kind, and sexy Ramsay was lethal to my heart.

Now I just had to do my best not to annoy him, all while trying not to fall head over heels for him.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Willow

“Gimmee,” Hilda demanded, arms outstretched, as soon as we entered the castle. I handed her Calvin, and he snuggled right in with a contented little “brraaap.”

“Well now, isn’t he just the sweetest? Archie’s put a basket of things outside your door, Willow. I’ve got tea on if you’re feeling peckish?”

“They call dinner ‘tea’ here,” Sophie translated quickly, and I raised my chin in understanding.

“I’d like to change out of these damp clothes real quick.”

“Please do. I’ll just take this little man with me while you do.”

“Will he be okay with the dogs? What about having to go to the bathroom?” I realized that I hadn’t even put him down or outside and knew next to nothing about cats.

“Cats are surprisingly resilient, and quite smart. Once you get the box set up, put him in it and nature will take its course. The wee lad will get on just fine.”

“Great, I’ll go do that and be right down.”

True to her words, there was a box brimming with goods at my apartment door, and I unpacked everything, setting up the litter box in the bathroom that connected to my bedroom. I figured I could keep Calvin in there while I was in the castle and bring him with me when I went to the shop. I’d have to make a note to ask Archie if he had any more supplies to take with me to the shop. Ramsay would have my head if Calvin peed on something.

I changed into fleece-lined leggings, Shearling lined Ugg boots, and a hot pink Barbie sweatshirt. Instantly feeling better now that I was no longer in my sodden clothes, I carefully hung my skirt in the bath to dry, and then I made my way downstairs to find Archie on the floor with Calvin, trailing a feather on a fishing line while Sir Buster trembled at Hilda’s feet. Lady Lola licked a paw, entirely unbothered by the kitten’s presence, lolling in the warmth from the fire.

“Oh, look at him go.” I laughed as Calvin pounced on the feather, only to have it whisked from his paws. He gave chase, his little body springing everywhere, and happiness flashed through me. “This is great. I was worried he’d get pneumonia or hypothermia or something from falling in that cold water.”

“He must not have been in there all that long. Lucky little lad.” Hilda looked down at where Sir Buster whined and pawed at her feet. “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Sir Buster. You’d think the kitten was a dinosaur the way you’re acting.”

“Is he scared?” I raised an eyebrow at the shaking dog.

“Appears so. They had a brief moment.”

“No, what happened?” I gasped.

“Sir Buster barked at him. One bark, mind you. A warning, I’d say. Got a wee snipe right across the snout, didn’t you?” Hilda kissed Sir Buster’s nose, who looked decidedly rattled at the intruder. “We learned our lesson about kittens today, didn’t we?”

“Aww, I’m sorry, buddy.” I patted Sir Buster’s head, and he curled his lips at me, but his growl was a touch less threatening than usual. “Got the wind taken out of your sails a bit, eh?”

“It’ll happen. He’s had it a time or two with a hedgehog as well. Go on, sit, sit. Food is ready.”

Hilda nodded to the table, and I turned to see Sophie and Lachlan ladling soup into bowls, steam escaping from baskets of warm crusty bread. My stomach growled, and I realized that I hadn't eaten lunch.

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