Page 7 of Wild Scottish Beauty

Now I was definitely intrigued. I loved the history of kilts and kiltmaking, which was a significant part of Scottish history. Telling me that she had a treasure trove of historical apparel was like offering a wee child the keys to a sweetie store.

“And this intern? Why?”

“We need help at the castle, and you need help at your store, no matter how much you try to deny it. It would be a win-win for everyone.” Something flashed behind Sophie’s eyes, and while I sensed she was telling me the truth, it felt like there was something else she was holding back.

“What’s the catch? You’ve got a look in your eyes.”

“No catch,” Sophie lied, radiating truth and honesty.

“Sophie, darling, you’re a shite liar.”

Sophie sighed and looked to Lachlan. He nodded.

“We need help with the Kelpies. This person can help.”

I froze. The Kelpies had increasingly become a problem in Loren Brae over the past few years, running people out of town and closing businesses. It was one of the reasons I’d decided to bring one of my shops back to Loren Brae. That and I wanted some peace and quiet from running my other locations. I’d grown up knowing, in the same way you know the sky is blue, that the Kelpies were as much a part of Loren Brae as MacAlpine Castle was. They’d been dormant for years, but now that they threatened the town again, everyone was trying to figure out a way to subdue them so the town could thrive once more. If Sophie said this intern could help in some way, then I had to believe her.

“Fine. Bring them through. But no talking before I’ve had coffee, and they don’t get to touch the music.”

“Understood.” Sophie leaned up to plant a kiss on my cheek before I could stop her and sailed from the room, happy now that she’d gotten what she’d wanted.

“How do you ever get your way living with that?” I grumbled to Lachlan.

“Och, lad. I don’t even try anymore. It’s much easier to give in.”

“You’re a wet lettuce.” I pointed at the table. “Play.”

“Maybe so, but I’m a deeply satisfied wet lettuce.”

“That’s an odd image.” Munroe cocked his head as he thought about it. “What does a satisfied lettuce look like?”

“I’d say your mother after I had a night with her, but it sounds like nothing warms the Ice Queen up.” I grinned at Munroe’s shocked look, before he threw his head back and laughed.

“I knew I’d like you,” Munroe said.

“I swear if this games night ends in us hugging and crying…” I shook my head.

“Only if we’re lucky,” Lachlan singsonged.

I sighed and bent to the table. “Prepare to get your arse handed to you, lad.”

CHAPTER THREE

Willow

“Dublin? As in Ireland?”

“Correct,” I said, cheerful despite missing my connection to Scotland and having to wait five hours for the next flight. The flight on Aer Lingus from Minneapolis had been, well, honestly, amazing. Sophie had upgraded me to business class, and I hadn’t been able to sleep a wink in case I missed out on something fabulous. I’d been rewarded when the flight attendant came around with ice cream while everyone else was napping. I had boldly asked for seconds because I didn’t want it to go to waste. The flight attendants were happy to indulge me, and I was just keen to keep them talking because their gorgeous Irish accents made me smile. Now, I could barely keep the grin off my face as I shamelessly eavesdropped on everyone around me inthe airport just to hear the rhythm of different accents being spoken.

“Knock it off, Willow. I’ve had a shit day at work. What do you need?” My brother’s annoyed tone cheered me up even more.

A woman walked by in a gorgeous wool cape that had my head turning. Pinned at the neck and draped neatly so the material didn’t overwhelm, the cape was so flattering. It made me instantly want to wear it with leggings and my Vince Camuto equestrian boots or perhaps even with my ripped straight-leg jeans and a chunky loafer…

“Willow!”

“Ope, sorry.” I drew my mind back to the conversation at hand instead of mentally building outfits around that fabulous cape. “I don’t need anything. I’m calling to tell you that I left, and that I’m in Dublin on my way to my new job.”

“Italy … but how?—”

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