Page 64 of Wild Scottish Beauty

“Do people pay for it?” I mocked him in a high voice, and he threw his head back and laughed once more.

“Also a fair question.”

“I can’t. I can’t be with you.” I glanced at the time because I had to look away as my cheeks were burning. “Our first appointment is almost here. Go away.”

“It’s my shop.”

I glared at him long enough that he retreated into the back room while I tidied the shop, staunchly ignoring him when I went to wash the teacups, and then positioned myself back at the desk to welcome our first client.

Pulling out my iPad, I drew a big X through my fanny pack design. Nope, no way in hell were we making those. I would never live this down.

By the time we’d worked our way through the appointments, as well as successfully fended off random passersby who I cheerfully welcomed into the store, staunchly ignoring Ramsay’s “no walk-ins” rule in between appointments just to annoy him, I’d largely lived down my embarrassment from earlier. Just as I was getting ready to close up, a pretty woman with dusky skin and a shock of red curls popped through the door.

“Am I allowed in? I’m told Ramsay bites.” A whisper of Boston tinged her words and I immediately warmed to my fellow American.

“He’s more bark than anything. Hi, I’m Willow.”

“I’m Lia, the chef up at the castle.”

“Lia! Finally, we meet. I’ve been meaning to stop at the restaurant, but I heard you were gone.” I rushed over and gave her a hug, my Midwest niceness propelling me to do so, and she laughed, accepting it. I mean, we were in the same Order, right? It was fine to hug her. I happened to be a touchy-feely person in general, and I couldn’t help but notice that Ramsay stiffened every time I laid my hand on his arm. He never shook it off though. And I didn’t stop.

The man had serious muscles.

“Munroe stole me away for a mini vacation. We’re planning a wedding, and it has been a bit hectic. But since this is our slow season, I was able to take some time from the restaurant.”

“Well, I’m glad you stopped in. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Grasshopper.”

“Good to hear it.” Lia glanced around the shop, interest in her warm brown eyes. “This place is nice. I know Munroe has several kilts, but maybe we should get something special for the wedding.”

“I’m happy to spend Munroe’s money any day,” Ramsay said from the doorway to the back room, Calvin cradled in his arms. “Good to see you, Lia.”

“Awww, who is this guy?” Lia walked over to Ramsay, patting his shoulder in greeting before scratching behind Calvin’s ear. Even in a week the kitten had grown, and he’d become more adventurous for it. We were constantlylecturing him about things, but strangely enough, Calvin seemed to understand exactly what was off limits for him and what wasn’t.

He also continued to communicate with me in images.

Sometimes it was when he was hungry.

Other times it was if he didn’t like a customer.

Lately, it had been a lot about Ramsay. I couldn’t quite piece together what he was trying to tell me.

Or maybe I was just ignoring it.

Either way, Calvin had grown just as attached to Ramsay, and I had to admit, watching the tiny kitten follow the massive muscular man all over the shop made my heart twist. I mean, it would for anyone, no? One time, I walked into the back room to see Ramsay on the floor on his back, a screwdriver in hand, adjusting something under his worktable. At his side, Calvin lay on his back, mirroring Ramsay, surveying his work. I’d been tempted to offer both hard hats, but instead had pulled out my phone and snapped a photo without them knowing.

Not that I’d ever tell Ramsay I’d taken his photo.

And I’d only looked at it a time or two since. Maybe twice.

Okay, like ten times.

Either way, it was just a cute photo. That was all.

“I’m popping by because I was on the way to the market and Sophie had mentioned you wanted to stock up.”

“Oh, I do. That would be great.” I glanced between Calvin and Ramsay. “Can you watch Calvin? I can come back for him after.”

“He can stay with me tonight.”

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