Page 66 of Wild Scottish Beauty

“American, are you? Here on holiday?” The man bent, gathering my snacks before I could get them, and held up the bag of crisps, shaking his head at me.

“No, I live here now.” It was funny to say it, I realized, but it also felt really good.

Loren Brae was home now.

And I was actually doing something with my life that I was excited about. Warmth filled me, and I beamed up at the man, not for the reasons he likely thought, but nevertheless, I was in a good mood.

“In that case, I’d better show you the secrets if you’re planning to make your home here. Come on then.” The man motioned me back down the crisps aisle and pointedto a different brand than I’d picked up. “It’s Mackie’s you’re wanting. The best.”

“Oh, I didn’t know.” I switched bags and smiled at him. He vaguely reminded me of Ramsay, now that I looked more closely at him, but they had different hair color, and this man was shorter and stockier than Ramsay. Much more charming though, since he’d already spoken more words to me than Ramsay did most days.

“Trust me on this one. You’ll never look back.”

“I’m so glad I ran into you then. Any other grocery store secrets I should be aware of?”

The man crossed his arms and thought about it for a moment.

“What are you shopping for?”

“Largely a few snacks for my apartment. Late night nibbles. Light dinners.”

“Ah yes, snacks for the flat. So far, you’re doing grand with your choices. You’ll need shortbread, naturally. Have you tried Irn Bru yet?”

I looked at him, confused, and he threw his head back and laughed.

“Tell me you know what I’m talking about.”

“Nope, no clue.”

“Och, lass, you’re in for a real treat. I wish I could be there when you tried it.” The man led me toward an aisle with soda. “My name’s Andrew, by the way. Yours?”

Something niggled at the back of my brain, but I couldn’t figure it out.

“Willow.”

“That’s a nice name for a bonnie lass. If it’s not too forward of me, maybe I could take you for a proper drinkthis week? If my Irn Bru recommendation doesn’t turn you off us Scots forever, that is. I’ve got loads of insider tips I could share about Loren Brae.”

A date?

Was I getting picked up in a grocery store of all places? I’d heard of such things but had never been privy to it before. Flustered, I smiled shyly at him.

“Um, maybe? If this Irn Bru doesn’t kill me that is.”

Andrew laughed, and the sound made me warm to him even more.

“Tell you what, lass. I’ll give you my number. Text me later after you’ve had the Irn Bru. If you survive, I’ll treat you to a proper drink.”

“Okay, you’re on.” I cupped my snacks in one arm while I added Andrew’s number to my phone. Then he handed me a neon orange can that I eyed suspiciously.

“Is this an orange pop?”

“I don’t know what pop is.” Andrew shrugged a shoulder.

Ope, my Minnesota was showing.

“I meant soda.”

“Mmm. Irn Bru is its own experience. Trust me on this.”

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