Page 65 of Wild Scottish Beauty

“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to put you out.”

“Nae bother, hen.”

“Nope. We’re coming back for him.”

We had this argument at the end of every day at the shop, and so far, Calvin had come home with me every night. I loved how he snuggled into my side, comforting me if I was restless.

My familiar, Agnes had suggested when she’d met him.

I’d never heard of such a thing, but now I loved the idea that Calvin might be magickal as well. I mean, why the hell not? It seemed anything went in the magickal world these days. I’d even heard about Shona’s gnomes, though I’d yet to meet her. That was next on my list. Because, are you freaking kidding me? Of course I wanted to meet a real live gnome.

“Shall I let you guys box this one out while I wait in the car?” Lia winked at me.

“Nope. He’s mine. I’m coming back for him.”

“I saved him. He’s mine.” Ramsay glared at me.

“Maybe Iwillfight you,” I said. “I do love a good throat punch.”

“Oh, me too,” Lia gushed. “My Boston side can’t help but love the occasional throwdown.”

Ramsay blinked between the two of us, muttered something about “bloodthirsty women” and disappeared with Calvin into his back room.

“Thanks for taking me, I appreciate it. At some point I’ll probably have to look at more serious transportation,” I said, grabbing my purse and stepping out front with Lia behind me. The last of the afternoon light was just fading, and while it was starting to warm up just a smidge, theblustery wind that rocketed down the side of the hills wasn’t quite ready to give up on winter yet. I hurried to her car.

“How’s it been living in Loren Brae? I mean, Boston is a pretty big city to leave behind. Do you miss it?” I asked Lia as she drove to the outskirts of Loren Brae where there was a larger supermarket along with a pharmacy and small post office.

“I do, at times. But not enough to make me want to go back. I miss baseball.” Lia laughed when I pumped my fist in the air. Then I gasped.

“Oh no. Sox fan?”

“Duh.”

“Twins fan.”

“Well, I guess this friendship is over already.” Lia pretended like she was going to pull the car over and kick me out, and I laughed.

“Hey, it’s not as bad as being a Yankees fan.”

“Truth, I’ll give you that. Okay, I’m going to run into the chemist then I’ll meet you in the market?”

“Great, thanks. I don’t think I need too much. I just feel bad that Hilda is making like every meal.”

“She loves it. I promise you she does. There is nothing that lights that woman up more than having people to cook for. But I get it. Some nights you probably just want to be on your own too.”

“Yeah, it’s still an adjustment coming here. Plus, you know, the Order stuff. I need some me time too.”

“I know. Come by for breakfast tomorrow. It’s the only time of the day that I’m really alone. We can talk more about the Order, and I’ll make you something yummy.”

“You don’t have to cook for me,” I protested, and Lialaughed again as we got out of the car, waving my words away with a hand.

“Cooking is my love language. It’s fine. Okay, see you in a bit.”

I wandered into the store, pleased that I would have a moment to shop for a few things and gathered a few bags of sweet and salty popcorn in my arms, along with a new addiction—salt and vinegar chips. Or crisps, as they were called here. Chips were French fries, apparently. Humming to myself, I turned the corner of an aisle and ran smack dab into someone, my snacks going flying to the floor.

“Oh, shite. That’s my bad.” A handsome man winked a smile at me, grabbing my arms to stop me from tumbling forward. I looked up at him, gasping in surprise as he laughed down at me. Seriously, what was with the men here? They were all so damn good-looking.

“I’m so sorry. I truly wasn’t looking where I was going. Daydreaming, I guess.”

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