Page 93 of Wild Scottish Fortune

“Damn it, Willow. How many people did you invite?” Ramsay glared past us, and I turned to see a crowd making their way down the lane toward the shop. Biting back a grin, I turned to watch the show.

“Just a few of our friends.”

“I thought I had discouraged this whole friend-making propensity of yours.”

“I can’t help that people love me, Ramsay. It’s a curse, I swear it.” Willow hung her head, pretending to be repentant, and Ramsay grabbed her waist, whispering something in her ear that sounded suspiciously like “punishment” and I grinned as her cheeks pinkened. The door swung open and in moments, the party was in full swing.

An hour later, I was exhausted with the number of people who had come up to either congratulate me on a job well done or to ask me about potential future jobs. Gratefulthat Fin had prepared me for this, I’d dutifully tucked cards in the pocket of my overalls.

Yes, it came with pockets.

“Oh my, this is going to be interesting.” Agnes, looking sexy in the way of people who just are without having to think about it, wore a simple midnight-blue silk dress that slithered over her body and a necklace with a small book charm at her neck. It made me think of being wrapped in sheets, sexy ones at that, and I’d caught Graham eyeing her more than once while she remained oblivious, chatting to everyone in the room. Turning, I glanced out the window.

“She’s back!”

Miss Elva sauntered down the lane in a sequined caftan, with a tartan turban on her head. A single crystal sparkled at the center of her turban, and big doorknocker earrings sparkled at her ears. Nothing about this outfit should work together, and yet it all worked, seamlessly so. Her three hotties followed, all in tartan caftans and black sequined waistcoats, and there was not a shirt to be seen among them. Muscles rippled as they walked, almost in unison, guarding Miss Elva as she strolled to the shop.

Listen, if you had told me that I’d find a man in a sequined waistcoat sexy one day, I would have called you a liar. And yet, here we were.

“Well now, I heard there was a party so I had to swing on through on my way back to Tequila Key,” Miss Elva announced to the entire party, who naturally had gone quiet as she’d swung in the door. Out of deference or out of surprise, I wasn’t quite sure, but either way, Miss Elva commanded the room.

“Miss Elva!” I waved to her, and she came over, her smile wide and shining in her face.

“Child. Just look at you. I swear, I never would have thought about a sequin jumpsuit in that style. But it works. It really works.”

“That’s all Willow. She’s one of my friends. And part of the Order.”

“Well, now, child. It seems you found your place after all, doesn’t it? I told you friends were everything, didn’t I?”

“You did. You were right. I need them as much as they need me.”

“It’s a good thing to remember. Now, introduce me to this Willow. I want a jumpsuit.”

I introduced her to Willow. The two women looked each other up and down, sizing each other’s outfits up, and instantly became best friends.

“We need to talk. Where did you get this skirt?” Miss Elva demanded.

“I made it. I’ll make one for you if you’ll get me one of these caftans.”

“I make these,” Miss Elva crowed, and Willow clapped her hands in delight.

“My new best friend.”

“Looks like she has a new sister from another mister.” I started but didn’t turn at the voice over my shoulder. Rafe was here, and it seemed the pirate ghost was in a mood. I’d only met him for a short time, but I’d quickly understood volatile was his standard operating procedure.

“That’s okay. I’m happy to share Miss Elva. I’m sure you’re used to it, aren’t you?” I hissed over my shoulder, unable to resist poking at the ghost. I mean, he’d saved mylife and all, and then insulted me the rest of the time. Maybe insults were just his love language.

“Rude.” Rafe winked from sight, and I stifled a grin as Agnes beamed up at the trio of beefcakes.

“Lads. Good to see you again. How were your travels?” Agnes asked, twirling a curl around her finger. She choked as Graham appeared at her arm, neatly hooking her elbow, before dragging her to the corner behind me.

Naturally, I eased a bit closer.

I mean, we were at a party after all, it wasn’t like I was eavesdropping on a super private conversation.

“You’re fairly obvious,” Fin whispered at my ear.

“What? I’m just admiring the view.” I kept my eyes on Miss Elva’s boy toys and grinned when Fin pinched my side.

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