Page 69 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

I skidded to a stop in the main room of the house, caught on the view from his windows. The last of the daylight was lingering, giving me a rough idea of how incredible it would be to sit here, during storms or sunshine, and be a part of nature but sheltered from it all the same.

“I can’t get over this room. Somehow, you’vemanaged to make it both cozy but incredibly airy and open.”

“It was a labor of love, that’s for sure.” Alexander danced his fingers down my arm and then threaded them through mine. Giving me a little tug, he drew me over to a table in the corner by the windows. When I saw what was on it, my eyes widened.

“Wingspan!”

“Ah, yeah. When you mentioned there was a bird board game, I realized I was sadly remiss in adding it to my games stash.”

“Are we going to play?” I looked up at him, excited.

“Of course. I just did pizza for dinner, but we can eat while we play if you’d like?”

“Even better.” Glancing up at him, I narrowed my eyes. “Watch yourself, MacTavish. I’m ruthless.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

“What are we playing for?” I asked.

“Och, the lass wants to heighten the stakes. Fine. If I win, you have to just wear that silk skirt for me again.”

My cheeks heated as I thought about his hands on my thighs, the silk slipping across my legs.

“And if I win, you have to wear your kilt for me. With no shirt on.”

“Perfect. Either way, one of us will be topless.”

My mouth dropped open. “I didn’t agree to be topless.”

“I said to just wear the skirt.”

“I didn’t take that to mean…” I trailed off, my mouth still hanging open.

“You should always ask for clarification before you agree to something.”

“You’re annoying. But also correct. Fine, MacTavish. Let’s get going. I want to watch you squirm.”

“You’re a bloodthirsty one, aren’t you?”

“I hope you cry.”

Alexander threw his head back and laughed. Passing me as he went to the kitchen for food, he brushed his lips lightly over my cheek. Despite knowing we were just friends with benefits, I held my hand up to my cheek, my eyes on Tattie, alone in his pen outside. The puffin continued to play in the baking tray, seemingly content, but for how long before he’d grow bored and unhappy?

Turning, I watched Alexander humming in the kitchen, likely unaware he was even singing to himself.

It dawned on me then that Alexander was a mate-for-life person. No wonder he’d been so harmed when his ex-wife had felt otherwise. But did that mean he’d never give it a chance again?

And why was I even thinking this way?

Matchmaking must be making me see life through rose-colored glasses, I realized. I’d come here convinced that I was more than happy to stay single, because I’d truly never had a great love in my life. That had led me to believe that maybe it just wasn’t in the cards for me, which in turn made me convince myself that I didn’t really believe in true love. And yet, here I was, spending a large chunk of my days looking to help others find it. Everyone except myself, of course.

Healthyself first, Doctor,and all that.

When Alexander returned, two glasses of wine in hand and a smile on his face, I swallowed against the unexpected emotion caught in my chest.

“Ready to lose?” Alexander asked.

“Not a chance in hell,mate.” I pointed to the table. “Bring it on.”

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