Page 85 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“He’s good. Seems fairly happy.”

“And you rescued another today?”

I closed my eyes. So shehadspoken with Rosie. “How’s Rosie? Is she okay?”

“Pretty bruised up. She landed hard because she was protecting the puffin from her fall, so her back took the brunt of it.”

I winced, pressing my lips together.

“And her ankle?”

“Not broken, thankfully. But a nasty sprain. Which is sometimes worse than a break. We got her back home and she’s on crutches.”

“You were there for her?”

“Aye, lad. We all went to the hospital to make sure she didn’t have to get home alone. Where were you?”

“The puffin was getting her leg amputated.”

Esther sniffed, glancing at me over her shoulder, a look of derision on her face. “And were you doing the surgery?”

“What? No, of course not.”

“And were you doing the follow-up care?”

“No, I’m not. But I will be when she gets out.”

“I’ll be needing a better excuse for why you couldn’t be at the hospital for Rosie then.”

“I…” I didn’t have one. She was right, I should have gone to her.

“The lass was looking for you. She’s had the wind knocked out of her sails. I have to imagine it feels pretty lonely to ride in an ambulance by yourself in a new country.”

I grimaced.

“I did make sure she had people who would help her,” I pointed out, my last-ditch effort.

“Yes, her friends. And whatever your arrangement was, from my understanding it started as friends. Has that changed?”

“No.” I dropped my head, feeling like shite about the whole situation. “In fairness, I did rescue herfrom the beach.”

“A small point in your favor.”

“Jeez, tough crowd.” I went into the kitchen. “Tea?”

“Of course.” Esther followed me and plopped down at my counter, twisting her hands together as she studied me. “I came here to tell you that you’re a bloody eejit.”

“Gee, thanks,” I muttered.Like I didn’t already know it?

“But I can tell by your face that you’re hurting just as much as she is. And it’s not in my nature to kick people when they’re down.”

“Kind of you.” I poured her hot water into a mug and added a tea bag. “Milk?”

“Just a bit.” Esther accepted the mug and held it in front of her hands. “Lad, do you want to be with Rosie?”

“I—”

“As in really be with her? Date her seriously? Not this sneaking around friends with benefits malarkey you two were doing.”

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