Page 14 of The Rescue

“Yeah, sorry, was miles away. I didn’t realise how exhausted I am.”

Me, Dylan and Cam wave goodbye to Hamish and Fiona, who are walking away in a different direction. Dylan told me that Fiona lives in the little flat above the shop, Bits and Bobs. And Hamish the gentleman that he is walks her the short distance home every night after the pub even though he lives at Thistle Down Farm.

Cam walks with his arm scooped over Dylan’s shoulder, and has her pulled in tight to keep her warm on this chilly night. I am suddenly feeling envious about their relationship, or maybe it’s the physical side of their relationship that I’m envious of. I’m not ashamed to admit it but, I love sex. I wouldn’t call myself an addict, but I love the chemistry between two people, and the rush it gives me when you’re tangled up with someone in bed. Believe me, I’ve had some duds, but I’ve also had some mind-blowing one night stands. I spot Cam’s hand resting on Dylan’sass as they walk along, and it stirs something up inside me. I need to get laid. It’s been a while since I last had sex, and I’m not even close to figuring out if Rabbie is attracted to me.

The three of us arrive back at Thistle Down Farm in no time. The cottage is cosy and warm, from the fire smouldering in the living room. My pathetic looking airbed lies on the floor in front of it. Dylan insisted I stayed with her and Cam whilst I was here and I’m regretting giving in to her. I would kill for a proper bed, and some privacy. We just got through the door before Dylan and Cam hurriedly say goodnight, and rush off to bed.

My body is aching from sitting at my laptop all day, and I can’t wait to lie down, even if it is on the shitty air bed. After taking care of my night time routine, I finally sink into the air bed, and lay awake staring up at the ceiling. The night replays in my head, and I think of all the little moments I had with Rabbie, and how confusing it is to be in the situation. It’s not very hard for me to pick up guys, but Rabbie seems like a complex puzzle that I can’t figure out. My eyes finally feel heavy enough, and my eyes are barely closed when I hear soft moans coming from the bedroom. An exasperated groan leaves my lips as I roll over and stuff a pillow on top of my head, squeezing my eyes shut. Jesus, I thought I loved sex, but Cam and Dylan go at it like rabbits. Seriously, I wish they wouldn’t, not at least whilst I’m sharing a wall with them.

My mind wanders to Rabbie again, what I’d do to be in his bed right now. His sage green eyes scanning over my naked body, and his large smooth hands running wild, making me tingle in all the right places. The ache between my legs is growing more intense by the day. I try to fall asleep, alone with only my wild, sex-crazed imagination.

6

Rabbie

It’s another normal morning in the bakery, I wake up before sunrise and head down to the kitchen to start making a fresh batch of scones for the day. Usually this task should be simple and straightforward for me to complete, hell I’ve done it hundreds of times. I could do this in my sleep, but this morning, I’m distracted. I haven’t been able to take my mind off that pretty, little cowgirl who happens to be my employee. Last night was nice adding Crystal to our little group. I love my friends, but it’s refreshing to have someone new to talk to. The playful banter between us was magnetic, and Crystal’s outgoing personality had me laughing most of the night. I can’t remember the last time I’d laughed that much.

I’ve been feeling apprehensive all morning, and I’ve already messed up a batch of scones. Feeling slightly frustrated that I can’t settle my mind, I head out the back to get some fresh air. I lean against the wall, close my eyes and take in a lung full of thecrisp Scottish air. I do this a lot, it helps ground me, and calms my mind. There isn’t anywhere else on earth that I’d rather be than here in Crossmackie standing outside my wee bakery. My meditative state is broken when Nellie and David arrive for the morning, I hear them come through the front, arguing in their twin language.

I love them to pieces, but they are always bickering about something, as siblings do. I don’t have any siblings, but I treat them as if they were my wee brother and sister.

Nellie pops her head out the back door of the kitchen. “Oh, there you are.”

“Morning, Nell. What are you two arguing about now?” I push off the wall and head back inside the kitchen.

“David is delusional. He thinks Crystal fancies him,” she rolls her eyes at me.

I fight back the laughter that nearly forced its way out. That’s impossible. Well, I don’t think she fancies him. He’s way too young for her, although I don’t really know her that well. Surely, she wouldn’t go for someone like David, I mean don’t get me wrong, he’s a good-looking lad, but I don’t think he’s Crystal’s type.

“I reckon, I’ve got a chance. What do you reckon, Rabbie?” David wiggles his eyebrows at me.

I don’t want to be harsh and crush the laddie’s hopes, but I don’t want to encourage him either. A stream of jealousy runs through me. I shouldn’t be jealous, but I am.

“Best to keep it professional, she’s working with us until the website is done.” I tell David.

When deep down, I’m telling myself this.

David frowns at me because I’m not really the type of boss to tell my employees what to do, but this I have to make clear. I’m trying to keep it strictly business myself, which I’m failing miserably at because no boss should be thinking this muchabout their employee. I need to set an example and hold myself and my staff accountable.

Our conversation is cut short when we hear the front door of the cafe open. We’re not open yet so it could be only a handful of people, and by the sound of the clacking on the wooden floors, my guess is that it’s Crystal in those sexy little cowboy boots.

David’s eyes widen, and he quickly runs to the back of the kitchen where I keep all the deliveries and starts to take them outside to load them in the van. I knew he wouldn’t have the courage to even be around Crystal, let alone ask her out. Nellie shakes her head at her brother’s cowardly face and laughs.

I’m about to ask Nellie to make Crystal’s coffee and take it out to her when she wanders off to the storeroom to check the inventory. I’m trying to avoid Crystal this morning because last night at the pub felt too easy to be around her, and I can’t get involved with her like that.

Today, I don’t need the distraction. I’m stressed out with how rapidly my business is growing, and I can’t afford to make any more mistakes. I pull myself together and tell myself that she would never be interested in me even if I were capable of making a move, which I’m not.

I head into the front of the cafe to find Crystal at her usual table, slumped in the chair with her forehead resting on top of the table. I find this perplexing because she’s usually put together and composed.

“Good morning, too much whisky last night?”

She didn’t seem drunk last night, and I only saw her drink two drams of whisky. Crystal lifts her head, and her bloodshot eyes are glazed over. She looks tired.

“Nope, not hungover. Just very tired, another sleepless night at the cottage. I even skipped my run this morning. You don’t do coffee by IV do you?”

At least she’s still sharp and witty even when she’s tired. I can’t help but smirk at her smart remarks.

“I’ll go make you a coffee.”

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