Page 19 of The Rescue

“Oh, we’ve come to collect Crystal’s stuff. I offered her the spare room at my place, seems more convenient for her to stay with me whilst she does the website for the cafe.”

Rabbie doesn’t tattle on his friends by telling Rosie the real reason why I’m suddenly not staying with Dylan and Cam anymore. Rosie smiles between me and Rabbie as if that is the best news she’s heard all year.

“That’s a wonderful idea, I mean, obviously we love having you here, Crystal,” Rosie smiles at me.

“Thank you, I haven’t told Dylan yet. Is she around?”

“Yes, somewhere. Cam said they were going to check on Bessie in the barn, they should be back soon. Come inside for a cup of tea,” she waves us inside the main farmhouse.

Rabbie and I exchange a look, and we both know that Cam and Dylan didn’t go to the barn to check on Bessie the cow. He winks at me, and my stomach flips. I know he’s winking at me because he knows exactly what I’m thinking, but it makes me giddy inside regardless.

We head inside the big house of Thistle Down Farm, where Rosie, Hamish and Ruby live. It’s as you’d expect a Scottish farmhouse to be, bursting with charm and character. Wooden beams protrude from the ceiling, and there’s rustic wooden floors throughout the house. The kitchen is large with a huge stone hearth, and massive kitchen table enough to seat at least twelve people. Rosie is the stereotypical farm mom, she makes her own jams, and always has something baking in the oven. Sheshows us to the table and starts rattling around in her kitchen, and ensembles a tray of biscuits and tea.

“Uncle Rabbit, want to see my drawings?”

“Aye, mi chroít. Let’s see them,” he picks Ruby up and places her on his knee.

That’s another thing that Dylan has imprinted on Ruby, is her love for art. It’s really cute to see that Ruby looks up to Dylan so much. I mean who wouldn’t, Dylan Miller is practically perfect in every way. Ruby flicks through the pages, and shows Rabbie her drawings, and he enthusiastically nods and tells Ruby how amazing she is. My heart melts at the sight of him and Ruby. He’s a gentle giant, it’s not shocking to see how well liked he is. He has time for every one he speaks to, and he always gives them his undivided attention.

“Here we go,” Rosie places a large tray of tea, cakes, and biscuits on the table.

“Thanks, Rosie,” Rabbie smiles at her.

Rosie sits down across from us, and pours us all a cup of tea, and a cup of milk for Ruby. All these delicious cakes, and biscuits, I’m definitely going to have to run longer in the mornings to keep in shape.

“I wish we saw you more, Rab,” Rosie passes him the plate of biscuits.

He dips his head, and he looks like he’s let her down. “Aye, I’m sorry. Sweet Treats is busier than I expected with all the outside orders.” He picks away at his finger in his lap.

“Aye love, we’re so proud of you. We miss you is all,” Rosie offers him a warm and reassuring smile.

“I miss you the most, Uncle Rabbit,” Ruby shouts.

Rabbie shoulders relax and he laughs at Ruby’s outburst. We sit and chat for a while, when Dylan and Cam come through the door. Dylan looks flushed in her cheeks, and I think to myselfgood for you girl, but I’m also envious that she just probably hadone of the best orgasms of her life. She looks at me, and I can’t wipe the smirk off my face. I lean back in my chair, and fold my arms across my chest.

“How was Bessie?” I ask, keeping my tone nonchalant.

Dylan tenses and I didn’t think she could look more flushed but she turns a deeper shade of pink. She gives me a deathly stare, and I have to bite back the smirk forming on my face. She’s silently telling me to shut up, and remember whose company we’re in by slightly nodding her head towards Rosie and Ruby sat at the end of the table. I love watching her squirm from the embarrassment, especially when it’s about sex. She’s a closed book when it comes to talking about anything related to sex. I don’t think there is anything wrong with talking openly about sex, it’s perfectly natural.

“She was fine. What are you guys doing here?” She asks, changing the subject.

“Rabbie gave me a lift, because he’s been nice enough to offer his spare room at the cafe. I’ve taken him up on the offer, it seems more practical to stay there whilst I do the website.”

“Really? I think that’s a great idea, how nice of Rabbie to offer.” She smiles at me with concerned eyes. Only I pick up on the look, because we have a talent of communicating without actually saying a word. I know when we’re alone, she is going to be lecturing me that I need to be careful and not get involved with Rabbie.

We finish our tea, and I head over to the cottage to pack my belongings, which isn’t much. I was practically living out of my suitcase. Rabbie, Dylan and Cam are waiting for me outside. Rabbie being the gentleman that he is, takes my suitcase from me and puts it in the trunk. My mama would definitely approve of a man like Rabbie, but because I don’t do serious relationships, I push away that thought.

Rabbie and Cam are having a quick conversation about meeting tomorrow night at the pub, when Dylan comes and gives me a hug which isn’t unusual but when she tightens her hug when I go to pull away.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” she whispers in my ear.

I break the hug, and smile at her. “You stress too much, see you tomorrow for a morning run?”

“Yep, I’ll meet you down on the beach at sunrise,” she smiles at me through gritted teeth.Seriously, she needs to chill.

Rabbie and I jump in his car and head back to the cafe, Dylan’s warnings ringing loud in my head. I’m slightly annoyed at how much of a big deal she is making of this, it’s just sex, it’s not like he’s going to fall in love with me. Hell, I don’t know if he’s even interested in me, but I’ll find out soon if he is or not.

“You okay,mo beag?”

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