Page 63 of The Castle in the Bay

‘Yeah, Nora found the information in a family tree. We share a great-great-grandfather, who probably lived at An Grianan.’

‘Oh my god. That means you officially have more island blood than me.’

‘I do.’ Monty glanced back at Ruaridh. Nora had said to tell him and Catriona about the family connection, but Monty didn’t want to butt in while he was with his friends. ‘Do you think Ruaridh suspects us of something?’ Monty nodded subtly in Ruaridh’s direction. ‘He keeps looking over.’

Iona followed his gaze, then shrugged. ‘So what? Ruaridh knows the deal. I don’t do dating, and I especially don’t get involved with someone who lives this close.’

Monty nodded. ‘Yeah. I remember you said.’

‘He asked me out before and I said no. I think he took it personally. He’s a nice guy, but I see him more in a brotherly kind of way. I don’t find him attractive like…’ She eyed Monty, then handed him a bodyboard. ‘I’m crap at long-term relationships and happy with short flings. Keeps things simple.’

A pang struck Monty in the chest. So even if he was planning to stick around, he wouldn’t stand a chance with her. ‘Yeah.’

Iona leaned closer. ‘But it’s not him we have to worry about.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Catriona saw us kissing on the beach last night. I told her you were just helping me ward off those creeps, but…’

Monty pulled a face and ran his fingers through his hair. He hadn’t seen her much at breakfast as she’d been too busy, but obviously she’d caught Iona. ‘We took it too far?’

‘Pretty much what she said.’

‘So, do you want to stop or have me be more discreet? I can leave you here and go do something else if this is making you uncomfortable.’

She smiled and tilted her head. ‘You really are a gentleman. Catriona’s used to me hooking up with guys, but… Well, you’re different.’

‘Am I?’

‘Yeah, because of our arrangement, you know. I’ll be seeing you again.’ She glanced around. ‘Catriona doesn’t want me using you or taking advantage of you.’

He let out a little laugh. ‘That’s not really what happened.’

‘I know that and you know that, but she’s only seen gentleman Monty, and she thinks I’m leading you astray.’

‘Got that right then, didn’t she?’

‘Ha-ha.’ Iona put her hands on her hips and gave him a hard look, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘Catriona’s such a mother hen. She makes me feel completely irresponsible sometimes.’

‘Does she say that?’

‘She doesn’t have to. I see it in the way she looks at me.’

Monty cocked his head. ‘Maybe she just wishes she had some of the freedom you have.’

‘Yeah. Maybe.’

‘So…’ He glanced at Ruaridh again. ‘Shall I back off for a bit?’

Iona pouted and rolled her lips. ‘You know what?’

He shook his head.

‘Who cares?’ She slung her arm around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. He responded automatically. ‘We only have a short time together. Let’s make the most of it.’

Monty pulled back and smiled. ‘Much as I’d love to, let’s do some bodyboarding, otherwise you’re going to land yourself with a bad reputation.’

‘Again.’

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