Page 36 of Scotch & Shortbread

His stormy piercing blue eyes were looking at her expectantly.

She bit her lip as she contemplated whether or not to open up about her novel.

“Where does your passion lie?” His voice seemed to have dropped an octave.

Her heart fluttered at the heat in his gaze. She quickly turned away, trying to tamp down the tingles that pricked her senses. Plunging her hands in the hot soapy water, she began to wash the dirty dishes from her baking. “Um, I’m working on a novel right now,” she said tentatively and then threw caution to the wind. “Writing stories with characters and a plot, that’s what truly sings to my soul.” She sighed dreamily, not daring to look back at him.

“What’s it about, your novel?” It surprised her to find he sounded genuinely interested.

She glanced at him shyly, wondering whether or not to tell him. She hadn’t even told her girls what it was about. Why would she tell Mean Hot Cop? Husband Cop? Dad Cop? Her mind went back to the photo of him with his wife and kids. Why did he want to know about her novel? Why did he care? What about his secrets?

His blue eyes seemed to be studying her. She didn’t know why she felt compelled to tell him about her writing. Maybe it was that they were stranded together all alone. Maybe it was because if she shared her secrets, perhaps he’d share his. Or maybe it was just the way he was watching her, so intently, like he actually cared.

Continuing to absently scrub the dishes, she said, “It’s a mystery novel that takes place in Budapest.” She felt a little thrill saying it out loud. She hadn’t told anyone about it yet.

“Hmm, I’m intrigued already. Budapest is one of my favourite cities.”

She felt a nervous tension she hadn't even realized she’d been holding, begin to melt away and she eyed him over her shoulder. “You’ve been?”

“Aye, many years ago now,” he said, and for a moment there was a distance in his eyes, almost a sadness. He moved alongside her, picked up a dishcloth, and began drying the dishes she’d washed.

Quinn wondered if Alex had been to Budapest with his wife. A honeymoon perhaps. That was a sobering thought.

“I’d love to go. I’ve researched it for my book. The history is fascinating and the architecture,” she paused sighing, seeing it in her mind’s eye. “One day, I’ll walk the Danube and take it all in.”

Alex smiled. “’Tis an intriguing city. I can imagine it to be the perfect choice for the backdrop of a mystery novel.”

Quinn was pleased Alex saw it that way too.

“Have ye been to Scotland, lass?”

“No, unfortunately, I haven’t done much travelling outside of Canada. I will. though. I love learning about different cultures and seeing new places.”

“Aye, well, ye should add Scotland to yer list then. ’Tis a different kind of history and architecture. I suspect ye’d be fascinated with all the ruins with their stories and legends.”

She could hear the pride in his voice. “Sounds dreamy.” She sighed.

He chuckled lightly. “Aye, and ‘tis ruggedly beautiful much like Canada.”

Quinn tried to imagine what it would be like to go to Scotland and then found herself wondering if muscular gorgeousness was a common trait in Scottish men. She snuck a look at him as he stood drying the mixing bowl she’d used. The domestic side certainly added to his hotness.

“I’d like to read your book when it’s done if ye’d allow me,” Alex said, pulling Quinn from her thoughts.

A flattered smile tugged her lips. “Well, you may have to wait a while. I had hoped to be working on it over the holidays, but instead, I’m here—baking cookies.”

“Ah right, I see.” The compassion in his tone surprised her. “Mother nature is unleashing some kind of winter fury.” He looked out the window kitchen window as the snow continued to blow about.

“It’s all good.” She said absently handing him a cookie sheet to dry. “I’m grateful to be in a warm cozy cabin. There are worse things.”

“Aye, ‘tis true.”

“I am gonna hold you to teaching me some self-defence though while I’m stuck here. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn but never seemed to get around to.”

“It’s an important skill to have. Perhaps tomorrow then.”

“Perfect.” She felt lighter, liking that they’d reached a new level in their relationship. Friendship. Whatever it was.

“Right, I’m going to go grab some more logs so we dinnae run out tonight,” Alex announced, walking to the back door and putting his coat and boots back on. “We dinnae need ye frozen like an ice cube and crawling into my bed again.”

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