Page 62 of Scotch & Shortbread

“What?” Lachlan’s blue eyes lit with a glint of hope. “I believe ye told me yesterday, ye already huv. She’s gone, no?”

“Aye. What I mean is, if I—” Alex stumbled on his words. “Well, if I admit…that I… Well, that… If I admit that I have feelings.” Alex looked at Lachlan as if his own words stunned him. “Jesus.” He breathed. “If I admit that I have feelings, then I dinnae think I could handle losing her.”

Lachlan sat back in his chair, looking like he was about to fucking slow clap. “Then ye sure as hell better go get her.”

Alex felt like a reindeer caught in headlights. “Ye’re right.”

“Well, Jesus Christ, wonders never cease. I dinnae think ye huv ever said that.”

Alex suddenly broke out into a grin. “Aye, well, there’s a first time for everything, but dinnae expect to hear it again.”

“Ach, there's the brother I ken and love. I can tell by the look in yer eye, the lass doesnae stand a chance.”

“Aye," Alex agreed. When he wanted something, he would stop at nothing to get it.

"I'm excited to meet the wee lass who's brought my brother to his knees,” Lachlan teased with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Alex shot Lachlan a warning glare as he stood from the table. His brother raised a challenging brow, goading Alex to deny it. He knew damn well his brother was testing him, and the truth was Lachlan was right. His little lass had Alex on his knees, and Christ, if he didn’t want to be there. He’d happily beg on his knees to worship his goddess.

“I suggest ye hurry yer arse up then, Lachlan. We're leaving within the hour,” he said unable to keep the grin from his face.

38

Seeing Double

Quinnthankedthebaristafor her Gingerbread latte. The tasty drinks had pretty much become breakfast lunch and dinner. In an otherwise gloomy mood, these lattes were a highlight. The little local cafe made them so sinfully delicious. Walking out of the café, she made her way back to the inn to do some writing.

The sunny glorious day and the mountain backdrop did little to warm her aching heart, but she still appreciated it. It was hard to believe the crazy snow and cold of the storm were just a couple of short days ago. God. It was like the whole thing had been a dream. The storm. Being stranded alone with Alex. She sighed, taking a sip of her sweet creamy coffee. The warmth of the sunshine on her face felt heavenly despite the sadness she felt inside.

As she rounded the corner and the inn came into view, her heart thundered. There was a police truck parked out front. She took some deep breaths and tried to calm herself. Even if it was him, which it wasn’t necessarily, he could be there for any number of reasons. She walked a little faster, needing to get closer to see.

Then she froze in her tracks when Alex walked out the front doors of the inn dressed in his black uniform. God, he looked good, and she couldn’t help the flutter low in her belly at the sight of him and all those muscles. The flutter was short-lived though when he got in his truck and sped off, lights and siren blaring.

She could have cried. Had he come to see her? Maybe not. Either way, he was gone now. The familiar cloak of melancholy settled over her again. Even her delicious latte was no longer cutting it, and she dumped it in the garbage just outside the inn.

As she walked into the lobby, she thought her eyes were surely playing tricks on her, and then she began to question her sanity. There, in one of the velvet wingback chairs, sat Alex. His handsome profile to her. She stared sure she was losing her mind. The man before her in a thick navy sweater and dark jeans was Alex, but then she thought back to the unmistakable Hot Cop who’d just driven off. She’d recognize that deliciousness anywhere. That was him. She was sure of it, but then how could he be here? Uneasiness washed over her as she stood staring at him.

As if sensing her, he tilted his head, looking her way with warm eyes. Her brain was stumped. It was Alex, but not Alex?

“Quinn?”

She stood stone still, staring. What the hell? “Alex?” she asked, wondering if she needed to get medical treatment.

“Lachlan.” He shot her a handsome lopsided grin as he stood. “Alex’s brother.”

Alex’s brother? His brother was a twin?Her brain was still processing as relief seeped over her. At least she wasn’t losing it—thank God—but what the heck?

“Lachlan,” she said, looking at him for confirmation or explanation.

“Aye.” He smiled warmly, standing up.

“I knew Alex had two brothers, but he never mentioned that you and him were twins.” She studied his features fascinated, stupefied by how much he looked like Alex. Upon closer inspection, she recognized he was more slight than Alex, although still heavily muscled, and there was something different about their eyes. Oh my God. Quinn’s mind flew back to the photo in Alex’s sporran. Was it Lachlan in that photo? With his wife and boys?

“Ach, lass, sorry if I gave ye a start.”

She nodded still uncertain as to what was going on. “Right, well uh, nice to meet you,” she said about to go past him to her room.

“Please, dinnae go. Are ye busy? Could we maybe go to the restaurant here? Have a wee bit o’ lunch?” He looked sweetly convincing.Jeez, it did not help that he looked just like Alex. The more she studied him, the more she could see the subtle difference not just in their eyes, but their smiles too. Both were ridiculously good-looking though.

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