Page 17 of Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle

‘We are, but I’m going to need another body to shift it.’

‘What am I? Cream cheese?’

Mack let out a laugh. ‘Definitely not, but you can’t—’

‘Don’t you dare tell me I can’t do something,’ she broke in hotly.

Mack held up his hands and backed away. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it,’ he protested. ‘I just don’t want you to throw your back out, that’s all. That sofa is heavy.’

‘I thought we were moving a chair?’

‘We were, but I’ve been thinking that removing the sofa will give your dad more room to manoeuvre his walker.’

Freya produced the first smile he’d seen from her the whole time he’d been there. ‘Try tellinghimhe’ll need a walker. He seems to think he’ll manage just fine with a walking stick.’

‘If you don’t remove the sofa, that’s exactly what he’ll have to use,’ Mack pointed out. ‘Believe me, he’ll need the walker.’

‘An expert on broken hips, are you?’

‘My gran broke hers.’

‘Sorry, I didn’t realise.’

‘Why would you?’

‘Dad keeps me abreast of most things.’ She was on the defensive again.

‘My gran lived in Lochalsh. She died a couple of years ago. Pneumonia.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Freya repeated.

‘Yeah, so am I. She was a grand old lady.’ He gave himself a mental shake. ‘Right, about that sofa…?’

Freya raised her eyebrows. ‘I’m game if you are?’

It was a challenge. Mack picked up the gauntlet. ‘OK, then.’

He didn’t add, although he wanted to, that she couldn’t hold him responsible if the task proved impossible. Or if she hurt herself – though he would do his damnedest to make sure that didn’t happen. The hardest part would be having to lift it over the banister at the top of the stairs, and he not only hoped that he’d be strong enough, but he was also concerned that there wouldn’t be enough clearance. If that happened, he would suggest storing it at his house for the duration. Goodness knows he had the room. In fact…

‘I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we save ourselves the hassle and I’ll take it to my place?’

She stared at him in surprise. ‘Um…’

‘I can put it on the back of my truck, and I’ve got somewhere you can store it.’

This was true, but part of the reason for making the offer was that it would guarantee he’d see her again. OK, it wasn’t much of a plan, but it was all he had, considering she’d blown him off last night.

‘If you’re sure,’ she replied doubtfully.

‘Do you want to give the stairs a go first?’

Freya caught her bottom lip between her teeth. It was a sexy gesture, and his libido gave him a little nudge.

She studied the stairs, and he could see the calculations going on behind her eyes. ‘Could we?’

‘I still think we need another pair of hands. It’s going to be a two-man job. And, no offence, but you’re not a man.’

She arched a brow. ‘How observant of you.’

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