Page 18 of Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle

His lips twitched; he wasn’t used to this kind of reaction from a woman and he was enjoying it.

She sighed, suddenly deflating. ‘I suppose you’re right.’

‘I’ll see if I can get someone to help tomorrow. It’ll have to be in the evening, though.’ He’d ask Cal or Carter.

‘I won’t be here tomorrow; I’m flying to London.’

‘Oh, right.’ The disappointment he felt at her news surprised him.

‘I’ll be back on Monday, so would Tuesday be OK?’ she added.

‘I’m sure it will.’ He smiled at her. ‘If there’s nothing more I can help you with this evening, do you fancy going to the pub for a drink?’

Her gaze roved around the sitting room. ‘I’ve got loads to do.’

‘When you get back from London, maybe?’

‘Maybe… Thanks for your help.’

‘It’s nae bother.’ He was about to suggest swapping phone numbers so he could tell her what time he’d call on Tuesday, when her mobile trilled loudly.

It was sitting on a lamp table behind him, and as she reached past him to pick it up, he saw the name on the screen: Hadrian.

‘Hi,’ she said into the phone, holding up a finger to let Mack know she wouldn’t be long. ‘Yeah, tomorrow, landing about three… Dinner? I don’t know. I’ve…’ A sigh. ‘OK, but I’m leaving early in the morning… You know why… I can’t,OK?’ This last was said with a measure of exasperation, then her voice softened. ‘Me, too.’

Mack decided he’d better take his leave, and he waved at her to get her attention.

She looked at him as though she’d forgotten he was there.

‘Hang on, Hadrian,’ she said, as Mack mouthed, ‘See you Tuesday.’

She dropped her arm to her side, the phone pressed against her thigh. ‘What time?’

‘Sometime after seven. I’ll see myself out.’

She lifted the phone to her ear once more, but before she spoke into it, she said, ‘Thanks again for your help with the bed.’

He shrugged, saying, ‘No problem,’ and stepped into the porch.

As he left, he heard her say, ‘No one, just one of my dad’s neighbours,’ and he felt a pang as he realised how little impression he’d made on her, compared to the big impression she’d made on him.

Chapter 7

Freya threw her keys onto the coffee table and collapsed into her armchair. Resting her head against the squishy cushion, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to centre herself after the journey back to London.

She found it difficult to believe that she’d only been away just over a week. It felt more like a month.

Opening her eyes again, she willed herself to her weary feet. There was so much to do, and she really should get going.

She was halfway through sorting what she wanted to take, when the intercom buzzed.

‘Party time!’ Harini, who lived in the apartment directly above Freya, breezed into the flat in a swirl of long dark hair, full skirt and flowery perfume.

‘Now?’ Freya asked, bemused.

‘No, silly, Friday.’

‘What’s the occasion?’

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