Page 21 of Dreaming Under An Island Skye
She scanned his features for any kind of resentment but thankfully found none. ‘He’s a lovely boy. You must be very proud of him.’
‘Oh, I am. He’s my world.’ Adoration flashed across his face. ‘But, anyway, the museum. What do you think? Are you still up for it?’
Juliette scrunched her brow and pondered the prospect of things falling into place. Although Morag had said she could stay as long as she needed to, she didn’t want to take advantage, and it all felt a little too good to be true, and things that felt that way usually were – in her experience – with the exception of Laurie, obviously.
Her lack of comment must have concerned Reid because he spoke again. ‘Look, you’ve had a bit of a traumatic day. And I’ve been an arse about the whole thing, so please don’t think you have to make a decision right now. But maybe think on it for a few days. See what your heart tells you after you’ve had some time. But now that I understand what Morag was trying to tell me, and believe me, it’s not like her to be so indirect, I feel very foolish for not enquiring further about your interest. I’d had so many applicants that were clearly trying to pull a fast one, I think I became blind to what a good candidate was. I’m very sorry for that, Juliette. Very sorry indeed.’ There was genuine sincerity shining in his emerald green eyes. ‘And I totally understand if you tell me to sod off.’
At his words, Juliette almost spat out her latest mouthful of tea and she giggled at his turn of phrase. ‘Believe me, I wouldneversay that.’
He smiled again and Juliette put the flutter in her stomach down to hunger, or shock, or whatever else could cause such a bizarre reaction.
‘Can I get you anything to eat? You must be starving.’
She shook her head. ‘Oh no, I’m fine. My stomach’s a bit churny to be honest. Must be a delayed reaction.’
‘Aye, maybe so. Anyway, you’re very much welcome to stay here this evening, but, alternatively, I can walk you down to Morag’s, if you prefer. It’s just along the lane.’
‘I think I’ll be okay to go back to Morag’s. I don’t want to impose any longer than necessary. And you’ve got Evin to think of.’
‘Honestly, it’s no imposition. And Evin will be fine for a few moments with Chewie here to protect him. He’s a very sensible boy. And that dog may appear to be a big softy but today has revealed a protective streak. Anyway, I understand that you want your own space. I’ve put your clothes through a wash and they’re in the laundry room to dry off so I can pop them round tomorrow.’
Reid stood back from the bed. ‘Right, well, I’ll leave you to get sorted. Your coat is on the chair and Caitlin left you a pair of wellingtons and a rain mac. Apparently, you left it beside your table at the café along with your handbag. You were barefoot in the water so you should probably put those on as I’m afraid if you were wearing shoes when you jumped in, they’re long gone now.’
Oh great, my favourite pair of flats. ‘Thank you, Reid.’
He raised his hand in a wave and left the room.
* * *
The church clock struck eleven as Reid walked Juliette down the dark lane back to Thistle House, their way lit only by the torch on his phone and the glow of the moon. The rain had stopped, and the stars overhead were a spectacle; tiny dots of light scattered across the navy-blue canopy of the sky. Every so often, playful bats swooped down in front of them, their wings caught by the silvery moonlight.
Juliette sighed. ‘Glentorrin is such a lovely place. You’re very lucky to call it home,’ she told Reid as they walked.
‘Aye, I’ve been here all my life and wouldn’t leave for the world. It’s where I belong; even now my folks are no longer here.’ He shrugged.
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Juliette wasn’t sure how she’d cope without her own parents.
‘My dad’s still alive, but he’s in a care home just across the bridge now. He insisted after Mum passed away. Didn’t want to be a burden.’
‘Do you have any siblings?’
‘I have my brother.’ The bitter tone of his voice didn’t go unnoticed. ‘He’s a big-shot TV star over on the mainland now. We don’t see him too often.’
‘A TV star? Wow. What’s he been in?’
He rolled his eyes. ‘Oh, it’s all local television, but you’d think he was a movie star with the way he’s revered when he visits home.’
‘And you’re the businessman of the family.’
Reid laughed and stopped for a moment. ‘Hardly. I own a café. Doesn’t really mark me out as the next Richard Branson. And it’s mine by default, really. It was my mum’s originally, and I considered selling up after she died, but it was Kate’s idea to keep it going. She’s my ex and Evin’s mother,’ he added for clarification, although with a hint of disdain. ‘I didn’t even want the bloody thing. Too many memories. But then… well… things happened and now I’m kind of stuck with it. Thankfully, I don’t have to be there much. Leanna’s the boss.’
‘Oh yes,Leanna.’
He grinned knowingly. ‘She’s a funny lass, but I rely on her. Known her since my schooldays.’
‘So, are you a gentleman of leisure?’ she asked, determined not to talk about howwonderfulthe surly blonde was.
‘I wish. Far from it. I’m an artist. I work from a wee studio at the back of my house most days.’
