Page 29 of Heirs and Graces at Highland Hall
‘And that’s definitely the only reason you want to message him, right?’
Bex didn’t need to see her friend’s face to know the smirk she was giving her. And hopefully Daisy would also be aware of the scowl that Bex returned.
‘Yes, it is. He and I are… unworkable,’ she said. ‘And there’s no point you or anyone else telling me what a shame it is. It doesn’t change matters.’
A slight hissing sound came through the phone line, like Daisy was pursing her lips and trying not to say anything.
‘You know best,’ she said. ‘So, tell me about the job. And what’s the new laird like?’
It was Bex’s turn to hiss slightly, not sure how the heck she was going to tell Daisy all there was to say about Kieron. Although Daisy misinterpreted the sound.
‘That bad?’ she asked.
‘No, he’s not bad, actually. He’s the reason I got the job.’
‘What? How?’
Bex knew she didn’t have to fill Daisy in on all the details. Like the fact she had agreed to go on a date with Kieron when they were back in London. Or that she’d actually met him before. She could just tell her about him recommending her to his friends. Yet before she even gave her a scant outline, the doorbell rang.
‘Crap. Sorry, someone’s here. I’m going to have to go.’
‘Okay, but you’ll ring me soon, right? I want to know what’s going on.’
‘Course.’ Water splashed out of the bath as she climbed out of it, her hair dripping wet, but not yet washed. ‘Love you.’
‘Love you too.’
A minute later, Bex was standing outside the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her.
‘Who is it?’ she asked.
‘It’s me.’ Eilidh’s voice drifted through from outside. Relief rushed through Bex. The last thing she wanted was Kieron or Duncan to see her half-clean and dressed in a towel. Bex opened the door, hit by a blast of freezing air as she let Eilidh in, then hastily closed the door behind her.
‘Sorry, I guess I interrupted your bath,’ Eilidh said, scanning Bex quickly up and down. ‘Lorna said we should meet here before we go to Moira’s. I guess she’s still finishing up at the café.’
‘Great.’ Bex was aware that she was dripping water on the floor. ‘You okay if I get finished up? Help yourself to a drink. Actually, there’s some prosecco in the fridge if you want to open that. I’m in the mood for celebrating.’
‘That sounds interesting.’ Eilidh’s smile lifted. ‘Do I get to find out why?’
‘Sure, just as soon as I’m dry and dressed.’
Fifteen minutes later, Bex’s hair was only roughly dried, but it was clean and she was fully clothed as Eilidh handed her a glass of prosecco.
‘So, what are we celebrating?’ Eilidh asked. ‘Are you and Duncan finally back together, or is it something to do with you and the future laird? I hear you two have been getting very close lately.’
‘Where did you hear that?’
Eilidh offered a nonchalant shrug as she took a sip of her drink. ‘Oh, you know what the village grapevine’s like.’
Bex did, and she didn’t like it. The last thing she needed was for it to get back to Duncan that she’d agreed to meet up with Kieron when they were back in London. Not that there’d been anyone there to overhear them speaking. No, whatever people were saying it was pure conjecture and nothing more.
‘No, there’s nothing going on with Kieron and me. Although, I suppose the celebration isslightlyrelated to him. I’ve just been told I’ve got a big promotion at work. The big one. Junior director.’
She’d hoped the news would elicit a smile, and perhaps even a toast, but instead, Eilidh’s lips twisted.
‘What?’ Bex asked.
‘Oh, nothing,’ Eilidh said, shaking her head and plastering the most fake smile Bex had ever seen on her face. ‘Ignore me. Congratulations.’
