Page 28 of Musical Games
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Emotions competedfor attention inside Jamie. Relief the apology had worked, pain that he’d made her cry, joy that he’d made her laugh, nerves about being in her company, excitement about what might happen next and warmth that she'd cooked for him.
So, this is what love feels like.
The emotions were a kaleidoscope of storms and sunshine, all making up a blinding rainbow. He was glad he’d avoided falling in love before now. It was exhausting trying to process it all. He needed to find something to talk about that was safe and neutral.
‘How many times have you visited Scotland before?’
‘This is my fourth visit. The other three times I was performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.’
‘Did you get to see much of the city? Or visit outside?’
She shook her head. ‘We were either on stage, watching other performances, or fighting for punters on the Royal Mile.’
‘So, you’re writing songs about the heart of Scotland, but your experience is limited to luvvies, tourists and the odd Edinburger?’
‘I went to a concert featuring twenty bagpipers in a room that held twenty-five. Doesn’t that count in my favour?’
Jamie mouthed, ‘So you’re deaf then as well?’
Sam giggled. ‘Ha, ha. They actually handed out ear plugs at the door. The night was called “An Intimate Evening With Bagpipes”.’
Jamie’s shoulders heaved as he laughed. He shook his head. ‘Jesus. I’m surprised you survived.’
‘Only just. We staggered out afterwards and couldn’t walk straight for a week. I was never the same woman again.’
‘Do you want to see a bit of Kinloch? Maybe we could go for a stroll and I could show you some of where I grew up.’
‘Now? Outside?’ She was looking out the window with a frown.
‘It’s not raining. Are you outside intolerant as well as gluten intolerant?’
‘I’m outside allergic. Unless it involves the four S’s.’
Jamie tried to work out what she was talking about. She had a cheeky smile on her face that he didn’t trust. ‘Sun?’ She nodded. ‘Sea?’ She nodded again. His cock was rising with his heart rate. ‘Sand?’
‘Uh-huh. And the last one?’
He clamped his mouth shut as his brain screamed ‘SEX!’ He shrugged his shoulders, his cheeks on fire. She dipped her head to one side. He swallowed.
‘It’s Sssssssangria.’
He slumped with relief.
‘What did you think I was going to say, Jamie?’
He stood. ‘Let’s go out.’
They exitedthe house down the back lane towards the high street. Sam was wearing high-heeled boots, a tight skirt and a tailored jacket. She looked a million dollars. He felt like a dirty penny no one wanted to pick up.
‘So, where are you taking me?’ she asked.
‘A place Zoe, Fi and I spent a lot of time when we were growing up. It’s really beautiful and not far.’ A wind whipped around them and Sam shivered, hugging her arms across her chest.
‘Are you warm enough?’ he asked. ‘Do you want my jacket?’
She stared at it and her cheeks pinked. She shook her head. ‘I’m fine. Lead on, Macduff.’
