Page 37 of Midnights
His chuckle is warm. “Well, I guess I'll take the compliments where I can get them.”
“Good idea,” I reply, trying to ignore what he's doing to me. “Or I might just have to call you something else next time.”
His brow lifts. “Oh? And what would that be?”
I shrug, keeping my expression perfectly unreadable. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?”
His smirk deepens, but he says nothing. He just watches me, eyes flickering with something unreadable of his own. I mentally curse my inability to quit while I’m ahead.Seriously, Raven. Learn when to shut up.My smart mouth is going to get me in trouble one of these days.
“You're something else.” His voice is softer, the teasing edge momentarily gone. “It’s actually quite refreshing.”
The words slip out like he hadn’t planned on saying them, and the second they do, he looks like he wants to take them back.
Interesting.
Before I can push, he changes the subject. “So what else do you have planned while you are here?”
I let him have the out, but his comment lingers, poking at me in a way I don’t entirely understand. I have to think for a second, realizing I’ve completely zoned out. Damn that accent. He could be reciting the ingredients on the back of a cereal box, and I’d still be standing here, mesmerized.
Focus, Raven.
“Well, I know we want to do some hikes. Hopefully, they won’t be too crowded with tourists… but, knowing our luck, they absolutely will be, and I’ll hate it,” I grumble.
His expression shifts slightly, like he’s already wishing me luck because I’m doomed.
“I know, I know,” I sigh. “We probably won’t get that lucky, but still. I love being outside.” I hesitate before adding, “If it wasn’t frowned upon, I probably wouldn’t even wear shoes.”
As soon as the words are out, I cringe internally. Another overshare.Why am I like this?I can practically hear my brain keeping score:Vodka-6, Raven-0.
His lips twitch like he’s holding back a laugh. “No shoes, huh?”
“Not in a weird way,” I clarify, suddenly needing to defend my stance on foot freedom. “Just, I don’t know… I like feeling connected.”
The second it leaves my mouth, I wince.Jesus, Raven.Might as well start juggling crystals, burning sage, and howling at the moon.
To my surprise, he doesn’t laugh. He just tilts his head slightly, studying me.
“I’m sure the trails will be a bit busy,” he finally responds. “Hopefully not too bad, though. Are you planning on doing anything around town?” His voice is casual, but there’s a curiosity beneath it. “If you want, we could show you guys around. Take you to a castle or two, show you the places that aren’t packed with tourists.”
I arch a brow. “What’s the catch?”
He shrugs. “No catch. Just thought I’d do my duty as a Scottish gentleman and give you ladies a proper tour.”
“A private tour guide?” I nudge him playfully with my elbow. “How much would that cost? Because just so you know, we’redefinitelyon a budget.”
Kane chuckles, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, Princess. First tour’s on the house. Consider it a favor.”
“A favor?” I arch a brow. “What exactly are we going to owe you?”
His smile deepens, “Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”
I scoff, nudging him again, this time with a little more force. “If that’s your way of scamming tourists, I gotta say, I’m not impressed. You should work on your pitch.”
His gaze dips to where my elbow brushed against him, then back up to my face. “You’re saying no to a free, exclusive tour of Scotland? I don't know, sounds like a missed opportunity.”
I narrow my eyes, pretending to weigh my options. “I don’t know… I feel like this is how those true crime stories start.She was last seen accepting a favor from a charming Scottish man…”
Kane’s laughter is effortless. “Charming, huh? I’ll take that too.”
