Page 20 of Scotch & Dreams

“This dram,” he said, holding it up to the light admiringly, “has aged in a variety of casks—oak, bourbon, and sherry. That’s part of what adds to the complexity and depth.”

“Wow,” she breathed. “I’ve never tasted scotch this good. It’s like each sip brings out even more flavours. It’s amazing.”

Her proclamation had Lachlan's chest puffing with something akin to pride. Perhaps he’d take her down and show her his cellar. Better yet, he should arrange to give her a tour of the distillery. Lachlan took a sip, feeling himself relax as he began to enjoy the easy company of Violet Munro.

She studied him over the rim of her glass like she had something she wanted to say.

“What’s on yer mind, lass?” He asked.

“I’m wondering about today," she admitted. “I know you said it was a long story, but what happened at Craggy’s?” She sat back and tucked her legs up on his settee.

“Ugh, right.” Lachlan sighed reluctantly. He didn’t know how to talk about it. It was such a long, heavy story, and with the evening being so pleasant, why go down that path? "Must we discuss this, Miss Munro?”

She raised her brows. "So formal. You did save my life, remember. I think you can call me by my first name."

He smirked. "Aye, of course, Violet." He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was sitting across from him. The firelight played on her features. "I dinnae think I saved yer life though."

"I beg to differ, and you are avoiding my question." She looked at him pointedly.

He almost laughed at her directness. What a lethal combination, sweet and direct. "I am avoiding yer question."

“Oh, come on. Our bellies are full, we’re enjoying exceptional scotch, and the fire is roaring. It’s the perfect time to spill your guts. Your secrets are safe with me.” She grinned conspiratorially.

His lips quirked. The lass had a very disarming manner, and he found himself mightily tempted. The problem was he didn’t know how to open up about it. Lachlan was never good at speaking about his family matters, especially when it came to his younger brother, Drew. He hadn’t even told Anna the full extent of his relationship with Drew. She only knew that they hadn’t spoken for over two years.

“It’s okay, Lachlan,” Violet said softly, seeming to recognize his struggle to find the words. “You don’t have to tell me everything, but maybe tell me about today. What happened?”

He raked a hand through his hair and exhaled heavily, reluctant.

“I heard raised voices when I was in the ladies’ room, and then when I came out, I saw you hit some guy,” she began for him.

Shite. Lachlan didn’t think she’d seen that. Christ, what she must think of him? “Violet, I need ye to ken that is no’ me. I’m no’ some brute, I dinnae go around punching people.” He stood up and walked back toward the fireplace with tension winding through his shoulders as his thoughts weighed heavily on his mind.

“If I thought you were dangerous in any way, I certainly wouldn't have gotten into your car,” she stated.

When his eyes met hers, he felt almost overwhelmed by the warmth in them. Perhaps she didn’t think the worst of him, though, he wouldn’t blame her if she did. He supposed that he could at least try and explain. He owed her that.

“Tell me,” she encouraged. Those moss-green eyes were so disarming.

Lachlan cleared his throat. “Ye saw the table of lads beside us, aye?"

She nodded.

"I overheard them talking about ye when ye went to the ladies, and I dinnae like what they were saying.” Lachlan felt the tick in his jaw as it tightened, recalling their crude words.

“Oh,” Violet said softly.

Looking up at her, he continued, “It wasnae right, so I told them to mind their manners.”

Her eyes widened.

Lachlan cupped his hand to the back of his neck, tension pulling tightly on it. “And that’s when I noticed one of the men was my brother. Drew.”

“Your brother?”

He didn't miss the shock in her voice.

“Aye. I huvnae seen Drew in a long time and—” he paused. “We dinnae see eye to eye on things.” Lachlan shook his head. “I shouldnae huv let him goad me this morning. I dinnae normally react like that, but things are complicated with my brother.” He was stumbling to explain it.

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