Page 21 of Scotch & Dreams

“So I take it he deserved a good punch to the kisser,” Violet summed it up.

Lachlan almost laughed as a bit of tension eased. “Aye, he deserved it. It’s been a long time in coming.” Lachlan stared blankly as memories flooded his mind.

“He deserved it, but you still feel bad?” she asked.

“Aye, something like that.”

“Why did he call you ‘Saint Lachlan?’”

“Och, lass, ye ask hard questions.” He was silent as he considered the question. “Our parents raised us with strong morals and values. It might sound old-fashioned, but I consider myself to be a gentleman.” It was true, despite his wayward thoughts since meeting Violet. He was a man of morals. Talking about his convictions with her was a good reminder.

“I’ve noticed.” She smiled lightly. “It’s not old-fashioned. It’s refreshing. I think you’re a rare breed.”

He didn’t necessarily agree with her assessment, but he appreciated the sentiment. It made him wonder about the men in her life. Were they not gentlemen? The thought bothered him.

He cleared his throat and attempted to explain things further. “Drew was always a cad.” Lachlan was struggling to find the words. “He always had a lass on each arm. I huv never been like that." He shook his head, feeling awkward. "I had plenty of women friends, but it wasnae like Drew.” He looked up at Violet to judge her reaction, and fortunately, she was still looking at him warmly. “Dinnae get me wrong, I’m into women,” he paused, realizing he was making a right mess of trying to explain himself. "I just… I’m not…”

“A womanizer,” she finished for him, summing it up perfectly.

“Aye, exactly. Anyway, Drew gave me a hard time. I had women friends, but I wasnae one to…" He paused, awkwardness creeping back in. "Unlike my younger brother, I didnae huv the need to sleep with every woman who came into my sphere.”

“That doesn’t sound like a bad thing,” she quipped.

“It’s no’. But it is where ‘Saint Lachlan’ came from, I suppose.”

“You have had girlfriends, though?”

Her curious tone made it sound like she feared he lived the life of a monk, and he had a very masculine, primal need to dispel her of the notion. He was vaguely aware that now would be a good time to mention that he had a girlfriend.

But the words didn’t come out, and instead, he found himself saying, “Och aye. I’m no' really a saint.”

“You’re sure?” Violet teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

He liked it far too much.

“Do ye want me to prove it to ye, lass?” His voice dropped an octave, and the second the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what in the hell he was doing. But God help him, at the same time, perversely, he needed to know he wasn’t the only one feeling whatever the hell it was he was feeling.

Those green eyes widened, giving away her surprise. But her teeth caught her bottom lip, causing his chest muscles to tighten and bunch, and an odd flutter banged in his lower abdomen.

Christ, the woman was pure temptation. Never had a lass tempted him like this. Lachlan cleared his throat, aware that the door he’d just cracked open needed to be slammed closed and locked.

“I’m sorry, lass. I shouldnae huv said that.” He tore his gaze away from her and took a hearty sip of his whisky.

He could feel her eyes on him, but thankfully, she didn’t say another word about it. Instead, she changed the subject as if the air hadn’t grown thick with sexual tension, and he felt like he'd barely just dodged a bullet—one that would have killedSaint Lachlanwith a single shot.

Chapter 14

Feet and Family

“Iwaslookingatyour photos," she said, gesturing to the wall behind him. "You look like such a loving family.” He looked back over his shoulder at the photos. They were a loving family.They are a loving family, he corrected in his mind, despite the troubles they’d all been through. Troubles they were still going through. There was always love.

“Aye,” he said wearily.

“You were close growing up?” she hedged.

“We were. Very close. We fought as every sibling does, but there was much love.” He smiled nostalgically. It was true. They'd always been close, and despite the estrangement with Drew, he still believed the bond that tied them together as a family remained.

“I realize something must have happened between you and Drew, but what about your sisters? And I see you have a twin brother too. Are you still close with them?”

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