Page 36 of Scotch & Dreams

Sure enough, Lachlan’s car broke down in a remote area of the Highlands. The head gasket blew. He couldn’t believe their luck, but it was Jacob who quickly brought up Orlagh's premonitions. The trip never ended up happening. Lachlan and Jacob had to wait through the night trying to sleep in the freezing cold car, and then in the morning, they walked four miles to the first little village.

That was the thing about the remote parts of the Highlands. You could go days without seeing a soul. They were lucky there was a village relatively nearby. It could have been worse, but it still sucked. And it sucked even more when he had to face the “I told you so” from his baby sister.

That was just one of many times that she’d had a feeling about something or predicted an event. He often teased her that back in the day, they would have burned her at the stake for being a witch. To this day, Jacob still thought Orlagh had some kind of psychic powers, and Lachlan, feeling hot under the collar, believed he was right.

“Lachlan Rory Mackenzie, spill it,” she demanded.

He couldn't help but smile. He adored his feisty little sister, even if she did stick her nose where it didn't belong.

“I’m waiting, big brother. Who is she?”

“Nobody, it’s no’ what ye think.” He laughed at her prodding.

“We’ll see about that. Tell me.”

“Ach, ye huvnae even asked how I am, and ye're already grillin' me.”

“I can see how you are.” She gave him a sly grin. “And I want to ken who’s done it to ye.” She sucked in a sudden breath. “Did you get laid?”

“Rolo!” he scolded her.

“Wow, so no sex, but ye look good. Like glowy or somethin'. I want details. Come on, Lach, spit it out already. Ye ken, I'll find out anyway.”

“Seriously, ye've got it wrong. Nobody’sdoneanything to me." And then he added reluctantly, "I did meet a lovely lass, though.”

“I ken it.” She clapped her hands together triumphantly.

The same lanky server brought two oversized grilled cheese sandwiches to the table with large pickles on the side.

He had barely walked away when Orlagh quipped excitedly, “Go on.” She took a bite of her sandwich and watched him like she was snacking on popcorn at a movie.

“Och, dinnae let your witchy mind run away with ye. I met a lass, Violet Munro." He recounted the events of their serendipitous meeting. "It was a nasty tumble, and I was the lone witness. So, as any decent person would do, I went to help. That’s it.”

“Blimey, was she okay?” she said, munching away.

Lachlan knew trying to keep anything from Orlagh would be futile, so he opened up and told her how she ended up in his charge. He left out a few details. He wasn’t prepared to talk about Drew, nor did he want to talk about the deep conversations he’d had with Violet. And he certainly wasn’t going to tell his sister about the kiss, nor how much he craved to taste her again. No, some things he would not speak of.

“So did ye snog her, then?” Orlagh asked like a bloody mind reader.

How? How does she do it?

“Ah, ye did.” She grinned like a Cheshire cat, not bothering to wait for a response. “Of course, ye did. God, it’s so romantic, like some kinda fairy tale.” She sighed dreamily.

Lachlan took a large bite of his sandwich, refusing to say any more on the subject of whether or not he kissed the lass, and technically, she kissed him.

“So when are ye seeing her again?” Orlagh asked between chews.

“Why would I see her again? I helped her, I let her come stay with me for her twenty-four-hour window, and now that’s it. Done.”

“Och, dear God.” Orlagh groaned. “Dinnae tell me ye honestly have no intention of seeing her again? I mean, look at ye, just look at ye. Yer like a lovesick fool.” She sat back, crossing her arms.

“Christ, Rolo, I'm in a relationship if ye huvnae noticed. And ye may no' like Anna, but I'm no' in the business of cheating.

"Aye, I'm no' suggesting that, but I'm no' blind, Lachlan. It's plain to see.”

He cut her off, frustrated. "What's plain to see?"

Orlagh's features softened. "Ye feel something fer Violet.”

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