Page 51 of Scotch & Dreams

That initial meeting was a game changer. He found himself eager to share his ideas with her, get her feedback, or talk through an issue they were having. She was a brilliant problem solver. He wished he could pose the problem of a boss being obsessed with his employee and how she would deal with it. On second thought, he'd prefer not to know. She was too sensible and his feelings too reckless.

Chapter 30

Staff Meeting

Weekshadgoneby,and Violet had grown accustomed to holding a flame for Lachlan, and she suspected she wasn't the only one at Highland Haven. She had quietly accepted that the man had wrecked her. If she thought she’d crushed on him before, it was nothing compared to now, after seeing the person he was at the sanctuary.

He was extremely likeable and the yummiest kind of eye candy. Not to mention, he commanded respect without actually commanding it. He was the kind of boss that didn't feel like a boss, more like a leader of a group you considered yourself lucky to be a part of. Lachlan's vision for the sanctuary and his commitment to every detail were inspiring. It was obvious to everyone that he truly cared about the Highland Haven, the horses, and his staff.

That first week, after the initial shock, of finding out Lachlan was the innovator behind the sanctuary had worn off—and after briefly considering quitting—she'd been surprised how easy it was to work with him. Aside from trying not to breathe in his expensive cologne and fresh soap scent and not daydreaming when he gave her his crooked smile, it was going rather well.

In an unexpected turn of events, Violet found herself becoming his sounding board and vice versa. Several weeks back, Violet had some ideas on the programs they were planning to run at the sanctuary. Fiona encouraged her to speak up and tell Lachlan her thoughts. Violet was hesitant. She didn’t want to overstep, but she summoned her courage and spoke to him. After that, they’d started having almost daily meetings about the future of Highland Haven, its operations, and everything to do with the business. The meetings would sometimes last for hours. It was like they would feed off each other’s ideas, and plans would grow.

Violet loved the work and loved the way she and Lachlan worked together. However, these meetings did little to curb her crush on him. He was intelligent and passionate. She felt inspired by the work they were doing together. But heaven help her, she was an absolute sucker for that crooked smile. Every time he’d throw her that lopsided smirk, she’d imagine all the places she’d like those lips to be on her. She knew very well she was falling for a man who, aside from pleasantries, had kept things all business with her. In fact, it was hard to believe she’d ever kissed him at all, months back in his castle-like home—her knight in shining armour.

They had gotten to know each other better, without a doubt. And sometimes, the conversations left her feeling wistful. But Lachlan hadn’t made a move, and if she thought on occasion there was something more in the way he eyed her or the inadvertent touch, time quickly proved her wrong.

Lachlan aside, more and more, it felt like she was invested in the running of the sanctuary rather than her styling business, and it had her realizing that maybe what she’d been craving all along was a chance to be involved in the running of a company—one that she believed in wholeheartedly.

It was Friday, and Violet had yet to see Lachlan. The staff had all received an email early that morning asking them to attend a "very important" staff meeting Friday afternoon, but with no indication what it was about.

The gossip and speculation buzzed in every nook and cranny of Highland Haven all morning, and Violet found herself more than a little bit curious as well. She was surprised Lachlan hadn’t mentioned it the day before when they’d been going over marketing proposals.

Standing in the makeshift staffroom Friday afternoon, the nervous anticipation was as palpable as a thunderstorm. Lachlan strode into the room where eight staff members were seated, and five, including herself, stood at the back leaning on the wood-panelled walls. The chattering quieted almost immediately.The man can certainly command a room, Violet thought, as she eyed him from the back.

Lachlan looked out at everyone with a warm smile on his handsome face. “Thank ye all for being here this afternoon, I willnae keep ye long. We huv come a long way at Highland Haven in a short period of time. We huv exceeded the initial projections for enrolment, and we are already looking at expanding. We will be starting horse therapy at the local seniors centre later this month, and there are more plans in the works.”

Everyone clapped, and Violet felt her heart squeeze. A program where they would bring a therapy horse into seniors centres, possibly the hospitals, and even schools had been her idea. One she’d brought to Lachlan that first day. She’d been so nervous, afraid he’d think she was crazy or that there would be too many hoops to jump through in regard to health and safety, but he surprised her. He loved the idea, and they set to work that afternoon on how to implement it. And now, they were about to launch phase one.

“Mostly, I called this meeting to thank ye. Each and every one of ye huv worked incredibly hard to get Highland Haven off the ground. Ye are the foundation of this place, and I’m truly grateful to ye.” He put his hand on his white-shirted chest. "The interest in our programs is growing by the day, and I think we’ve all witnessed the amazing interactions between the kids and the horses. We are ahead of schedule and doing more than I ever dreamed, and I thank ye all for that. None of this would have been possible without ye.”

Another round of applause went up with a couple of whistles. Lachlan applauded them right back. When they quieted down, he continued.

“A fundraiser gala is coming up a week from Saturday at my family’s distillery. I would love ye all to be there as my honoured guests.” This time, the room erupted with enthusiastic whoops and cheers. “Effie will be sending out an email with the details. Ye are welcome to bring yer significant others. It will be a special night, a celebration of all yer hard work and dedication."

Violet joined in the clapping. She'd never been to a gala. She wasn't really sure what it entailed, but it sounded exciting.

"I’m leaving today on a business trip, so I willnae be seeing ye all until the gala night.”

Awareness careened through her as his eyes found hers and locked on them—flirtatiously? It was brief but long enough to see and feel the sizzle of that look. Fiona would insist it wassmouldering, and if her heart banging loudly in her chest was any indication, it was.

“Have an excellent weekend, everybody, and thank ye truly.”

Everyone clapped as Lachlan waved and headed on his way, and Violet was left wondering what in the heck that look was about.

“Exciting in’ it? A gala. I dinnae think I’ve ever been to a gala. Och, Vi, ye have to help me with what to wear!” Fiona grabbed her arm, blissfully unaware of her internal tumult.

Violet smiled in an attempt to mask it. “Of course."

"Braw."

Violet had learned that this term was something akin togreatorawesome, definitely a positive response.

"Do you want to head down to the shops on Wednesday? See what we can find? I finish at four, and I think ye do too. I can drive us into town. We could do dinner too.”

“Yes, for sure. That sounds good.” She tried to muster enthusiasm, but all her brain and lady bits were focused on the fact that this time, she hadn’t imagined the fire in his eyes.

The week felt like it dragged by. Violet had hoped to talk with Lachlan after he left the staff meeting, but he was already gone by the time everyone shuffled out of the room. It was like she needed to confirm that they were business as usual and nothing had changed.

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