Page 52 of Scotch & Dreams

For the most part, she’d accepted her feelings as an epic crush and somehow managed to allow them to drive along beside the business relationship and friendship they had formed—like cars on a highway that were not permitted to cross over the divider lines.

She'd known about his business trip to London for a whisky festival. He was going to meet up with some distributors. Violet had allowed herself to feel like his right hand over the past few weeks, so it stung a little that he hadn't considered taking her on the trip.

Lachlan had begun discussing the distillery business with her lately, too. She supposed she wasn't an official employee for Cailleach Distillery, so she really had no right expecting him to want her on business trips.

It was annoying how much she'd wished he'd come to say goodbye to her, though. Instead, all she was left with was that toe curling, panty-soaking look! Where on earth had that come from? And what did it mean?

Chapter 31

Gala's Have Their Ups and Downs

Afteraverylongweek, the day of the gala arrived. Fiona came to Violet’s place to get ready. They cranked the tunes and set to work on makeup and hair. Violet wore a deep emerald gown. Layers of sheer fabric gathered around her chest, leaving a diamond-shaped peephole in the center below her breasts, where the fabric lightly flowed down. It accentuated her perky bosom, and the emerald hue of the gown was stunning against her fair skin. She wore a diamond necklace and matching stud-encrusted Mary Jane stilettos.

"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Fiona exclaimed as Violet came out of her bedroom in her gown. “Ye clean up well.”

For the most part, they only ever saw each other in jeans and T-shirts at the stables. It was a far cry from the fashion world she’d imagined herself in. It was fun to have an excuse to get dressed up.

Violet chuckled. “Right back at you. You’re gorgeous!” Fiona wore stunning navy satin wide-leg pants paired with crisp red stilettos that matched her lipstick, and a red satin tartan wraparound halter-style top. The ensemble was funky yet formal, suiting her perfectly.

“Right?” Fiona teased. "We are like two fucking Cinderellas going to the ball.”

"Ha! How many prince charmings do you think might be there?" The truth was, she only had one prince charming on her mind.

There was a knock at the door. “Ah, here's one now.” Fiona quipped, pulling open the door.

Andy stood dressed in a red tartan kilt with a formal jacket and vest, as well as a soft fur sporran adorned with metal accents.

“Looking sharp there, Andy.” Violet smiled.

“No' sure sharp enough for ye two stunners! Wow!”

"Psh, off with ye, Andy." Fiona gave him a gentle shove out the door. “C’mon, we better get a move on. We dinnae want to be late to our first gala.”

The trio took a cab to Cailleach Distillery. They drove up the horseshoe drive to the main entrance. It was a beautiful stone building that appeared old but charming. Now,thiswas a castle or at least more so than Lachlan’s home. Strings of simple light bulbs graced the front, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Once inside, the building was buzzing with people. Everybody was dressed in their finery. Violet almost felt she’d gone back in time. The men looked dashing in their Prince Charlie Kilt formal wear, and the ladies were stunning with their jewels, gowns, and tartan wraps.

The inside was just as old and charming and full of warmth as the outside. It was late June, and the days had grown long in the Highlands, with the sun setting late in the evening and rising early in the morning. Tonight, it was damp and cooler outside, so the logs burning brightly in the large stone fireplace were a welcome, cozy sight.

“Wow.” Fiona exhaled as they made their way further into the main room. There was a stunning buffet of cold meats and pastries, and another table had layers of beautifully presented finger foods, almost too artful to steal from.

As they walked in farther, a wall of windows gave way to a view of a manicured garden with walking paths and, beyond that, the vastness of rolling green hills. The rain clouds darkened the skies while the garden lights did their best to brighten the stunning vista.This place is like a set of a fairy tale, Violet thought to herself, accepting a glass of red wine from a tray a finely dressed server held out to her.

Andy and Fiona followed suit.

“Blimey, now this is what I call a party,” Fiona said, taking a hearty gulp of her wine.

“Agreed.” Violet looked around, trying to take it all in.

“Good Evening, everyone.” Lachlan’s voice rang out over the crowd, rich and smooth as dark chocolate.

Violet scanned the open ballroom and saw him standing a couple of steps up in a beautiful stone stairwell, and her heart stuttered at the sight of him. She could only see him from his broad shoulders up with the crowds of people, but God, he looked achingly handsome. It was as if she'd forgotten in the week that he was gone just how good-looking he was, and then that look he'd thrown her before he left popped back into her mind. Perhaps tonight she'd find out what that was about. The thought sent a little thrill up her spine.

The crowd quieted down.

“Welcome to Cailleach distillery. I cannae tell ye how pleased I am to huv ye all here for this wonderful event. And what a stunning group ye are!”

Everyone soaked up that comment with cheers and whistles.

“I’m going to keep this short and sweet.”

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