Page 86 of Scotch & Dreams

“You should go." Violet said. "Sounds like Drew might make a good wingman." She grinned and stood. "I’m going to start packing.”

"Och, stop with yer packing business. Ye cannae leave me. I willnae allow it,” Fiona stated flatly as if the alternative were absurd.

Violet couldn't help smiling. She would miss Fiona and the life she'd made here in Scotland.

“Why dinnae we both go? Drew said it's some fancy pub near in the countryside that his friend runs. Come on, it’ll be fun. We can get dressed up and just go have a fun night. I think ye need a break from all this gloom and doom.”

Violet looked up at her friend. Going out might help her to take her mind off things, and then tomorrow, she could make plans for leaving Scotland. “Maybe,” she conceded.

“Yess!”

“If I’m going out tonight, I’m doin’ it right! Let’s go find something fabulous to wear!” Violet announced, discarding their dinner plates in the kitchen sink and heading for her bedroom.

Chapter 51

The Coo's House

Violetworeablacktank top with a cute red tartan skirt and adorable Mary Jane high-heeled shoes, and she felt sexy. She felt like she needed to prove to herself that she could feel appealing and beautiful without Lachlan—or maybe in spite of him. She was determined to have one last great night in Scotland, and then tomorrow, she'd figure out her plans for moving. The thought was a heavy one, but she pushed it aside.

The two ladies walked into The Coo’s House. It was a large room with high ceilings and a bar in the middle. The decor was dark and rustic but with a modern twist. It didn't look old-fashioned despite having old wood barn boards and vintage-style paintings. It was packed with people laughing, drinking, and apparently having a great time. The wine they'd drunk earlier was wearing off quickly, and Violet was ready for aproperdrink.

“Drew said he's near the stage off the far side of the bar,” Fiona said over the din of the crowd. She grabbed Violet’s hand and led the way through the throngs of people.

Violet was surprised when Drew scooped Fiona up and planted a very-happy-to-see-you kiss on her. But she just laughed and batted him off like it was no big deal. And that was when it hit her. Itwasthe Drew that was Lachlan's brother, although he was clean-shaven now as compared to the scruffy beard he'd had when she'd seen him at the breakfast place. Violet felt a little shock of nerves remembering what Lachlan had told her. He’d punched his brother in her defence.

“This is my friend, Violet,” Fiona introduced them. Drew's blue-green eyes landed on her, and she suddenly realized how stupid it was for her to have come out tonight. What had she been thinking? Maybe he wouldn't remember her from that day.

Sheesh, he was a handsome one—the family resemblance was strong. Though, no man could compare to Lachlan. Her heart clenched. Drew's eyes widened in surprise. He recognized her.Shit.

“Violet.” A sly grin spread over his chiseled features. He looked like he was about to plant the same type of kiss on her as he did on Fiona, but then seemed to think better of it. Instead, he awkwardly shook her hand.

"Nice to meet you," she said, trying to determine the quickest way to the exit.

“Violet!” he said again with excitement, and suddenly, his hands gripped her shoulders in a squeeze. "One sec, dinnae go anywhere," he told her and then inched past her, leaving her feeling uneasy.

“Well, that was weird,” Fiona said, leaning over the bar trying to catch the bartender's attention.

“Look who’s here!” Drew said from behind her.

Violet turned around as Lachlan was shoved in her direction. Her heart hammered in her chest. He looked just as stunned to see her as she was to see him.

“V, you’re here!” There was an ease about him, and she realized he was probably a bit drunk as his handsome crooked smile spread across his face. “Did I tell ye I was here?” A confused, annoyingly adorable expression appeared on his handsome face.

Yep, definitely a bit drunk. This was more important than seeing her? Talking to her? Any of it?Nice.

“Nope, you didn't tell me anything. Not a thing,” she snapped, remembering she was supposed to be mad at him despite his easy charm.

"Uh-oh," she heard another voice.

She glanced over her shoulder and looked up. Holy shit. It was Lachlan butnotLachlan. Violet couldn't help but stare at the man who was equally as big and gorgeous as Lachlan.

"Oi, fuck off, Alex."

She turned back to Lachlan.Right. Alex. His twin.If she wasn't so mad at Lachlan, she would have laughed at the jealous look in his drunken blue eyes. Was he jealous that she'd looked at his brother? The man was hard not to notice. The three of them stood well over six feet tall, muscled, and too good-looking for words.

But her heart ached looking at Lachlan. He was the only man who could set her on fire. Her body was already reacting to his nearness. It was like she yearned for him in a way that defied reality. She was helpless to her feelings for him.No, she told herself, hanging on to her conviction by a thread.

She looked at Fiona, who appeared just as surprised by the Mackenzie men as she was. “I have to go," Violet said, realizing escape was her only option. She quickly slipped past Lachlan to make her way through the crowd to the door. With every step she took, the lump in her throat grew, nearly choking her. She didn’t want to cry.

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