Page 50 of Christmas at the Scottish Lodge
Mairi threw a handful of dried orange peel into the fire she’d just lit in the sitting room when she felt a presence behind herand knew from the way her skin prickled that it was Jed. ‘You disappeared,’ she murmured without turning.
‘I’m sorry, I had to take a call from Boyd. He’s nervous about the ski championships,’ he said quietly. ‘I am too. There’s a lot riding on it.’ He moved closer so he could press a kiss to the back of her neck, making everything inside her crackle and froth. ‘And it’s…difficult being around you in company when I’m trying to keep my head, especially now your brother and Kenna are here.’ He sounded disappointed.
She mashed her lips together and nodded. ‘I’m trying to be patient too, but it’s hard.’ At least with Quinn and Kenna staying at the lodge there would be plenty of distractions. ‘I don’t want to interfere with your skiing mojo.’ She swallowed. ‘And I told you I’d wait until after the championships.’ She shut her eyes – it was only two more days. ‘But it’s going to be difficult keeping us a secret with Quinn here.’
It wasn’t just going to be hard; she was going to hate every minute. Her brother might be overprotective, but that didn’t mean he deserved to be lied to anymore. Having him here made it so much worse. ‘I think we might have to sleep in our own beds at least for tonight.’
She heard Jed sigh and felt him press another kiss to her neck. ‘Aye, I was thinking the same thing.’
‘I thought I might find you both here,’ Effie said suddenly wandering into the room with Bear and Midnight at her heels.
‘You’re supposed to be in bed,’ Jed replied, immediately rushing to his aunt’s side to take her arm. Mairi turned to study her. She looked better – her cheeks weren’t flushed and she didn’t look as pale.
‘Ach, lad, I’m feeling bonnie – almost back to tip top shape.’ She glanced around the sitting room and grinned at Mairi. ‘I thought there’d be lots to do, but it seems you’ve got it under control. The room looks wonderful, lass. Thank you. I thoughtI’d make a start on the preparations for tomorrow. I’m feeling stronger, but I promise I’ll stop if I feel tired.’ Jed guided her to one of the chairs and signalled that she should sit. ‘How is everything?’
‘Good, great,’ Mairi said. ‘Quinn and my agent Kenna have just checked in, so the lodge is almost full.’
‘Quinn?’ the older woman looked delighted. She shifted around, searching the room as if she expected him to pop up from behind the piano or something. ‘Where is the lad? It’s been too long since I had all my babies under one roof.’
‘I’m here!’ Quinn said, as if he’d sensed her talking about him. He strode through the door and made a beeline for Effie just as Kenna followed him in. She raised an eyebrow at Jed and Mairi and mimed blowing a kiss.
‘Have you got a lass yet, lad?’ the older woman asked as Quinn hugged her.
‘He’s too busy following his sister around to bother with women,’ Kenna said dryly, holding out a hand to Effie as Quinn let her go. ‘I’m Mairi’s best friend and agent. I’ve come to make sure she finishes her book.’
‘Lovely to meet you, lass,’ Effie said, beaming. ‘Sounds like a good plan – she needs to take some time to do her work. It’ll be easier now I’m back on my feet.’ She cocked her head. ‘You’re very bonnie. Have you got a significant other?’ Her tone was sly.
‘I’m not looking for a boyfriend.’ Kenna looked amused.
‘Quinn’s available and he’s really quite handsome,’ Effie joked, her lips curving even more.
‘Oy,’ Quinn protested, looking embarrassed. ‘I can get my own girlfriends.’ Which was true, only he hadn’t had one for a long time…
‘He’s tolerable I suppose,’ Kenna said seriously. ‘But not handsome enough to tempt me.’
‘Pride and Prejudice?’ Quinn asked, earning himself a surprised look from Kenna. ‘I do read.’ He looked offended.
‘If you change your mind, lass, he’s quite the catch,’ Effie said. ‘He can be shy about his achievements, but he’s an accountant and works in mountain rescue. He’s been responsible for saving a lot of lives.’ Her chest expanded with pride.
‘Mountain rescue?’ Greer repeated as she walked into the sitting room with Shadow and Fluffy following closely by her feet. ‘Get away,’ the older woman blustered as she sidestepped the cats, before turning to Quinn. ‘Would you be willing to give me an interview?’ she asked, tugging her notebook from her pocket and grabbing his arm.
Mairi glanced at Jed. What was the woman thinking? What could Quinn tell her about the lodge, he’d only just arrived. There was no way she could know he’d stayed before.
‘Um, why?’ Quinn asked.
‘I’m a writer and I’d be fascinated to know more about what you do,’ she said, lowering her voice. ‘Perhaps we could sit together in the dining room? It won’t take long.’ She began to guide Quinn out of the room, almost tripping over Shadow again. She would have fallen on her face if her brother hadn’t released himself and caught her by the arm.
‘A writer?’ Quinn asked sharply. ‘Let me introduce you to Kenna McKay – she’s a literary agent. I’m sure you’d much rather talk to her.’
‘It’s not that kind of writing,’ Mairi said quietly, earning herself amind your own businessstare from Greer.
‘An agent?’ the older woman asked, and Kenna sighed. ‘That’s perfect. I’ll find you at dinner – I’ve a lot I want to ask.’
‘I’m only here for a couple of days.’ Kenna frowned at Quinn. ‘Besides, I’m sure you’ll get plenty of material from this one. He loves talking about himself…’
Quinn laughed again as Greer steered him out of the room.
‘What was that about?’ Effie asked, staring after them.
