Page 27 of Christmas at the Scottish Lodge
‘Jed has things to do too,’ Effie said, her tone quieter. It was as if she’d deflated, finally realising that she wasn’t well enough to work.
‘Aye,’ Jed said, his blue eyes meeting Mairi’s again, giving her insides the same warm zap all over again. ‘I’ll need to ditch my lessons, but I’ve got some favours I can pull in. Can you give me an hour?’ he asked.
Something thumped hard in Mairi’s chest. He was actually looking at her now, asking a question and waiting for a response. Such a simple thing, but it felt like they were finally connecting after all these months.
‘Sure.’ She cleared her throat, enjoying the warm bloom of heat that filled her when he smiled back.
‘I’ll be back,’ Jed said as he stepped away. ‘If you can serve the food to our guests, then make sure my aunt gets to bed—’ He waved a hand at the kitchen. ‘I’ll help with whatever needs doing when I get back.’
‘No problem,’ Mairi said, giving the older woman a quick hug. ‘Let me sort everything, then I’ll get you settled.’
She heard the door at the edge of the kitchen close and knew Jed had left. She smiled. He was going to have to spend time with her now – which would give her a chance to find out exactly what was going on in his head and heart.
12
MAIRI
Mairi paced her bedroom in Holly Berry Lodge. She’d served Margo, Adam and Scott and had encouraged Greer to go for a walk so she could enjoy the scenery, hoping it would improve her mood – or at least give her one nice thing to write about. Then she’d got Effie into bed, leaving her with Bear because the dog had refused to leave. She’d made mince pies, a large fruit cake along with cupcakes and had left it all cooling in the kitchen, then she’d returned to her bedroom for a few moments to freshen up.
When she got there, she’d checked her mobile which she’d left on charge and had discovered Harry had called three times and texted twice. When she hadn’t responded, he’d resorted to sending an email.
A few days ago, his ardent attention would have had her jumping for joy – now she felt confused.
She’d come to Aberlinnie to secure a divorce before things got more serious with Harry. There was no way she was going to get into anything while she had a husband. Now she had no idea what she wanted. Things with Jed were more complicated than she’d thought – after hearing he wasn’t dating Bonnie, shehad this tiny slither of hope lodged in the pit of her stomach and she wasn’t sure she was ready to let it go. Added to that, Harry seemed to be getting more lovesick every day – which, considering they’d only ever been on chaste work-related dates, seemed excessive. She frowned as she scanned his email for the third time.
From: [email protected]
Hi gorgeous lady,
I know you’re busy, but I just wanted to check that you’re still enjoying the flowers? I hope you understand they’re a sign that I’m thinking about you and I haven’t felt like this about anyone for a long time.
I was shopping yesterday and passed a jewellery shop. Something in particular called to me, and I’ve chosen your Christmas gift. I’ll give you a hint – I know this is fast, but I think we’ve connected on a spiritual level. I’m ready for a commitment, Mairi, and I’m hoping you’re on the same page.
Do you know when you’ll be back in Edinburgh so we can discuss it? Once you tell me, I’ll clear my diary and book that Chinese restaurant you love.
When you left, you said you’d only be gone for a few days. It’s almost Christmas and of course I can be patient, but I want you to know that I can’t wait for you to return. Once you do, I never want to be parted from you again.
Yours forever,
Harry xx
‘Oh boy,’ Mairi put the mobile down, feeling sick. ‘First, I don’t like Chinese food, Harry, which I’ve told you,’ she muttered, shaking her head before pacing to the window. Things were getting out of hand. Harry’s feelings definitely were. They hardly knew each other and now he was…Well, these messages – while sweet – were over the top.
She swallowed. But this was what she’d wanted, wasn’t it? The security of a relationship where she knew exactly what was coming next?
She’d been into him, had enjoyed his company and had considered taking things to the next level. But was that because she’d been so happy to have a man’s attention after what had happened with Mike and then Jed? Had she been so desperate for love that she’d accept attention from any man? The question soared around her brain, rattling her to the core.
She’d respond to the email later. Let Harry know she wasn’t going to be back until after Christmas, then they had to talk. It wasn’t fair to keep him hanging on like this, feeding all his hopes and dreams. She knew exactly how that felt…But she had to speak to Jed first, then decide what she wanted from Harry.
But as Mairi headed into the hallway to pick up fresh linen, she suspected she already knew what the future of the relationship was…
Mairi saw Jed in the hallway coming out of Effie’s room before he spotted her. She was carrying an armful of bedsheets, so her face was partially hidden which gave her the perfect opportunity to study him.
He was still wearing the tight underlayer from earlier. It hugged his broad frame, drawing attention to his muscular chest and arms. She swallowed a wave of desire. She could still remember the first time she’d seen him naked – just a few hoursafter they’d skipped down the aisle together in Las Vegas. He hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her and he’d pretty much half stripped her in the elevator of the hotel before carrying her to his bedroom, dropping pieces of clothing in the hallway, some of which they’d never found.
‘Mairi?’ Jed said as he spotted her and froze.
