Chapter 5
Chapter Five
L ogan exposed his canines again as he smiled. ‘Hi there. Good to meet you. Again. I hope you weren’t too cold in your tin foil yesterday.’
I frowned at him. Smart arse. Was this some sort of joke? This man was my guide for the next three weeks? Could this get any worse?
‘I was fine, thanks. I’m made of stern stuff.’
‘I’m sure you are.’
I could feel Logan’s mirror-like eyes glinting at me as I focused all my attention back on Iona. This perma cheerful individual was Iona’s brother? Of course he was. Fate was having a great time, sodding me around.
As though reading my thoughts, her bright-eyed enthusiasm dimmed a little. ‘My surname’s Carrington because I’m married. Well, I was.’
‘Oh. Right.’
I folded my arms for something to do. Logan was still looking at me, a flash of bemusement rearing up in his gaze.
Before I knew it, Iona was spilling all to her older brother about what the publishers were asking of me. Shit! Why couldn’t they have just asked me to locate Nessie while they were at it? ‘So, they obviously needed someone with local knowledge of the island and you’ve expertise of outdoor pursuits.’ She grinned up at him. ‘You fit the bill.’
Logan nodded and laughed. ‘It seems so. I just got a call a short while ago from your publishers, telling me all about it and asking me if I was available. They offered me a very generous fee, so why not?’
I took in his tall, broad frame.
Oh no. No. Absolutely not. This wasn’t a good idea. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I just knew it wasn’t. ‘Oh, don’t worry about it.’ I flapped a hand, as though physically dismissing the idea. ‘We’ll get someone else. Thanks, Iona, but let’s leave your brother to his digging. He’s obviously busy.’
‘Like who?’ asked Logan arching a brow.
‘Sorry?’
‘I mean, who else are you going to ask to step in?’
My mouth opened and closed a few times and I gave a little shudder against the sharp needles of rain.
I turned to Iona, mentally willing her to throw out a few names. Even one would have done. I would’ve jumped at Kermit the Frog, one of the Power Rangers or Scooby Doo at this point. Instead, she shook her head, her plait flying out behind her on the windy hillside. ‘I’m not just saying this because he’s my brother, but Logan here is the best man for the job. Not only does he have a first-class degree in geology, but he was also a scout leader for a long time and knows the terrain better than anyone.’
I shot him a suspicious look. Of course, he was. ‘I assume you saved the planet, rescued a kitten stuck up a tree and found time to solve global warming in your lunchbreak?’
‘Did-dib-dib.’ He grinned then had the audacity to wink at me.
I felt myself blush. God, he was irritating as hell.
‘He knows Skye inside out and back to front,’ carried on Iona with enthusiasm. ‘And he’s marginally better-looking than some of the old timers round here.’
‘Gee, thanks for that.’ Logan pretended to flick some raindrops off his waterproof sleeve at his younger sister.
I braced myself against the biting wind. It had settled into a mild downpour now, rather than torrential and ripping your face off. ‘So, Mr Burns,’ I began, noticing a brown and gold bird of prey gliding over the hills.
‘Oh, please stop with the Mr Burns,’ insisted Logan. ‘You’re making me think of Mr Burns in The Simpsons .’ Logan appraised me. ‘Please, call me Logan. Have you ever been camping before?’
‘Good God, no!’ I gasped, appalled.
‘I thought as much.’
I felt my skin prickle. ‘And what’s that supposed to mean?’
Logan’s full mouth twitched behind his dark brown stubble. ‘Just that I had a hunch.’
His silver eyes challenged my hazel ones. ‘So, your publishers want you camping, dolphin watching, seeking out wild birds…’ I noticed his mouth carry a flicker of amusement. ‘That’s no problem. I can throw in some flame throwing, walking across hot coals and bungee jumping as well, if you like.’
I whipped my attention back to Iona. The more I thought about being paired up with this comedian for the next three weeks, the more it seemed like an accident waiting to happen. I shook my head. ‘I really don’t think this is a good idea.’
‘Why not?’ she asked, looking puzzled. ‘Logan is a safe pair of hands.’
Logan flexed one attractive brow and my face reddened. What the hell was the matter with me?
‘It’ll be great publicity for Rock God ,’ carried on Iona, turning to her brother.
‘You don’t have to convince me,’ assured Logan. ‘It’s this young lady you need to get on board.’
My eyebrows gathered together. ‘Sorry? What’s Rock God ?’
Logan buried his hands into his jacket pockets. ‘My shop back in Portree. I sell gemstones, minerals, fossils and rocks.’
Rock God , I repeated to myself. That figured. I eyed Logan. He certainly seemed to rate himself.
‘Look, Ms Freeman,’ said Logan. ‘You need someone who knows what they’re doing and has knowledge of the island, am I right?’
I chewed my lip. This was excruciating. I’d already mentally added Primrose and Iona to the list of people I wanted to subject to torture.
Why did it have to be him? Couldn’t there have been a retired fisherman somewhere? My voice was laced with irritation as I said, ‘Yes, of course. I need someone as a guide.’
‘OK then. Well, you’ve got me.’
There was that bloody twinkle again. He shrugged. ‘I can get Rhona and her sister to cover the shop, and lucky for you, I’ve just finished a research paper on neolithic petrology here on Skye, so I’ve time on my side.’
My heart sank. I mulled over what he said. ‘Petrology?’ I repeated.
‘It’s the origin, composition and structure of rocks.’
‘Right. Sounds scintillating. The winter evenings must just fly by.’
Logan let out a throaty laugh.
Oh bugger. The next three weeks were going to seem like three years.
Iona continued to stare from me to Logan and back again, as though she was spectating at a tennis match.
The hillside was whispering and hushing in the rain-filled breeze.
‘I don’t know,’ I stated in a crisp voice. ‘I still don’t think this is a great idea.’
Logan cocked his head to one side. ‘What’s the problem? Scared of the dark, Ms Freeman? Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.’ There was that lazy grin again.
‘Certainly not,’ I prickled. ‘I’m not scared of anything.’
(I was terrified of heights, spiders and wasn’t that keen on water, but I wasn’t about to tell Wolverine that and give him the satisfaction.)
Come on, Darcie. Think of Horizons magazine!
I braced myself. Right. Decision time. I could do this. I could get through it. I just had to think of the end game. Three weeks of unadulterated hell here in Scotland’s answer to Siberia with this grinning geologist, and then I could return to London with my head held high—that’s if I could move a muscle after this weather and the various adventures I was supposed to be undertaking.
I had to think about River, smirking down her petite, snub nose at me. That would put the fire in my belly.
I swallowed my pride and tried not to focus too long on Logan’s chiselled face as I gave in. ‘If you’re happy to do this, then I’m in.’
Logan’s lips flirted at a smile and he extended one hand. ‘Excellent.’
I hesitated for a moment, before taking his hand in mine. It was warm and a little rough; earthy.
I snatched mine away. ‘Good. You understand that this is a glossy coffee table book and that it’s paramount I get great photos, right?’
‘I hope you capture my best side,’ joked Logan.
‘That’s assuming you have one.’ Iona smirked at her brother.
Logan delved into his jeans pocket and the movement made me notice his knees were clotted with wet mud and grass.
He pulled out a business card that had seen better days and handed it to me. I gripped onto it in the stiff breeze and saw it contained his email, address and mobile number, as well as details about his shop.
Logan carried on talking. ‘I’ll pull together a confirmed programme for our three-week itinerary and send it to your agent and publishers for approval. They’ve already pinged me their details.’
‘I bet they have,’ I ground out.
Logan glanced down at his phone as he tugged it out of his jeans pocket. ‘I’ll get that email fired off this afternoon, once I get cleared up and finished here.’
He flicked me a look. ‘This is going to be a challenge.’ His expression was indecipherable. I wasn’t sure whether he was referring to being my guide on Skye or me. Then he clapped his hands together and gave a wide smile. ‘Still, can’t wait to get started.’
Oh, God almighty. What was the matter with him? He was far too cheerful for my liking. It wasn’t normal. Or healthy.
He eyed me again. ‘We need to be prepared, Ms Freeman. We’re going to be camping out, not getting ready for a film premiere.’ His lips hinted at a smile. ‘What clothes and shoes have you brought with you? Waterproof trousers, jumpers, layers, walking boots, flats…?’
I look appalled. ‘Flats? I never wear flat shoes.’ I jutted out my chin. ‘You needn’t worry. I can assure you that when I travel anywhere, I’m always prepared.’
‘I’m sure you are,’ he glittered. ‘Something tells me not for wild camping, though.’
My thoughts drifted back to my guest room and my assorted designer outfits, the bottle of argan hair oil, my favourite Clarins body lotion and my palette of MAC eyeshadows.
His cupid bow lips flickered with amusement. ‘I’m sure the belongings you’ve brought would be great if we find ourselves having to give a Highland coo a makeover.’
I pushed my irritated hands into the pockets of my Dior jeans. ‘There’s no need for sarcasm, Mr Burns. Er, I mean, Logan.’ I pulled my hands out again and fiddled with the end of my ponytail as I grudgingly conceded. ‘Just call me Darcie.’
Logan studied me. ‘Alright. Be prepared or prepare to fail, Darcie.’
‘Excuse me?’
Logan glanced over at Iona, who was still eyeing us both with interest.
I noticed his eyes sliding down my designer jeans and to my feet. I was wearing my beige Fendi boots. ‘You’re not going camping in those. They’re a health hazard.’
My annoyed mouth shot open, but he carried on. ‘I’m responsible for your safety. You need proper walking boots.’ He folded his muscular arms. ‘Still, I bet you’ve got your mobile phone power bank with you. You won’t have forgotten that.’
‘Yes, of course I’ve brought that. I’m not stupid.’
Logan bit his bottom lip.
‘And I also bet you’ve remembered to pack your perfume.’
‘My favourite.’ I beamed with self-satisfaction. ‘Chanel.’
My smile quickly withered at Logan’s bemused expression.
He nodded. ‘See? How did I guess? But what about waterproof trousers? Hiking socks?’
I tried to look indifferent. ‘No. I did have a quick browse around the shops here yesterday, but I didn’t like anything I saw.’
Logan angled his head at me. ‘We’re not taking part in a fashion show.’
‘Ah! That’s where you’re wrong,’ I replied. ‘No social media influencer worth their salt misses the opportunity to tag what they’re wearing and provide links for their followers. I earn commission every time one of my followers buys something I’ve linked to,’ I said proudly.
Logan was unphased by my argument and carried on. ‘You need warm, practical, comfortable clothing that will protect you from the elements.’
My mouth twisted as I recalled the thick, heavy jumpers I’d seen and the navy canvas trousers. Good grief. They were hideous.
Logan gestured to his sister. ‘Iona, can you help please? Darcie needs to be kitted out properly.’
Iona looked beside herself with anticipation. ‘Aye. Of course!’
Logan waggled one foot, showing off a pair of black heavy-duty walking boots, decorated with red laces. ‘This is the sort of footwear you need. I take it you’ve got an expenses account with that fancy agency of yours?’
I puffed out my chest. ‘Of course I have.’
‘Good. Right. Then Iona can get you prepared for what Skye will throw at you.’
What Skye will throw at me . That’s what I was worried about.
He arched his brows at me. ‘Did you know that the word “Sky” originated from the Norse language, and it means “The island of clouds”?’
I stared up at the billowing sky. ‘That comes as no surprise.’
* * *
Two hours later I was juggling several bags, containing a couple of pairs of waterproof trousers, a cream and lilac fleece, a few knitted jumpers, and several pairs of thick hiking socks in a variety of pastel colours. I was also now wearing a pair of brand-new burgundy Gore-Tex boots.
‘That’s much better.’ Iona beamed as she insisted on taking a couple of the bags from me as we headed back to her battered van ‘At least you’re prepared now.’
‘Yes, for some sort of weather apocalypse.’ I sighed under my breath. My purchases were neither sassy nor attractive. I thought of my favourite silk pussy bow Mango blouse in lilac, hanging up in my flat back at home. I stifled a whimper.
After grabbing a salmon and cream cheese bagel from the local deli, I returned to The Gorse and flopped down on my bed.
I decided to call Stella Darwin. Stella was a beauty writer and TV make-over supremo, who happened to also be represented by Hilliard, River’s agent. We’d met up a few times at various events and followed each other on social media.
After swapping some pleasantries and general gossip, I swore Stella to secrecy and told her about my travel guide commission here on Skye. ‘Everybody looks so healthy and glowing, but it’s a wilderness! I’m missing London like crazy.’ I then proceeded to tell her about Logan.
‘He sounds a real hottie.’ She sighed.
I dismissed the images of his wolfish smile and light eyes my head was conjuring up. ‘Oh please,’ I snorted. ‘He’s too full of himself for my liking.’ I dropped my voice. ‘The only reason I agreed to do this was because River was second choice.’
There was a strange silence at the other end of the line.
‘Stella? Hello? Are you still there?’
‘Y-es,’ she faltered. ‘Sorry, Darcie, but did you just say it’s Caldwell Publishing who commissioned you for this travel guide?’
‘Yes. Why?’
Stella hesitated. ‘Look, I hate to tell you this, but whoever said River was second choice for this was wrong.’
I clutched my mobile tighter. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean that River was approached to do it first.’
I let out a couple of weird, rasping sounds. ‘You’re kidding?! Are you sure?’
‘Oh, I’m sure,’ she replied with a short, dark laugh. ‘River couldn’t wait to broadcast the news to everyone that she’d been approached by one of the world’s biggest publishing houses, but she said she couldn’t do it as she was committed to some Norwegian five-star hotel promo at the time.’
My blood began to bubble in my veins. ‘I don’t believe this.’
‘Believe it. She was at the BBC alongside me, getting ready to be interviewed on their breakfast show. She couldn’t stop talking about it.’
‘How long ago was this?’ I managed through gritted teeth.
‘Oh, just a few weeks back.’
‘Justine. The lying cow!’ I erupted. ‘My agent assured me I was first choice for this.’
Stella was apologetic. ‘I’m sorry Darcie. I just thought I should be honest. Didn’t want you saying anything and River picking you up on it.’
‘No, I’m glad you did.’
We ended the call and I thumped my mobile down on top of the blue and mauve thistle-patterned duvet.
Justine had clearly engineered this for her own ends. She knew of the fierce rivalry between River and me and had decided to manipulate me; exploit the situation.
How bloody devious!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything about it now, so I’d just have to make the best of it. River would love it if she heard I wanted to bail from the travel guide. I could just imagine her, sashaying around with those bony hips of hers, broadcasting on social media that Darcie Freeman was always the bridesmaid and never the bride. No. I’d just have to stick with it. Push on.
Just think of the career possibilities, advised my inner voice. This could open up so many new doors.
I bashed my pillows with frustration as I sank back on my bed.
Justine could expect a very angry call from me in the morning.