Chapter Thirty-Six
Nervous energy buzzed through Brodie as he tried to remain level-headed and composed.
But when Flora had opened the door, he’d been completely taken aback by how effortlessly gorgeous she looked.
She had a dress on, a change from her usual shorts and T-shirt, not that he was complaining.
Especially when she gave him one of her dazzling smiles.
‘How’s your day been then?’ he asked as they walked through the front gate.
‘Good. Really good and really busy. I’ve got so much to do with alterations work and Hamish’s event at the distillery in a few weeks and I want to get Gran’s kitchen painted before she comes back from Crail. I thought it would be a surprise.’ She chuckled. ‘Sorry, that was a bit of an info dump.’
He glanced at her and grinned. Her enthusiasm was contagious. It was difficult not to get caught up in it. ‘That’s great that things are falling into place! Sounds like you’ve found a bit of a gap in the market?’
Flora thought for a moment. ‘Yes, I guess people missed what Gran had been doing. It feels nice to be able to pick some of that up. She has always been so creative and I’m lucky it runs in the family. Her grandmother was a kiltmaker.’ She paused. ‘But it’s still a bit scary.’
‘Being self-employed and starting up on your own can be a bit scary at first,’ he said with a reassuring smile.
‘But once you get into the swing of working for yourself, then it’s great.
’ Then he laughed at himself, wryly adding, ‘As long as you get a bit of a balance.’ They walked along the narrow pavement and he felt her elbow brush against his.
He had to slide his hands deep into his pockets to stop himself from grabbing her hand. ‘She is loving having you here.’
‘Yes, which is why I want to try and make more progress with the house before I go . . .’ her voice trailed away.
Brodie felt a pang of sadness and longing at the thought of Flora not being in Rowan Bay. He couldn’t even imagine what that would be like and she had only been here for a month. ‘You’ve still got some time though?’
Flora looked at him and nodded. ‘Yes, I’ve got the rest of the summer.’
They walked in silence for a few moments until Brodie had a sudden idea. ‘How about I give you a hand with the kitchen?’
Her eyes widened. ‘Seriously? But don’t you have enough to do already with the garden?’
‘The patio is almost finished and I’m well ahead with the plans. I was going to take the weekend off anyway.’
‘Exactly,’ she said firmly. ‘You should take some time off, Brodie. You work so hard. You should do something fun.’
She was right. Brodie had practically forgotten what he did to enjoy himself when he wasn’t at work.
At this moment, he could think of plenty of fun things he’d like to do but they all involved Flora.
‘I’d like to help. Seriously. I know how much it would mean to Iris.
Especially as she’s been a bit out of sorts. ’
Flora sighed. ‘I know. She’s good at putting on a smile but she’s not quite been herself lately. I’m hoping that her days away with Gillian and Jeannie might just be the tonic she needs. Though it sounds like it’s been pouring down since they got there.’
Brodie realised they were walking towards the beach and he stopped and turned to look at her.
‘I should have asked where you fancy going? Do you want to stay in the village or I could go and grab the van and drive us over to The Clachan in Drymen?’ He wondered if she might want to keep their drink discreet.
‘Oh no, don’t even think about it,’ she said with a half-shake of her head. ‘Let’s just stay local and that way you can have a beer.’
‘That’s fine. Let’s stay here then. Do you have a preference for the pub or the inn?’
He watched her nibble at her lip as she thought. Brodie made himself look away, feeling an urge to lean in and kiss her.
‘Let’s go to the inn this time. Maybe we can sit outside?’
He nodded, already looking forward to their night ahead.