Chapter Thirty-Seven
They found a quiet corner outside on the terrace and sat down with their drinks.
Flora had to urge herself to say less and listen more.
She knew she was wittering but her nerves were making her chatter non-stop.
Even though the words were tumbling out her mouth she couldn’t stop.
Brodie was watching her with a small, amused smile.
‘I know, I know.’ She raised her hands apologetically. ‘I’m talking too much. I don’t normally, honest. I’ve not been out much lately. Can’t you tell?’
‘That’s okay,’ he said, laughing softly. ‘I’d rather you were chatty than silent.’ He lifted his pint and clinked it against her glass of wine. ‘Cheers.’
‘Cheers.’
Time slipped away as they talked about his life in Rowan Bay, his sister and his niece and nephew and Flora’s life in Edinburgh.
Flora felt herself relaxing as she realised just how much she enjoyed being in his company.
She knew he was funny and smart from the snippets of conversation they’d had over the past few weeks and at the pub the other week.
But it was nice to have this time to learn more about each other, without any sense of hurry.
‘I think it’s my round.’ She pointed at his empty glass. ‘Why don’t you go and have a nosy at the tree house? I’ll be back soon.’
‘Thanks.’ Brodie stood up but paused, looking at Flora as though he wanted to say something else, then shook his head. ‘Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ve only seen photos the guys shared with me as they were building it. It will be good to see it finished. I’ll go and have a wee gander.’
Flora felt her heart race and her cheeks flush as she turned round and walked back inside towards the bar. Being around him made her feel light-headed and a bit off balance. It wasn’t something she had ever felt before, especially not with Nick.
‘Hello, you,’ said Lily who was serving behind the bar. ‘I didn’t realise you were here.’
She blushed. ‘Yes. Just sitting outside. How are you, Lily? And how did the first guests enjoy the tree house?’ She hoped she wasn’t being obvious by changing the subject but she didn’t want to make a big deal of being here with Brodie.’
‘Oh my God, they loved it. They’ve already booked to come back later in the year. I can’t thank you enough. Your last-minute touches saved the day. What can I get you just now?’
‘A pint of Loch Lomond please and a glass of Pinot Grigio.’
Lily did a double take, then raised an eyebrow and gave her a knowing look. ‘Flora . . . would I be right in thinking that you’re here with Brodie?’
She caught her breath, startled. ‘How do you know that?’
Lily laughed. ‘Because that’s the very same order he gave when he came in an hour ago. Except he didn’t say you were here with him. He didn’t say very much at all. Honestly, that man is an enigma.’
‘It’s just a drink,’ she protested. But she couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.
‘I’m just glad you’re both finally getting on with it,’ teased Lily with a chuckle.
‘What do you mean?’ Flora was genuinely curious.
‘Because the sexual tension between you both the other night was outrageous.’
‘When?’ Flora could feel herself redden even further.
‘At the barbecue. The air was practically crackling. More than the food on the hot coals.’
‘We’re just friends.’ Flora didn’t know what else to say and was now feeling completely mortified that she had been so obviously lusting after him.
Lily gave a knowing nod as she pulled a pint. ‘If you say so . . . but I think Jessica and Reuben have been waiting for you to get together since the night of the pub quiz.’
Seriously? So this had been obvious to everyone else? It hadn’t just all been in Flora’s imagination? ‘Oh,’ was all she managed to stutter.
‘Here you go, my lovely.’ Lily placed the drinks in front of her. ‘This round is on me for saving me the other week. Enjoy.’
‘Thank you.’ Flora smiled gratefully. ‘See you later.’
Lily winked at her. ‘Have a good night.’
Flora’s lips were still curved into a smile as she walked back outside and made her way towards Brodie who was walking back towards the table. She put the drinks on the table and settled herself down.
‘You’re right about the tree house,’ he gushed with enthusiasm sitting next to her. ‘It looks incredible. The photos I saw don’t do it justice. Though there are folk staying in it so I didn’t want to get too close.’
‘You should get Lily to show you properly when it’s empty.’
‘I will do,’ said Brodie, his thigh now touching hers.
She looked at him quizzically for a moment and was about to tell him what Lily had just said inside. But before she could utter a word, he leaned in and grazed his lips against hers.
‘Oh,’ she whispered. ‘That was . . . unexpected.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Good or bad?’
‘It was . . .’ She smiled at him coyly.
He grinned and reached for her, brushing his thumb over her bottom lip. Then he kissed her again.
When they finally broke apart, Flora sat back and looked at him, a smile tugging at her lips.
‘I’ve wanted to do that for ages,’ Brodie whispered, his hands still cupping her jaw.
Her eyes didn’t leave his face. ‘I’m glad you did,’ she said as she pulled him towards her for another kiss.