Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
JAMIE
The beer garden’s heaving again, every table packed with tourists and locals basking in the kind of sunshine that feels like a miracle this far north. We’ve been blessed with a streak of golden days, perfect in every way—and perfectly timed. Three days since the grand opening, and every single one has been bustling with life. The hum of chatter fills the air, glasses clink like a merry symphony, and shades, sunhats, and wide grins complete the scene. It’s everything I’d hoped for. Everything I should be proud of.
But I can’t savour it. Because Maisie’s on my mind—again.
The sex? Phenomenal, obviously. But that’s not what’s got me in knots. Not entirely anyway. Have I replayed that encounter more times than is healthy? Sure. But it’s all the other stuff that takes up more space in my head.
I keep circling back to all those gaming sessions with SassyLassie—how easy it was to chat with her, how she made me laugh harder than anyone else ever has, how she got me in a way no one else seems to. And now, to find out she wasn’t some anonymous online gamer but was actually Maisie from down the road the whole time...
Bloody hell, it’s a lot to wrap my head around. Realising that she knew who I was—for at least part of that time—and didn’t tell me stings more than I’d like to admit. It feels like a betrayal. But then there’s the other side of it, the one I keep coming back to no matter how hard my pride tries to steer me away. Because isn’t it kind of amazing? The one person who sees me for who I am has been right under my nose all along. That kind of thing shouldn’t happen in real life, and yet somehow it has.
It’s not that I never noticed Maisie before. I’ve always thought she was cute—gorgeous, even—but it wasn’t her looks that drew me to her when I met her online. Back then, she was just a fiery-haired mage with an annoying knack for outsmarting me at every turn. It was her sharp tongue that got to me: her wicked humour, the way she could cut me down and make me laugh in the same breath.
I miss the banter she and I used to have. But more than that, I crave it in real life. I crave her in real life.
But Maisie has made things very clear: nothing can happen between us so long as this beer garden remains in operation. She’s drawn her line in the sand, and I’m standing on the wrong side of it. If I want there to be an “us”—if I want even half a chance to see where this could go—I have to walk away from everything I’ve worked so hard to build here.
What kind of choice is that?
I head into the snug to prep a drinks order, still mulling over all things Maisie, when Emily ambles in behind me, one hand resting on her bump. “There you are! Have you seen what Maisie has done?”
I freeze, a pint glass poised under the tap. “What?” The word comes out sounding far too interested—at least to my ears—so I clear my throat and pour the lager with forced nonchalance. Just a bloke pulling a pint, nothing to see here.
Emily, apparently oblivious to my overreaction, taps her phone a few times then slides it across the bar towards me. “Watch this.”
Maisie’s head and shoulders fill the small screen. Her hair is different now, a vibrant red streaked with orange and yellow highlights that catch the sunlight. What a striking contrast to her green eyes. She looks bloody incredible—like she’s been kissed by flames—and it ignites something in me that I’m desperately trying to extinguish.
But as stunning as she looks, my gaze snags on the username hovering over the social media clip: SassyLassie. Her gaming alias. And now Maisie in the flesh mirrors the blazing hair she always had in the game, the fire spells she’d unleash...
“Want to know a secret?” Maisie raises an eyebrow at the camera before it pans out dramatically to reveal she’s wearing a cropped tartan top and a denim skirt—sexy as hell—and is standing in the middle of a circle of standing stones. “That steamy scene in last night’s episode of Highland Legacy ? The one where Callum and Isla finally gave in to their desires?” She winks, and it’s the kind of wink that could bring grown men to their knees—God knows I’m one of them. “It was filmed right here!”
A wistful Celtic melody plays in the background as Maisie continues. “The stones you see around me are have stood here for over four thousand years. Some say they’re buzzing with natural magical energy, though I can’t promise you’ll see fire and water collide like in last night’s episode, when our favourite mages decided to, ahem, combine their powers .” She smirks. “If you’re as big a fan of Highland Legacy as I am, you’ll want to visit this place. And while you’re at it, don’t miss the charming wee town of Bannock just down the road.”
The video transitions smoothly from the timeless mystique of the stone circle to the unhurried rhythm of Bannock’s Main Street, where Maisie now stands in front of her and her father’s pub.
“Pop into the Pheasant for a true taste of Highland hospitality,” she says before quick cuts show off its cosy interior: laughing locals, plates of hearty food being served. All familiar sights until Maisie appears again behind the bar, holding up a vibrant red cocktail garnished with a chilli pepper. “And if you’re feeling adventurous, try our brand-new cocktail menu—we’re putting the finishing touches to it now. My personal favourite? The Highlander’s Secret . It’s as bold and spicy as last night’s episode!” She raises her glass. “ Sláinte mhath! See you in Bannock!”
For several seconds after it ends, I just stand there like someone switched off my brain and forgot to reboot it.
Emily says, “Check out how many views the video has got. It’s gone viral! The latest episode of Highland Legacy has social media in a frenzy, and Maisie’s video dropped at exactly the right time. Talk about clever. And look! You have to see some of the comments people have been leaving her.”
She scrolls through them, and I read a few as they briefly appear on her screen:
Love the Pheasant’s vibe! And your smile is contagious.
Your accent is adorable! Can you narrate my life, please?
Loving the Highland Legacy references, but I’m more interested in the person behind the bar. Single?
Your energy is infectious! Makes me want to book a trip to Scotland right now.
OMG, your style is so unique. Love it!
Bloody hell. That question about whether she’s single hits me right in the chest.
“Also, a cocktail menu?” Emily says. “That’s new. Looks like Maisie is upping her game, fighting back against the beer garden already. Maybe we should get you on social media too, shaking up some fancy cocktails.”
I run a hand through my hair, messing it up. “Er, not sure about that. I doubt people would be as keen to watch me as they are Maisie. She’s kind of...” I gesture at Emily’s phone. “... nice to look at, you know?”
A slow smile spreads across Emily’s face. “Oh, is she now?”
Heat creeps up my neck. Damn it. I walked right into that one.
I get on with my day, trying to focus on work, but every time I get a moment to myself—which, admittedly, isn’t often given how busy we are—I find myself reaching for my phone to watch Maisie’s video again. The view count keeps climbing higher and higher, and I’m not even a little bit surprised. There’s something magnetic about her, something that draws you in and makes you want to stick around.
The easy confidence, the playful smile, the way she makes everyone feel like they’re in on some delicious secret. It’s exactly how she is behind the bar at the Pheasant. She’s got a gift, one I’ve never quite mastered myself. Sure, I can pull a decent pint, but Maisie? She makes people feel like they belong.
Every time I check the video, more folk have left comments, and I can’t stop a sour twist of jealousy from coiling in my stomach. SassyLassie used to be mine—our conversations, our adventures, our inside jokes. Now she belongs to the world, and Christ, they love her. How could they not? That fierce determination of hers blazes as bright as her new hair, and watching her take on this challenge, watching her fight back against the beer garden with such style... it’s sexy as hell. The same fire I saw in her when she played Highland Legacy burns even brighter now I’m seeing it in real life.
As I’m preparing another round of drinks in the snug, my phone buzzes with a notification: SassyLassie has posted another video. (Yes, I’ve followed her. Don’t judge me. How could I not?)
I have work to do, and I’ve already spent more than enough time thinking about her, but I hit play before I can stop myself. Maisie’s face appears on my screen, and just like that, I’m a goner. That smile of hers? Lethal.
“I’m absolutely blown away by the reaction to my last video!” she says. “I actually went for a wee nap after posting it—I was up late last night watching the new episode, after all. So when I woke up and checked my phone... well, let’s just say I had to pinch myself!”
She goes on to talk about her plans for future content, mentioning other Highland Legacy filming locations she’s thinking of visiting, but I’m caught on the way she tucks her red hair behind her ear, revealing that small Celtic knot tattoo.
“Oh,” she continues, “and one more thing: I’m actually a huge Highland Legacy gamer. Have been for ages. Would you guys like to see some gameplay footage? Or should I stick to tours around Scotland? Either way, let me know in the comments, and you can help shape what I post here. And, of course, don’t forget to follow me and stick along for the ride!”
As the golden hues of late afternoon melt into evening, I’m doing my rounds of the tables, ensuring everyone is happy (they are) when Lewis steps out into the beer garden with Emily in tow. He scans the crowd, spots me, and jerks his head towards the hotel. “A word, Jamie? Shouldn’t take long.”
I follow the two of them inside and into the office, where Lewis perches on the edge of a desk and Emily settles into a chair.
“Emily’s filled me in on Maisie’s video and this new cocktail menu at the Pheasant,” Lewis says. “I thought the three of us should have a quick chat. First off, let me say again, you’ve done an incredible job with the beer garden—completely surpassed our expectations. But what’s your take on this move from the Pheasant? Should we be concerned? Do we need to step up our social media presence?”
“I mean...” I lean against the wall, thinking—or rather, trying to think. The problem is, my brain is a lot more interested in a certain fiery redhead than business strategy right now.
“Are you all right?” Emily asks.
“Aye. Just... mulling things over,” I mumble. Like how, in those videos, Maisie looked like she was made for the spotlight. Or how different things might be if the beer garden weren’t standing between us.
I wonder how Lewis and Emily would react were I to suggest shutting it down. Not well, I bet.
When I remain quiet, Emily turns to Lewis. “You know, Jamie let slip earlier that he thinks Maisie is easy on the eye.”
“He did?” Lewis hoots with delight. “She’s the competition, Jamie. Falling for her might not be the smartest business move, eh?”
“I didn’t let slip anything,” I grumble. “I was just stating a fact. You can hardly expect me not to notice when someone looks... well... like that .”
“Like what, exactly?” Lewis teases. “Come on, Jamie. Enlighten us.”
I cross my arms. “Can we please just drop this?”
But Lewis doesn’t let it go—of course he doesn’t. His smirk widens like a shark scenting blood. “So, has anything happened between you two? A sneaky wee kiss, maybe? Or...” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “More than a kiss?”
“No,” I lie, too quickly.
“Well, why the red face then?” Lewis fires back. “Because that only happens when you’re embarrassed.”
“I’m not embarrassed! I’m just... argh!” The frustration spills over before I can stop it. Unable to think of a convincing excuse, I opt for brotherly violence instead. I give him a hard shove, and he flails dramatically, almost sliding off the desk entirely.
“Oh-ho! That’s how we’re playing it, is it?” His grin turns feral. “Come on then, little brother.”
Before I can react, he lunges at me, hooking an arm around my shoulders in an attempt to wrestle me into a headlock. But I duck out of his hold and jab him in the ribs with my elbow. He yelps—dramatic as ever—and retaliates by grabbing my shirt and yanking me towards him.
“You’ve got it bad for her!” he crows gleefully between jabs at my sides that have me twisting uncomfortably to avoid them. “The joker’s finally fallen for someone. Admit it!”
“Oi! Very pregnant woman here!” Emily’s voice slices through our increasingly increasingly childish squabble. “If either of you clowns tumbles into me, Ally will be down here in five minutes flat to knock your heads together. You have been warned.”
That gets our attention. Lewis lets go of me, but then he says, “So... was it game over back when she had the blue, or did the flaming hair seal the deal?”
And with that I shove him again—but away from Emily, which I think makes it okay.
“That the best you’ve got, wee man?” he jeers, crouching like he’s about to charge me.
“You two are as bad as bairns!” Elspeth appears in the doorway, radiating disapproval, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “May I remind you both that you’re supposed to be professional young men running an actual business?”
Lewis straightens and flashes her his most charming grin. “How come you always know when there’s a meeting happening that you weren’t invited to? It’s uncanny.”
“This is a meeting, is it? Sure doesn’t look like it.” Elspeth steps into the room like the she owns it, even though technically Lewis is the boss around here.
“Aye, well, we were talking about Maisie’s social media efforts and the new cocktail menu at the Pheasant,” Lewis says. “But it... sort of dissolved into me and Emily teasing Jamie about having feelings for Maisie.”
“Absolute lies!” I protest loudly. “I don’t have feelings for Maisie.”
“Oh?” A sly smile tugs at the corners of Elspeth’s mouth, reminding me of a cat about to toy with a trapped mouse. “And yet what’s this I hear about you going up to Maisie’s flat with her the other day? And your hair being more dishevelled when you came back down than when you went up?”
My jaw drops. What bloody sorcery is this? How does she know about that?
Lewis and Emily exchange a look, their eyes lighting up like kids spotting a pile of presents under the Christmas tree. Two seconds later, Lewis doubles over with laughter while Emily leans back in her chair, both hands cradling her baby bump as if it might pop from all the shaking.
Meanwhile, I’m left gaping like a fish out of water. “How... how do you even know about that?”
“Oh, Bryce mentioned it yesterday when we were having a wee chat.”
Bloody hell. Can’t Maisie’s da keep his mouth shut?
“It wasn’t... it wasn’t what you think it was!” I stammer weakly, even though it was exactly what they think it was.
God, my pulse was already racing from having to fend off Lewis and Emily, but now Elspeth too? This is too much.
“Does anyone else fancy wandering in and joining this meeting uninvited?” I say bitterly, glancing at the door as though daring fate to test me further.
Of course, fate takes me up on the offer.
As if summoned by sheer irony itself—and because life clearly hates me—Iona steps into the office right on cue, still dressed in her farm vet gear, smelling faintly of hay and antiseptic.
Lewis gives Iona a quick kiss then grins like he’s about to spill the juiciest secret of the century. “Guess what? Jamie has a thing for one of your mates!”
“Oh?” Iona blinks with surprise. “Funny, I thought I’d be the one delivering that piece of goss to you. Maisie already spilled the beans.”
My stomach drops. “Maisie told you... what exactly?”
“Everything,” she replies in an infuriatingly smug tone.
Lewis perks up like a dog catching the scent of bacon. “Everything? Such as...?”
I throw up my hands, desperate to shut this down before it spirals any further. “Right, that’s enough. We don’t need to?—”
“They hooked up on Sunday,” Iona says with all the tact of an air horn.
Kill me now.
“I did not hook up with Maisie!” My protest bursts out with far too much force, making everyone’s eyebrows shoot up in unison. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I try again in a calmer—though no less panicked—tone. “Can we please all watch what we say? This is how rumours start.”
Iona arches an eyebrow. “Well, that’s an interesting take, considering Maisie was quite clear about what happened. And she was, you know... there.”
I feel my face heat with the kind of mortification I didn’t think was possible for a grown man to experience. Normally, I’m the one dishing out the teasing and revelling in other people squirming. How the tables turn.
Before I can salvage what’s left of my dignity, Lewis breaks into raucous laughter, a deep belly laugh so loud it seems to shake the walls. This sets off Emily, her giggles punctuated by barely disguised snorts. Elspeth cackles softly while Iona tries—not very hard, mind you—to hide her amusement behind her hand.
And then—oh God—they start chiming in with jokes and prying questions, the kind only nosy family members or highly unprofessional colleagues would dare ask. Heat creeps up my neck and floods my cheeks, the intensity building until something inside me finally gives way.
“All right! That’s enough!” My voice cuts sharply through the laughter, silencing them all.
I force myself to meet their gazes one by one, then I take a deep breath and lay it bare. “Maisie said nothing can happen between us unless I shut down the beer garden.”
As my words sink in, their grins slowly fade away.
“Oh,” Iona says quietly. “Maisie didn’t mention that bit.”
“Well, she really should have because it’s a pretty important part. Maisie and I don’t have a future—not unless I’m willing to torch everything I’ve built.”