7. Crystal
7
Crystal
I’m still stuck in my chair, looking at Rabbie slightly confused. Dylan said he was single, although the other day when we were on the topic of it, he mentioned he was happy. And the other night when he was too busy to come to the pub. He hasn’t specified if he is single or not. Could Rabbie have a secret girlfriend and his friend’s not know about her?
If he has a girlfriend, there is no way I will accept his offer to stay with him. What’s the point of leaving one mushy couple to go stay with another? I would thank him, but kindly decline the offer and just go back to listening to my best friend have sex until I left this godforsaken small town.
I stand and follow Rabbie through his kitchen, I haven’t been in here yet. I was waiting for him to invite me into his space. I can tell it means a lot to him, and I didn’t want to impose.
It’s a small kitchen with a big oven and fridge in one corner, and a big stainless steel island in the middle. To the back of the kitchen is the back door and next to that is the stairs, leading up to his flat. Below the stairs it is a small storeroom where Rabbie keeps all his dry ingredients. The walls are lined with shelves of different size mixing bowls, trays, and jars. It’s very neat and organised even after a busy day, and I can tell Rabbie is proud of his little kitchen.
“If you decide to take the room, feel free to use the kitchen when I’m not using it. I have a small kitchenette upstairs but this is better to make a meal in,” he smiles at me.
“Thank you, it’s a beautiful kitchen.”
What I forget to mention to him is that I’m a terrible cook. In Boston I would either eat out, order take out or eat a microwave meal. I’m prone to burning things, so I tend to stay away from kitchens.
He leads me up the steep stairs, and unlocks the door at the top of the landing. He opens the door to a long hallway, with a few doors that must lead into rooms.
“This would be your room,” he turns the door handle, opens the door and stands back to let me in.
I step in and have a quick look around the room. It’s quaint with a small bed pushed up against a wall underneath a large window that’s letting in lots of natural light. There’s a small closet in the corner with a mirror on the door. It’s not much, but at least I will have privacy, and the view from the window is spectacular. I can see the ocean just peeking over the building in front of us.
“That’s my room,” he points to the door directly across the hall from us.
“And the door next to my room is the bathroom,” he smiles.
He leads me down the hallway to an open-plan living area, and I’m surprised to find it very homey. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. I thought Rabbie would have decorated his flat as a bachelor’s pad, but it’s very cottage core.
There’s a large comfy looking sofa that has a similar floral print to the one in the cafe, cream plush carpets, and alcoves with shelves that are scattered with cook books, and little trinkets. He has a small round dining table, and a miniature galley style kitchenette.
I haven’t seen Edie yet, she must be in his bedroom or in the bathroom. I’m taking it all in when all of a sudden something heavy lands on my shoulder. I instantly freeze and squeal from the shock of not knowing what it is on me. I squeeze my eyes shut in fear. Whatever is on me is heavy, it wriggles and scratches the back of my neck.
“Is it a rat?!” I’m trying to remain calm, and not look like a complete fool in front of this gorgeous man. My irrational mind always thinks the worst.
“Woah, stay calm and no it’s not a rat.” I can feel his laughter, and his warm breath on my face as he reaches for the thing on my shoulder. My eyes are still squeezed shut, I slowly open them to find Rabbie smirking down at me.
“There you are, you wee rascal. It’s okay, darling. My beautiful wee girl.”
I’m so dazed and confused by the chaos that just ensued that it takes me a second to realise that Rabbie isn’t talking to me. I straighten my hair, and blink a few times to find Rabbie is still smiling down at me. He’s so much taller than me that I have to crane my neck to look up at his beautiful face. My gaze lowers to his arms, and I find out that it wasn’t a rat on my head. It was a large, fluffy, white cat with wide yellow eyes. It’s purring softly in Rabbie’s arms.
“This is Edie,” he says as he scratches her behind the ear, the cat leans into him more.
I blink, bewildered. Edie is a cat. I hate cats.
The embarrassment from my overreaction starts to eat away at me, and I’m close to turning down the room. I look up at Rabbie who is practically cooing over this damn fluff ball, and then back down at the cat who blinks at me with her big, fluffy tail swishing from side to side as if to tell me, “Back off, this is my man.”
I try to hide my distaste for the thing, hell I’m quite relieved that it’s not a woman. I mean, if I wasn’t so attracted to Rabbie, and so horny, I would’ve said no to the room, that’s how much I hate cats. But staying with him might actually get me what I want, and that is to get him in bed at least once before I return to Boston. This could work out in my favour, cause damn it, I want him. This has been the longest I’ve been without sex, I’m practically celibate.
“Nice to meet you, Edie, you’re super cute,” I put on my cute baby voice.
Edie blinks at me, as if she can see straight through me.
Rabbie kisses Edie on the head, and puts her down on the floor at our feet. I try not to step back in disgust when Edie comes over and rubs up against my leg, twirling in and out of my legs, meowing softly.
“Aww, I think she likes you,” Rabbie beams at me.
“That’s great, I feel like we are going to be friends,” I force a smile.
Rabbie turns around to grab a glass of water from the kitchen, and when he’s not looking, I shoo Edie away with my foot. She scampers off, I hope Rabbie closed the spare bedroom door. She will not be living in my room whilst I stay here, the thought of white cat hair all over my clothes is already making me itchy.
“So, what do you say? Would you like to take the room?” Rabbie asks, and then takes a long, slow sip from his glass of water.
How does he make drinking water look unbelievably hot?
“That would be amazing, I can’t wait to get a decent night’s sleep,” I sigh, suddenly feeling tired again.
“It’s the least I could do.” His voice is laced with warmth, but there’s a flash of nervousness I see cross his face. I blink and it’s gone.
“Thanks.”
“Besides, I’m paying you to do a job, canny have you sleeping on the job,” he winks at me.
And there we go, back to talking about professionalism. The things I want to do to this guy are the least bit professional. If we worked for a corporation, HR would be freaking out, but we’re not, so I think the rules can be bent a little. The only issue is to find out if he’s attracted to me or not. Usually I don’t chase men, they chase me, but I love a challenge. And he’s just too fucking sexy to not try and get him into bed.
“I need to go get my things from Thistle Down, and tell Dylan.”
“I’ll drive you, I’m sure you have a few things that you’ll need help with.”
* * *
As we drive to Thistle Down Farm, I’m dreading telling Dylan that I’ll be staying with Rabbie. Not because she’ll be upset, I’m sure she and Cam will be thrilled to have some alone time, but because I know she will give me a lecture about trying to jump into bed with him. I can hear her righteous tone - “ be careful, don’t hurt our precious Rabbie.”
I think Rabbie can hold his own, he doesn’t seem fragile to me. He’s sweet and caring, but he doesn’t strike me as someone who is delicate and sensitive. We arrive at Thistle Down Farm, and we’re greeted in the farmyard by Rosie and Ruby.
Ruby is Hamish’s four-year-old daughter, who he shares joint custody of with his ex. And Rosie is Hamish and Cam’s mother. She’s lovely and loves Rabbie as if he were her son.
“Uncle Rabbit!” Ruby yells as she runs at him, he scoops her up in his big strong arms, and I think it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. There’s something about a man who gives a child their undivided attention that has my ovaries singing.
“Hi, mi chroít . You’ve got so big since I last saw you,” he tickles her.
“I saw you the other day, silly!” She laughs and tries to wiggle out of his arms.
Even though I can’t understand what he’s saying, hearing Rabbie speak Gaelic makes my legs weak, and the heat in my belly ignites. I’d love to hear him speak Gaelic to me whilst my legs are wrapped around him. Rabbie sets Ruby on the ground, and she looks at me with a huge smile.
“Hi Crystal, I like your boots.”
She tells me this every time I’ve seen her, she’s even told Hamish that she wants a pair for her birthday. She is the cutest four-year-old I’ve ever met. Dylan has made a great impression on her, from the signature bow she has in her hair.
“Well, if you’re a good girl, the birthday bunny might bring you a pair.”
“Birthday bunny, there’s no such thing,” she laughs at me.
“He’s real, I’ve met him and I told him what a good girl you are,” I wink at her.
She giggles and claps her hands, her little bow in her hair bouncing up and down.
With the weird, strained relationship I have with my mama, and the fact I never see myself settling down, I told myself I didn’t want kids of my own. It doesn’t mean I don’t like children, I love them, but I’m happy being the cool aunt.
Rosie gives Rabbie a big hug, and a light kiss on his cheek. His face lights up when she offers him this affection, and I can see how much he adores her.
“What do we owe this pleasure?” Rosie smiles up at Rabbie.
“Oh, we’ve come to collect Crystal’s stuff. I offered her the spare room at my place, seems more convenient for her to stay with me whilst she does the website for the cafe.”
Rabbie doesn’t tattle on his friends by telling Rosie the real reason why I’m suddenly not staying with Dylan and Cam anymore. Rosie smiles between me and Rabbie as if that is the best news she’s heard all year.
“That’s a wonderful idea, I mean, obviously we love having you here, Crystal,” Rosie smiles at me.
“Thank you, I haven’t told Dylan yet. Is she around?”
“Yes, somewhere. Cam said they were going to check on Bessie in the barn, they should be back soon. Come inside for a cup of tea,” she waves us inside the main farmhouse.
Rabbie and I exchange a look, and we both know that Cam and Dylan didn’t go to the barn to check on Bessie the cow. He winks at me, and my stomach flips. I know he’s winking at me because he knows exactly what I’m thinking, but it makes me giddy inside regardless.
We head inside the big house of Thistle Down Farm, where Rosie, Hamish and Ruby live. It’s as you’d expect a Scottish farmhouse to be, bursting with charm and character. Wooden beams protrude from the ceiling, and there’s rustic wooden floors throughout the house. The kitchen is large with a huge stone hearth, and massive kitchen table enough to seat at least twelve people. Rosie is the stereotypical farm mom, she makes her own jams, and always has something baking in the oven. She shows us to the table and starts rattling around in her kitchen, and ensembles a tray of biscuits and tea.
“Uncle Rabbit, want to see my drawings?”
“Aye, mi chroít. Let’s see them,” he picks Ruby up and places her on his knee.
That’s another thing that Dylan has imprinted on Ruby, is her love for art. It’s really cute to see that Ruby looks up to Dylan so much. I mean who wouldn’t, Dylan Miller is practically perfect in every way. Ruby flicks through the pages, and shows Rabbie her drawings, and he enthusiastically nods and tells Ruby how amazing she is. My heart melts at the sight of him and Ruby. He’s a gentle giant, it’s not shocking to see how well liked he is. He has time for every one he speaks to, and he always gives them his undivided attention.
“Here we go,” Rosie places a large tray of tea, cakes, and biscuits on the table.
“Thanks, Rosie,” Rabbie smiles at her.
Rosie sits down across from us, and pours us all a cup of tea, and a cup of milk for Ruby. All these delicious cakes, and biscuits, I’m definitely going to have to run longer in the mornings to keep in shape.
“I wish we saw you more, Rab,” Rosie passes him the plate of biscuits.
He dips his head, and he looks like he’s let her down. “Aye, I’m sorry. Sweet Treats is busier than I expected with all the outside orders.” He picks away at his finger in his lap.
“Aye love, we’re so proud of you. We miss you is all,” Rosie offers him a warm and reassuring smile.
“I miss you the most, Uncle Rabbit,” Ruby shouts.
Rabbie shoulders relax and he laughs at Ruby’s outburst. We sit and chat for a while, when Dylan and Cam come through the door. Dylan looks flushed in her cheeks, and I think to myself good for you girl , but I’m also envious that she just probably had one of the best orgasms of her life. She looks at me, and I can’t wipe the smirk off my face. I lean back in my chair, and fold my arms across my chest.
“How was Bessie?” I ask, keeping my tone nonchalant.
Dylan tenses and I didn’t think she could look more flushed but she turns a deeper shade of pink. She gives me a deathly stare, and I have to bite back the smirk forming on my face. She’s silently telling me to shut up, and remember whose company we’re in by slightly nodding her head towards Rosie and Ruby sat at the end of the table. I love watching her squirm from the embarrassment, especially when it’s about sex. She’s a closed book when it comes to talking about anything related to sex. I don’t think there is anything wrong with talking openly about sex, it’s perfectly natural.
“She was fine. What are you guys doing here?” She asks, changing the subject.
“Rabbie gave me a lift, because he’s been nice enough to offer his spare room at the cafe. I’ve taken him up on the offer, it seems more practical to stay there whilst I do the website.”
“Really? I think that’s a great idea, how nice of Rabbie to offer.” She smiles at me with concerned eyes. Only I pick up on the look, because we have a talent of communicating without actually saying a word. I know when we’re alone, she is going to be lecturing me that I need to be careful and not get involved with Rabbie.
We finish our tea, and I head over to the cottage to pack my belongings, which isn’t much. I was practically living out of my suitcase. Rabbie, Dylan and Cam are waiting for me outside. Rabbie being the gentleman that he is, takes my suitcase from me and puts it in the trunk. My mama would definitely approve of a man like Rabbie, but because I don’t do serious relationships, I push away that thought.
Rabbie and Cam are having a quick conversation about meeting tomorrow night at the pub, when Dylan comes and gives me a hug which isn’t unusual but when she tightens her hug when I go to pull away.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” she whispers in my ear.
I break the hug, and smile at her. “You stress too much, see you tomorrow for a morning run?”
“Yep, I’ll meet you down on the beach at sunrise,” she smiles at me through gritted teeth. Seriously, she needs to chill.
Rabbie and I jump in his car and head back to the cafe, Dylan’s warnings ringing loud in my head. I’m slightly annoyed at how much of a big deal she is making of this, it’s just sex, it’s not like he’s going to fall in love with me. Hell, I don’t know if he’s even interested in me, but I’ll find out soon if he is or not.
“You okay, mo beag ?”
He looks over at me and his sage green eyes glisten as the sun sets.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I didn’t realise how tired I was,” I smile softly at him
“Aye, well, you’ll have a comfy bed to sleep in tonight, in a quiet house,” he smirks.
“Can’t wait.”
We drive the short distance back to Sweet Treats in comfortable silence, my mind races with thoughts of Rabbie sleeping across the hall from me. And how easy it would be to knock on his door, and kiss him.