Chapter Twenty-One
Flora had arranged to meet Lily at the inn to measure up for the tree house curtains. She was curious to find out what the new glamping addition to the inn was like. As she made her way down the high street, she realised how much she was enjoying having this time away from Edinburgh.
She waved at Moira, standing in the doorway of The Bay gift shop sipping from her mug, and then at Gillian who came bustling past.
‘Sorry,’ she called, ‘can’t stop. I need to collect Millie from a playdate. Late as always.’ She passed in a whirlwind as she grinned at Flora and promised they would catch up soon.
As she walked, she realised how much she appreciated seeing familiar faces and exchanging smiles and waves.
The street was lined with hanging baskets overflowing with cascades of colourful flowers — a bright mixture of reds and pinks with geraniums and fuchsia.
There were also small blue and white trailing flowers which she didn’t recognise and made a mental note to ask her gran later.
As she neared the inn, she walked across the gravel drive and towards the reception.
‘Flora,’ said Lily, greeting her anxiously. ‘Thanks for coming. No pressure but I’m hoping you’re going to save the day for me. I’ve been having nightmares about naked guests being caught in compromising situations with no window coverings.’
A burst of laughter escaped Flora. ‘Now that would be the talk of the village and we can’t have that. Lead the way.’ She followed Lily through the bar and dining room, out through the patio doors and into the peaceful hotel grounds.
‘It’s just down here.’ Lily’s eyes shone with excitement. ‘Though not entirely finished. But it’s almost there.’
Flora gasped in awe when she saw the tree house, nestled in a secluded spot at the bottom of the huge garden, with a view across the loch. ‘Wow. I was not expecting it to be like that at all. It looks wonderful, Lily.’
‘Come on and I’ll give you a tour,’ said Lily, quickening her pace.
The tree house was surrounded by oak trees which gave it some privacy from the main hotel.
Flora was already blown away by what she could see and as they neared, she could see how perfect it would be for romantic getaways.
An image of Brodie flashed into her mind but she quickly pushed it away. ‘What a dreamy setting.’
‘I know, it’s wonderful and so much better than I ever thought it would be.’ Lily bounced up and down on her feet in excitement.
‘This is such a tranquil spot, too.’ Flora looked out across the loch again and then turned to look back at the tree house.
‘I’ve still got to add the fairy lights. I thought they would make it extra romantic especially if you’re having a special dinner out here.’ Lily pointed to the decking. ‘Come on up and have a look.’
Flora followed her up the stairs and onto the wooden platform where Lily showed her the open plan living room with kitchen and dining area, and then the bedroom with a huge double bed. There was a shower room with a double sink, double shower and a chrome heated towel rail.
‘Then if you come this way . . .’ Lily continued along the wrap-around decking, ‘we have this which is so special. I just want to get into it.’
Flora didn’t blame her. It was the most beautiful outdoor bathtub in an unbelievably romantic setting. Once again, she had to banish all thoughts of Brodie, who she was now picturing in that bath.
‘It’s amazing, Lily. What a place.’ She giggled nervously. ‘I just hope I can do it justice with whatever I make for you.’
‘I know you will do a brilliant job with whatever you make.’
‘Let’s go back round to the windows and I’ll measure up.’
Flora felt a flicker of happiness as she got her trusted measuring tape out and set to work.
The windows overlooked the water and she wanted to make sure she did something that would complement the view with whatever she did make.
She took some notes in her phone and then clicked a couple of photos of the frames so she could remind herself of the view.
‘Okay. Leave it with me and I will see what I can do. When do you need them for?’
‘Um, as soon as possible. Next week?’ Lily looked at her hopefully.
Flora felt the adrenaline start to race at the thought. ‘Worry not. I will figure something out and get them done ASAP.’
Lily linked her arm through Flora’s. ‘The very least I can do now is get you a coffee.’
They walked back towards the hotel, Flora excited at the thought of making the curtains.
It was a reminder of how much she loved being creative, especially when lately she’d gotten so bogged down with office politics at work.
She grinned as she felt a wave of creativity stirring in her once again.
She knew it was down to her short time in the village and the loch and the beauty that surrounded her.
Which then made her think about Brodie again.
How could it not? She felt a sharp pang of something that she couldn’t quite place.
Why was she so drawn to him? He was undeniably sexy but it wasn’t just that.
There was something else about him that was magnetic and somehow had her thinking about him all the time.