Chapter Thirty
The next morning Flora woke early, a smile spreading across her face as she thought of Brodie.
She’d had such fun with him yesterday and when they were on the boat, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to kiss him properly.
Giving herself a shake, she threw back the covers and got out of bed.
She needed to move and rid herself of this pent-up energy and stop thinking about him.
She pulled on her running gear and when she saw her gran’s bedroom door was still closed, she padded downstairs so as not to wake her.
It was still early and the village was peaceful and silent as she made her way down towards the beach.
The morning sky was a gentle blur of chalky pink and blue and the loch was as still as glass.
She managed a gentle half hour run along the water’s edge and up into the woods, enjoying the gentle sound of birdsong.
It really was so idyllic. As she slowed down to a walk, she decided to go to the bakery on the way home to pick up some cinnamon buns for her gran.
She still wasn’t herself and perhaps a nice pastry would cheer her up this morning.
As she made her way up the high street, she paused briefly when a book in the window of The Wee Bookshop caught her eye but was distracted at the sound of a bell tinkling behind her and a screech of tyres coming to a dramatic halt.
‘Flora,’ cried a breathless voice from behind.
She turned to see Emmet dressed as though he’d been taking part in the Tour de France. ‘Oh, hi there,’ she said in a friendly tone, praying that he wasn’t going to ask her to go on that monstrous bike ride he’d mentioned earlier. She really couldn’t think of anything worse.
‘I’ve just been putting the pedal to the metal.’ He grinned as he climbed off his bike.
Flora was bemused. Did he actually just say that?
‘You look like you’ve been active already too.
Anyway, I am so glad I bumped into you.’ He popped his bike up against a nearby bench.
He was wearing a lot of Lycra, which left nothing to the imagination, and a helmet complete with wrap-around sunglasses.
‘I wondered if you fancied that run sometime?’
‘Oh . . .’ she stammered, wondering if she should feign injury. ‘I, er, I think I would just slow you down, Emmet.’
His face fell. ‘I’m very motivating to be around. You might surprise yourself.’
Oh bloody hell, how did she get out of this? Then he took a step and lunged towards her and she jumped back, slightly perturbed, until she realised that he wasn’t pouncing towards her but was genuinely sinking his hips into a stretch. ‘Um, I’ll let you know,’ she said firmly.
She was not going to allow herself to be talked into any type of physical activity with this man even though she was sure he was very nice.
But the thought of a bloke running backwards then jogging on the spot as he shouted that there were only a few more kilometres to go did not appeal at all.
It would only make her want to lamp him.
There was no danger she was getting involved in anything sporty or anything else with Emmet.
‘In the meantime, how about a quick drink later?’ he suggested. ‘I’ll be done at the sauna by eight. See you at the Rowan Bar?’ He reached for his bike. ‘Unless you fancy a wee sauna before that? Just come along and I’ll give you a freebie.’
She didn’t have a chance to even agree or disagree. It seemed as far as he was concerned, the drink was a done deal.
‘See you at the pub if not at the sauna before.’ He winked and then did the double guns sign before jumping on his bike and pedalling off.
So much for her vow not to let herself be talked into anything. By the time she had reached the bakery, she had just about recovered from Emmet’s quick-fire onslaught and was relieved to see Jessica’s friendly face. ‘Good morning. You’re up and about early,’ she said. ‘I am impressed.’
Flora chuckled. ‘Don’t be. I’m about to undo all the good work by buying some of your buns.’
‘Of course,’ chuckled Jessica. ‘Three?’
‘Please.’ Flora nodded and felt her cheeks flush.
Jessica raised an eyebrow questioningly. ‘What’s on today then?’
‘I’ve a few alterations to finish off and a couple of ideas I’ve been meaning to start for the market.’
‘Well, we must catch up soon. I don’t suppose you’re free tonight?’
‘No,’ she said her stomach sinking when she thought of going for a drink with Emmet later.
She felt slightly bad at feeling that way, but it really was the last thing she wanted to do.
‘But definitely soon. I’ll be in touch.’ Jessica handed her the bag of pastries as Flora tapped her card against the till.
‘See you later. Bye Flora.’