11. Alex
Ishut the passenger side door of the SUV. “Thanks for picking me up.”
Ewan McBride glanced over from the driver’s seat. “It’s no problem. I didnae expect the delay to take too long. Must have been one hell of a rockslide.”
I shifted in my seat and rubbed at the heat on the back of my neck. “Aye, well, I could actually have made it here last night, but—well—I met someone.”
My former section leader arched a brow and cranked the engine. “Having a little celebration for being done with your service?”
Temper kindled. “It wasn’t like that. She wasn’t just some quick lay.” I thought of her smile and all the hours of easy conversation. “I think there’s really something there. It’s making me seriously consider Edinburgh as my next step.”
“For her?”
“For her, and maybe for school. I’m thinking about working on an advanced degree. Maybe getting some more credentials to back up the skills I already have from the Royal Marines.”
“That’s certainly an option.”
Nothing in Ewan’s tone indicated approval or disapproval, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that careful neutrality was an indictment in and of itself. Or maybe that was more of my paranoia talking. How long would it take me to shed that in civilian life?
“Have you heard from Patterson or Quinn?” The question dragged me out of my head.
“Not since they left on their latest mission.” The last two members of our quartet were still serving. “We had drinks a couple of weeks ago, though.”
“How were they?”
I considered the question. “Quinn is… Quinn. Driven. Still running from the devil on his shoulder. Patterson… I think now that you and I are gone, he’ll start thinking about getting out.”
Ewan grunted a noncommittal noise, but I knew that grunt.
“You’re worried about Quinn.”
“Been worried about him for years. That’s nothing new.”
“You and I both know it’ll take death or a career-ending injury to make him walk away.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
We spent the rest of the drive to the village of Glenlaig catching up. Located in one of the more remote parts of the Highlands, I understood the appeal. If not for the unexpected gift of Ciara, I’d have likely considered settling some place like this. Being near my friend. Doing… well, I had no idea what. That hadn’t changed since yesterday. But there was Ciara, and I wasn’t fool enough to ignore adding her into the equation.
Ewan turned onto the high street of Glenlaig, driving past the quaint shops with brave pansies adding a pop of color from boxes out front. When he bypassed The Stag’s Head Pub—which he owned and ran these days—I took a more careful look around.
“Where are we going?”
“To my parents’ house. Mum is insistent on feeding you dinner.”
“I remember your mum’s cooking. It’s pure dead brilliant. I’m certainly not going to turn down a home-cooked meal.”
Fifteen minutes later, we pulled up in front of a single-story white bungalow that wasn’t dissimilar to where I’d grown up. We trooped in the back door, careful to wipe our boots before tracking mud in on the scarred wooden floors.
“Mum! We’re here!” Ewan bellowed.
A few moments later, a short, soft woman with gray streaked brown hair bustled into the kitchen. She made a beeline for me. “You’re here! Oh, Alex, it’s so good to see you.”
I folded her in, enjoying the warmth of her maternal embrace. “And you, too, Mrs. McBride.”
“Now, how many times must I tell you to call me Bonnie? You know I consider you one of mine.”
“Thanks for that. I appreciate you having me for dinner.” The scents of roasting meat and vegetables filled the room, making my mouth water.
“I couldn’t have you come to town and not feed you.”
“Cardinal sin, that,” Ewan muttered.
“Oh, wheesht.”
“Where’s Da?”
“Here. Just finishing up out in the garden.” Ewan’s father, James, tugged off a glove and offered his hand. “Good to see you again, lad.”
I shook it. “And you, sir.”
“Dinner will be ready shortly. James, finish up whatever you’re doing. Alex, please head into the lounge and make yourself comfortable.”
“She disnae like having anyone underfoot in her kitchen,” James advised.
“Because you’re all thieves, dipping into things before I’m ready to serve.”
James winked. “It’s your own fault for being such a good cook.”
Bonnie snapped a dishtowel. “Go on with you.” But she was grinning as she said it.
“Son, I’m glad you’re here. I need a second pair of hands.”
“Sure, Da.”
I started to follow them out. “I can help, too.”
“No, no. It’s just a wee thing. Sit and relax.”
I wasn’t that great at sitting and relaxing. Particularly not in new places, even if I did know the people. So, as Ewan and his father went out back, I began to prowl the lounge. It was a comfortable space, with a well-worn sofa and battered furniture that was loaded with character and told the story of a life well lived. There were photos of that life everywhere, and I spotted shots of a younger Ewan with arms around a red-headed lass and a blond lad who both looked a bit younger than him. There were photos of him as a wee lad that were proof he hadn’t always been the serious man he was today. Another picture showed him around ten, holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket. Ah, that was right. I dimly remembered he had a much younger sister who’d been a happy accident.
I moved on to the next wall, where the gallery continued, and stopped dead. A familiar smile shone out of the frame. My brain stuttered and stalled out, unable to make sense of what was in front of me.
Ewan strode up. “Oh, that’s my baby sister, Ciara. She’s off at uni.”
His words seemed to come from far away, but their meaning drilled into my brain, nonetheless. In dawning horror, I had to acknowledge the truth: I’d spent all night worshipping my best friend’s little sister.
Oh fuck.
What the hell was I going to do now?
* * *
Oh,Alex is in trouble now! Life is about to get Complicated in a Big Way. Stay tuned for the rest of Alex and Ciara’s story in Book 1 of the Special Ops Scots series, releasing in October! Meanwhile, check out the Kilted Hearts series about Ciara’s home village of Glenlaig, which begins with Cowboy in a Kilt. Keep reading for a sneak peek! Or jump ahead to Protector in a Kiltto get to know Ciara’s big brother Ewan.