Chapter 1 #3
“Did you say something?” I ask.
But I must have yelled because I see Lachlan’s face break into a smile and then his shoulders shudder in what I assume is laughter. I tug an earlobe, hoping to ease some of the pressure, and it works as the ringing begins to subside. When the sound abruptly cuts off, I heave a sigh of relief.
Lachlan repeats, “I said I got ye a present. It’s from the antique shop in town.
” He scrubs the back of his neck with his other hand and shrugs.
“I ken ye like the old stuff, and I wanted to get ye a homecoming present. Well, belated homecoming present.” He holds the box out closer to me, and I take it in both hands, beaming at him.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I gush.
But secretly, I’m thrilled he’s bought me a gift and remembered my love of antiques.
I gently lift the lid off the box and stifle a gasp.
Nestled inside is the most stunning, ancient-looking gold medallion attached to a thin gold chain.
The medallion is about the size of a coin, with etched runes swirling around a poppy.
My mouth drops open, and it takes a moment for me to be able to speak.
“Lachlan, I can’t—I can’t accept this. It must’ve cost a fortune,” I breathe, looking up at him. His eyes are full of an emotion I can’t quite place.
“I insist, Key.”
I shake my head in disagreement, but my eyes are locked back onto the enchanting necklace. Lachlan slips the necklace from the box in my hands and unclasps the chain, holding it open in front of me.
“Allow me,” he murmurs.
I blink up at him in shock, my mouth slowly parting. Amusement dances in his eyes before he steps around me. The movement has brought him close enough that his familiar scent wraps around me. Storm clouds and cedar fill my nose and chase away my lingering doubts as I breathe him in.
In a trance, I slowly drag my golden brown hair to one side and drape it over my shoulder, out of the way, so that Lachlan can settle the necklace around my throat.
The medallion doesn’t look heavy, but as soon as it’s clasped around my neck, a small weight presses upon me, like a cloak has been wrapped around me.
Grasping my shoulders in his large hands, I feel a light, comforting squeeze before he leans down to press a chaste kiss to the side of my head.
Lachlan whispers into my ear, “Welcome home, Key.”
I delicately stroke the medallion resting on my chest and turn my head to gaze up at him. Our cheeks nearly touch at the closeness, and I lean back, pressing against him.
Something flickers in Lachlan’s eyes, but I’m drawn to his lips, the curiosity of what they would feel like against mine burning through me.
When I search his eyes again for even a hint that he’s thinking the same thing, I’m a bit saddened not to find my feelings wholly reflected in them.
Slowly, I withdraw, bringing the walls that had kept me safe every time we had to leave another town firmly back into place.
I’m a fool. He’s my oldest friend, my only friend, and I shouldn’t put us in situations like this, no matter how much I want to.
“Well, if ye dinna need me here, I better get back to the crew,” he mutters quickly. “But I’ll see ye at dinner on Sunday, right?”
My smile is hesitant, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment, but I nod. “Of course, it’s your turn to cook.”
He smiles broadly at that, his eyes warming and the corners of them crinkling again.
As soon as he’s out the front door, I replay the incident and how completely stupid it was over and over.
Lachlan didn’t lean into the almost kiss, but he didn’t pull away either.
Could it be possible for him to feel the same?
We didn’t stay in close contact, but there was always a shared connection when we were together.
No matter the distance or the time we spent apart, we always found ourselves right back where we had left off.
It has always been so easy being together.
I don’t know how I feel about jeopardizing a friendship like that.
But the attraction.
I long to have a partner like what my parents found in each other. To be loved, cherished, and understood. It wouldn’t hurt for him to be tall, dark-haired, and gorgeous. I roll my eyes at the thought.
When I finally track Gran and Torin down in the kitchen, they’re putting the kettle on to refill their cups.
Gran glances up when she hears me approaching and smiles broadly at me. “Hello, dearie.”
I’m surprised by her mood change since I’ve been gone, but I don’t let on. A large part of me is relieved she’s not calling me Bryn.
“Hello, Lachlan stopped by,” I respond to her and Torin, who’s studying me with a perplexed expression.
I toy with the medallion around my neck, and Gran’s face turns white as a ghost’s. She lurches out of her chair, her teacup sloshing tea as it smacks against the granite countertop.
“Where did you get that?” Each word is pronounced sharply as she points at my necklace. I flinch at her commanding tone. It’s a voice I’ve never heard from her before.
“Uhhh … Lachlan just gave it to me as a welcome-home present. He bought it from an antique shop,” I answer, shifting between my feet. The tension in the room is thick; Gran’s features haven’t softened, and her eyes bore into me like I have more to tell.
“Heirloom,” she whispers.
“Gran … is everything alright?”
Her mouth parts as if she’s going to reply, but she quickly shuts it.
“Did you say heirloom? Do you know where this came from?” I press, pulling the necklace higher so she can see it more clearly. She takes a small step back, and like a wave receding, the small amount of clarity in her eyes vanishes.
Her disgruntled expression slips away, leaving behind only a subdued, bland smile. “My dear,” she trills and pats my cheek as she walks past me and out of the kitchen.
Torin and I are left staring at each other for a moment.
“What was that?” I ask, trying to grapple with what transpired.
Torin shakes his head before grumbling and leaving the kitchen as well. The moment is set aside as I track down Gran. Then it’s a constant battle to keep her settled for the rest of the day.