Page 40 of A Summer House on Arran (Scottish Romances #3)

Kitty answered the door as soon as she heard the first knock. Logan stood on the doorstep, holding a plastic bag that was dripping.

‘Come inside,’ she said, ushering him in. ‘It’s awful out there.’

‘Not exactly a pleasant summer’s evening, is it?’ He pulled off his coat.

The weather had got increasingly worse as the day had gone on, and she had wondered if Logan may end up cancelling.

Logan reached down to kiss her on the cheek, which sent a tingle through her. She met his gaze and held it, smiling shyly. Then she gave herself a shake. ‘Here,’ she said, reaching for his jacket and hanging it on a peg by the front door.

‘I did think about wearing a wetsuit here,’ he confessed. ‘Can you believe I brought my car, and this is just from the dash to your front door.’

As it was, Kitty went to fetch him a towel so he could dry his hair. It also gave herself a moment to calm her breathing and get rid of the mental picture she now had of him unzipping his wetsuit.

‘Thanks,’ said Logan, after rubbing his hair dry. ‘That feels much better.’ He glanced out the window at the biblical rain bouncing off the grass. He reached into the plastic bag he was holding and pulled out a bunch of roses and some wine.

‘Aw, thank you,’ said Kitty. ‘That’s really kind of you.

’ They were now standing very close together.

She could feel her heart starting to race again.

Just then Olivia appeared in the hallway and winked at her, making sure that Logan didn’t notice.

Kitty narrowed her eyes and glared at her.

She was so relieved that she’d managed to talk Olivia into staying ― but she’d better behave!

‘Hi, Olivia,’ said Logan. ‘How’s things?’

‘Good, thanks. I’m just on my way out. Better take my canoe,’ she joked.

‘Are you really going out?’ asked Kitty, panicked.

‘Maybe . . .’ Olivia grinned back.

‘Olivia,’ said Kitty, as firmly as she could. ‘You did say that you wanted to be useful, so how about you put these in a vase for me and fix Logan a drink.’ She turned back to Logan. ‘Come on through. Welcome to our humble abode.’

‘This is such a great place,’ he said as he followed them through to the open-plan living space. ‘No wonder you two were happy to give house sharing a go.’

‘Would you like the full tour?’ offered Kitty.

‘Sure,’ he said.

‘Beer or wine, Logan?’ asked Olivia.

‘A beer would be great, thanks.’

She quickly pulled a bottle from the fridge, pulled the top off and handed it to Logan, who then followed Kitty.

‘This is the spare room,’ she said, ‘which you can see we’ve managed to keep in show home condition.’

‘Impressive,’ said Logan. ‘I see what you mean. It’s pristine. Almost makes you frightened to go through the door in case you knock a carpet fibre out of place.’

Kitty could feel him standing right behind her — she longed to sink back into his chest. ‘Olivia’s room is through here. Brace yourself,’ said Kitty as she opened the door. An array of multi-coloured bras and tops were strewn across the floor.

‘Reminds me of a teenage girl’s bedroom,’ he said.

‘I heard that,’ yelled Olivia.

‘Oops,’ said Logan loudly.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll take that as a compliment,’ she replied.

‘And my room,’ she said, opening the door, glad she had thought to leave it in a semi-tidy state. The bed was made, and she had put away any clothes that had been lying around.

‘It’s such a great find,’ said Logan, glancing around her room and then resting his gaze on her face. He put a tentative hand on her shoulder and leaned down to her ear. ‘I just wanted to say how good it is to see you. I can’t say it in front of Olivia, as I have a feeling she’ll take the piss.’

Kitty giggled, a warm glow spreading over her. She was so relieved that there was no tension between them, having been apart, and they were just able to pick things up again from where they left off. ‘I’m guessing the rain meant you didn’t do your tour today,’ she said.

He nodded and took a sip of beer. ‘Yes. Normally we don’t let a bit of rain affect the walks, but it’s been so torrential that those who had signed up were quite happy when I called them to advise it was being cancelled.

It wouldn’t have been safe to take them out.

At least they’re experiencing the full variety of the Scottish climate. ’

Kitty could hear Olivia bashing about in the kitchen. ‘Come on, I hope you’re hungry,’ she said.

‘Extremely.’ A smile played on his lips. ‘It smells great.’

‘Well, it should,’ said Olivia. ‘I mean, I’ve been working all day in this kitchen.’

‘Ignore her,’ said Kitty. ‘She’s a great actor as well as a great dancer. But she’s definitely not a great cook.’

‘That’s true. And yes, Kitty has been working away, perfecting this recipe.’

‘I just made a chilli, nothing fancy,’ she said, flushing.

‘That sounds great,’ said Logan.

Olivia poured her and Kitty a glass of wine, reassuring Kitty and Logan that she would just be having the one and would not be doing a repeat performance of the night in the pub. ‘I really am sorry. I’m mortified. I don’t usually drink that much.’

Logan nodded his head sympathetically. ‘No need to apologise, Olivia. It’s okay. We’ve all been there.’

As the three of them chatted, Kitty realised how at ease she felt with both Logan and Olivia.

There was no weird three-wheeler dynamic, and it very much did feel like three friends hanging out.

Though the way Logan kept glancing at her, catching her eyes, was a reminder that there was potential for them to be much more than friends.

‘Right, guys, I’m off to hit the sack. I need an early night if I’m to be on top form for the kids tomorrow,’ Olivia said.

‘Don’t you want some food, though?’ asked Kitty.

‘I’m all good, thanks. I feel like I’ve been eating all day. I’ll leave you to it. Nice seeing you, Logan.’ She ruffled his hair affectionately as she passed him.

‘Goodnight, Olivia,’ said Kitty fondly, watching her friend disappear into her room.

‘That’s exactly what my sisters used to do to me,’ he said. ‘In fact, they still do.’

‘Yip. Annoying, isn’t it? My brother was the same, and it was usually when I’d just brushed my hair.’

They both sat for a moment in silence, then Kitty jumped up from the table. ‘The food! You must be starving. Give me a minute, it’s all keeping warm in the oven.’

‘Let me help,’ said Logan, standing up and walking over.

‘Just take these over to the table. The rest is all sorted,’ she said, handing him two bowls. Kitty placed a bowl of rice on the table and the casserole dish with chilli and told Logan to help himself. As they ate, she asked Logan about the places he had visited with work.

‘Every day is different,’ he said. Taking a forkful of chilli, he chewed thoughtfully for a moment. ‘This is really delicious,’ he said.

Kitty blushed. ‘Thank you. It’s one of my go-to recipes. Do you cook much?’

Logan shook his head. ‘When I’m working away it depends where I’m staying and, even then, it tends to be pretty functional cooking.

But when I’m back home for a while then it’s something I enjoy.

’ He smiled at her. ‘I’m not sure James’s flat really lends itself to a dinner party.

But I may surprise you,’ he said with a smile.

Kitty placed her cutlery on her bowl and pushed it away. ‘Do you ever get tired of living from a bag?’ She wanted to reach out and touch him. Telling herself that would be weird, she placed her hands firmly around the stem of her glass.

‘Not really . . . though lately it’s been bothering me more.’ He stared at her intently.

Kitty felt her cheeks flush and she wondered what would happen next. But then Logan stood up and stretched. Surely he wasn’t going to go already.

He must have realised she was looking at him quizzically, because he leaned towards her and tucked a curl behind her ear. ‘That was delicious,’ he said. ‘And now I’m just going to do the washing up.’

Kitty helped him clear away the dishes and they chatted as he washed. She dried and put them away. ‘This is what I call living life on the edge,’ she joked, noticing the amusement dancing in his eyes.

It was then that she noticed just how long and dark his lashes were and she quickly dropped her gaze.

She was highly aware that if she lifted her eyes to meet his then they would undoubtedly kiss.

The very thought gave her goosebumps. Logan reached his hand out and gently tipped her chin up, his eyes seeking hers.

He looked at her for what felt like a very long moment.

‘I can’t think of anything more exciting than being here with you,’ he said, his voice husky.

Kitty continued to stare at him, then took a step forward and tentatively leaned up to kiss him. He pulled her close and kissed her back.