Page 38 of A Summer of Secrets on Arran (Scottish Romances #5)

Bella hadn’t yet made it inside the distillery but had admired it from the outside every time she had passed.

It was a stunning building which seemed to blend in with the surroundings.

It was right on the beach and had floor-to-ceiling windows, with amazing views across the water.

Becky, from work, had mentioned that her Aunt Emma had married there two years ago.

Now, as she approached it, the sky was streaked with pink and she could understand why it was such a romantic spot.

She waved at Ben who was leaning against one of the benches outside. He was dressed in navy blue shorts and a pale blue polo shirt with the emblem of the distillery etched on the front pocket in gold thread. When he looked up, a grin spread across his face.

‘Look at this,’ she said, gesturing at the building. ‘It’s really impressive.’

‘Have you not been in yet?’

She shook her head. ‘Nope. Not yet. But now you’re here, I will make it a priority to pop in sometime for a coffee. I’d like to have a proper look inside.’

He raked his hand through his hair and stood up straight. ‘I can show you now if you want?’

‘Nah. It’s your break. Leave it till another time. How long have you got?’ She was very aware of the fluttering of nerves that were gathering in her stomach, thanks to being in such close proximity. There was something about the uniform that seemed to make him even more handsome than ever.

‘I’ve got half an hour. We could walk for a bit, if you want?’

Bella shrugged. ‘Yes, that’s fine with me.’

She had pulled on her jeans, trainers and a white vest top and her hair hung in wavy tresses over her shoulders. Now, she was wishing she’d made more of an effort. They started to wander along the promenade, listening to the squawking gulls.

‘What’s the news, then?’

Bella exhaled loudly. ‘I know we don’t have long so I’ll need to give you the soundbite version. I found out who my father is, when I was in Kildonan.’

Ben raised an eyebrow expectantly. ‘And?’

She shook her head, wondering where to even begin.

‘It’s okay, you don’t need to tell me.’ His voice was gentle.

Her throat thickened. ‘It’s okay. I want to.’ She paused. ‘My dad is Ash.’

He stopped in his tracks and spun round to look at her. ‘No way.’

‘I know. It was a shock to me too.’ Bella turned to face him and frowned. Then she gestured for them to start walking again and explained what had happened and told him why their mums and Ash had kept it a secret all these years.

Ben listened intently as she talked, then finally exhaled loudly through his mouth. ‘Seems crazy to think how different things were back then for Ash.’

‘Yes, I felt so sad for him, when he explained it all.’

‘How do you feel now?’ Ben asked, his voice smooth and soothing.

‘Okay. I mean, he’s always been in my life, if you think about it. I’m actually glad it’s him and not some random bloke that we haven’t had any connection with.’

‘Oh, Bella, that is a lot to hear. But I’m glad you’re okay about it. And is he?’

She smiled. ‘Yes. In fact, before I forget, he’s invited you to dinner with us tomorrow. We’re meeting at the pizza place.’

He tutted. ‘I’m working but let me see if I can change my shift.

’ He pulled a face. ‘It’s just so busy and I have only just started.

I’ll try. If not, tell him he needs to come and say goodbye.

He came in earlier with Mum and he hasn’t changed a bit.

Still the same old crazy Ash.’ He laughed and then looked at his watch.

‘Damn. I’m sorry, but I’d better head back. ’

‘Sure,’ she said. ‘I’ll walk back with you. It’s nice just to be able to finally tell you.’ A wave of relief almost overcame her as she managed to say, ‘Thanks for listening.’

He slung his arm around her shoulder. ‘You don’t need to thank me. We’re friends. You can tell me anything.’

She was momentarily deflated when he referred to them as being friends but then huddled into him, grateful that he was there, and they walked quietly back towards the distillery.

Too soon they arrived and Bella didn’t want to let go of him, especially as she felt the warmth of his arm across her bare shoulders.

He untangled his arm and his eyes were full of compassion as he looked at her. ‘I’m glad you know the truth and it’s Ash.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Let’s face it, he’s a much better man than my dad.’

Bella reached over and patted his arm. ‘I know. I’m sorry.

’ She wanted to tell him the rest of the story, about ambushing Luke and spiriting him across to Arran, thinking he was her dad.

However, she would leave that for another time and another day.

That might be better for when Rosie was ready to share her part of the story.

Ben leant down and kissed her on the cheek, lingering a second longer than a friendly kiss. ‘Sorry, I’d better run. I’ll message you later.’

‘Bye, Ben.’ She watched him jog back into the building and then turned to walk away, feeling the imprint of his lips on her cheek.

She could scarcely believe that she was missing him already.

She also felt slightly confused. Friends tended to just give each other a peck on the cheek, and that was definitely more than just a peck.