Page 49 of A Summer of Secrets on Arran (Scottish Romances #5)

Luke was up early the next morning and went for a run.

Now he had been back to London he had returned a little more prepared than he had been when he had first arrived in Kildonan.

It looked set to be another beautiful day and he couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the sea which was shimmering with the rays of the sun.

He had messaged Rosie last night to apologise for the surprise visit.

He hoped that he hadn’t made things awkward for her and her son.

When he got back to Beach Cottage, he briefly glanced to Creel Cottage but there was no sign of life, although Rosie’s car was still there.

He knew he would have to wait for her to get in touch with him when she wanted to.

She had sent him a quick text last night telling him Ben was staying over.

He had a quick shower and had just pulled on a fresh t-shirt and pair of jeans when he heard the doorbell.

His heart skipped a beat. He hoped it would be Rosie.

Luke opened the door. ‘Oh hello,’ he said, his face lighting up when he saw Rosie standing there.

‘I am so happy to see you but so sorry for putting my foot in it yesterday.’ He groaned.

‘Good morning,’ she said, grinning. ‘I hope I’ve not woken you up but I thought you may like some scones. Fresh out the oven.’

‘Fresh scones? Rosie, you are too good to be true.’ She was wearing a floaty pink sundress and biting her bottom lip. ‘That is so kind. Do you have time to come in? I could make you a coffee?’

Rosie glanced up and nodded. ‘I would love that.’

It was warm in Luke’s cottage and they walked to the kitchen where she put the scones on the worktop.

’About yesterday and my bad timing,’ said Luke. ‘Is everything okay with Ben?’

Rosie reached up and kissed him fully on the lips. ‘Yes. I was just about to tell him about you when you arrived. It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind these past few days.’

Luke reached over and brushed the hair from her eyes. ‘In that case, I think we should talk,’ he murmured, before kissing her back. ‘Grab a seat and I’ll make the coffee,’ he said, reaching for a blue dish of butter on the counter. ‘I’ll let you sort the scones.’

‘That’s a deal,’ she said.

Luke poured the coffee into two pottery mugs. ‘Shall we go outside?’

Rosie followed him out onto the decking. ‘Tell me how Linda was and how was London?’ she said, taking a sip of coffee.

‘She was much better than expected,’ said Luke. ‘In fact, she told me to get myself back to Arran as soon as possible to get the book finished. She also said she hadn’t seen me looking so relaxed and happy for yonks.’

Rosie smiled shyly at him and he pulled his chair closer to her.

He yawned again and clamped a hand over his mouth.

‘Sorry. Being back in London has obviously sucked the energy from me. It was a bit of a culture shock. Anyway, how are you doing?’ he asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

‘Is everything okay with Ben? What brought him back?’

Rosie gave a small laugh. ‘Mm, not sure where to even start. It has been quite the week since you left.’

He smiled lazily as he realised he could sit and listen to Rosie talk for ever. ‘What’s been happening?’

‘Well, Ben came to tell me some news.’

Luke leant towards her his face etched with concern. ‘And is everything okay?’

‘Sorry, Luke,’ she said dismissively. ‘I feel bad as I was only meaning to drop the scones off. I didn’t mean to come over and offload like this.’

‘Not at all,’ he said, taking a sip of coffee. ‘I’m glad you’re telling me Rosie. That’s what I’m here for. Is everything alright with Ben?’

‘Yes, bless him. He came to tell me the news that his dad’s new woman is pregnant. My ex was supposed to tell me but, of course, didn’t and poor Ben has had to do his dirty work. I think Ben thought I would be devastated. That’s why he wanted to come home to see me.’

Luke clattered down his cup on the table. ‘Wow. That would have been a bit of a shock.’ He looked at her for a moment. ‘Yet you don’t look devastated,’ said Luke gently. ‘You look great. In fact, you look beautiful.’

She raised an eyebrow. ‘Maybe I’m in denial.

But I actually feel fine,’ she said, catching her breath.

‘Honestly, I just think good luck to them. I don’t think he will know what has hit him when he’s up in the night and having to change nappies .

. . he did none of that when Ben was a baby.

So I think he’s in for a rude awakening. ’

Luke chuckled. ‘Still, it would have been nice if he had told you himself. But it sounds like you have moved on emotionally. It’s not like you’re hanging out for him to come back?’

‘Not at all,’ she said firmly. ‘This summer has been good for me. It’s helped me move on and that’s all down to my friends.’ She shrugged. ‘Which includes you, Luke. Thank you.’ She leaned across and kissed him. ‘It’s been nice having you here for the summer. Despite the circumstances . . .’

‘I’ve enjoyed it too,’ said Luke with an honest shrug. ‘And thanks to you I have my book well and truly underway. And it’s been good having some space from London. It’s given me some perspective, too, about my marriage.’ He paused. ‘I called my brother on the drive up here.’

‘You did?’ said Rosie.

‘Yes. It cleared the air. I decided if he and my ex are happy then that’s all that matters and you have reminded me that I deserve to move on too.’

‘Well,’ said Rosie, reaching over to clink her coffee mug against Luke’s. ‘Here’s to moving on from our exes.’

‘Cheers,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘I really did . . . ’ his voice faltered and he groaned. ‘Sorry Rosie, I’m not so good at this. But I did really miss you when I was away.’

‘You did?’ she whispered.

Luke gazed at her. ‘Yes.’

‘Me too,’ she said softly. ‘I missed you too.’

‘I know Ben is back and he should be your priority . . . but I hope we can pick up from where we left off? That’s if you have some time?’

Rosie gave him a seductive look. ‘I’m sure we’ll be able to figure something out.

I have a feeling Ben will have other plans while he is here rather than just hanging out with me.

’ She glanced at her watch and quickly drained the rest of her coffee.

‘Speaking of which I will have to run. I said I would give him a lift round to Brodick. I won’t be long though,’ she said and gave him a wink.

He jumped to his feet. ‘Thanks for bringing the scones over. Which were delicious by the way. Another one from your mum’s recipe book?’

She nodded. ‘You remembered about the recipe book? Very smooth,’ she said teasingly. ‘Let’s catch up again soon. Maybe you could come over for dinner?’

He walked her to the door and kissed her on the cheek. ‘I’d love that,’ he said.

‘How about tonight?’

He answered by gathering her in his arms and kissing her. Then when he waved her off, he walked back into the cottage grinning from ear to ear.