Page 23 of Refuge for Ailsa

“And how long does it take you to get home?”

“About forty-eight seconds.”

“Whaaa…”

Ailsa laughed. “I live on a houseboat at the marina!”

“Oh! Didn’t know that. I’d like to see it sometime.”

“Well, I hope so.”

He chuckled. “Walked right into that one, didn’t I?”

“You sure did. Nothing slow about you, I reckon. Say goodbye, Tavish.”

“Goodbye, Tavish.”

“Oh, funny guy, huh?”

“That’s me.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you Tuesday, if not sooner.” She hesitated for a second, then said, “Keep it frosty.”

“Holy shit, has everybody in this whole damn state watched that show?”

“Of course! It’s a Kentucky staple!”

Tavish was laughing. “G’night, beautiful. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Yep. Tomorrow. Night.” The phone went dead and Ailsa held it in her hands, staring at the screen.

TavishStewart. She wanted to know his middle name so she could say it over and over. His whole name…

So if she was mad at him, she’d know what to call him.

* * *

Try as she might,she couldn’t help herself. At eight thirty that morning, she sent him a text.

Hope you have a good day.

She didn’t really think she’d hear from him. And then, she did.

You too, beautiful! I’ll be thinking about you all day.

Ailsa’s heart skipped a beat when she read those words. The whole thing seemed like a dream?except her nipples were still throbbing, so it was obviously real.

The day dragged. It was like time had stopped, and she didn’t think Tuesday would ever get there. It was a little after four when the bell sounded on the door and she called out, “Be there in just a second.”

A deep voice called back, “I’m looking for the sexy red-headed owner of this place.”

Ailsa bolted for the door, grinning. “Thank god there’s nobody else in here!” she chirped as she took in the sight of him standing there in his uniform. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to see you! Aren’t you glad to see me?” he asked, pretend-frowning.

“Well, yes. Of course I am. Can I interest you in some lures, or some bait, or taking me up against the wall behind the office door?” she asked with a wicked grin.

“Oh, you’re lure enough, woman,” Tavish said with a smile, then leaned over the counter and gave her a peck on the lips. Ailsa thought she’d die of happiness. “I’ve got to go to the other side of the lake over to Blythe’sMarina and thought I’d just stop and say hello.”