Read Online A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two by Cali MacKay - Free Book Online

recent purchase and make it up to ye for speaking out of turn.”
    He could see her debating whether or not to be angry with him. She then gave him a sideways grin, her red hair catching in the wind coming off the sea. “You’re just lucky you’re cute, and I know no one else in town.”
    “Aye, a good thing indeed.” He tried to lighten the mood. “And a good thing I’m the one buying ye dinner. People might start to talk if you’re always the one paying my way.”
    “And what exactly would they be saying?” She narrowed her eyes in question, a smile quirking at her lips.
    “Nothing much at all-except that ye might have yerself a handsome and dashing boy toy.” He could barely keep a straight face, and it felt good to push his worries aside, even if it was just for a moment.
    The tension melted between them as she barked out a laugh. “You’re lucky I have a sense of humor and I don’t tend to hold onto my anger. Not that you don’t have a right to your opinion… it’s just that I want you to be happy for me.”
    “Och, love. I am.” He shifted himself off the car and stood, stuffing his hands in his jean pockets to keep from reaching out to take her hand. “So, where would ye like to go?”
    “The pub’s fine.” She slipped her hand around his arm and beamed a smile up at him as they wandered down the road. “I can tell you all about my plans for the gallery.”
    “I’d love to hear them.” He looked down at her, his heart racing to have her at his side, despite his mother’s warning niggling at the back of his thoughts, keeping him from fully enjoying his time with her.
    They grabbed a booth by a window, the pub nowhere near as busy as it had been the last time they were there. It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. The only ones there were those nursing a pint and the ones who never left except at closing.
    Lara came to take their order. “Back so soon? Must be my lucky day.”
    Angus ignored her sarcastic glare. “How someone hasn’t snapped ye up for his own astonishes me on a daily basis, my dear.”
    “Ye’ve always been cheeky.” Lara playfully slapped his arm and then turned to Rowan. “So ye really are staying? Here of all places? Why is beyond me.”
    “As a matter of fact, I just bought the shop a few doors down.” Rowan beamed at her.
    “Lovely. My day just keeps getting better.” She tilted her head towards the menus. “Do ye know what ye want then?”
    They placed their order. Once Lara was gone, he leaned forward. “She’s really not that bad once ye get used to her.”
    “I’m sure that’d be the case if I weren’t here with you. But she’s seen us together twice, and though we’re nothing more than friends, she doesn’t see it that way because you’re her ex.” She shrugged her shoulders, a knowing smile on her lips. “It’s just how women work.”
    He ignored how much it bothered him that she still didn’t think of him as anything more than a friend. “So tell me about the shop. Ye said it was just a few doors down from here? The internet café?”
    “That’s the one.” Her smile had him forgetting about his worries. “Don’t suppose you know of any good contractors?”
    “Och, I can probably help ye with most of yer projects. What did ye have in mind?” It’d be a good way to keep an eye on her. Between the locals taking their sweet time to warm up to her, Rowan’s impulsive side, and trying to keep her from finding her father, it’d be a miracle if they managed to avoid trouble.
    “Angus… I don’t mind hiring someone. You’re busy with your own stuff and besides, I know you aren’t too happy about my purchase.”
    “Listen, love… I’m happy to help, and truth is, I’m glad ye bought the place. It just caught me off guard is all.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. He knew that by making such a purchase, she’d be less likely to pack her bags and leave-and for that he was grateful.
    “Are you sure that’s