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

it?”
    “Aye, love. As for hiring someone, I have time, and I’d be happy to do it. Most days, I’m done with work by mid-afternoon, and it’d keep me busy while I figure out what to do with my remaining projects.” They paused their conversation for a moment as Lara slid their food onto the table. “So what needs doing? Tell me yer plans, love.”
    “I’ll do even better-let’s eat and then we’ll head over and I’ll show you.”
     

Chapter Seven
     
    “Given the size of the check I wrote out, the owners were happy to give me the keys despite the papers still waiting for the final steps in processing.” Rowan hadn’t really touched the money in her secret bank account until now, and though it was a relatively large purchase, she thought it would be a good investment.
    She unlocked the door with a jiggle of the key, and then pushed it open, excitement bubbling within her. The space was wide and open, with good light and plenty of windows. A fresh coat of cream paint-or taupe-would keep the walls neutral so as not to compete with the artwork. 
    There was a long wooden bar running parallel to the far wall, and though she had every intention of making use of the professional espresso machine, she’d likely get rid of the bar-or better yet, convert it to a display for small items, by adding glass to the front and shelving within. Track and spot lighting would have to be added to help showcase the works, and then maybe the back area could be converted to a studio.
    “So… what do you think?” She looked over at Angus, hoping he’d like it as much as she did. It had been a rather impulsive buy, but it felt right and it was a lifelong dream.
    “With a bit of work, I think it’ll be grand.” He stepped away from her side, wandering about while taking it in. She could see the ideas churning in his head. “Some lights along the ceiling.”
    “And some spot lights strategically placed from below.”
    “Aye. Something plain on the walls.”
    “So it won’t compete with the artwork.” She smiled. He was having the same thoughts she was.
    “A desk in the corner so you can work when it gets slow.”
    “And a studio out the back. Maybe hold classes in the evenings. A ‘bring a friend, a bit of wine and learn to paint’ sort of thing. Might even get a few potter’s wheels and a kiln.”
    He looked at her, surprise registering on her face. “Do ye also do pottery then?”
    “Actually, it’s my first love, though I’ve experimented with just about every medium. Started working on the wheel when I was in high school and continued it in college, though it was impossible to keep up once I started travelling. Photography became a good alternative since it’s far more portable. But now? Why not? I’ve got the space in the back and I could also give lessons, not to mention it’d be one more thing to sell in the gallery.”
    “Well, ye have yer first student then. I’ve always wanted to learn. It could be our little barter-I’ll help ye with everything but the electrical, and in turn, ye can teach me how to make pottery.”
    He gave her a genuine smile, but she had to wonder… “It’s not because you saw the movie Ghost , is it?”
    His eyebrows perked up in question, his face bland. “I wouldn’t know what ye’re talking about, my dear.”
    ***
    Rowan put on one outfit after another, not quite sure what to wear to dinner, her nerves getting more frayed with each clothing change. Not only was she meeting Angus’s family for the first time, but she’d also be meeting her mother’s best friend-and maybe, just maybe, she’d get enough answers to start the search for her father.
    Would jeans be too casual if paired with a pretty sweater and heels? Maybe. A dress? She didn’t have a whole lot, since she’d been forced to cull most of her wardrobe before moving. Not to mention it was pretty damn cold out. 
    Ah! She pulled out a finely knit sweater-dress with a scooped cowl neck in a pretty smoke