A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Eight

Alessandro took Beth’s bag from her. She followed as he led her down the path to the side of the building and the grounds at the back. It tapered off into a gravel walkway that was lined with shrubs and small lanterns, which were already glowing thanks to the lack of sunlight. As they followed the turn in the path through a small, wooded area, Beth gasped when it opened out to a grassy patch with three small log cabins. Each had a covered seating area at the front with a bench and small table.

‘Wow,’ she said. ‘These are amazing.’

He nodded in approval. ‘Yes, we have been very pleased with them. We had them built just before lockdown happened and they’ve been extremely popular with our guests. Especially when everyone was having a staycation these past few years.’

Beth gazed around and tried to recall what this part of the hotel used to be. She remembered that the hotel did have vast grounds, but she didn’t appreciate just how much land it backed onto. When she worked here, this must have all been left to grow wild. Alessandro continued to the furthest cabin in the corner, which had a covered porch area, sheltering them from the rain. He gave the umbrella a shake and popped it down, placing it in the handy holder that sat right outside the door.

‘You’ve really thought of everything,’ said Beth admiringly.

‘We like to make things as easy as possible for our guests. Nobody wants to take their wet umbrellas into the cabins and spoil the ambience with big wet puddles.’ Alessandro slotted the keys in the lock and swung the door open. ‘Here you are. Home for a few days. The larger cabins are booked out so I hope you don’t mind this smaller one, which is more of a studio.’ He placed her bag down by the door, pointing out where the heating switch was. He swivelled the dial round. ‘I will increase the temperature now for you so it’s toasty when you get back from lunch.’

It took a moment or two for Beth to absorb her surroundings — she didn’t say anything. It was so far removed from what her life had become in London. For a moment she felt overcome with gratitude and joy. ‘Crikey,’ she said in awe. ‘It is amazing.’

Alessandro looked at her curiously. ‘Through here is the shower room.’ He beckoned her through, pointing at the luxurious walk-in shower that had a huge round head. ‘It should all just work with the flick of a switch, like so.’

Beth watched as he turned the water on and off. Then she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her brown shoulder-length hair looked wild and unkempt. As her eyes connected with his as he looked at her, she felt her cheeks flush. It felt weirdly intimate to be in this tiny space with a man she had only just met. As she backed out into the main living area, she caught a whiff of his citrus aftershave, which smelt very familiar yet disconcertingly also filled her with dread. She tried to distract herself by quickly raking her fingers through her hair — hoping to tidy it up a bit — and looking around the studio. It was bright, spacious and open-plan, with a compact kitchen, a huge comfy sofa bed and a flat screen TV. It felt stylish yet homely, and she knew she would enjoy relaxing here the next few evenings, especially when it was so dark outside. Everything was decorated in a neutral colour, which helped to create a relaxing and tranquil feel.

‘I do hope you will be very comfortable, Beth. I have taken the liberty of putting a few essentials in the fridge to keep you going as you won’t want to be outside in this weather. But anything you need just let me know.’ Alessandro smiled, showing his very white teeth. ‘My number is here so do feel free to call me anytime .’

Beth wondered if he had overly lingered on the word “anytime” or whether she was just imagining it and she had to fight to suppress a sudden giggle. What was wrong with her?

He dropped his card on the coffee table and turned up the collar of his jacket. ‘I will let you freshen up before you meet Jim in the bar.’

‘Thank you,’ she said gratefully, wondering what his story was and what had brought him to Arran. ‘I really appreciate this. You are very kind.’ Suddenly she wanted to know more. ‘Have you worked here long?’

‘A couple of years,’ he said. ‘Though on days like this it feels about a hundred years.’ Alessandro laughed. ‘I hope you’ve brought your boots and a big rain jacket.’

‘I have come prepared,’ she said. ‘But I think I will just come across to the hotel with you now, so I can shelter under your brolly.’

‘Of course. This will be a big change from London?’ he asked curiously.

‘Yes. But I was ready for something different . . .’

He raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t ask any more questions. Beth assumed that he understood she wasn’t ready to share any more information quite yet.

She pulled up her hood. ‘Okay. Shall we? I am ready for an adventure.’

He laughed. ‘That’s what I like to hear.’