A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Thirteen

Later that night, Beth walked along the promenade and followed the road that swept round to the hotel. The weather was settled and still. The sea was calm. She crossed the road to look out over the water towards the twinkling lights of the mainland. There was something quite reassuring about the stretch of dark water that separated her in this new life from the rest of the world. Although she wasn’t quite sure she would ever get used to the cooler temperatures in Scotland. Shivering, she pulled her hat down over her ears and turned to make her way back to the cabin. As she reached the driveway, she looked at the welcoming fairy lights in the window of the restaurant, the guests cosy inside and enjoying dinner. For a moment she stood watching and breathing in the cool, night air. Going to fancy restaurants for dinner, or meeting friends in bars for drinks, was such a big part of her life for so long that she took it for granted. She’d been completely unaware of the people on the other side of the window — those outside and looking in, like she was now. Eventually she turned her attention to the lit pathway that took her to the cabin. As she walked, she looked up at the stars in the dark sky. It was so peaceful tonight without the wind howling and no revving engines or blaring sirens like there would have been in Deptford.

Two years ago she and Tim had spent a couple of nights on a stargazing break in Northumberland. During the day they had visited the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall and the tree at the Sycamore Gap. She still couldn’t believe that someone had hacked it down. At night an astronomer gave them a laser-guided tour of the constellations, and she remembered her excitement when she realised she could see the Milky Way arching its way across the sky. Beth wasn’t quite sure that she could remember all of the planets and galaxies, but as she stood now peering up at the dark sky, she could see clusters of stars. It was another romantic spot just like Northumberland had been, which wasn’t lost on her, but she felt quite empowered to be standing here at this moment and even more so that she was alone. Beth realised she had almost forgotten what that kind of confidence felt like. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt content and comfortable enough to just be like this. For a few moments she stood enjoying the glittering vast sky and felt very at peace. Until she heard the sound of footsteps crunching on the path behind her. She turned to see who was coming.

‘I see you are enjoying the lovely evening and beautiful sky.’ Alessandro walked confidently towards her with a huge silver platter. His smile lit up his face and his gaze lingered on her.

‘I can’t believe how clear it is. Isn’t it amazing? Though it’s starting to feel quite raw.’ She shivered. ‘I’d better get inside and warm up.’

She began walking, and he accompanied her in a comfortable silence. ‘I’m not sure if Jim mentioned,’ she said, ‘the flat will be ready for me tomorrow so I’ll move my stuff out then.’

His face fell. ‘Yes, we will be sorry to lose you.’

Beth wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. ‘Uh, well, it has been lovely staying here. Thank you for making the space and for looking after me so well.’

‘It has been my pleasure. Don’t be a stranger.’

She gestured at the platter. ‘I’d better let you deliver that, otherwise it will get cold.’

He laughed. ‘Ciao for now.’

‘Bye Alessandro.’

‘Maybe we could get a drink sometime?’ he asked over his shoulder as he walked away.

She froze for a moment, telling herself not to jump to conclusions as he was just being friendly. ‘Erm, maybe. Goodnight.’

She let herself into the cabin and closed the door firmly behind her. Her cheeks were flushed and she couldn’t work out why she was so flustered. Then she realised that, for the first time in a long time, she’d actually felt seen. So much for feeling empowered. He was the first man who had paid her any attention for a long time and she’d turned into a bag of nerves. She gave herself a shake and reminded herself she didn’t need anyone else’s approval or attention. She was managing fine as she was.