A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Forty-Five

Beth had hardly slept. She’d lain awake all night thinking about Callum, the huge amount of heartache and grief he had suffered over the years. It seemed so unfair that his family had been rocked by two huge tragedies. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how difficult it was for him, losing his father, then his sister, then stepping in to raise Daisy. It made her admire him even more than she already did.

Her phone had been pinging with updates from Jim telling her that the road was now open which was earlier than expected. There was also another voicemail from Alessandro checking in. She had replied to let him know she was fine and was staying with a friend near Lamlash. He didn’t need to know any more details. It was none of his business. Beth knew that she should really get dressed and make her way back to Brodick. She smiled, looking at the cosy room that had become a haven to her. When she went through to tell Callum that she would make a move, he looked a bit deflated.

‘Yes, I heard it’s open again. I told Daisy I would be over to get her later and she sounded very disappointed. Apparently, life with Freya and Jim is much more attractive than living with your middle-aged uncle. Mind you, I can’t say I blame her,’ he said with a forlorn smile.

‘Yes, when you’re a teenager the grass is always greener.’ Beth nodded. ‘Everywhere is always better than where you live. I was exactly the same, Callum. Don’t take it personally. You’re great with her. She’ll be fine when you get her home and she’s settled.’

‘Let’s hope you’re right,’ he said. ‘Can I get you anything before you go?’

‘You have done more than enough,’ she said. ‘You looked after me, you’ve made me more cups of tea than anyone ever has. And you make a good slice of toast too. The soup wasn’t bad either.’

He laughed. ‘Next time, I will try something a bit more adventurous. Maybe make you a proper meal.’

Neither of them spoke — the silence began to feel charged. Beth felt her heart start to race as she thought about his words, the next time. He wanted to see her again. She took a breath. ‘I would like that.’

He didn’t reply, but levelled his eyes on hers.

‘Right,’ she wasn’t quite sure what to do, ‘I’ll head off. I hope Daisy is okay and . . . well, yes. Hopefully I will see you soon. That’s if I haven’t scared you off and you’ve had enough of me to last you a while.’ She looked around for her jacket, desperately willing herself to stop talking.

‘By the door, on the peg.’ He pointed outside to the hallway.

Beth nodded, walking to the back door where she pulled on her wellies and coat. It felt like days ago that she’d removed them. ‘It’s certainly a fresh start after the storm. Look at that beautiful blue sky.’ She peered out the door.

‘Blue but still fresh,’ he said.

‘At least it’s dry.’ She opened the car door and put her bag in the passenger seat. Turning round she was surprised to see Callum right behind her. She was about to say something else, when he leaned down and kissed her very gently on her lips.

She felt a tingling sensation at his mouth against hers. After years of disconnect, it reminded her of what else could perhaps follow.

But then he stepped back and smiled briefly at her. ‘Drive safely. And I will be in touch . . .’

‘Will do.’ She gave him a quizzical glance. She wondered if she should take the initiative and kiss him back. But she felt stuck and lost for words. What should she say? Let’s do this again sometime . About that date? Do you fancy a coffee soon? Come to mine for dinner? It all sounded so contrite.

Instead she managed to say, ‘Give Daisy my love, tell her I hope she feels much better and I’ll see her soon.’ Then she jumped into the car and started the engine. As she drove away, she glanced in her rearview mirror and could see him watching her. She could still feel the sensation of his mouths on hers, and for a moment she considered going back. Until she realised he had turned and walked back into the cottage.

* * *

For the rest of the day Beth was in a bit of a daze. She spent the afternoon catching up with a bit of work from the comfort of the flat. She spoke briefly to Jim, who insisted that she wasn’t to do anything. However, Beth had always found it really difficult to switch off from work, so she caught up with some emails in her inbox. Fortunately her journey home had been fine — much of the storm damage had been cleared up. There was no need to visit the shops as she had all the supplies she needed. When the rain started to fall again, she was glad she was in her own cosy space.

Feeling a bit lightheaded and not yet herself, she had dozed on the sofa only to be woken in the dark by the sound of the flat buzzer ringing. Her first thought was that it could be Callum. Jumping up, she stumbled over to the door to answer. ‘Hello.’

‘Beth, it’s me,’ said Alessandro.

Her stomach sank.

‘I wanted to check you are okay?’

‘I’m fine thanks.’

‘Can I come up?’

She groaned silently. ‘I’m not feeling great.’

There was a pause. ‘Just for a minute.’

She really wasn’t in the mood to make small talk with Alessandro, but she reminded herself that he was just being friendly, and it was kind of him to check in on her.

‘Okay.’ She pressed the button to let him in the building. Beth opened the flat door a few inches, and moments later he had bounded up the flight of stairs. He was dressed in black, with boots and an overcoat, and an overpowering layer of aftershave. The same one that Tim used to wear. The smell made her recoil.

‘Beth, I have been so worried,’ he said. ‘You haven’t been answering your phone. And then it started going straight to voicemail. I thought something had happened. Can I come in?’ He didn’t wait for an answer and pushed the door open for him to enter.

‘I was sleeping.’ She was still a bit bewildered as she followed him into the sitting room. Then she saw her phone sitting on the coffee table, picked it up and realised the battery was flat. ‘That’s why I wasn’t picking up. It’s out of charge.’ She felt awkward in her joggers and sweatshirt, and wished she hadn’t let him in. A voice in her head reminded her that she hadn’t let him in. He had pushed his way in. His eyes lingered on her as he continued to stand there, a bit too close for comfort.

‘Have you been okay?’ he asked. ‘You said you were staying with a friend?’ He raised an eyebrow.

‘I got stuck with the weather and didn’t feel well so, yes, stayed with my friend.’ This is none of your business , she wanted to yell.

‘I could have come to collect you. You just needed to call me,’ he said with a bit of an accusing tone. ‘Can I get you anything? You do look a bit pale.’

She shook her head. ‘No, thank you. I’m fine,’ she snapped, ‘I just need to rest and catch up with sleep.’ Then she felt guilty when she saw the look of hurt in his eyes.

‘But I can make you some tea or bring you some dinner?’

Beth couldn’t at that moment think of anything worse. She just wanted him out of her space. ‘It’s late and I know you mean well,’ she said firmly. ‘But I really am fine. I don’t need anything.’

‘Oh Beth.’ He took a step towards her, with a strange smile on his lips. She took a step back in surprise, and found herself backed into a corner of the sitting room. What the hell was he doing?