A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Forty-Six

Beth could have cried with relief when the entrance buzzer suddenly rang again. She pushed past Alessandro and ran into the hallway, snatching up the phone.

‘Hello?’ She tried to remain calm, even though her mind was in turmoil.

‘Beth, it’s me, Kirsty. I was passing and saw your light was on.’

‘Come on up.’ She willed Kirsty to hurry, opening the door for her. She sensed Alessandro lingering in the door of the sitting room, and she turned round to face him. ‘I think it’s time you left, Alessandro,’ she said sharply. ‘I’m not sure why you think I would be interested in you. I have made it more than clear that I don’t like you in that way.’

‘I’m just going,’ he said smoothly. ‘I obviously misread the situation.’

‘No shit,’ said Beth, her voice clipped. His expression was now blank. Beth felt herself wondering if she’d imagined what had just happened.

‘Oh.’ Kirsty had reached the top of the stairs and hovered by the doorway. ‘Alessandro, what a surprise.’ Her tone was curt, and Beth knew she was looking at her, wondering why he was there.

‘He’s just leaving.’ Beth hoped Kirsty would pick up on the edge to her voice.

‘Goodbye ladies. See you around.’ He pulled his hat down over his ears. ‘Call me anytime Beth,’ he called over his shoulder.

She didn’t reply, instead ushering Kirsty into the flat and closing the door, making sure it was locked behind her.

‘Come on in,’ she said.

Kirsty kicked off her shoes, then followed Beth through and sat on the sofa next to her. Kirsty’s eyes were wide and she was clearly taken aback by his presence. ‘What on earth was he doing here? Please tell me there’s nothing going on with him?’

Beth shook her head and grimaced. The scent of his aftershave still lingered in the air. ‘Absolutely not. He’s tried to take me under his wing, so to speak, since I arrived, and clearly wants more. But I’m not interested, and he’s clearly not used to getting knocked back. I had to make that very clear tonight. Just because I’ve been for a drink with him doesn’t mean I’m into him, does it?’

‘No.’ Kirsty pursed her lips. ‘He is, to put it politely, a complete and utter arse. He was the last person I expected to find here.’

‘I didn’t invite him round. He was just chancing it,’ said Beth. ‘I know him as he’s friends with my boss and they play golf together.’

‘Of course they do,’ Kirsty said in disdain. ‘I’m surprised Jim didn’t warn you about him. He’s a total womaniser, and very good at turning the charm on when suits. Just watch yourself Beth.’ Kirsty sighed in exasperation, pulling off her hat. ‘Gosh it’s warm in here when you come in from the cold. Look, I was passing and saw the light on in your flat and wanted to check you were okay after the storm. I sent you a text earlier.’

‘My phone’s out of charge,’ said Beth. She also thought about what Kirsty had just said. Her words about Alessandro had shocked her, but made sense, and she was now wondering whether Jim warned her about him? Maybe he had, but she hadn’t really noticed or listened or thought she needed to worry. She could feel tears of frustration welling in her eyes.

‘Are you okay?’ asked Kirsty.

‘Yes. I am. Just knackered, and glad you arrived when you did.’ She couldn’t tell Kirsty the real reason she wanted to cry.

Kirsty smiled kindly at her. ‘If you ever want to talk Beth, please know you can trust me.’

‘Thanks,’ said Beth quickly, keen to move the conversation away from her. ‘I appreciate it. Anyway, how are you? Was everything okay at your cottage with the storm?’

‘Fortunately, yes, we were lucky. We had a couple of trees taken down in the autumn thanks to Tom and his forestry expertise. Otherwise it could have been disastrous. I’d always worried they were a bit too close to the cottage, and Tom advised us to have them chopped down. I’m feeling very grateful for having a son who is so into trees.’ She laughed.

‘Yes, that sounds like it could have been a nightmare,’ agreed Beth. ‘I’m so sorry I haven’t even offered you a cup of tea or a drink.’

Kirsty waved her hand. ‘No need at all. I’m fine thanks. Just glad you’re okay. Did you end up being out and about reporting on the lovely weather?’

Beth gave a coy smile. ‘Kind of. It has certainly been a strange few days, and I don’t think you’ll believe me when I tell you where I’ve been.’

‘Try me,’ said Kirsty.

‘I’ve been stranded with Callum at his cottage for the past two days.’

Kirsty gasped. ‘I was not expecting you to say that. I am shocked. Tell me all the details.’

Beth gave her a brief overview of what had happened, and how she now knew what had happened with his dad and sister. ‘I know he made you promise not to tell me about his dad dying.’

Kirsty’s face flushed. ‘That was a very hard ask, Beth, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. We were all so young back then, and I thought I should respect Callum’s wishes. He was devastated. I often wonder if I did the right thing.’

‘Kirsty, there is no need to apologise,’ Beth said firmly. ‘I completely understand. It’s all in the past. There’s no point looking back with regret now. Maybe if I’d been in touch with you, then you might have told me. But who knows what I would have done if I’d known.’

Kirsty smiled sadly. ‘When I didn’t hear from you, I took the easy option. It was just easier to let things slide rather than try and track you down when Callum had sworn me to secrecy. He’s had quite the time of it over the years. Yet he’s remained so positive and stoic for Daisy’s sake. I hope you didn’t mind me not telling you the whole truth about Isla and Daisy,’ said Kirsty. ‘But I felt really strongly that it wasn’t for me to share or gossip about. I’m glad that Callum told you himself in his own time.’

Beth nodded, a glimmer of a smile on her lips as she thought about how she felt in his company. ‘In a way I’m glad I was stuck there. It gave us time to really talk properly.’

‘And what’s next? Any plans to catch up again?’ asked Kirsty.

‘Nope, no plans yet.’ She was a bit too breezy when it was all she’d thought about since leaving Callum earlier.

As though reading her thoughts, Kirsty let out a small sigh. ‘Oh Beth. I can tell from the dreamy look on your face that you’ve got it bad. Maybe you need to take the initiative. Call him and ask him out.’

Beth gasped. ‘I’m not sure I can do that. Honestly,’ she wailed with frustration, ‘I feel like I’m fifteen again. This romance stuff doesn’t get any easier with age.’

Kirsty raised an eyebrow. ‘Except you’re not fifteen anymore and you are both free and single and clearly attracted to each other. What have you got to lose?’

Beth didn’t reply.

‘Come on Beth. I’m happy to place a bet on this. I’m very confident I know what his answer will be.’