Even though I’m at an all-time low, I’m still a sucker for a pastry, so I take a bite of the buttery, savoring the rich flavor for a moment. “It started with Rowan. He took a call when I was at his house, and it seemed serious, so I gave him some space. I was walking around, and when I saw his shed I thought—”
“Ohhhh.” Leith winces. “You went in his shed?”
“I wanted to see if that’s where he stores his power washer. Boy, was I surprised.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t let anyone in there.”
“Why not? His pottery is breathtaking. He should be sharing that with the world.”
“Agreed, but that’s not something he shares with a lot of people. It’s his story to tell, not mine.” Leith takes a bite of his buttery, and I realize . . . that’s what I should have told Isla when she asked about Dakota. And how easy was that? Simple, and I wasn’t offended.
Man oh man did I screw up.
“I understand.”
“What did he say to you?”
“Roared at me. Rightfully so. He was so angry I could practically taste his fury in the air. Told me to leave, and we haven’t spoken since. Thinking back on it, I don’t blame him. I was so . . . lost in my own head, I didn’t take his feelings into consideration. I’ve tried texting him and calling and even going to his place, but nothing.”
Leith scratches the side of his face. “I shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to anyway, just so you don’t lose your mind. He really likes you.”
I shake my head. “Leith, I know he wanted nothing to do with me. You don’t have to say things to make me feel better.”
He smiles. “Trust me when I say that I’ve never seen him act the way he does when he’s with you. There’s something special between you two, and I wouldn’t give up just yet. Hang in there—he’ll come round.”
“He did say he would show up tomorrow, no matter what. Maybe I could apologize then. Put my heart out on the line.”
“What’s tomorrow?”
“I’m opening up new drinks and the baked goods to the public.” My stomach flips at just saying it out loud. “I emailed the tour bus companies that come through here, letting them know there’s a new take on some fresh Scottish food in Corsekelly, which their tourists might enjoy after seeing the Boaby Stone.”
“It’s a grand opening?” he asks, looking impressed.
“I guess so, yeah.”
“Congrats, lass.” He glances around. “You did a number on this place. It will do well.”
“Thank you, Leith.”
“Now.” He reaches across the table and takes my hand. “About this Dakota and Rowan business—the bonds you have with them, they’re unmatchable. They’re not something that will just fall apart from one row. Give them time, and they’ll come around. Rowan and I have been in our fair share of fights, and we’ve always come through them. Honestly, they’ve made us stronger because we’ve been able to understand each other better.” He squeezes my hand. “Hang in there, lass. And in the meantime, tell me more about this heart-on-the-line thing. Do you love me lad?”
I feel my cheeks flush. There’s no use hiding it. “I think I do, Leith. I’ve never really loved someone before, not romantically, but with Rowan, it’s different. He challenges me, makes me happy, protects me—and, most importantly, he makes me feel special, like I actually have something to offer this world.”
“That’s because you do.” He holds his hands out. “Look what you created. You are full of . . . potential—you just had to find where to funnel it.”
I thank him but can’t help but wonder, What’s the point of creating something if I don’t have anyone to enjoy it with?
Nerves eat away at me as I think about tomorrow, all the hard work I’ve put into the shop, and the possibility of it all failing. Of me failing once again.
Dakota’s anger-flushed face flashes through my mind, followed by Rowan’s.
Will they show up tomorrow?
Despite our disagreements, will they still show up?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ROWAN
Not doing it, not this fucking time.
Don’t even ask.
Not after everything that’s—
Fucking fine . . .
Anger level from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest: 123.
There, happy?
“Rowan, can I be honest with you?” Maw asks, setting a cup of tea next to me as I stare off at the red curtains decorated with gold damask. My parents’ rented London flat is certainly posh in comparison to their Corsekelly home.