“Watch it, Bonnie, this teasing can go both ways.”
My mouth snaps shut. Based on past experience, I’m assuming he could do some real damage.
“Anyway.” I clear my throat, tapping my pen on my notebook. “Power washing and then some fresh paint on the walls. I think we stick with the beautiful white in here, but freshen it up, and the red door as well. I love the colors in here, but they’ve dulled over time. And do you think we could add shutters to the windows and some window boxes? Is that something you know how to do?”
He nods. “Aye.”
“Will it take you long?”
“Few hours.”
“Really? Gah, okay. I think it will dress up the outside and make it more inviting. And as for the inside, we need some new tables. These”—I tap on the table—“are firewood. Is there a place around here where we can get some tables and chairs?”
“Kyle of Lochalsh.”
“Uh, what?”
“Quick fifteen-minute drive to the west. Larger town, has a woodworker there. Hamish and Alasdair both bought their tables and chairs from there, and reasonably priced. Maw’s been wanting to purchase some, but Da said only once these tables fall apart.”
“Well, looks like I’m taking an ax to them, because they need to fall apart.” I make a note in my notebook. “Would you be willing to take me over there? I don’t ever want to drive on these roads myself again.”
“Aye, I can take you. We can go eat at the Waterside Restaurant after.”
I pause, look up. “Are you . . . are you asking me out?”
With that devilish smirk, he leans over the table and pinches my chin. “Aye, lass. I am. Are you saying yes?”
“I don’t know . . . ,” I tease.
He chuckles, leans over, and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. “Offer stands for as long as it takes to be accepted.”
My oh my, he’s the charmer. He knows exactly how to make me weak in the knees.
“I would love to go out with you, Rowan.”
“Good. Wednesday night.”
“Okay. After we close tonight, I would like to power wash the floors. Can you bring over the machine?”
“You’re not power washing.”
“This is not up for discussion, Rowan.” I stab my pen to the table. “I am power washing, and then tomorrow we can paint.”
“We?” He lifts a brow.
“Yes. We. I’m going to ask Dakota to ask Isla as well. Think you can ask the Murdach twins?”
“What’s in it for me?” He taps his fingers on the table, casual, looking as handsome as ever.
“Our date Wednesday night.”
“You’re the one who wanted a date.”
“Don’t act like you don’t want to take me out,” I scoff. “You’re looking for a reprise of the other night.”
“I’m looking for a lot more than that, and I’m not talking physically.”
Oy. This man.
“When you say things like that, you give me chills and butterflies at the same time,” I admit. “Makes me feel really special.”
“’Cause you are, lass.” He nods toward my paper. “What else you got?”
How he can just bounce around topics like that, unfazed, is impressive. My mind is still running through last night, and he’s just chugging along through the conversation.
Gathering my wits, I ask, “Is that a yes to the Murdach twins?”
“Aye.”
“Thank you.” I slip my hand in his, and he holds it tight. “I found an espresso machine online that’s for sale in Inverness. It’s a year old, and the coffee house is going out of business—a Starbucks took over.” Rowan rolls his eyes. “They’re selling everything they can, and they said they’re putting the machine on hold for me. Dakota was going to go pick it up with Isla, and then we’re going to start testing new drinks. Nothing too fancy—just enough to entice more people into the shop. There’s also a local tea brand I’ve seen around town that I would love to carry in the shop, to offer something to customers who don’t drink coffee. They carry a Scottish breakfast, Earl Grey, and a Highland blend that is positively delightful.”
“Good idea.”
His approval sends a surge of confidence through me.
“As for food . . .” His jaw ticks, his eyes narrow. “Would you help me—？”
“No,” he says, his voice stern. What is the deal?
“Rowan.”