‘Beer or wine, Logan?’ asked Olivia.
‘A beer would be great, thanks.’
She quickly pulled a bottle from the fridge, pulled the top off and handed it to Logan, who then followed Kitty.
‘This is the spare room,’ she said, ‘which you can see we’ve managed to keep in show home condition.’
‘Impressive,’ said Logan. ‘I see what you mean. It’s pristine. Almost makes you frightened to go through the door in case you knock a carpet fibre out of place.’
Kitty could feel him standing right behind her — she longed to sink back into his chest. ‘Olivia’s room is through here. Brace yourself,’ said Kitty as she opened the door. An array of multi-coloured bras and tops were strewn across the floor.
‘Reminds me of a teenage girl’s bedroom,’ he said.
‘I heard that,’ yelled Olivia.
‘Oops,’ said Logan loudly.
‘Don’t worry. I’ll take that as a compliment,’ she replied.
‘And my room,’ she said, opening the door, glad she had thought to leave it in a semi-tidy state. The bed was made, and she had put away any clothes that had been lying around.
‘It’s such a great find,’ said Logan, glancing around her room and then resting his gaze on her face. He put a tentative hand on her shoulder and leaned down to her ear. ‘I just wanted to say how good it is to see you. I can’t say it in front of Olivia, as I have a feeling she’ll take the piss.’
Kitty giggled, a warm glow spreading over her. She was so relieved that there was no tension between them, having been apart, and they were just able to pick things up again from where they left off. ‘I’m guessing the rain meant you didn’t do your tour today,’ she said.
He nodded and took a sip of beer. ‘Yes. Normally we don’t let a bit of rain affect the walks, but it’s been so torrential that those who had signed up were quite happy when I called them to advise it was being cancelled. It wouldn’t have been safe to take them out. At least they’re experiencing the full variety of the Scottish climate.’
Kitty could hear Olivia bashing about in the kitchen. ‘Come on, I hope you’re hungry,’ she said.
‘Extremely.’ A smile played on his lips. ‘It smells great.’
‘Well, it should,’ said Olivia. ‘I mean, I’ve been working all day in this kitchen.’
‘Ignore her,’ said Kitty. ‘She’s a great actor as well as a great dancer. But she’s definitely not a great cook.’
‘That’s true. And yes, Kitty has been working away, perfecting this recipe.’
‘I just made a chilli, nothing fancy,’ she said, flushing.
‘That sounds great,’ said Logan.
Olivia poured her and Kitty a glass of wine, reassuring Kitty and Logan that she would just be having the one and would notbe doing a repeat performance of the night in the pub. ‘I really am sorry. I’m mortified. I don’t usually drink that much.’
Logan nodded his head sympathetically. ‘No need to apologise, Olivia. It’s okay. We’ve all been there.’
As the three of them chatted, Kitty realised how at ease she felt with both Logan and Olivia. There was no weird three-wheeler dynamic, and it very much did feel like three friends hanging out. Though the way Logan kept glancing at her, catching her eyes, was a reminder that there was potential for them to be much more than friends.
‘Right, guys, I’m off to hit the sack. I need an early night if I’m to be on top form for the kids tomorrow,’ Olivia said.
‘Don’t you want some food, though?’ asked Kitty.
‘I’m all good, thanks. I feel like I’ve been eating all day. I’ll leave you to it. Nice seeing you, Logan.’ She ruffled his hair affectionately as she passed him.
‘Goodnight, Olivia,’ said Kitty fondly, watching her friend disappear into her room.
‘That’s exactly what my sisters used to do to me,’ he said. ‘In fact, they still do.’
‘Yip. Annoying, isn’t it? My brother was the same, and it was usually when I’d just brushed my hair.’
