“DON’ T YOU EVER sleep?” Heath blinked against the single overhead light illuminating Ally’s head as she bent over her paperwork. “What time is it?”
She checked her watch. “Almost four in the morning in New York.” She managed a smile as she adjusted her watch to European time. “You had enough sleep for both of us.”
“I hope I didn’t snore. I’m told I sound like a foghorn.”
She laughed. “Oh. That was you. I thought we’d gone down somewhere over the Atlantic.”
He pretended to be horrified as he leaned close to whisper, “Did the other passengers ask you to muzzle me?”
“Well, I was getting some dirty looks from them, and I thought about putting a pillow over your head, but I was afraid you’d fight back and get that shoulder aching again.” She set down her notebook with a look of concern. “How are you feeling? Ready for another pain pill?”
Heath nodded his head as he gingerly touched his shoulder. “In a little while. I’d like to keep a clear head for a few minutes.” He kneaded his flesh and managed a smile. “Want to join me for some coffee?”
Ally thought about the work she’d hoped to finish during this flight. But a few minutes wouldn’t hurt. Almost regretfully, she set her work aside. Minutes later she and Heath were munching pastries and sipping steaming coffee.
“I’m starting to feel human again.” Heath stroked the stubble that darkened his chin. “Well, almost human. I can’t wait for a hot shower and a shave.”
“A nice soft bed sounds good to me. Of course, when I get to my destination, there won’t be time for anything except to get down to some serious work if I’m going to make it back to the airport in time for my flight home.”
“What is it you do?”
“My firm buys old buildings and resells them.”
“Where’s the profit in that?”
She shrugged. “There are the furnishings. We work with dealers who have clients eager for collectibles. But it’s the antiques that offer the best avenue for serious profit.”
“Sounds almost ghoulish.”
Her smile faded a bit. “I suppose it is in a way. It’s the part I dislike most about my work. It means going into a place that someone once loved and stripping it of everything of value.”
“Are you an expert on antiques?”
She nodded. “I used to work at an auction house. I’ve always been intrigued by them. I love thinking about people who’ve lived in one place for generations, all using the same articles and feeling so familiar and comfortable with those who came before them.” She couldn’t help laughing as she added, “Of course, I have nothing against new things as well. Especially new bed linens and new towels.” She wrinkled her nose. “Not that it matters what I like. I won’t be sleeping on bed linens anyway. I’ll be lucky if I get more than a quick glimpse of the rooms.”
“You aren’t staying over?”
She shook her head. “My job is to make a rather quick judgment on whether or not there are enough valuable art objects and collectibles to make the purchase worthwhile, and if so, to present the firm’s offer to purchase. Once the client signs, I’ll catalog the items I think we should include in the sale and leave the rest for our legal department to handle.”
“Sounds easy enough.”
“It couldn’t be simpler.” Seeing the way he flinched as he lifted the cup to his lips, she set aside her tray. “I think it’s time for that pain pill.”
This time he didn’t argue as she retrieved his bag and handed him a pill. Minutes later he drifted back to sleep.
Ally was in the middle of yet another phone message when the flight attendant began preparing the passengers for landing at London’s Heathrow Airport.
A short time later their plane touched down and began its taxi to the terminal. When at last they came to a stop, Heath scrambled to his feet and opened the overhead bin. Ally stepped into the aisle beside him. When their shoulders brushed, she was surprised by the sudden rush of adrenaline that she felt.
With her attaché case in hand she took hold of his scuffed bag. “I’d better give you a hand with this. Otherwise, I’m afraid, you might overdo it and find yourself right back where you started.”
The look he gave her was probing. “I’m grateful, Allison Kerr. Do you always take such good care of strangers?”
“Old habits are hard to break.” She found herself blushing before she looked away.
He carefully shrugged into his backpack, then held out his hand. “I think I can manage.”
“All right.” She handed over the duffel and saw him wince with pain. “You may want me to take that duffel off your hands, though.”
He reluctantly agreed and followed her along the aisle. Even in his drug-fogged state, he couldn’t help admiring the view from this angle as he exited the plane behind her.
There was little time to do more than give him his bag before Ally was swallowed up by the line at Customs. She produced her passport and answered questions while her luggage was inspected. Afterward she made her way toward yet another terminal and the plane that would take her to Edinburgh. It was much less crowded here, and she was glad to see that the passengers were already boarding. She took her seat and glanced idly around, but Heath was nowhere to be seen.
Just as the doors were about to close, he stepped inside. Despite the pain etched in his eyes he managed a slight grin as he took the seat across the aisle.
She wasn’t fooled by that smile. “Did you forget to take your pain pill?”
“No time.”
“You have time now.” Before he could refuse, she was up and handing him his bag.
He arched a brow. “You’re beginning to remind me of a certain overbearing nurse in the hospital in Montreal. I think she was the reason I decided to head to New York.”
“There are those of us who take our medicine, and those who can find a hundred reasons why they shouldn’t.”
“I see you’ve figured out which one I am.” After rummaging around, he came up with the pills and swallowed one.
Satisfied, she stowed his bag and took her seat. A short time later she was pleased to see him asleep.
When they landed at Edinburgh, Heath insisted on carrying his own luggage. As Ally stepped outside the terminal, she caught a glimpse of him talking to someone. Just then several people shoved past her, blocking her view. When the crowd cleared, Heath was standing alone beside an ancient car idling at the curb.
He opened the door. “I’ve snagged a car and driver. Climb in. I’ll see you to your destination.”
Ally was already shaking her head. “You don’t have to do this. It’s probably miles out of your way.”
“It’s the least I can do after all you did for me on the plane.”
“Heath. No.”
He was already taking the overnight bag from her hand. “I insist.”
She gave a sigh. “All right.” She allowed herself to be helped into the backseat.
Heath unceremoniously tossed his bags on the floor and climbed in beside her.
The driver turned. “Where to, miss?”
“The name of the place is Hamilton Hall. I’m told it’s in the Highlands. Do you know of it?”
As they started away Heath seemed surprised by her destination. “That’s not far from my home. I haven’t seen that old place in years. It was originally a hunting lodge. It’s been in the Hamilton family for eight or nine generations. They turned it into a bed-and-breakfast some years ago, but I’ve heard that it’s become pretty run-down. I’m afraid you’re in for a bit of a drive. Why don’t you try to rest until we get there?”
“I can sleep on the plane later. Right now I’m too keyed up to even close my eyes.” She glanced around at the lovely old buildings of the city as they sped along a narrow street. “I wish I had time to really see your country.”
“So do I. Seeing Scotland is like falling in love.”
Ally turned her head to study his profile. There had been a different tone to his voice just now. Soft. Seductive.
“You’re glad to be home, aren’t you?”
“Is it so obvious?” He sighed. “When I left, I was convinced that I really needed to get away. Too many responsibilities. Too little time for my own pleasures. Poor me. I’m sure you know the story. But here I am, just days later, so relieved to be back. Something happened to me in that hospital.”
“Well, you said it was a nasty fall.”
He shrugged and braced himself as the driver suddenly turned the wheel and started down a narrow lane that led past a country kirk where the ringing of bells filled the air. “It was more than that. I felt as though something monumental was about to happen, and if I didn’t get home at once, I’d miss it.”
As they sped through a tiny village Ally couldn’t help sighing at the row of pretty houses. When they left the village behind and entered a modern highway she picked up the thread of conversation again. “Maybe you’re about to win a lottery.”
That had him laughing. “In order to do that, I’d have to buy a ticket.”
She watched the passing scenery with more than a little interest, wishing they could slow down so she could fill her mind with the lovely images of trees and rocks, and swollen streams tumbling into deep gorges. “You’re not interested in gambling?”
“I suppose we’re all willing to gamble on some things. In my case, it just isn’t on the lottery.” He turned to her. “What about you, Allison? What would you gamble on? Love? Or money?”
She took a moment to consider. “Certainly not love.”
“Really? Why?”
“You know what they say. Once burned.”
“I see. A love affair gone bad?”
She winced. “Something like that. Though it wasn’t really love. Just . . . a foolish heart, I guess.” Eager to change the subject, she said, “I’ve never been much of a gambler. I’ve always liked having everything laid out in logical order.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t we all? So, what do you do when life throws you a curve?”
She gave him an impish grin. “I duck. Or curl up in a fetal position and whimper.”
He was shaking his head. “I doubt that. We may have only met, but I think I know a thing or two about you already. You don’t seem the type to whimper.”
“Okay, maybe I don’t whine, but I do stomp around and mutter. And kick the furniture. It’s not a pretty sight.”
Despite his pain he found himself laughing with her as the car turned off the highway to follow a narrow lane for several miles. After passing through another picturesque village, they came to a stop in front of a four-story building of faded gray stone, with a weathered sign that read HAMILTON HALL. Though it was midday, there seemed to be no one about.
When the car rolled to a halt, Heath shoved open the door and stepped out, then offered his hand to Ally.
She ignored the little curl of heat at the touch of his hand. “I really want to thank you, Heath. This was very generous of you.”
He glanced at her hand, then up into her eyes. “No more generous than you were.”
She saw something flicker in his eyes a moment before he lowered his head. The kiss was the merest brush of mouth to mouth, as soft as a butterfly’s wings. But it had them going very still before drawing apart a little too quickly.
His eyes were focused on her with an intensity that made the breath back up in her throat.
“I’ll get my bag.” Ally was surprised at how difficult it was to speak.
Before she could turn away he touched her shoulder. Again she absorbed the most amazing jolt.
“The driver will see to it.” Heath spoke to the driver, then turned to her. “I’ll go inside with you.”
“There’s no need. I’m sure you want to get home.”
“In a few minutes. But I haven’t been here since I was a lad. I’m curious to see if it’s as I remember it.”
As they neared the door he sniffed the air. “Odd. Shouldn’t the cook be preparing something in the kitchen?” He shot her a conspiratorial grin. “This is an inn, after all. What guests there are may be out and about, but any staff worth their wages should be getting things ready for the patrons’ return. Come on.” He surprised her by catching her hand. “Are you up for some of Scotland’s finest beef and biscuits?”
Ignoring the quick flutter of heat, Ally pressed a hand to her stomach. “You just had to plant that thought in my mind, didn’t you? How am I supposed to survive on stale coffee and a granola bar now?”
He paused. “Is that what you usually eat?”
“No.” Her grin widened. “It’s usually just the stale coffee. The granola bar is a bonus when my schedule isn’t quite so hectic.”
He was shaking his head as he led her up the steps and through the front entrance. “I can see that you really need someone to take you in hand.”
“This from the man who couldn’t even cut his own food on the plane.”
“That’s right.” He brought his mouth to her ear so he wouldn’t be overheard by the dour old man standing at attention behind the front desk, watching their approach with interest. “But I’m feeling much stronger now. I want you to promise me that you’ll insist on the staff feeding you, Ms. Kerr.”
She struggled to ignore the little curls of pleasure as his warm breath feathered the hair at her temple. “I believe I can do that.”
“Indeed you can. No more stale coffee and sawdust in a paper wrapper. I’m talking about real food.” He escorted her to the front desk.
Ally studied the faded name tag pinned to the old man’s lapel. “Good afternoon, Duncan. My name is Allison Kerr, with Harkness and Crewel. I have an appointment with Sir Malcolm Hamilton.”
The old man never changed expression, but his blackbird eyes stared holes through her. “Sir Malcolm is expecting you. He asked that I take you to his office. If you’ll follow me.”
“Would you mind if I come along?” Seeing Ally’s look of surprise, Heath was quick to explain. “I met Sir Malcolm when I was just a lad. He was quite kind to me. I’d like to take a moment to say hello before I leave.”
When Duncan gave a slight nod of his head, Ally and Heath hurried along behind the old man and were ushered into an office that had seen better days. In fact, Ally thought with regret, everything in this place had seen better days.
When they were alone Ally studied the faded carpet and furnishings, the shabby draperies. “No wonder the Hamilton family has decided to sell. It would take a fortune to restore this poor old hunting lodge to its former beauty.”
Heath nodded. “It’s far shabbier than I’d remembered it. Still, it manages to exude a certain charm, don’t you think?”
“I’m not sure ‘charm’ is a word I’d use to describe this place. But . . .” She looked around. “There are enough antiques in this room alone to recover the deposit I’m prepared to hand over when Sir Malcolm accepts my company’s offer.”
She walked closer to examine a family crest hanging above the mantel. “This is three hundred years old, at least.”
The glint of crystal caught her eye, and she reached out to touch a many-faceted crystal bowl that had probably been new during the reign of James I. She couldn’t help sighing. “Such treasures.”
“I see you’re as good as your word. You do know your antiques.”
Ally nodded. “Such a pity that Sir Malcolm’s family will no longer be able to enjoy them.”
She and Heath fell silent.
Agitated, Ally perched on the edge of a chair across from the scarred wooden desk, watching the minutes tick by. Finally she got to her feet and walked to the window, where gold-tipped clouds seemed to open up, spilling light across the gardens. Though the winter landscape was as faded as the room in which she was standing, it looked enchanting.
She glanced at her watch. “Where could Sir Malcolm be?”
Heath shrugged. “I’m sure he’s just busy with other guests.”
“I suppose.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “I know it’s afternoon here in Scotland, but my body is still on New York time, and I’m desperate for some coffee.”
The thought had her pacing back and forth, from the desk to the window, then back again.
Watching her struggling to contain all that energy, Heath couldn’t help grinning. “If you’d like, I’ll check at the . . .”
They both looked up to see a tall, distinguished gentleman standing on the threshold.
“Miss Kerr. Malcolm Hamilton. I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
“That’s not a problem.” She decided she liked his smile. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve brought a friend along.”
Heath crossed the room. “Heath Stewart. I’m sure you don’t remember me. We met when I was just a lad.”
“I haven’t forgotten. You were fishing on the banks of the loch, and I joined you.”
“You did much more than join me. You stayed the day, as I recall, and rowed me across the loch at day’s end. Afterward, I spent the summer making a pest of myself, showing up on your doorstep whenever I was feeling alone. I’ve never forgotten your kindness.”
“It was a memorable summer for me as well, Heath. I was feeling lonely and useless until you came along. In fact, I have a photograph that was taken of us that first day.” The old man opened a cabinet and removed a small black-and-white photo of a solemn little boy and an unsmiling man holding fishing poles and standing awkwardly beside each other. “Perhaps you’d like to have this as a reminder of that day.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you, Sir Malcolm.” Heath tucked it into his pocket and turned to Ally. “I’ve kept the driver waiting long enough. Thank you for looking out for such an annoying seatmate.”
“I didn’t mind. Really. Thank you for seeing me to my destination. I’ve enjoyed meeting you.”
“The pleasure was all mine.”
Sir Malcolm cleared his throat, and the two of them looked over at him.
“Were you two sharing the same car and driver?”
They nodded.
“Then I’m afraid your plans will be somewhat altered.” At their puzzled frowns he explained. “When I was passing through the lobby I noticed the luggage by the door. The car was just leaving.”
Heath arched a brow. “You mean the driver left without collecting his fare?”
“So it seems. And rather abruptly. Perhaps there was an emergency.”
“Is there another car available to take Heath home?”
The older man turned to her. “I’ll try to arrange something, Miss Kerr. But our village is a small one, and we usually have to summon a car and driver from one of the bigger towns.” He smiled at Heath. “Perhaps you’d like to use one of our rooms here at Hamilton Hall to refresh yourself.”
“Thank you, Sir Malcolm. That’s very kind of you.” Heath turned toward the door. “I’ll leave the two of you to discuss your business.”
Ally stared after him. When she realized Sir Malcolm was watching her, she tore her gaze from the doorway.
He smiled and indicated a chair beside his desk. “Please make yourself comfortable, Miss Kerr. Did you have a good trip?”
“It was fine, thank you.” Ally settled herself on the edge of the chair. She was already thinking about the drive back to the airport and wishing she had carved out a bit of time to see some of the countryside before heading home.
When Sir Malcolm was seated at his desk, she opened her attaché case and withdrew a sheaf of documents. “As you know, I’m here to make an offer on Hamilton Hall on behalf of my company, Harkness and Crewel. I was told to warn you that the condition of this building will certainly limit the amount we’re willing to pay. But I’ve been authorized to make you a fair price, as long as you agree to include the furnishings, especially any antiques, in my company’s offer to purchase. Once you sign this document, our legal department can handle the rest of the details.”
“Yes. Well.” Instead of accepting the papers from her, he steepled his fingers and regarded her. “I’m afraid something’s come up, Miss Kerr.”
“Something?” She felt a flash of unease. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m sorry that you were under the assumption that your company is the only one interested in buying Hamilton Hall. It was never my intention to mislead you. We’ve had another offer. A good one, I might add, which we intend to study before we make any decisions.”
So much for David’s insistence that this would be a cookie-cutter deal.
“I see.” She glanced at the documents in her hand. “Would you care to look these over?”
“Of course, Miss Kerr.” He accepted the papers and set them on his desk without even glancing at them.
She was already pulling her cell phone from her pocket. “You realize that I’ll have to call New York with the news, and await instructions. They may ask to know the offer made by their competitor, so that they can match it.”
“Indeed.” He got to his feet. “In the event that your employer asks you to stay on, may I offer you the hospitality of Hamilton Hall while you’re in Scotland, Miss Kerr?”
If the public rooms were this unkempt, she was certain the sleeping quarters would be much sadder. But she couldn’t allow her personal feelings to spoil a business deal. Besides, this would give her more time to catalog the contents.
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you, Sir Malcolm.”
“Not at all.” He smiled, and she was reminded of the Cheshire cat. Not so strange, when she considered that she was feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland. “Perhaps your friend, Heath Stewart, would like to stay overnight as well.”
“I’m sure he’ll be gone soon. He told me that his home is somewhere nearby.”
“I can see that you’re not very familiar with our Highlands. The land is forbidding. Not easily traversed. In the event that a car is not easily summoned, I hope you’ll let him know that he’s welcome to stay here at Hamilton Hall as long as he pleases.”
Ally thought about it a moment before saying, “Only if you would be good enough to charge his room to my company.” She’d noticed the shabby sweater, the well-worn bags. She flushed and had a sudden need to explain. “After all, he was kind enough to drive me here. I’m not sure he can handle the additional expense of a room. It’s the least I can do in return for his kindness.”
Sir Malcolm gave a slight bow of his head. “That’s most generous of you, Miss Kerr. Of course I’ll do as you wish.”
When the older man took his leave, Ally flipped her cell phone on and punched in a series of numbers while she tapped her foot in annoyance.
Some days, she thought with a sigh, it just didn’t pay to get out of bed.
Still, if she wanted to be brutally honest, the trip hadn’t been completely wasted. There was the matter of that kiss. She hadn’t experienced a rush like that in a very long time.
Of course, considering her luck with men, maybe it was just as well it had been shared with a man she would never see again after today.