“Not all, but most,” Mac replied to my question as he climbed into the vehicle. I noted his slight wince as he sat beside me in the back row.
“You okay?”
“Just a twinge. Nothing to worry about.”
Taking his word for it, I let it go. We chatted amiably on the short drive into the village. He asked me about my day, and I told him what Lucy had put me through.
“Put you through?” she turned to mock glare at me through the seats. “You make it sound like a punishment.”
“I’m kidding. It was a great day. Though we started on the champagne a little early.”
“And soaked it all up with Guy’s amazing afternoon tea. We were delightfully pampered by Lachlan’s staff.”
I shifted uncomfortably because she was right. And I hadn’t paid for any of it.
Mac nudged me with his shoulder. “You deserve some pampering.”
It was becoming clear that my dad was weirdly intuitive and perceptive. At least when it came to me. “I should pay,” I murmured.
“I heard that.” Lucy scowled over her shoulder. “Get over yourself, gorgeous. Today you were my guest. Plus, you’re Mac’s daughter.”
“Right.” The problem was, I didn’t like taking anything from Lachlan. If it were my dad’s estate, I would’ve happily indulged in a little nepotism and freebies.
Taking freebies from Lachlan was a whole other ball game.
If he was listening up ahead, I wouldn’t know as he appeared to be in conversation with his driver.
“I’m Leighanne, by the way.” The Scottish woman’s pretty face appeared between the headrests. “Lachlan didn’t introduce us. I’m his friend from Glasgow.” Her eyes moved to my dad. “Nice to see you again, Mac.”
“You too.” My dad was polite, but he lacked his usual friendliness.
Huh.
“I’m Robyn. Mac’s daughter.”
“Lachlan said Mac’s daughter would be here, but I have to admit, I was expecting a child.” Leighanne seemed incredulous. “I can’t believe Mac’s old enough to have had you. You’re what … my age?”
“No,” Lucy answered for me. “Robyn is only twenty-eight. And she doesn’t look thirty-five, Leighanne.” There was a definite edge to my friend’s tone.
“Oh right, of course. I didn’t mean to insinuate you did.” The woman seemed genuinely worried she’d offended me.
“It’s cool. Mac had me young.” I nudged my father, teasing. “We get that a lot.”
“And of course, you don’t look thirty-five,” she hurried to assure me.
“Neither do you.” And she didn’t.
She beamed. “I’m a makeup artist so I know all the best skin care regimens. I’ll recommend my favorites later when we have a moment.”
Her tone was sincere, friendly, and eager.
Leighanne was nice, and I wouldn’t hold her choice of sex partners against her.
It felt like we’d barely left the estate when we pulled up to the parking lot in the center of the village, opposite the Gloaming. The parking lot was full.
The driver and Lachlan got out first, the former helping Eredine out of the vehicle while Lachlan helped Lucy and Leighanne. Dad got out and tried to assist me, but I didn’t want to put any weight on him. Instead I hopped out with ease, despite my five-inch heels, and he chuckled.
Remembering his hug and the way he’d taken my arm, I decided to be brave, to lower my guard and attempt to trust him. If we were going to do this, I needed to show Mac I was ready to be comfortable and affectionate around him too. This time, I looped my arm through his and hugged into his side. Dad looked inordinately pleased by it and patted my hand on his arm as we said good night to the driver and followed the others into the hotel.
Jock and two security guards had already arrived, and I noted they, too, wore kilts to blend in. Lachlan exchanged a few words with them. One of the men stayed outside while Jock and another strode into the hotel ahead of us. I assumed they’d take positions from inside, pretending to be guests while they kept a watchful eye.
Energetic folk music blared onto the street from inside. People milled about in the reception area, and they called hello as we walked in. Our companions turned left into the dining room where more people lingered and then took a right through a doorway that led into the back of the hotel to a large room I hadn’t visited during my stay.
The music was loud from the band on the low stage at the far end. A woman sat at a harp while two men played accordions, a man and a woman each played a flute, and a female fiddler accompanied them. There was a drummer in the back and a bagpiper who currently wasn’t playing.
It was a heady assault of fairy lights, tartan, thistles, raucous but charming music, fluttering skirts, and flying kilts as guests danced to a well-known folk dance. The scent of whisky, food, and something smoky filled the air. Chatter, laughter, and singing supplemented the joyful cacophony.
Round tables had been set up around the room’s edges for people to sit and eat and drink. Two long buffet tables sat against the wall near the entrance, blanketed with an excess of food. There was a door to my right that led down a narrow corridor to a bar beyond, a bar that heaved with people waiting to buy drinks.
I met Mac’s stare and grinned with pleasure. The atmosphere was fantastic.
He returned my smile and gave my arm a squeeze.
“You made it!” Arrochar sashayed toward us, a stocky man following at her back. Lachlan’s sister’s gaze was firmly fixed on my dad. She beamed. “You look great!” She rose on tiptoes to press a kiss to
