#7 Surprise

Eilidh POV

Breakfast ended with my parents retreating to my father’s study for whatever “estate business” they had to discuss. Which, if I had to guess, was just code for “plot how to keep Eilidh away from the MacAllisters.”

Cat and I escaped to my suite, where she flung herself across the bed with theatrical flair. “Okay, I love your parents, but they’ve got that ‘we will lock you in a tower’ energy.”

“They’ve done worse,” I said, pulling a soft knit jumper over my head. “When I was sixteen, they sent me tae boarding school in Switzerland just so I’d ‘focus.’”

“God, the trauma,” she teased. “Alright, what’s on the agenda today? Please tell me there’s shopping involved.”

“There’s always shoppin’ involved when ye’re here,” I said with a small smile. “We’ll head tae Inverness, off the market should be open.”

By late morning, we were strolling the cobblestone streets, the air crisp with that autumn bite, the scent of fresh bread drifting from a bakery down the way. Cat had already loaded me down with two bags from a local boutique and was eyeing a third.

“Ye’re hopeless,” I said, shaking my head. We were just passing a whisky shop when a shadow shifted across the street. “Lass.” I froze at the sound of the low, familiar voice.

Turning, I found Callum leaning against the stone wall, hands in his coat pockets, looking like he’d been there for hours, or like he’d known I’d be here. Cat’s brows shot up. “Well, well, well. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Catriona,” he greeted with a nod before his gaze slid back to me. “Eilidh.”

I crossed my arms. “Do ye always lurk outside whisky shops, or is this a special occasion?” The corner of his mouth tugged up. “Depends on the company I’m keeping.”

Cat, of course, excused herself to “look at scarves,” which we both knew meant she’d spy from a safe distance. Callum stepped closer, his voice dropping so low it barely carried. “Yer da looked ready tae rip my head clean off last night.”

“Aye,” I said, letting the word drawl. “That’s because ye’re a MacAllister.”

His grin turned slow. “And ye’re a MacLeod. Means we’re supposed tae hate each other, aye?”

“Supposed tae,” I echoed, letting my lips twitch. His eyes lingered on mine, sparking that same heat from the gala. “Good thing I’ve never been much fer following rules.”

I lifted a brow. “Dangerous sentiment. I’m startin’ tae think it runs in yer family.”

“And I’m startin’ to think ye don’t mind it.” Before I could fire back, Cat reappeared, all faux innocence. “We’re heading to lunch. You should join us.” Callum’s grin deepened. “Aye, maybe I will.” And I knew, just like last night, that whatever line my parents thought they’d drawn in the sand… I’d already stepped right over it.

We ended up at a little bistro tucked into the corner of a side street, all dark wood and warm lighting, the kind of place that smelled like fresh bread and butter from the moment you walked in. The hostess led us to a booth in the back, away from the few other patrons, and Cat slid in first, leaving the seat across from me open.

Callum took it without hesitation. He leaned back like he had all the time in the world, one arm stretched across the back of the booth. “So, do ye always spend yer mornings shopping, or was today special?”

I arched a brow. “Depends on the company I’m keepin’.” That earned me a smirk. “Careful, lass. I might take that as an invitation.”

Cat snorted into her menu. “She doesn’t invite trouble. It just follows her around.”

“Does it now?” Callum asked, his gaze cutting back to me.

“Aye,” I said lightly. “And sometimes I let it stay for lunch.”

The corner of his mouth curved in a way that told me he was enjoying this far too much. We placed our orders, and conversation flowed easily. Callum was sharp, intelligent in a way that didn’t need to be flaunted, and quick with a dry, cutting humor that made Cat laugh out loud more than once. I could almost forget he was the son of my family’s oldest rivals… until the door to the bistro opened.

And in walked Kieran. He spotted us instantly. His eyes flicked to his brother, then to me, and the slow, knowing smirk spread across his face. He didn’t ask permission, just strode over and slid into the seat beside me like it was already his. “Afternoon, lass,” he murmured, his voice low enough that Cat couldn’t hear. “Didn’t think I’d see ye so soon.”

I glanced sideways at him. “Ye’re lucky I’m in a generous mood.”

“Generous,” he repeated with a faint grin. “I like the sound of that.” Cat looked between the two of them like she’d just been handed a season pass to her favorite drama. “Well, this just got interesting.”

Kieran leaned back, arm resting along the top of the booth behind me. “I was in the neighborhood. Thought I’d see if my brother here was corrupting ye yet.”

“Not yet,” Callum said smoothly. “But the day’s young.” Their eyes locked across the table, a silent conversation I wasn’t invited to, or maybe I was the subject of it. I set down my fork, meeting both their gazes in turn. “If either of ye are plannin’ tae scare me off, ye’ll be disappointed.”

Kieran’s grin deepened. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Callum’s eyes narrowed, but the faintest smile tugged at his lips. “Good. Makes it more fun that way.” And just like that, lunch had become a dangerous game, one I was certain neither of them intended to lose.

The waiter came by with the check, and Callum reached for it without asking. “Generous,” I said, watching him slide his card across the table.

“Just good manners,” he replied, his eyes locked on mine in a way that told me this wasn’t over. Kieran smirked as he stood, tugging his coat over his shoulders. “We’ll see ye around, lass.”

“Aye,” I said, the word smooth and measured. “I’ve no doubt ye will.” They left together, the bell over the bistro door chiming, and for a moment the air around our table felt noticeably lighter… and yet somehow sharper.

Cat let out a low whistle. “Girl, I don’t know what’s going on there, but I am living for it.”

I leaned back in my seat. “That makes one of us.”

She grinned wickedly. “Okay, enough MacAllister drama. Let’s check in on your ex, shall we?”