Free Highland Fling by Shelli Stevens

work, which made her question equally ridiculous. Still, she hated being dependent on anyone, or feeling like she was imposing her presence on someone.
    “I realize it’s inconvenient.” He moved past her to rearrange several bottles of hard alcohol. “And you’d rather not be stuck staying with me, but I’m concerned—”
    “It’s not that.” She shook her head. “It’s just that it’s your house, and I’m sure my being there makes it a little hard if you wanted to bring someone…” She broke off, wishing she hadn’t gone down that road.
    “Bring someone home?” He arched a brow. “Truly? You think I’m entertaining the idea of bringing another woman home with me?”
    “Well, you’re a guy.” It sounded a lot lamer aloud than it had in her head.
    “Ah, so that means I should want to bury my cock in any available hole at all possible times?”
    She choked and shot a glance around the pub, glad most of the people had already left for the night and no one had heard him.
    “Well, if you want to be crude about it.” The words had been crude, but said with a tone of amusement. Unfortunately, her mind had put visuals to his statement, and it made something hot slide through her blood.
    “Really. ‘You’re a guy.’ That’s such a completely shite statement, and really, Lana, I expected better from you.”
    She huffed out a breath. “Look. You’re a very attractive man, who, from what I’ve seen, has never had a problem attracting female attention. I don’t want to put a kink in your love life.”
    “Thank you, on the first part. But answer me this. Do you see me leaving with these such females?”
    Why had she started this conversation again? She hesitated. “Well, no. But maybe you arrange meetings later—”
    “I don’t.” His jaw flexed. “And you should just stop while you’re ahead, lass.”
    Being called “lass” made her feel like she was about eight years old and he was talking to a child. But then, the glare he directed at her now was a pretty good indication he thought this conversation was childish. And it probably was.
    “I just wanted to make sure. My life is already on hold, and I hate the idea that I’m interrupting yours too,” she finished lamely.
    He abandoned whatever task he’d been doing with the alcohol and closed the distance between them. She was already against the back counter and had nowhere to move but to the side, but she held her place.
    “I don’t need to shag constantly like some randy college boy, Lana. Aye, I love sex, what man doesn’t?” His hands closed over the counter on either side of her body. “But I’m picky about who I go to bed with, and right now I’m holding out for one in particular.”
    The hair on the back of her neck lifted and her pulse quickened. “Are you now?”
    “Aye. She’s a stunner. Cheeky. Confident.” His head dipped so his lips were near her ear. “Has an incredible arse I keep imagining in my hands.”
    The blood in her veins turned to liquid heat and she closed her eyes momentarily. His breath was warm against her ear, and even though they weren’t touching, she was utterly aware of his tall, broad-shouldered body just inches from hers.
    “This is so inappropriate,” she muttered raggedly. “You’re my boss.”
    “Aye. We’ve discussed this, and no doubt I should leave you be. Say the word, and I’ll treat you as I would my sister.”
    As uncertain as she was about getting involved with Aleck, the idea of a platonic relationship was more disappointing.
    She gave a shaky laugh. “Well now you’re just talking nonsense.”
    “Agreed.” He pulled back enough to stare down at her. “I’ll not rush you, Lana. When you’re ready, my bed will be waiting.”
    He was so unapologetically blunt. It was both sexy as hell and aggravating.
    “I want to,” she admitted, her voice low. “You know I do. But you’ve gotta realize I’m kind of a mess with my last relationship having ended abruptly with all