Free KiltedForPleasure by Melissa Blue Page A

already told the man the truth. “I’ll drop by in a few days. Don’t make me spend all that time cleaning up after you. It’ll make me grumpy.”

    Papa Baird scoffed. “You’ve done nothing but bark orders and demands. Now I wouldn’t mind—”

    Callan spoke up, “Don’t finish that, old man. I’ve seen her grumpy. Why else do you think I chose her as your caregiver?”

    The man’s face suddenly filled the screen. His grin was wide. “See you in a few, lass.”

    “Bye, Baird,” she said.

    Callan turned to shut off Skype. She handed him the flash drive. “Most are simple repairs. I have to do some research on my end. Figured I’d ask you first since this is your trade.”

    He stopped acting like a fanny and scooted over to give her room to sit. “What’s the problem?”

    “The extent of repairs.” She sat down, motioning to his computer. The images popped up. She pointed out a chair. “Zoom in to the left arm rest. You’ll see.”

    She leaned into his space to point out the problem. Her breast was a soft cushion on his arm. His blood coursed harder in his veins and not to his head. Ignoring her breast as best as he could, Callan hit the zoom button on the computer and immediately saw the problem. “What do you need to know?”

    “Give me a second,” she said, already digging into her purse. First, she slipped on glasses then pulled out a notebook and pen. She took her time flipping through the pages.

    “Ah—” she stopped, “—the question isn’t necessarily the cost of repairs, but the grade of materials you’ll use to replace it. Go with the best case scenario, then work your way down.”

    She took detailed notes as he spoke. Occasionally, she’d stop to ask a question, but she gave him the floor. Her knowledge was vast enough that he never had to explain a process. Jargon filled their exchange. He could see talking to her about his work for hours. He didn’t have that, never really did. He called Papa Baird for help but the man usually grouched at him, teased him or sidelined him with something personal.

    Didn’t help that her warmth seeped through his leg. He wanted to grab her notebook and tug her into his lap. They could still talk technique between kisses and caresses.

    Suddenly, she snapped her notebook shut. He realized she’d noticed the shift of his thoughts. They were so close she could probably feel the need vibrating through him. She clasped her hands over the notebook as her own conflicting emotions played over her features, but when she looked at him, her gaze was hard.

    “Who did you visit at the cemetery yesterday?”

    His head snapped back like she’d hit him with a two-by-four. “My wife,” he answered in a whisper.

    Victoria’s eyes widened but a slow burn of fury filled her eyes. “I see.” She swallowed. “That’s the financial help you need.” She paused and then said, “Medical bills? That’s what you need to pay off. Your wife’s medical bills.” Her voice held a tremor.

    “Aye and a proper headstone.” He fisted his hands in his lap.

    She swallowed again before shoving her notebook and glasses into her purse.

    He stammered, shocked at her plan to leave after asking such personal questions. “You’re just going to walk out of here after blindsiding me? Are you serious?” She stood and he barked, “Answer me.”

    “Or what?” she yelled back.

    He closed his hand over her wrist. “I’m not a fucking mind reader. What is your problem?”

    She dug her finger into his chest. “Yesterday you were feeling raw from visiting your wife’s grave. I knew you were hurting, but your wife? Ugh. And that’s when you decided to forget that this—” she motioned between them “—is a bad idea. Who cares if Ian finds out? Who cares that he’s the same man giving you money and would happily take it back if you pissed him off. Screw it all and screw me just so you can feel better,” she said the last with a tremor of disgust.