Free The House on the Shore by Victoria Howard Page B

be about to change. He’s holding a meeting on Friday to inform the tenants of his grand plans.”
    “Actually, he mentioned something about having some business problems to sort out. I wonder what they are. ”
    Morag looked thoughtful. “I’m not surprised he has problems. If he keeps putting up the rent , his tenants will move away to less expensive housing . T hen what will he do? And more importantly, what will happen to the families in the village?”
    “ He could always sell or lease the estate to some oil-rich Arab or pop star. ”
    “Now who’s being silly? Why would a pop star want to live up here when he or she could have the bright lights of London? Besides, the estate is Alistair’s heritage ; he woul d never sell it.”
    “I reali z e that , Morag . But if what I read in the papers is true, half the estates in Scotland are now owned by overseas investors, musicians , or film stars.”
    “ Ewan says there’s to be a Ceilidh. In fact , he’s already been asked to provide the refreshments.”
    “Really? Alistair’s hosting a dance? That doesn’t surprise me. He was always the one for a party. W hen is this great event to take place?”
    “Three weeks on Saturday. You will come, won’t you?”
    “I’m not a tenant, I won’t be invited.”
    “B ut you are part of the community. Besides, it will be good for you to get out and enjoy yourself.”
    “I don’t know, Morag. I’m not thrilled by the idea. Lachlan will be home by then, and everyone else will have a pa rtner. Perhaps if Mark and I…”
    “Well, think on it, lass. You never know, something might happen between now and then to change your mind.”
    The antique mahogany grandfather cloc k in the dining room struck two as Anna finished work . She stopped at the reception desk to see if any mail had arrived for her. For a reason she couldn’t identify, she half-hoped for a letter from Mark , b ut there was nothing from him. She felt stupid for thinking about him. He was happy in Edinburgh with his blonde bombshell. What need had he of her?
    For the first time since arriving at the croft, she felt isolated and lonely. She’d lost her boyfriend and given u p her job in the space of a day, and was living in a tumbledown cottage in the middle of nowhere. Her parents would have advised her to stay in Edinburgh, swallow her pride, and ask for her job back, even if it meant working as an assistant to Mark’s new blonde. In her younger days , she would have done as they suggested . T he new Anna said no, even th ough it pained her to the core.
    Twenty minutes later, she manoeuvred t he old Land Rover along the pot holed track towards the croft. An unexpec ted warmth surged through her at the sight of Luke leaning against her door.
    He walked over and opened the driver’s door. “Hi there,” he said, his face splitting into a wide grin.
    When his gaze swept over her face and linger ed on her lips, Anna felt her pulse quicken. A hot blush rushed to her cheeks . Luke intrigued her . H e radiated a vitality that drew her like a moth to a flame. No matter how hard she tried not to, she found herself respond ing with a smile of h er own.
    “Don’t tell me ,” she said, climbing out from behind the wheel . “ You want a lift to the phone again . ”
    “Actually, I came to borrow the map .”
    Anna stared at him.
    Luke tilted his head. “ I f this is a bad time or something, I’ll get by. Never mind.”
    “Come in and I’ll get it for you.” She pushed her key in the door and threw it open. “Just watch the dogs…” but before she could finish the sentenc e, the two collies rushed past nearly knocking Luke off his feet. Anna smiled apologetically. “Sorry, but they’ve been shut in since early morning and get—”
    “Don’t worry, I’m fine,” he interrupted, rubbing his left knee where it came into contact with the wall. He limped after her into the small kitchen.
    She took the map out of the dresser drawer. “How f ar are you