Free HISTORICAL ROMANCE: Scottish Romance: Scars of a Highlander (Highlander Alpha Male Romance) (Historical Fantasy Scottish Time Travel Romance Short Stories) by Cassandra Michaels

it was.
    “Well, my friends call me Tilly.” She said lightly. “But oh, it’s you, will do.”
    “That’s very funny.” Peter said.
    “Thanks.” She said with a smile that revealed her slightly crooked teeth.
    Peter found himself smiling back but then quickly stopped it. He looked at her for a moment. Her hair was just as fiery red as it had been the night before and her green eyes sparkled as she waited for him to make his order.
    “So, what can I get you?” She asked when Peter’s eyes had been on her for a moment too long.
    “I just want a coffee.” Peter said.
    “Are you sure?” Tilly asked. “They do a great English breakfast here that cures hangovers in a blink of an eye.”
    “Is that so?” Peter asked with his eyebrow arched.
    “It is.” She said with a bright smile.
    “Well, then I suppose you had better bring me one of those too.” He said.
    “Coming right up.” She said cheerfully and then she turned and walked away.
    Peter watched her as she made her way to the back of the room where he supposed the kitchen was. She pushed open a swinging door and disappeared behind it. He looked around the café at the other people who had chosen to eat their breakfasts there.
    The place was full of happy faces and the buzz of conversation and it kept Peter’s attention until his food arrived.
    “You’ll love it.” Tilly said as she slid the plate of hot food over to him.
    “Would you sit a moment?” Peter asked and then gestured to the free chair at the table.
    “I’m working.” Tilly said with a shake of her head.
    “I promise I won’t keep you long.” Peter insisted.
    “My boss won’t like it.” Tilly said and shook her head again.
    “You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who would care about such a trivial matter.” Peter said a little curtly.
    “Well, I can assure you that I am.” Tilly said and her cheeks starting to blush with pink. “I need this job and I can’t afford to lose it just because some Duke wishes to speak with me.”
    Peter didn’t say anything for a moment. He was surprised by the offense that was playing across Tilly’s face. He wasn’t sure what he had said to warrant it, but he wanted to find out.
    “I didn’t mean to offend you.” He said quickly before she had a chance to walk away.
    “I’m sure you didn’t.” Tilly said, but not in a forgiving way.
    “I’ll speak to your boss should he have a problem.” Peter said and then he gestured to the seat again.
    Tilly looked at it and then back to Peter.
    “What could you possibly have to ask me about?” She asked him.
    “Well, if you sit down then you’ll find out.” Peter said with a slight smile.
    Tilly hovered over the chair for a moment and then decided to sit down. She waited for him to speak.
    “Do you work in both the inn and the café?” Peter asked after a moment.
    “Yes.” Tilly said and then she added. “As well as the mill on the weekends.”
    “Why?” Peter asked her, a little surprised.
    “For the same reason that every person works.” Tilly said as though the reason was obvious.
    “Doesn’t it tire you out?” Peter asked because he understood her reasons.
    “Should I sit out and beg because I feel tired sometimes?” Tilly countered quickly.
    “I suppose not.” Peter said and then he took a second to recollect his thoughts. “So, you work every day?” He asked.
    Tilly nodded. “Did you think that I took it easy?” She asked with almost a snort.
    “I’m not sure what I thought.” Peter said.
    “If you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to work.” Tilly said and then she looked behind her at the tables of dirty plates that were waiting to be collected.
    “Might I ask you just one more thing?” Peter said as he watched her stand up.
    “You just did.” Tilly said with a cheeky smile.
    “Well, yes.” Peter said a little caught off guard by her quick wit. “Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?”
    “Why?” Tilly asked with a confused face