wasn’t often she took the time to appreciate it. After ambling along for an hour, she sat on a rock and messaged Nick, telling him she was staying another night but insisting he needn’t get any ideas about coming to see her.
He replied a few minutes later, saying he was meeting his brother for a drink later but could call in after that.
On impulse, she told him not to bother and that she was enjoying the time alone. Secretly, she hoped he’d turn up anyway, but she was aware that it was unfair the way she treated him. Keeping him around and letting him so close, but still not opening up about how she felt about him.
Closing her eyes in to the breeze, she imagined telling him how she really felt. That she wanted to be with him. She knew he’d be a sweet, caring boyfriend, and she was certain he’d never intentionally hurt her. But if she told him she wanted to be with him, there’d be no going back. She couldn’t freak out next week and change her mind. As much as she worried about getting hurt, she also worried about hurting him again.
She stayed on the rocks for another hour, her mind swirling with thoughts of her past, and of Nick. Finally, she set off back the way she’d come but detoured through the town to pick up a few supplies for dinner. She wasn’t really hungry but bought a pre-packaged sandwich, knowing she’d kick herself later if she found herself without any sustenance.
Taking the long way back, she passed the museum and broke into a grin at the sight of her lovely tour guide standing in the doorway.
“Hello!” Jonathan called cheerfully. “You’re still here.”
“It’s my last day,” she said, walking over to him.
“Was it a good trip?”
“Really good. I even made it to the top of the mountain!”
His eyes widened. “Not on your own, I hope?”
“I had a guide.”
“That’s good. It can get hairy up there at this time of year.”
“It did a bit,” she said. “And my feet may never recover.”
“Did you find your answers at the summit?” he asked with a wide smile.
“Somewhere up there things became pretty clear. But I’m not sure that’s really a good thing.”
Jonathan glanced up and down the quiet street before taking a step inside. “Come and have a cuppa,” he said. “I’m about finished but I’ve time for a quick coffee.”
She hesitated before following him inside. “I’ve never been inside a museum after closing time,” she said. “Do things come to life like they do in that film?”
“Not that I’ve noticed.” His eyes flashed with excitement. “But wouldn’t that be something? Having Bonny Prince Charlie wandering around with the Jacobites!”
“It would be … interesting.”
“Hang on a minute.” He left her by the counter and headed into a back room. It was only a few minutes until he returned. “I even found biscuits,” he said, waving the pack as he set the coffees down. “It’s a proper Friday night party in here.”
She took a biscuit and bit straight into it. “This is about as wild as my social life gets at the moment.”
“Tell me what happened on the mountain then? What was it that suddenly became clear? Something to do with the guy you like, I presume?”
“Yes.” She sipped her coffee then set it down. “It made me realise how much I like him. Or just admit it to myself I guess.”
“That’s good,” Jonathan said. “If he feels the same, anyway.”
“It doesn’t really feel like a good thing at the moment.”
She heard footsteps just as Jonathan’s gaze darted over her shoulder. “Sorry, I thought you must be running late. I was just chatting to my new friend.” His eyes flicked back to her. “Wow! We’re chatting away about your love life and I don’t even know your name.”
“It’s Lexie,” a voice behind her said.
She spun around to find Nick staring at her.
“Oh!” Jonathan’s eyes darted between them, then widened with realisation. “You’re Nick’s Lexie?”
She frowned as she tried to figure out what was going on. Then it hit her. “You’re Nick’s brother?”
“Yes! I’ve heard all about you. This is so weird. I had no idea.” He looked at Nick. “I gave Lexie a tour of the museum the other day without knowing who she was.”
“Jonathan was the guy who suggested I hike the mountain,” she said. Nick’s features were serious as he stared at her. He didn’t respond, just gave a small nod.
“Do you mind if we take a