Secrets at the Loch (Loch Lannick #5) - Hannah Ellis Page 0,65
They’ve been helping with painting, but I think they’ve downed tools and hit the wine now.”
Lexie went into the house while Logan went back to cutting the hedge. The front door was a huge improvement. Inside was unrecognisable. The new kitchen units made the whole room feel lighter.
Her eyes darted around as she followed the sound of chatter through to the living room. Gone were the scruffy old carpets in the hallway. The wooden flooring looked gorgeous. In the living room, the fireplace made a stunning feature against the bright white walls. One of Isla’s paintings hung over it – a watercolour of the lighthouse at Neist Point.
Nick’s shabby old couch now looked slightly out of place. There were definitely still a few jobs to be done, but the improvements were impressive.
“What do you think?” Leana called from outside.
“It’s incredible,” Lexie replied as she stepped out through the patio doors and onto the brand-new deck. It ran the length of the house, with a couple of low steps leading to the small patch of lawn. The bushes which had previously engulfed the stone wall at the end of the garden had been completely removed, altering the view. Now the eye was drawn straight out to the loch and the imposing mountains beyond. The sunset gave everything a wonderful warm glow, with streaks of pink cutting across the hazy orange sky.
“Grab a mug and have a drink with us,” Elspeth said, beaming as she held up a bottle of white wine.
Isla’s face was flushed and she seemed a little giggly. “Someone needs to buy Nick wine glasses as a house-warming gift,” she said.
“Here.” Leana held her chipped mug out to Lexie. “You can share mine.”
“I can’t believe you did all this.” Lexie took Leana’s mug and had a few long sips of wine. While she had all three of the Mackenzies together, she may as well tell them about her and Nick. The alcohol might help calm her nerves.
“It was mostly Logan,” Isla said. “And a few people who know Nick from the college.”
“I can’t wait for him to see it,” Elspeth said.
“I hope he’s happy with it.” Isla tilted her head. “Logan’s worried it’s actually a bit intrusive to give someone’s house a makeover without asking.”
“He’s going to love it,” Elspeth said firmly. “And now that his house is in order, he’ll forget all about his crazy idea of moving back to Fort William.”
“I thought he’d already abandoned the idea,” Isla said. “He’s going back to work next week, isn’t he?”
“Aye.” Elspeth sipped her wine. “He’ll be home tomorrow. And he said he’s staying anyway, but now the house is all fixed there’ll be no doubt in his mind.” She grinned mischievously. “I’m also thinking of setting him up with Meghan.”
“Really?” Isla asked with a frown. Lexie’s heart rate sped up. Now would be a good time to jump in and mention that Nick wasn’t available.
“She really likes him,” Elspeth said. “And it seems like she might be staying on Skye for a while. Plus, she told me she’s been messaging Nick while he’s been away.”
“Do you really think she’s his type?” Lexie asked hesitantly.
“Yes!” Elspeth turned to face her. “They’re perfect for each other.”
“I’m not so sure,” Leana said. Lexie averted her gaze, looking out over the loch.
“He’d be a great boyfriend, wouldn’t he?” Elspeth blethered on. “He’d be so attentive. And he’s just so lovely.” She snapped her gaze to Isla. “When you and him were together he was a good boyfriend, wasn’t he?”
Isla nodded. “Yeah.”
The reminder that Nick and Isla used to be a couple made Lexie’s insides tighten. It wasn’t something she wanted to think about.
“And he’s a great kisser,” Elspeth said with a dreamy smile. Her words put a stop to Lexie’s insecurities about Isla and Nick. How on earth did Elspeth know he was a good kisser? As silence fell, Elspeth’s eyes widened. “I mean … that’s what you told us, isn’t it, Isla?”
“I don’t remember mentioning it.” Isla glared at Elspeth. “When exactly did you kiss my ex-boyfriend?”
Lexie observed the interaction with a pounding heart. She didn’t dare speak for fear of revealing her feelings for Nick but she was desperate to know if something had happened between Elspeth and Nick. If it was true, he could have at least warned her about it.
“Ages ago,” Elspeth said, giggling. “He’s a great kisser, though, isn’t he?”
Logan’s voice drifted in from the side of the house. “Don’t answer that, Isla!”