least I’d like to be.”
That got the man’s attention. “Pretty sure she gets to make that call,” he said, eyes narrow and skeptical.
“Oh . . . oh, yeah. Of course.” Gunnar felt the blood drain out of his face. Shit. Had he sounded like he was asking MacBain to hand her over? “I wasn’t being a jerk. I was just trying to be real, you know? Let you know where things stand.”
MacBain turned, faced him full on. “And where do they stand?”
Gunnar actually gulped, something he hadn’t done in the presence of another guy since he was like fourteen. Damn, these Highlanders were intimidating. His determination wavered, made him wonder, for just a second, if he really wanted to be involved with a girl from this particular family. Of course, as soon as his mind wandered anywhere near thoughts of Katy, the question became a moot point. There was no other for him.
“We’re still figuring that out,” he managed. “But it’s not just me pursuing her. I know she’s interested. It’s just, well . . . complicated.”
MacBain snorted. “Welcome to the world of a Scottish woman.”
Gunnar chuckled. “You can say that again. I’m seriously unprepared for this.”
“Then why do it?”
Gunnar shrugged. “Is there another choice?”
The man’s face broke into a grin. “Look at you, knowing the right answer already. There might be hope for you and my sister.”
“Maybe you could tell her that.”
MacBain’s grin slipped away. “Katy doesn’t like to be told much of anything. Though, if she’s fighting you that hard, maybe you need to back off.”
“I’m actually looking forward to her getting back to fighting me. That’s kind of our thing. I mean, not fighting, just, you know . . . spirited discussions.”
“Got it.” MacBain nodded. “So, you’re saying she’s changed? Did something happen?”
“Not with us. Not really. She’s just dealing with some stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?” MacBain’s eyes looked more wary than curious, almost like he already knew the answer.
“That’s for Katy to tell you.” Gunnar lifted his hands, palms out in the “no offense” position. “Not trying to start anything, but you know your sister better than I do. She’s not going to like us discussing her business.”
MacBain’s gaze grew steely. “Then why ask me about her?”
“I just couldn’t find her, was a little worried, honestly. It’s good to know she’s with her mom.”
“Yeah, they needed to talk.”
“If you see her, could you tell her I was looking for her?”
MacBain studied him long and hard, then nodded.
“Could you ask her to call me?”
“That’ll be up to her.”
“Right. Scottish woman. Got it.” Gunnar sighed, though the sound made him cringe. When had he become the hand-wringing girl in this situation? Katy’s voice immediately darted into his head to scold him, reminding him that girls were capable of a lot more than wringing their hands, and that if he continued to be such an uninformed jackass, he could just walk himself in the other direction. Forever.
“Chin up, man. Katy’s smart, and she’s really good at figuring out the right thing, even if it takes her a while.” MacBain looked almost sorry for him.
Gunnar shrugged and looked out over the water. “Thanks. That would be great if we actually had a while.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Hearing the new alarm in MacBain’s voice, Gunnar turned back. “Nothing for you to worry about. This particular ticking clock, and all the meddling that goes with it, is mine and mine alone.”
MacBain frowned, clearly not satisfied, but Gunnar decided he’d said all he felt ready to say. With a small wave, he headed back down the dock. It suddenly felt like a storm was coming and all of the stores were sold out of candles and batteries. He’d just have to wing it, an approach that used to be his strong suit but now made him feel like he’d left the house in two left boots. Women! That was all.
Chapter Sixteen
“Attention Spellbound Falls Fire & Rescue. Spellbound Ambulance One is asked to respond to 505 Spooner Street for a nineteen-year-old male, breathing but not responsive, possible overdose. Copy Spellbound Ambulance One: 505 Spooner Street, nineteen-year-old male, possible overdose. Piscataquis out, thirteen-forty-one.”
“Got it, boss,” Gretchen called as soon as the tones faded.
“I’m in,” Katy said and hurried to follow her out the door.
With a quick nod at Gunnar, Paul grabbed his gear bag and jumped in the back of the ambulance. More than enough personnel to cover it, Gunnar thought, but he’d barely had more than two words with Katy all week. He needed