Page 15 of Highlands Homecoming

The look on Samantha’s face made Melissa bite her cheek to keep from giggling. As they brushed past them and out into the chilly night air, Melissa held her breath until they were around the corner. Then she burst into laughter with a mix of tears.

“You okay?” asked Colin.

“You were brilliant!” said Melissa, pulling her coat around her as they hurried down the crowded street.

“Was I, though? He knows we’re dating. Could be a serious problem,” said Colin.

“I know what a cheapskate he is. This is not something he wants to draw out,” said Melissa.

“Even if he thinks he can get his hands on the house in Scotland?” asked Colin, his forehead wrinkling in worry.

“Cheapskate to the core. He’ll drop it so you don’t bill him for that … that … whatever that was.”

“Let’s hope so.”

When Colin droppedMelissa off at Caitlin’s house, there was an awkward air of longing and regret.

“Thank you for taking me on our first date.”

“Sorry it ended with a confrontation with … my client.” Colin grimaced as he spoke.

“I’m sorry our first date ended with a confrontation with my ex.”

“Stop apologizing, Melissa,” said Colin softly as he stood next to Melissa on the steps, their breath visible in the cold air.

“Did you want to come in and have a cup of tea?” Melissa asked, uncertain where this was leading, but certain she didn't want to be away from Colin just yet.

“I would love to,” He looked at her longingly. She leaned in and kissed him.

As he held her close and kissed her back, Melissa was filled with hope and optimism for the future. Whatever happened, this feeling between them was real. She hadn’t felt like this in ages. Now, it was here, and she didn’t think the warm glow inside her was going to go away.

Then Colin’s phone buzzed. Colin ignored it, but a moment later, it buzzed again. And again. Reluctantly, he reached into his pocket and looked at it while Melissa studied his face, which soon grew serious.

“It’s Dave. He …” Colin's eyes met Melissa's, his expression filled with a mix of regret and hesitation. “There’s an attorney-client privilege.”

“Oh.”

“And I can’t …” his voice trailed off as he thought. “But if I get to work right now, I can finalize everything before I need to check my email Monday morning. Then I won’t have to take action on what he, um …”

“Right,” said Melissa. As Colin put the phone back in his pocket, it dawned on Melissa. “He wants to stall so he can get the Scotland house,” she said.

“Attorney-client privilege. But suffice it to say, I’ve got to get to work. Trust me?”

“Absolutely,” said Melissa.

Colin kissed her again, gently but longingly.

“Caitlin’s taking me to the airport tomorrow,” Melissa said, her voice tinged with regret.

“He may well have orchestrated this to keep us apart,” said Colin, gently running a hand down her cheek.

“I’m not sure he’s that clever,” said Melissa.

Colin laughed as he took her hands.

“This isn’t goodbye,” said Melissa.

“Of course not.”