Heart Melter by Sophia Knightly Read Free Book Online Page B

on the recliner. She turned on her side and fell asleep, her slim and curvy back facing Ian as he worked. He stared at her red-gold hair, her delicate shoulders and the graceful line of her spine for a long while.
    He wouldn’t have a moment’s peace until he knew she was safe again.
     
    When they landed in Inverness, Ian thanked the two pilots, Ron and Jeremy, and Lori, the flight attendant, before deplaning. They went through the formalities at the airport and cleared customs in no time.
    Feeling awkward, Natasha quietly stood beside Ian outside Inverness Airport. His unfair criticism and accusations earlier had aroused frustration in her. Now she felt regret as she gazed into his earnest eyes.
    “Stay at Glenhaven the whole time you’re there. Don’t venture into town unless you’re with Maggie and Ranald,” Ian said firmly.
    She looked heavenward. “Isn’t that going a bit overboard?” From the resolute angle of his jaw, he didn’t seem to think so.
    “Promise,” he said, his steely voice inflexible.
    “Okay, I promise. Dinny get yer knickers in a twist,” she said, affecting a Scottish burr.
    Ian chuckled in spite of his somber mood. “Look, there’s Uncle Ranald.” 
    Ranald drove up in a white Land Rover and parked it beside them. He enveloped Natasha in a bear hug first and then hugged Ian effusively. Shorter than Ian by several inches, Ranald was nevertheless strong and sturdy for a man in his mid-seventies. His long face split into a wide grin.
    “Welcome back, dearie. Isn’t she a wee bonnie lass, Ian?” Ranald’s green eyes twinkled as he beamed at Natasha.
    “Aye,” Ian said good-naturedly. “That she is.”
    “Thank you, Ranald. You’re too sweet,” Natasha said, kissing the older man’s weathered cheek.
    “I have to go now. I’m leaving Tasha in your care, Uncle Ranald. Keep an eye on her. She likes to roam when she’s in Scotland,” Ian said, giving Ranald a private wink.
    Natasha rolled her eyes. “You make me sound like one of your sheep.”
    “Nae, a lamb,” Ranald quipped as he opened the trunk. He and Ian loaded the suitcases while Natasha lifted Evita’s kennel.
    “Is that the famous Evita, then?” Ranald threw his head back and laughed when he got a good look at her. “Will you look at her get up?”
    Evita lifted her proud little snout and barked at him. She looked fabulous in her cashmere coat and little plaid collar and she knew it. The camel colored coat complemented her orange sable fur perfectly.
    “I have to go now,” Ian said.
    Natasha peered up at him and smiled. “Thank you for everything. I appreciate it very much,” she said sincerely and deposited a kiss on each of his lean cheeks, European style. She wished she could linger longer, but she noticed Ranald’s eyes dancing as he watched her.
    “You’re welcome. Mind what I said and be extra careful,” Ian said with a meaningful look. “Good bye, Uncle Ranald. I’ll call tomorrow.”
    Natasha watched Ian’s strong, proud back as he retreated to his jet and climbed the gangway. Tears stung her eyes when she realized it might be the last time she’d see him. She blinked rapidly, hoping Ranald hadn’t noticed her momentary weakness. Ian was returning to New York from London and he hadn’t said a word about seeing her again.
    With a dejected sigh, she straightened her spine and tried not to look morose as they drove away. Evita cuddled on her lap and licked her hand, sensing Natasha’s melancholy mood. Good thing they were riding next to Ranald, who was easygoing and great company. He would keep her distracted with amusing accounts of the village’s latest news. Ian had once said his chatty uncle was the only man he knew who loved to gossip. 
    “So what’s the hottest news this week?” Natasha said in an attempt to chase away the blues at parting from Ian.
    Ranald handled the steering wheel with one hand and scratched Evita’s ears with the other. “Let’s see now.” He pondered the