The Accidental Scot by Patience Griffin Read Free Book Online

fast in Scotland. “I’m Max, by the way.”
    â€œI’m Moira.” She nodded and left him alone.
    He ate the rest of his stew without making any more faux pas. The rest of the afternoon flew by as he helped out at Quilting Central. He learned the names of many more of the women and a few of the men who’d been wrangled into lending a hand, too. Everyone was polite, if not warm, and he hoped his efforts would build somebridges between himself and Gandiegow. As he readied to leave, Amy, who’d told him she ran the General Store, brought him a bundle—a down coat, a god-awful Christmas sweater, thick gloves, and a nice wool plaid scarf.
    â€œIt’s the McKinley tartan,” Amy explained. “And the sweater, my auntie made.”
    He took the provisions from her. “This is so generous of you.”
    â€œNay. Stop by the store tomorrow to settle up. I’ll have your bill ready.” She said it sweetly, but firmly.
    He nodded. “Fair enough. I’m grateful all the same.”
    He shrugged on the down coat and headed back to the pub. The day had passed quickly and he barely had time to prepare for his dinner at Pippa’s. He slipped out of the kilt and into a warm pair of jeans. Feeling a little chilled, he decided to don the ugly sweater with the green and red baubles scattered across the front, complete with sewn-on tinkling bells. When Max got downstairs, Taog and Murdoch were waiting for him.
    â€œCome here, lad.” Taog pounded him on the back. “We owe you that drink. Pippa was quite pleased when she saw the CNC in the machine shop.”
    â€œSorry, fellows,” Max said. “I can’t stay.”
    â€œBut you promised,” Taog complained.
    â€œPromised,” Murdoch said in affirmation.
    â€œYes, but if I show up stinking drunk at the McDonnell’s for dinner, what do you think would happen?”
    â€œPippa would cut yere balls off and feed them to the sharkies.” Murdoch shook his head as though he’d heard accounts of such a tale.
    Taog only frowned sympathetically. “Aye. ’Tis a dilemma. Ye best be getting on to supper. And to Pippa.”
    Murdoch suddenly looked wise. “Watch yereself with Pippa, Yank.”
    Max gave a noncommittal nod, wondering who Murdoch had meant to protect. Pippa or Max?
    â€œWhere’s the postbox?” Max asked.
    Taog sipped his drink. “North of the General Store.”
    Max bundled up in his new coat, gloves, and scarf, and set off for Pippa’s. It was a cold walk, but he found the house with the red roof and green door easily enough. Given the overkill at the factory, he wasn’t surprised to find multicolored lights and decorations overpowering the outside of the cottage from one end to the other.
    As he stepped onto the porch, the door swung open and there she stood, wearing a long red sweater with gray leggings underneath. She had just enough cleavage showing to make him want to see more.
    â€œCome, get out of the cold.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him in.
    She smelled good. Like gingerbread.
    And God help him, he wanted to lean closer and inhale her scent a moment longer. That’s when he realized he was in trouble.
    *   *   *
    Pippa couldn’t keep from laughing as the Yank shrugged out of his coat.
    â€œHow on Earth did Amy talk ye into buying that atrocity? It’s been at the store for ages.” She shook her head. “No self-respecting Scot would be caught dead in such a thing.”
    He looked down and flicked one of the puffy baubles. “It’s warmer than anything I brought with me.”
    It was endearing that he’d wear the ridiculous sweater. Also, she noticed, it didn’t take anything away from his broad shoulders and captivating smile. “Christmas must really be your holiday.”
    â€œGod, no. Not by a long shot.” A crease formed on his forehead and he crossed his arms. In