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“Hey, it’s not going anywhere.” He grinned easily without a hint of disappointment. “You’ll see it one day.”

This man… no demands, no guilt. He’s nothing like Tyler. Why am I waffling? Leia squeezed Tarquin’s hand. It would be amazing to see him in a different light… with his family, away from London. She flashed a huge smile. “Yeah, one day—in a week’s time! Book my flight, Tarquin. And tell Ava I’m coming!”

Twenty-Eight

TARQUIN

Orkney, one week later, Friday, November 22, 2019

“Nice to see you, too, Mrs. Norquay. Safe flight to Stronsay!” Tarquin smiled, his gaze fleeing the chatty senior and her husband, landing on the arrivals board.

IsleAir IA099 from Edinburgh 13:10 LANDED

She’s here! And so ends the longest seven of days of my life. Heart pounding beneath his sweater, Tarquin blew out a relieved breath and admired his bouquet of Scottish primroses, a small, delicate purple flower with a yellow center found only on the Orkney Islands and the northern coast of Scotland.

“Ahh, such a lovely lad.” The silver-haired Orcadian’s lilt carried across the small airport as she shuffled through the café’s seating with her husband. “His granny would be so proud.”

Tarquin rocked back on his heels. Well, that seals it. No snogging when I see Leia. One kiss here and all of Orkney will know by dusk I have a new girlfriend. Island life—gotta love it!

The door leading to the tarmac swung open, and a gust of frosty air escorted a brief parade of arriving passengers into the airport. Tarquin exchanged nods with several familiar faces collecting bags from the small U-shaped luggage belt but only one stole his breath.

“Hey, sexy!” Leia abandoned her suitcase and threw her arms around Tarquin’s neck, capturing his lips. One sweep of her tongue and Tarquin was a goner.

Fuck the rumor mill! Letting her in, he kissed her fast and deep, losing himself in her subtle perfume and the familiarity of her mouth. Leia’s fingers slid into his hair, gently tugging, twisting, refusing to behave. She REALLY missed me! He reciprocated, gathering her tight with his free arm, her goose-down parka and backpack still chilled from the gales outside.

Leia moaned quietly in their kiss, oblivious to several rubbernecking Orcadians. Nudging each other subtly, their approving grins suggested Tarquin was right—his love life would be the talk of the islands by teatime.

I’m so glad she’s here. Tarquin broke away, resting his forehead against Leia’s. “Welcome to the Orkney Islands,” he whispered, and her soft body curved into him, feeling like home.

“That snog was definitely worth four hours of travel!” She kissed him again, chastely this time before gazing into his green eyes like he was the love of her life.

“You’ve seen nothing yet!” Tarquin gave her a squeeze and let go, offering her the bouquet. “Betcha didn’t know primroses grow wild here.”

“They’re beautiful! And so tiny and purple!” She leaned in for a sniff. “I love them. Thank you!”

Tarquin smiled smugly. “So, what do you think so far? Kirkwall’s airport is wee, eh? No bigger than your average storage depot.”

Looking around, she studied the open plan terminal, basically one large room with two small check-in areas, an information desk, a tiny souvenir shop, and a cozy seating area hugging the café’s counter. “It really is. The plane was teeny, too—only thirty seats.” She hugged her flowers and rescued her midsized backpack from slipping off her shoulder.

“We should fly up to Westray,” said Tarquin, extending the handle of Leia’s suitcase. “The plane is an eight-seater, and the airport is a small waiting room and a toilet!”

“So, how many different islands have you been to?”

“Seventeen or so.” Tarquin held Leia’s hand as they walked toward the exit, passing tall glass cases displaying Orkney silver jewelry.

“And there are seventy in total?”

“Yep, but most of them are skerries.” He caught her furrowed brow. “Small rocky islands, completely uninhabitable…unless you’re a puffin.”

“Riley begged me to bring her back some puffin souvenirs.”

“Just wait to till we go shopping in town.” Tarquin swung her hand as they stepped outside. “Puffin-palooza!”

Striding through the small parking lot, a heavy mist dampened Leia’s parka, but not her enthusiasm. Taking everything in, she glanced back at the airport as Tarquin stowed her backpack and luggage in the black Land Rover. “Oh, check that out!” She pointed, her long hair dancing in the blustery Orkney wind. “Viking runes! Above the entrance. What does it say?”

Tarquin closed the tailgate and raced to the passenger side, opening Leia’s door. “Krimsitir, which in English translates to Grimsetter. During World War II, the airport was a Royal Airforce Fighter station known as RAF Grimsetter.”

Leia climbed in the car and gazed at her bouquet. Taming her messy mane, she smiled the entire time, like a little kid embarking on a big adventure.