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Katie skated over to the door. ‘I’ll get it.’

Leaving the others finishing their breakfast, she grabbed the other basket and went straight to the sitting room with it, determined to speak to Arlo.

When she walked in, he was crouched down in front of the log store in the hearthside alcove, slotting in logs. She remembered the kiss on that first night, the way her heart beat, and how she’d felt excited and comforted in equal measure.

That broad back and strong thighs … She thought of the job he used to do. Katie had done some research before bed and found out more about adventure training in the Army. No wonder he was fit. The mystery was why he’d given up such an exhilarating job to run a holiday let.

Sensing her presence, he suddenly turned round and his lips parted in dismay.

Katie put her own log basket on the carpet. ‘I wanted to catch you.’

He straightened up, brow creased. ‘Are there enough logs? Do you want more?’

‘No. This is fine. More than fine.’ She found she couldn’t ask him what she wanted to. He was being cold with her. If Ned hadn’t turned up, would he still be pushing her away? Would she be doing the same?

‘What time do you want to leave for Firholme?’

‘I said ten thirty but getting everyone to stick to a plan is almost impossible.’

‘Maybe me being here will focus minds.’ Finally, he treated her to a glimmer of a smile, but it felt forced.

‘Yes, it definitely will.’ His presence had certainly focused her mind.

She moved closer to him and he met her eyes. He smelled of pine and freshly cut wood. Any company that bottled it would make a fortune, judging by the way it made her heart beat faster and her body melt like snow under the April sunshine.

‘Arlo …’

‘Don’t. Please,’ he said, then softened. ‘I – I know that this whole situation has been awkward and that’s the last thing I want. You’re here to relax and enjoy Christmas. I get how complicated your life is.’ He smiled and added gently, ‘I wouldn’t want to make it any more difficult, Katie. What happened – almost happened in here – I don’t regret it. How could I?’

‘I don’t regret it, either,’ she murmured, melting. ‘I wish you’d tell me more about the reasons you ended up at the Island House.’ She chanced her arm. ‘After all, if it’s show and tell, I’ve done all the showing. You owe me.’

After a pause, he nodded. ‘I do owe you and I’ll think about it.’

‘Thank you. That … wasn’t the only reason I wanted to talk to you. I also have a favour to ask. Quite a big favour, actually, and I hope you won’t mind.’

‘I won’t know unless you ask me,’ he said, not unkindly.

‘Well, we – I – have been talking about Ned and after some discussion with the others, we really don’t think we can leave him on his own in the Bothy, so we’ve invited him over for Christmas Day. If it’s OK with you because he wasn’t on the original guest list.’

Arlo didn’t reply immediately but then shrugged. ‘You rented the whole house. You can invite who you like.’

‘Well, not strictly speaking, going by the booking conditions.’

‘I wrote them,’ he said. ‘And I don’t mind if Ned comes over for Christmas Day. I’m guessing he’ll need a lift tomorrow morning?’

‘Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your day! I, um, we wondered if it would be better if he came here later this afternoon. And – erm – returned on Boxing Day. I thought that while you were out and about in the launch after we’ve been to Firholme, we could pick him up.’

For a second or two, she thought Arlo was going to say that it was all too much trouble and that his generosity to unexpected guests didn’t extend to them staying overnight, but he flashed her a smile and said, ‘Sounds like a plan. Of course I can collect him later but it’d be better if I dropped you all off and then went on to the Lodge jetty for him. If that suits his schedule,’ he added.

If there was a hint of resentment in that remark, Katie hadn’t detected it. However, she felt more and more awkward about asking Arlo.

‘Phew. I’m very glad you don’t mind. It is pretty cheeky.’

‘Not considering you didn’t know Ned would turn up. I totally understand why you’d want to invite him for Christmas Day, not that it’s any of my business.’

‘No, though out of courtesy I wanted to check with you first. I think it’s the best solution, leaving you with Christmas Day to yourself. I expect you’ll be going to Greg’s or a friend’s?’

‘I’ll be fine.’ Arlo smiled, yet the mechanical way he said it made her wonder if he really was fine with being alone or with the Ned situation.