Andrew cleared his throat as if to remind us he was there. It was necessary. I hadn’t been able to focus on anything since Flynn Campbell had approached the table. I never believed in instant chemical attraction.
Until now.
My skin felt warm all over, like I was baking from the inside out.
“Your brother told me you’re a Scottish historian,” Flynn said.
I nodded. “Sixteenth century. Mary Queen of Scots specifically.”
“My sister can tell you anything you want to know about Mary’s ladies-in-waiting,” Andrew interjected.
Flynn shot Andrew a look, and my brother nearly quivered. I frowned.
Was my brotherafraidof Flynn?
Giving the Scotsman back his glass, I pushed away from the table. In a show of old-world gentlemanly manners, Flynn stood when I did.
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment. I need to find the ladies’ room.”
I didn’t have to use the restroom, but I wanted a moment to get myself together. Thankfully, the bathroom was empty, and I was grateful for the privacy. Setting my clutch down on the counter, I forced myself to look in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, and my heart was thundering in my chest like a herd of wild horses. I washed my clammy hands and dried them before leaving the safety of the bathroom.
As I made my way back to the table, I heard Flynn and Andrew speaking in low voices. Something about their conversation made me pause, so I hid behind a massive potted plant, shamelessly eavesdropping.
“She can help you track your ancestry,” Andrew volunteered.
“I already know my ancestry.”
“You can find a use for her.”
There was a pause. “You didn’t mention she was beautiful,” Flynn said.
“Does that mean you’re willing to—”
“She has no idea why she’s here, does she?”
“No, she doesn’t. Does that change anything?”
“No. It doesn’t,” Flynn replied.
“So, do we have a deal?” Andrew asked impatiently.
“Aye. We have a deal.”
Chapter 2
I frowned, not understanding the nature of their conversation. Knowing I couldn’t keep hiding behind the potted plant, I made my presence known by returning to the table. I looked at my brother whose face was flushed, a picture of guilt.
“What’s going on?” I ventured to ask.
“You should sit,” Andrew said.
His tone and command made me balk. “What am I really doing here, Andrew? This isn’t about helping you woo a new client, is it?”
Andrew’s gaze dropped to the white tablecloth, but he wouldn’t answer me, so I looked at Flynn Campbell. For some reason, I trusted him to give me an honest answer. His stare was unwavering.
I slowly sank down into my chair. And waited.
Flynn looked at Andrew in disgust. “I’m not doing this with you here. She deserves more. More from you.”