First Thirst (Craving 1)

He gave me an encouraging smile so I dove right in. “Questions?” I almost snorted but controlled myself. “Oh yeah, I have a whole lot of ‘em. But first, I have to admit to you, Mr. Ascot, I haven’t a clue how to begin my job here at MacLeod.”

“Yes, of course. I believe that once you have been here a week or so, you will get a feel for the estate and be better equipped to take on the responsibilities associated with its smooth running.”

“Right,” I said doubtfully. “But while I am getting acquainted, I would like to know what needs the most attention. What do you wish me to handle first?”

“Yes, of course, perhaps I can draw up a list of duties…?” he said as much to himself as to me as he fingered his bottom lip.

“Yes, good, but I hope you don’t mind if I pester you with questions, not only today, but day after day and until I get my bearings,” I said.

“Pester me away, Miss Skye,” he said, and his hazel eyes twinkled warmly. “I welcome questions.”

I sighed with relief and said,

“Call me Bobbie. Or is this like Downton Abbey and we need to stick to the formalities?” I wasn’t being funny. I wasn’t sure.

He laughed and said, “Ah, Americans and their nicknames. Bobbie for Roberta, of course. No, we don’t need to do the Downton Abbey thing. Indeed, so I shall, if you will return the favor and call me Jeremy.” He pyramided his fingers and paused our conversation to turn and smile at Davis, who had just entered with a huge tray.

I watched the tray filled with delectables and realized how ridiculously hungry I was. Davis set the tray of refreshments on the coffee table and as he unbent, I stared at tiny sandwiches and frosted little cakes and scones!

I said, “Wow…this looks great, thanks, Davis.” I immediately took up a cucumber and cheese sandwich and popped it into my mouth. As I swallowed, I looked up and once again saw the hint of a smile tickle Davis’ lips, but he soon bowed himself off. I turned back to Jeremy who was chuckling softly before he asked, “Did they not feed you on the plane?”

“Oh, they did, but I have a really big appetite, and seem to need food every couple of hours,” I explained casually, as I couldn’t very well tell him that my inner witch was forever burning up my calories. I took up another sandwich and apologized, “I’m famished.”

He laughed out loud and said, “Indeed. I think I’ll join you.”

I swallowed the small sandwich whole and noted he appeared to eat with relish as well. He took up a plate and piled it on, scone, jam, and butter, and I giggled and did the same.

We ate in comfortable silence for a few moments before he brushed his hands together and sat back, indicating he was ready to resume our discussion.

He smiled and said, “Hmm. There now, that is better.”

“Yes,” I agreed, and poured two cups of tea and handed him one.

He sipped and I noted his hazel eyes regarding me curiously as he put down his cup and brushed away a stray auburn wave from his forehead.

I could see he was looking for a way to restart, so I kept quiet and allowed him to find it.

“Miss Skye…” he started.

“Bobbie,” I corrected.

He inclined his head. “Bobbie, yes…tell me how you like Scotland thus far.”

I chuckled. “Well, I love what I have seen, but I’ll give you a better answer once I have roamed about and gotten a feel for it.”

“Of course,” he said.

I saw his eyebrow rise and his lips twitch as I took up two small cakes and devoured them between sips of tea. “So good,” I offered.

He leaned forward and said, “Indeed, I like these little pink ones…”

We both laughed and after a few moments sat back in our chairs. Gone were any of the tensions that accompany a first meeting.

He shook his head and sighed. “Right then, Bobbie. Now that we are fed, I suppose you want to address the subject of your duties, but I feel…”

“Yes, my duties,” I interrupted. “I really do need to know what is expected of me.”

“Indeed, but first, you see, I wanted you to rest from your flight and enjoy getting to know your immediate surroundings before I worried you with all of that.” He waved his hand about. “You should take a few days to acquaint yourself with not only the estate, but the village and the surrounding countryside. Then we can get into your duties here.”