“Day after tomorrow,” she said after a pause.
He let his hand drift u
p to her cheek, cupping it. He was pleased when she leaned into his palm. “Stay with me tomorrow night?” he asked.
“I’d love to,” she said.
Before he could say anything else, the door opened and Lachlan strode through. He took in the scene, an unrepentant smile on his face. “Och,” he said. “Sorry for interrupting.”
Lilly raised her eyebrows as if to say, “Holy crap. You weren’t kidding about the accent!”
Talan slowly dropped his hand as she turned to face Lachlan.
“Lilly Ferguson,” she said, extending her hand out.
Lachlan closed the space between them and said, “Lachlan MacDonald. Pleased to meet you, lass.”
“Likewise,” she said smiling.
“So you’re the one with the crap taste in Scotch? With a good Scottish name like that, I’d expect better. ”
“Hey now,” she said sharply. “Not everyone can afford a seventy-dollar glass of Scotch. There’s gotta be something for the little people. Besides, there are plenty of middle-shelf choices that are completely palatable.”
“I typically drink Ben Nevis 45 Year. Though I highly doubt there’s anything middle-shelf that would compare…what would you suggest?” Lachlan asked, a smirk on his face.
“There are only a hundred or so bottles of that in the world. I suggest you drink slowly,” she said, grinning.
Talan bit back a chuckle as Lachlan narrowed his eyes and asked, “I’ve got thirty-eight of them, but what do I drink when they run dry, lass?”
“Will you actually try it if I make a suggestion?” Lilly asked, the annoyance slipping off her face too quickly for Talan’s liking.
She was up to something, Talan realized. She’d had that same look on her face right before she tried to give him Molson.
“Aye. I will,” Lachlan agreed, walking right into her trap.
Finally she said, “Hmm. Hints of citrus, peach, oak, and honey. Chocolatey nose. You know what you might like? Clan MacGregor.”
“I’ll keep him honest, little one. He’ll drink every drop,” Talan said, laughing at the outraged look on Lachlan’s face.
“Wait just a minute now, lass,” Lachlan blustered. “You said middle-shelf. If I can buy an entire bottle for ten dollars, that wouldna qualify!”
His brogue had gotten thicker with each word. Talan bit back a laugh and waited for Lilly to respond.
“I only suggest a glass of Clan MacGregor first so you can truly appreciate the Auchentoshan Three Wood I’d actually recommend. You can see what the actual swill is, then drink something that’s incredibly palatable in comparison. It’s the only way you’d appreciate it. You’re already convinced I’ve got crap taste.” She made air quotes as she said ‘crap taste’ and also managed to absolutely nail his thick Scottish accent in the process.
Lachlan stared at her, dumbfounded, then he began to laugh. The loud, booming sound filled Talan’s office. He couldn’t help but join in. It wasn’t often that Lachlan could be rendered speechless.
“Oh, lass. I think I just fell a wee bit in love. You let me know if you get tired of this one,” Lachlan said, still chuckling, as he tilted his head in Talan’s direction.
“Mine,” Talan interrupted, feeling the unfamiliar jealousy flare again, even though he knew Lachlan was just goading him.
“His,” Lilly agreed, pressing herself up against his side with a smile.
Lachlan grinned and said, “Had to try.”
“Well, then,” Lilly said, laughing. “I’ll think I’ll take this as my cue to leave.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Lachlan said giving her a slight bow. “You really aren’t going to make me drink Clan MacGregor, are you?”