Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I trudged through the village, surprised at the amount of snow around. It must have been falling for several hours here. My feet were cold, the heavy flurries melting into the leather of my shoes. I was sure this pair would end up in the bin. I picked my way carefully down the path, sliding often, falling twice before I came to the fork that led to the cottage. I was cold, cursing myself for not having gloves or proper footwear or even a scarf. I had been in such a hurry to come, I hadn’t checked the weather or thought ahead for what I might need in order to get to the cottage before I froze. I had enough clothing there once I reached it, including a thicker coat, but I had to make it to shelter first.
I rounded the bend, the wind hitting me full force as it tore over the water. The sound of the waves was loud, the snow even heavier, and the wind howled. I slogged up the path, grateful and frozen, stopping as I noticed light peeking out from behind the curtains. And smoke swirling in the air from the chimney.
Had Mrs. Harris come out and gotten the cottage ready for me, knowing I would arrive so late? She had done it before, but usually only if I asked. I shook my head, not caring. It would be warm and welcoming inside. A safe place from the storm. Peaceful.
I stepped onto the porch, transferring the bags to one hand as I fished the key to the door from my coat pocket. It slid in easily, and I opened the door, stepping in fast and shutting it behind me quickly.
The heat slapped me in the face, and I dropped my bags, leaning my head back on the wooden door, glad I was inside and out of the storm. Two things hit me at once.
The scent of the fire that roared in the hearth.
The odd thumping sound and a frightened gasp.
I opened my eyes and met the terrified gaze of a stranger.
A woman.
One of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Average height and curvy, she had long, golden-brown hair that hung down past her shoulders. Huge, dark eyes were wide with fear, and a set of full lips was open in shock.
Our gazes locked, and she stood, backing away, shaking her head.
And then she fainted.
CHAPTER TWO
AUTUMN
Ipushed my hair off my cheek, cursing the fact that my clip had broken. I usually wore my hair up in the office to keep it off my face since when down like this, the curls did whatever they wanted—and that was usually to bother me.
I opened the drawer beside me, searching, hoping for an elastic, a large paper clip—anything to help. But it was empty. That was the problem with short-term offices. I really didn’t know where anything was, and since I was only temporary, I never would.
I ignored the curl that escaped, hanging over my eye, and concentrated on the screen in front of me. A throat clearing made me look up. One of my temporary coworkers stood in the doorway, smiling.
“Hey, Bonnie. Come in.”
She stepped in, sitting across from me. I had met her when she lived in Canada for a short time. The company I worked for had acquired the one she was employed by in Scotland, and they’d brought her over to Canada for a short period to learn the ropes. We had struck up a friendship, and when she went back to Scotland, I was sad to see her go. She was born in Ireland but grew up in Scotland with her stepmother and dad. We had gotten along so well in Canada and had stayed in touch. When an opportunity opened up for someone from Canada to come to Scotland to help with a new HR handbook and guidelines, Bonnie had put my name up, and I was excited to accept. It would give me the distance I needed. The chance to reclaim my life. At least, I hoped it did.
I had always wanted to see Scotland, and in the time I had been here, I had used any free hours to explore. Bonnie had been a great tour guide, showing me sights only the locals would know. I had added a few holiday days into my schedule so I had time to explore.
She held up a stack of papers. “So far, so good,” she said in her delightful Scottish accent. “The higher-ups approve. Your suggestions are spot-on.” She beamed at me. “It’s such a great idea to have the same outlines all across the company, no matter what continent we’re in.” She winked at me. “You’ve earned your time off for your mini break.”
I laughed at her drollness. “The manual was a bit chaotic.”