even angry at times but over the years Eva had come to terms with what had happened between them. She had difficulty imagining them as a couple today. ‘When I think of him now, it’s as someone I used to love but more as a friend. Obviously we had Jamie but in all honesty, I’m not sure we would have stayed together. He wasn’t my grand passion.’
She sipped her drink, slightly shocked to hear herself admit that out loud but for some reason felt better for having said it. ‘What about you?’ she continued. ‘You don’t miss London and – everything?’
She watched Ben lift his glass to his mouth and slowly put it back down, his eyes never leaving hers.
‘Not a single bit of it.’ The air seemed to hang thickly between them and Eva felt her cheeks grow hot. She straightened in her seat, casually flicking her hair over her shoulders in a bid to appear normal, wondering if Ben was feeling it too.
‘So from private clubs to ceilidhs … this is going to be quite a change for you. Have you ever even been to a ceilidh before?’ she asked lightly.
‘Once at university and that was a long time ago so I’d better warn you now, I won’t have clue how to do any of the dances. I take it you’ve been to a few before?’
‘Loads. We were taught all the dances at school so they kind of stay with you for life after that. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you right.’
‘I’ll hold you to that. Here’s to a good night.’ They brought their glasses together.
***
Ben was having trouble keeping his eyes off Eva. He’d been pretty much mesmerized by her since the moment he’d seen her tonight. After their drink in the pub, they had made the short walk to the university. They had passed through the leafy quadrangle and entered the grand hall, which was ablaze with light and colour. The panelled walls were lined with saltire flags and hundreds of fairy lights trailed along the stained-glass windows.
The ceilidh was already in full swing and Ben had led the way to one of the tables encircling the dance floor where he spotted some colleagues. After a few introductions they had soon found themselves joining in, Ben discovering it was impossible not to be swept away by the sheer energy of the dancing. He was totally bewildered at first as he tried to keep up, finding it chaotic until he started to see the patterns and formations emerging for each dance.
Eva had helped him, trying to guide him through the steps but quite often she’d ended up in fits of giggles. She looked beautiful as she had thrown her head back laughing at his attempts. And among the noise and movement all Ben could see was Eva, his eyes drawn to her like a magnet. Watching her body move and the way her dress clung to her curves was driving him to distraction.
The Canadian barn dance had just finished and the band announced a break so people returned to their tables, grateful for a seat and refreshments. Now Eva was sitting beside him at their table, slightly breathless and her cheeks flushed.
‘Are you having fun?’ she asked with a grin.
He nodded. ‘I am, but I’m not sure I’m a worthy partner.’
‘You’re doing all right for an Englishman,’ she teased.
‘You seem to be enjoying yourself?’ he asked, loving that she looked so happy and relaxed.
‘I am.’ She beamed back at him. ‘I forgot what good fun a ceilidh is.’
Out the corner of his eye Ben had seen Professor Drummond making his way round the tables and saw him now approach their table. Ben smiled at how distinguished and dazzling he looked in full highland regalia.
‘Ben! Good to see you.’ He shook hands with Ben, his eyes already on Eva. ‘And who is this lovely young lady?’
‘Professor, this is Eva. Eva, this is Professor Drummond.’
In a theatrical gesture the Professor bent down to kiss her hand. ‘Lovely to meet you, Eva. Don’t you two make quite the handsome couple,’ he said with a mischievous glint in his eye. Knowing the Professor well, Ben threw him a warning smile.
‘Nice to meet you,’ Eva replied.
‘Did you know Ben was my best ever student? He left me for a while but I always knew he’d come back.’ The Professor patted Ben on the back, looking at him affectionately. ‘Now, I have to go and make speeches and thank people for their donations.’ He clasped Ben’s hand in two of his, shaking it. ‘You especially, Ben.’
He turned his attention back to Eva, giving her a wink. ‘He’s a wee bittie special but I think you might know that already.’
As the Professor wandered off to the next table Kat suddenly appeared, clinging on to Dan, one of the research assistants who fortunately didn’t look too unhappy about it.
‘Hi, Ben,’ she cooed.
Sensing Eva bristle, Ben instinctively rested his hand on her waist, pulling her towards him. ‘Eva, these are my colleagues: Kat and Dan.’
Kat looked Eva up and down, her eyes narrowing as she tried to place her. As recognition dawned, an unpleasant sneer crept onto her face. ‘Oh, you’re the decorator, aren’t you?’
Ben didn’t like her condescending tone and opened his mouth to speak but Eva squeezed his hand, shooting Kat a charming smile.
‘That’s right. Do let me know if you have any painting or decorating you need done – my rates are very reasonable and I’m sure Ben would be happy to recommend me.’
Kat stared at her for a moment then gave her a dismissive look, turning her attention to Ben. ‘I haven’t had a dance yet, Ben. Next one’s mine when the band starts up?’
Ben felt his irritation rise again and he suddenly wanted to get out of the hall, wanted Eva to himself. ‘Actually, we were just thinking about leaving.’ He lifted an eyebrow at Eva for confirmation and was relieved to see her nod in agreement.
After a few handshakes and farewells Ben guided Eva out, weaving their way through the throng of bodies and out of the hall. The world fell silent and the evening air was cool after the heat of the hall as they walked back the way they had come earlier.
‘You didn’t mind leaving, did you?’ he checked again with Eva.
‘Not at all. I don’t think my feet could have taken any more anyway. But didn’t you want to hear the speeches?’
‘I can live without them and I don’t think the Professor will mind.’
‘I liked him.’ She smiled. ‘So did you enjoy your first proper ceilidh then?’
‘How could I not? The dancing was fun and the music was great – plus I got to dance with the most beautiful woman there.’ He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘Thank you for coming with me.’
Eva glanced sideways at him from under her lashes, looking adorably shy before replying. ‘Thanks for asking for me – it was great fun.’
Since the night of the storm Ben felt as if something had been unleashed in him. Not just his physical attraction to Eva but an emotional connection to her also. He had held himself back, worried that Eva had
