Highland Fling Read Online Free PDF Page A

understand his question.
    “A bank.”
    “For your money.”
    She snapped right back into reality. He must’ve realized the dangerous waters of their conversation and changed the topic. Mission accomplished. The last thing on her mind now was getting it on with Aleck.
    “I use a bank.” She gave a small shrug. “But I prefer to use cash for spending money. To have some around in case of an emergency, or, you know, if something catastrophic happened.”
    “I’m not sure cash will be in demand during the zombie apocalypse, but you’re probably smart to have it anyway.”
    An honest laugh escaped her and she allowed a small smile. “Well, I was thinking more devastating earthquake, but zombie apocalypse works too.”
    “You’re quite morbid, you realize that.”
    “I’m practical. I’ll bet you don’t even have an emergency food and water stash.”
    “I’ve more liquor than I know what to do with.”
    “At the pub, I’m sure, but do you plan to live there and indulge in vodka martinis?”
    “And why not? Sounds like a champion way to go out as you’re warding off zombies.” His grin slipped a little. “That’s a very mature way of thinking, by the way. Having so much money saved on hand. Having so much money saved at all really.”
    Her mouth tightened. “I’m not ten.”
    “No, that you’re not.” He gave a somewhat forced laugh. “What I’m saying is that most women in their early twenties seem to be more concerned about having fun, or are off at college.”
    “I don’t have the desire or money to go to college right now.” Her slight smile slid down into a frown. “I make a lot of money working as a bartender. While those in college are accruing debt, I’m accruing savings. Or was, anyway. And, besides, you know I enjoy my job.”
    He gave a small nod, and there was no judgment in his gaze. “Aye. You do.”
    She didn’t add what else she’d been saving the money for. Who knew how he’d react? Maybe he’d be irritated. Discouraging. Either way, she didn’t want to deal with it.
    Sliding her gaze back to her drink, she took another sip.
    “I assume you’ll file a report with the police?”
    Her hand clenched around the cup at Aleck’s quiet question.
    “I don’t know. I hate to involve them.” She met his gaze warily. “I didn’t report all my tips to the IRS.”
    “I’m fairly sure that’s quite common for people in our industry. It shouldn’t stop you from going to the police. I hardly think Colin will turn you in to the IRS.” His lips twitched, before he grew serious again. “You need to file a report, Lana.”
    Her stomach clenched. Kenzie had said the same thing. “I know. I will.”
    “Good. I’ll text Colin and give him a head’s up that you’ll be coming by the station.”
    Her head whipped up and she met his knowing gaze. He’d essentially called her bluff, and she had been bluffing.
    “This wasn’t penny change taken from you. You can’t allow the bastart to get away with this.”
    Bastart. God, when his Scottish accent thickened and he dropped little words that were so clearly not local, she got a little shivery.
    Focus on the meaning of the words, Delonna, not how he says them . He was right. As much as she didn’t want to involve the police, she’d be stupid not to.
    “I know.” She nodded. “Go ahead and text Colin. That’d be great, actually.”
    Aleck nodded and slipped his phone out of his pocket, deftly typing and sending a text. He looked up a moment later. “I’ll follow you home tonight.”
    “Follow me home?” Her brows rose. “Why?”
    “Just to make sure you’re safe. Kenzie is working late, though I’m not quite sure she’d even be there anyway from what I understand.”
    “No, she goes to Brett’s more often than not now.” She finished her drink, a little sad that the last delicious drop was gone. “But I’ll be fine. Really, there’s no need—”
    “This isn’t up for debate.”
    She gave a faint smile.