Euan had his elbows on the table, his coffee cup clasped in both hands and his face turned to the glass door. Keely suspected that in his mind he was still on the water.

“When I’m on the board nothing else exists. There’s just peace and solitude.” He turned back and caught her studying him. Creases lined his face as he smiled. “When I’m out there, nothing bothers me.”

“I’m like that with my beads. Once I get going on a piece of jewellery, I forget about everything else. Time just disappears.”

“Everyone needs some kind of release. It’s healthy.” He picked up his plate. “Maggie will brighten Flynn up. When she’s here he drops some of that tough shell of his.”

The mention of Maggie reminded Keely of her idea.

“I’ve cleaned the bedroom for her.”

“She won’t be here for another week and you don’t have to move out. We’ll work something out in the front rooms.”

“Maggie won’t want the studio?”

“No. She doesn’t like it at all. Lucy and I lived there when we first bought this place. Maggie hated it then and she’s never changed her mind.” He chuckled. “Too rustic for her.”

Keely followed him into the kitchen. “Would it be okay for me to move in there?”

“You don’t have to.” Euan turned and the full force of his ice-blue eyes searched her face. “This is your home for as long as you want to stay.”

“You’ve been very kind and I would like to stay and help with the Divine Wine and Dine weekend. If I moved into the studio, it would give us all some space.”

Euan opened his mouth but Keely rushed on.

“I’d be happy to still help with meals but I could use the studio for my beads. It would be lovely to be able to spread out for a while and not have to pack up my work in progress. It’s so beautiful down there.”

“If that’s what you want, you’re most welcome but you don’t have to cook and fuss over us. Flynn and I have managed between us in the past.”

“If I don’t cook, I have to pay rent.” Keely stood her ground. She felt sure Euan wouldn’t want her to pay for her accommodation. “Anyway, I enjoy cooking. I didn’t get free rein at home much. My mother likes things done her way, even when she isn’t there.”

“Very well, mademoiselle, it’s a deal. Accommodation in return for cooking some meals.” Euan took her hand and bowed his head as if to kiss it, but instead he gave her one of his charming smiles.

Keely withdrew her hand, grateful there was no heat flooding her cheeks. She was getting used to Euan’s theatrics. “Flynn said to tell you Hugh would be over just before lunch.”