The Accidental Scot by Patience Griffin

of the factory to the other, revamping how they pressure-tested their valves, and installing a few radio frequency transmitters to remotely track their whole process. She hated to admit it, but she was impressed. Scots were world-renowned engineers and it irked that an American had swooped in and shown them a thing or two.
    She noticed her father was looking peaked and uncomfortable. He fumbled while putting down his teacup and he had gray circles under his eyes. The evening had drained him.
    She laid a gentle hand on his arm. “It’s time for your medicine, don’t you think? One painkiller or two?”
    â€œJust one. Maybe bring my oxygen into the den as well?” He shifted toward Max. “I sleep in the den. Can’t manage the stairs with my banged-up body.”
    She stood but Max beat her to it, positioning himself behind the wheelchair.
    â€œYou point the way, sir. I promise to give you a smooth ride.”
    She put her hands on her hips. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my da by myself.”
    Max raised an eyebrow. “But apparently not capable of taking help from others.”
    Her father chuckled. “He’s got yere number, daughter. I believe ye’ve finally met your match.”
    Max balked at the words, but recovered quickly, grabbing the oxygen can and tucking it under his arm as he began rolling her da toward the doorway.
    â€œSuck-up,” Pippa muttered, making sure the Yank heard her.
    He had the audacity to grin.
    Her da turned his head slightly to address her. “The lad will help with the kitchen before you walk him home. While ye’re out, daughter, stop by Bethia’s and pick up the herbal tea she’s fashioned for me.”
    Pippa wanted to argue. She didn’t need or want any help in the kitchen, and Mr. McKinley certainly didn’t need an escort to find his way back to the pub. But she kept quiet. Her father had a tendency to read more into matters than was actually there.
    â€œFine,” she finally said.
    â€œThat’s my good lass.” Her da and the interloper disappeared down the hallway together.
    *   *   *
    Max helped the McDonnell onto the chaise lounge and propped pillows where the older man directed, putting them behind his head and under his injured arm and leg.
    â€œWhat else can I do for you?” Max asked.
    â€œSet that glass of water over here next to me on the side table.” The McDonnell laid his head back and sighed. “And one more favor.”
    â€œAnything.”
    â€œLook after Pippa while ye’re here. She works toohard and I’m in no condition to help or to stop her.” Worry camped in the older man’s eyes.
    It seemed a strange request. Max had spent enough time today with the people of Gandiegow to know they were protective as hell when it came to her.
    In any case, from what Max had seen, Pippa wasn’t the type of woman who would accept assistance. Especially from him. But nevertheless, he answered, “I’ll do my best.”
    â€œOff with ye now,” the McDonnell said gently. “She’ll have that kitchen tamed and spotless before you can even get in there.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Max left and went to NSV’s chief engineer.
    She was banging pots and pans around in the sink and muttering loud enough that the neighbors could’ve heard. “Never needed a man to help before. Why would I need one now?”
    Max cleared his throat. “Wash or dry?”
    She flinched, and then regained her composure. “Wash,” she said firmly. “Ye’ve no idea where the dishes go.”
    He pushed up his sleeves, took his place at the sink, and contemplated whether or not to ask about her father’s condition. Max waited a full minute for her to say something or at least give an explanation as to why he hadn’t been told. When she didn’t, he turned to a safe subject instead. “Tomorrow, I could