Chapter Nine
“So what are you up to?”
Cradling her cell phone between her ear and shoulder, Sarah stared at the computer screen and pondered Kenzie’s question.
“Well, I’m going to try and get some work done.”
“Hmm. Will that take you the entire day?”
“Not all day, but several hours likely.” Sarah sighed and leaned back in the chair. “Okay, out with it. What’s going on?”
“It’s just that you haven’t left your house in two days.” Kenzie’s voice gentled. “There’s a great band coming in to the pub tonight, and you should drop by.”
Sarah sighed and lifted her gaze to the view outside the living room window. A night in the pub both tempted and scared the hell out of her.
She craved human contact and had never been the type who liked to spend great amounts of time alone. The evening with Kenzie watching movies had been perfect. They’d talked about high school and they’d laughed—they’d laughed so hard they’d cried at times, but they hadn’t discussed Ian again.
And though she wanted to see Kenzie again tonight, the idea of seeing Ian made everything inside her chest go tight.
“Sarah, it’s just not healthy turning yourself into a recluse.”
“I’m not a recluse. I just have to work.”
“Not every minute of the day. Come in tonight.”
Sarah clutched the phone and closed her eyes. “I don’t know if I can handle seeing him again.”
“I understand.” Kenzie’s tone softened. “We all do. But you’re going to be here for a month. You guys need to get past this. Or at least form a truce.”
A truce. Maybe that’s what Sarah could call it when she had allowed him to stick his tongue into her mouth again. Among the other things he’d done to her. She hadn’t breathed a word about what had happened between her and Ian to Kenzie. Didn’t want to encourage her.
“Drop by for an hour at least. If you’re not comfortable, head out. Plus, there’s no guarantee Ian will even come into the pub tonight.”
“But there’s a chance,” Sarah protested.
“Of course there’s a chance. Aleck may own the pub now, but our family is still a huge part of it. It’s who we are.”
“Aleck owns the pub?”
“Aye. Da sold it to him when he and Ma moved back to Scotland.”
Sarah remembered the story of the McLaughlins. How Brenda McLaughlin had been an American citizen backpacking Europe, when she’d met and married Rodrick McLaughlin in Scotland. After several years and four children, the couple had moved the family to Whidbey Island in the United States. That was almost fifteen years ago. But now it seemed the parents had moved back to Scotland.
She’d missed so much in the last eleven years. Her heart ached when she thought of Kenzie’s parents. They’d been like second parents to her. She had secretly dreamt of them being her in-laws.
God, she’d been so naïve at seventeen. So idealistic.
“Please say you’ll come in. I’m singing too.”
That caught Sarah’s attention. “You’re singing?”
“Aye. I join the band on stage now and then.” Kenzie laughed. “There’s no need to sound so shocked. I’ve got a decent voice.”
“You do. I remember when we’d be on the bus to go cheer at a game, you used to always be singing.” Sarah laughed. “We couldn’t shut you up, actually.”
“Ah, well now you need to come in tonight. You deserve a kick in the arse for that comment.”
“I do.” Sarah hesitated only a moment longer. “Fine, I’ll come in.”
“Good. Band goes on at eight thirty. See you tonight.”
“See you.” Sarah hung up the phone and shook her head.
Great, now she had to find something to wear besides yoga pants and a T-shirt. Not to mention she should probably take a shower again.
There was something to be said for being a sloth who never left the house. Oh well.
*
Before she’d even stepped into the pub, she could hear the quick, giddy notes of a fiddle and a beautiful melodic male voice singing along to the upbeat song.
Sarah pushed open the doors to the pub and strode inside. Her footsteps faltered at the scene before her.
This was nothing like it had been during the afternoon where only a handful of customers had lingered. The McLaughlin Pub house was apparently the place to be at night. It was packed to the point of standing room only, and the dance floor was crowded with people actually dancing.
Glancing to the bar, she hoped to find a free stool, but it was equally packed. The crowd around the bar was three deep, waiting to get in their orders.
She spotted a blonde female bartender making drinks beside Aleck, but Kenzie was nowhere to be seen.
Overwhelmed by the crowd and growing more self-conscious by the moment, Sarah glanced back at the door and debated fleeing back to Gran’s house.
“Sarah!” Someone caught her elbow, and she vaguely heard her name above the music.
She glanced up to find Colin grinning down at her.
“Come join us for a drink, luv.” He gestured to a table in the corner. “I’ve got plenty of room.”
“Great, thanks.” She followed him back to the table and noted only one beer sitting there.
“Who else is here?” she asked, shrugging off her cardigan sweater. The crowd made it hot in here.
“Kenzie’s working the floor, and Aleck is behind the counter.” He paused. “Are you wondering if Ian is joining us?”
Her cheeks flushed and she gave a slight shrug.
“I don’t right know, but there’s always a chance.” Colin’s expression turned gentle. “Will you be okay if he does?”
“I’ll be fine.” Probably. Maybe.
“Aye, you will.” He winked and waved down someone behind her. “What can I get you to drink?”
She glanced over her shoulder and saw Kenzie weaving her way through the crowd.
“Oh, um, maybe a glass of red wine?”
“Done. Kenzie, luv, get your friend a glass of—”
“I know what she likes.” Kenzie leaned down to hug Sarah. “So good to see you here. Are you hungry?”
“I ate a little something earlier, thanks though.”
Kenzie glanced at Colin. “Another beer, dear brother?”
“Not quite yet. Thanks, though.”
With a nod, Kenzie disappeared into the crowd again.
Sarah turned her attention to the small stage near the back of the pub.
“‘Whiskey in the Jar’?” She lifted a brow. “Isn’t this an Irish song?”
“Aye, well I suppose it is,” Colin agreed. “But it’s a song about whiskey, so we don’t hesitate to play it.”
“And you shouldn’t. It’s a fantastic song. Do you sing too?”
He grinned. “Only when I’ve had too much to drink, and even then, not all that well. Kenzie and Aleck are the only two who you’ll find on stage.”
“I see. I’m pretty awful myself.”
“I find that hard to believe. Pretty girls can’t have awful singing voices. There’s some kind of universal rule, I believe.”
She laughed, unable to help herself, and tried to ignore the fact that Colin was bordering on flirting now. The McLaughlins flirted. Every last one of them, and they did it well.
“That’s not a rule, and you would know it if you watched more music videos. Half these pop stars have zero talent.”
“Aye, I suppose you’re right. Can’t stand music videos. I’m surprised you do.”
“I don’t actually. My daughter does.” The laughter fled her voice and she knotted her fingers on the tabletop.
Awareness flickered in Colin’s eyes and he nodded. “That’s right, you have a child. Do you enjoy motherhood?”
“I do, but then, it’s been my world for a while now.”
“How long, you say?”
“Umm, almost nine years.” Uncomfortable at the turn of conversation, and aware of the land mines she’d have to navigate, Sarah cleared her throat. “And you? Any children?”
“No. None of us have settled down and started families. Though I suppose we’re all getting up in the age where we ought to consider it.” Colin frowned. “Though Aleck came close. Was engaged for a bit, before that was called off.”
“I find it amazing you’re all still single. I’m sure you’re all hot commodities on the island.”
“Me in particular? Are you hitting on me?” His tone lilted upward, his accent a bit stronger as his grin turned unabashed.
Sarah blushed, hotter than she could remember and sputtered for a response. “No, of course not, I’m—”
“I’m just taking the piss out of ya, luv.”
She relaxed and joined in his laughter, remembering the slang phrase now.
“I was asked to deliver this?”
They both glanced up at the new voice approaching the table.
Sarah’s laughter died and her mouth went dry. You were warned he might show.
“Yes, thank you.” She accepted the glass of wine from Ian and watched as he pulled out the chair to sit next to Colin.
“You’re welcome. Enjoying an evening out I see?”
“I am. Kenzie invited me.” She glanced over at Colin and smiled briefly. “Your brother was sweet enough to let me crash his table. This place was packed.”
“I insisted.” Colin winked.
The mood at the table seemed to shift, become heavier and darker. Seconds ticked by where no one said anything.
Sarah took a sip of wine, but really it may as well have been water for all it mattered.
“I’m going to run to the bathroom. Hold my spot?” She knew they would, but it was just extra words to pretend everything was normal.
“Of course,” Colin agreed.
Sarah scooted her chair back and made her escape, grateful for a moment to compose herself.
*
Ian watched Sarah nearly run to the bathroom. Her hips swished beneath the denim skirt.
She looked sexy. The denim skirt showed off toned legs, and the red tank clung to the curves of her breasts. She’d kept her hair down, and it shone as if she’d spent an hour brushing it.
Oh yes, Sarah was trying tonight to look good. Almost as if she wanted to garner someone’s attention. But who was that someone?
“You and Sarah seem quite cozy,” he remarked in a calm tone he wasn’t so sure he felt.
“Just getting reacquainted. She’s a pretty thing, aye?”
“Aye.” The word about killed him. Hearing his brother say it evoked a dark fury deep inside him. He resented it. Resented more so the fact he could still get jealous over Sarah.
“Why not take her to a movie?” he suggested with a hard shrug. “You’re single.”
Colin laughed and shook his head, before lifting the beer to his mouth and drinking another sip.
Unfortunately, his brother’s reaction only upped his irritation. “You laugh? Why?”
“Because you don’t mean that for a moment. You would saw my head off with a dull spoon if I made a move on Sarah.”
“Bollocks.” Actually, yes, he probably would.
“It’s also a respect thing. Sarah’s sweet, and yes, damn pretty.” Colin sobered, his gaze locking on Ian’s. “If she were just some girl you’d dallied with in high school, and had no real feelings for, then that would be one thing. But I’m not going to move in on a girl you’re still half in love with.”
Fury and disbelief erupted inside him. “Like hell—”
“Don’t ‘like hell’ me. You can lie all you want. And, truly, I think you’ve even convinced yourself she means nothing to you. But you’re wrong.” Colin sighed. “And when you realize that, it’s going to be quite a wake-up call.”
“Do you have no recollection of our history? She hates me. I admit I hate her a bit after what she said that day—”
“Don’t let pride stand in your way. You both were stupid and made bad choices that day.”
“Mine a little worse,” he muttered after a heavy sigh. “She won’t forgive me. I hardly forgive myself.”
“But if she did, would you want her back?”
That question weighed heavy on his heart, and he wasn’t sure of the answer. How could he ever want to be with someone who thought so little of him? And yet his heart and body seemed to argue otherwise anytime she came within a few feet of him.
He settled for an answer his brother would expect. “I might want her for a few nights, but I’m not the sort for permanence.”
Colin grunted. “You would with the right girl. Go ahead and throw crude words my way all you want. But I know you better than you know yourself sometimes.”
Sometimes Ian didn’t doubt it.
He played with the idea in his head. Could he ever be serious about Sarah again? Could he even gain her trust once more?
Do you deserve her trust? The question had always haunted him.
Their history was messy. Complicated. He’d be smarter off just letting go. So much easier said than done, though.
“I see I’ve at least got you thinking. That there is a novelty.”
“Fuck off,” Ian murmured lightly, knowing his brother was just taking the piss out of him.
“Aye, maybe later. If I find someone who sparks the urge.” Colin’s gaze slid beyond him. “But your girl is coming back. You should pull yourself together a bit.”
Your girl. As irritating as hearing it was, he did feel a bit territorial over Sarah. And apparently was acting it as well.
Shite. He’d have to be more careful.
He couldn’t help but watch when she sat down. Her focus was on the band, while she took occasional sips of wine. But she had to sense he watched her—there was a stillness to her body, even as her gaze seemed deliberately glued to the stage.
Her lips tightened at one point, the plump curves almost pouting with unhappiness. And then those little lines appeared between her eyes in a tiny scowl.
Oh yeah. She was aware of him.
It just fascinated him. Made him want to get deeper into her head. Was she thinking about him? Thinking about that moment in the garage?
His fingers curled into fists and he drew in a slow, steadying breath.
She was so damn unattainable. Like a rare, exotically beautiful butterfly one could observe, but shouldn’t touch.
And he wanted to touch. Wanted to taste. The need to possess her raged through him again. Just as fierce as it had the other day in his garage.
The band began to play an upbeat song and half the crowd got up to dance again. When a flicker of wistfulness entered her gaze it was all he needed.
“Come.” He set down his drink and caught her hand. “You’ll have to join me for a dance.”
Panic replaced the wistfulness, and she tugged at her hand. “I can’t—”
“Say yes. It’s just a dance, doll.” He tugged her onto the floor to join the crowd of people.
It wasn’t a slow song, but a fast-moving one that had people hopping around in a somewhat chaotic jig fashion.
Though hesitant at first, it didn’t take long before Sarah joined in. She kept space between them, but clearly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the crowd. Seemed to relax enough in his presence to have fun.
With her body moving to the beat, and her hair swinging wild, he had to fight the temptation to wrap the silky black strands around his fist and pull her closer. To press his mouth to the delighted smile on her lips.
Her cheeks were pink by the time the song ended and her smile was wide.
“Thank you. That wasn’t bad exercise.”
“My pleasure.” And it had been. It wasn’t enough, though. It would never be enough until she was lying beneath him and he was claiming her once more.
They rejoined Colin at the table and discovered Kenzie there as well.
Ian could feel the curious gazes of his siblings on him and Sarah—knew what they were thinking—but he refused to acknowledge them.
“When do you sing, Kenzie?” he asked instead.
“I’m up next song. Care to join me?”
“Not at all. I have no wish to burst eardrums.”
Everyone laughed, seeming to appreciate the humor.
Aleck approached the table, increasing the crowd of McLaughlins.
“Ian. Sarah. I must say it’s great to see you both getting along so well.”
Really? Ian was tempted to smash his beer bottle over Aleck’s head, but instead just kept a lazy smile on his face.
“Well, now, it seemed the adult thing to do,” Ian murmured.
“Aye. It is.” Kenzie stood. “Time to sing. Try not to fall asleep on me now, all right?”
“As if I could. I can’t wait to hear this.” Sarah turned her chair a bit more and faced the stage.
Watching her, Ian could see she truly enjoyed hearing Kenzie sing, even clapped along with the melody as the tempo grew fast again. There was no denying Kenzie had the musical talent in the family.
The evening progressed, and his siblings came and went from the table, but he and Sarah stayed put for the most part. There was no more dancing, no intimate discussions, but they were deeply aware of each other. There was no denying he was, and he could still sense the tension running through her body.
Finally, with the night growing later, she stood. “I should probably head out.”
When she dug into her purse for money, he waved her hand away.
“I’ve got you.”
Alarm flashed in her eyes. Maybe he’d chosen the wrong words.
“It’s a glass of wine. I insist.”
“Besides,” Aleck added as he passed the table again to pick up empty glasses from another one. “Haven’t you realized your money is no good here?”
Her eyes widened with disbelief. “You guys…”
“Look, if you ran up a hundred-dollar tab, I might have to come down on you and charge half.” Aleck shrugged. “But I’m afraid arguing at this point is useless.”
Her cheeks reddened and she looked uncertain. “Okay,” she finally relented. “But take my tip money.”
She dropped a twenty on the table and rushed toward the door before anyone could argue.
“The cheeky lass.” Colin grinned and reached for the money. “Don’t mind if I do.”
“Actually, I mind.” Ian stood and plucked the bill from his brother and handed it to Kenzie. “You should be ashamed, stealing from your sister. She earned this.”
“Appalling manners. The lot of you.” Kenzie tucked the twenty into her bra. “And are none of you going to offer to drive her home?”
“Actually, I was making my way to do just that.” Ian flashed a quick smile and strode toward the door.
Kenzie intercepted him before he reached it. “I’m glad you’re driving her home, but don’t mess things up this time.”
“How would I mess things up?”
“Don’t break her heart. It took her grandmother dying to return to the island. I’ve missed my best friend, and if you do anything—”
“I’ll not do anything she doesn’t want me to do,” he said softly. “I love you, dear sister, but this really is none of your business.”
She shook her head and fire flashed in her eyes. “I think it is, but I’ll trust you. You’re a good man, Ian. When you want to be.”
“When I want to be,” he agreed lightly, and then hurried outside after Sarah.