Chapter 18

Emma

Because there are so many people at the house, Honey and I decide that it would be better to have everyone eat buffet style instead of trying to have everyone sit at the table. Getting everyone into the small kitchen wouldn’t work. Shortly after we decide, the guys come up from the basement with Rebel in the lead. He walks over to Ari, picks her up, and gives her a big hug.

He whispers in her ear, but it’s loud enough to hear, “I love ya, doll!” She giggles as he nuzzles her neck. It’s so comforting to see them both happy; clearly last night’s incident didn’t cause any damage to their relationship. Anyone with a brain can see he only has eyes for her. But then again, I’m convinced that Ciara doesn’t have a brain.

He turns toward Honey and I and says, “Thanks for making breakfast, ladies. I’m starving!”

“Plates and utensils are over there.” Honey points to the end of the counter. “And food is over there,” she says, pointing to the table in the center of the room. “Help yourself and find a place to eat,” she says as the rest of the guys begin to pile in the kitchen.

Three men that I don’t know enter the kitchen, but by the looks of two them I assume they are somehow related to Rebel. I have no idea who the third gentleman is. Caden pulls up the rear and comes straight to me. He puts his arm around me and pulls me in close. “I’m still pissed off that you are here, but damn, woman, I’m so glad you are.” He smiles and kisses the top of my head. When the men that I don’t know walk by us, Caden says, “Emma, meet my two cousins, Damon and Patrick O’Byrne. They’re Rebel’s older brothers. It’s their house that you and Honey have taken over.”

They both nod and say, “Ma’am, a pleasure,” almost in unison.

I wince. Caden’s right, we have taken over their kitchen. “I’m sorry that we just took over your kitchen this morning,” I say.

“No worries, ma’am,” Damon says. He then looks at Cade and says dryly, “Taking over seems to be something you Americans are really good at.” He pauses and then adds, “Besides, we appreciate the meal; not much cooking has been going on here since Mam’s been gone.” Patrick nods in agreement. They get their food and proceed to find a place to eat.

I looked up at Cade and ask, “What was that all about?”

He chuckles quietly and says, “It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later.” I nod and am pleased that at least he’ll share that with me. I find it odd that Cade doesn’t introduce me to the other man, but I decide not to ask about it now. I know, I know, need to know basis.

Once everyone has food and is scattered around the living room and dining room eating, Ciara walks in. She’s wearing a pair of skinny jeans that look as if they’ve been painted on her body. She has a Harley shirt on, the front is covered with sparkles and displays the Harley logo but the back is cut out, revealing that she is not wearing a bra. Skank! I think. This girl reeks of bad news; I don’t trust her at all.

“Where’s my breakfast?” she asks petulantly.

“All the food is in the kitchen. Help yourself. We cook, we’re not serving.” I lean over to Cade and ask quietly, “What’s her deal?”

He laughs again and says, “Another long story.”

Caden seems more relaxed this morning than he was before he left for Ireland. I’m guessing things are going well for them; hopefully that means we’ll be able to go home soon. Although … I’m not sure I want to go back. I have no idea who could be sending those notes and going back just means that we’ll have to deal with that problem.

As if he can read my mind, he leans over and whispers in my ear, “I haven’t forgotten about the notes. When we’re done with breakfast, we’ll get together with the boys and call Hawk. We’ll figure this out. I promise.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

After breakfast, Honey, Ari, and I clean up the food and dishes while the guys chill out in the living room. Ciara spends her time hanging all over Damon. She is clearly doing her best to make Rebel jealous. Unfortunately for her, it’s not working.

Just as we’re finishing up in the kitchen, I catch a whiff of the familiar smell of cigar smoke. The smell reminds me of my dad when I was a little girl. He always had a cigar in his mouth, and the sweet cherry smell always brought a smile to my face. After walking into the living room, I’m surprised to see that Caden is the one smoking. Oh, my … He looks so strong and confident. It’s sexy and it makes my mouth water. Too bad there are so many people here.

I smile and saunter over to him. He moves his leg to make a seat for me and gestures for me to sit on his lap. I plop my butt down and snuggle up against him. “Nice cigar,” I say.

“It’s my new thing. Ya like?” he replies.

“I do. The smell reminds me of Dad.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot that your dad smokes cigars.”

“Yeah, but beyond the smell, there is something about that cigar that makes you look damn sexy … not to mention the scruff.” I take my hand and run it along his beard.

He moans and then laughs. “Babe, I don’t need a cigar to make myself look sexy. I’m already sexy,” he says teasingly.

“Yes, that you are.”

The guys talk for a while. Liam, the man that Cade said was helping them find his aunt and uncle, eventually excuses himself. He tells Cade that he has a few details to iron out. Cade nods as if they have an unspoken agreement between the two of them. “That reminds me,” Cade says, “I need to make a few calls myself.” He motions for me to get up and says, “Sorry, babe. Let me get this taken care of and then we can discuss those notes.” I nod as he gets up from the chair. He looks over to his brothers and says, “When I’m done, let’s meet downstairs.”

“You got it, boss,” Rebel says.

Cade leaves the room and heads out the front door while the rest of us continue to hang out and catch up.