Chapter Five
Maggie smiled as she looked at the scenery passing by. Kissing the famous Blarney Stone had been amusing, and the castle and its gardens had been wonderful to see, but the lush rolling hills of the Irish countryside were much more captivating. Deep shades of green as far as she could see, under the glare of a cloudy sky that barely hid the sun… ancient stone walls, sheep dotting the greens… it was magnificent. This land spoke to her very soul.
“God, I do love Ireland,” she breathed.
“That’s good to hear,” Colin said at her side. “Seeing as you’re here and all.”
She quirked a grin at his snarky tone. “Wise-ass.”
He grinned back.
She nudged his side with her elbow and buttoned up her new purchase. She only allowed herself one or two souvenirs from each destination. If she got more than that, she’d have to carry them around, and no way was that happening. As it was, she had everything she needed able to go into one wheeled suitcase and her backpack. On the occasions when something special or large in size utterly grabbed her, she’d buy it and have it shipped to her parents in Ohio for safekeeping. They said they didn’t mind and stored all her packages in her old room, now a converted guest room. One day, she’d have to go back there and claim the treasures from around the world waiting for her.
But this time, she not only couldn’t resist this purchase, but had planned on it. Her fleece-lined hoodie was starting to look worn; time to donate it to charity. She ran her hands over the thick wool of her new hooded cardigan. The Aran sweater was superbly made, and the deep shade of blue was gorgeous. This would be her main Ireland souvenir, but continue to keep her warm and stylish wherever she went.
“You really love that,” Colin noted, watching her all but nuzzle herself as her hands trailed over her own arms.
“I do. It’s wonderful.”
“The color suits you.”
“Thanks.” She held up her forearm to his jawline. “It’d look even better on you. Sets off your amazing eyes.”
He let out a low chuckle and looked away with a bashful grin. “Sweet talker.”
The small bus hit a bump in the road as it traveled over the dirt road to Cork, sending her hard against his side. He instinctively clutched her knee, protective, before meeting her eyes and releasing her.
He went back to gazing out the window. She gazed at him. Her eyes ran over every feature of his handsome face. Something had changed in the past few days, a small but noticeable shift. His demeanor since meeting her yesterday at the museum, and today too… he’d been not as guarded. Even, perhaps, openly glad to be with her.
At the museum cafeteria, he’d asked where she was off to for the weekend, and she’d told him about her planned trip to Blarney Castle. That she’d take a sightseeing tour from there to Cork, roam the city and stay at a small inn overnight, then go on to Cobh before heading back to Dublin on Sunday evening. She figured as soon as he heard the word “Blarney,” he’d roll his eyes and grouse about how cliché it was to go there. But to her surprise, he’d asked, “Mind some company?”
“Really?” She hadn’t bothered to stamp down her smile. “You’d want to go with me on such a tourist trap day trip?”
“I haven’t been in a long time. Took my kids when they were wee. Now, going with a Yank… could be interesting.” He shrugged and added, “Besides, I have the time off if I want. I keep hearing I need to get out more. I’m thinking it’s time I did.”
His eyes had revealed more beyond his words. He genuinely wanted to go. Whether to be with her, or just to get out of town for a short time, she wasn’t sure. She didn’t care. He wanted to do something and was vocalizing it, taking an action. She was almost oddly proud of him. “I’d love for you to join me,” she said. “I’ll change the reservation at the inn, get a second room.”
“I’ll pay whatever’s my share—the inn, the tour, any of it. That goes without saying.”
“All right. You’re on.”
He’d even gone out with her that night to shoot pool. They’d relaxed and enjoyed themselves. It almost felt like a date. But at the end of the night, she only gave him a light peck on the cheek, sensing he wasn’t ready or willing for more than that.
And here they were, having spent the morning together strolling the iconic grounds of Blarney Castle. He hadn’t laughed at her as she took a million pictures and notes. He’d even helped hold her as she’d had to twist and lean down backward to kiss the Blarney Stone; it was an awkward angle to reach it, harder than people knew.
She’d done it before, of course. Dublin had been the second city on that very first trip after graduation. Zack had held her as she’d reached down. She remembered how they’d laughed so hard…
Maggie had been back to Ireland since that first trip, several times, but not to Blarney. Making new memories here was good. Doing it with someone pleasant like Colin was a great way. It didn’t take away from her memories of being there with Zack, but also didn’t let her get choked up by nostalgia as she enjoyed the here and now.
She did enjoy being with Colin. He didn’t crowd her, but was a solid presence, steady and sure. He didn’t judge her ways of working, be it taking so many pictures or jotting down notes or asking tour guides a million questions. He just trailed her silently, those blue eyes bright with interest as he watched her. He was intelligent, courteous, dryly witty. Still cool on the outside, but he was slowly thawing. Colin was actually a sweetheart of a man who tried to hide it behind scowly grunts, frowns, and short but clever comments. She was on to him, whether he knew it or not.
And he smelled really good. She’d noticed that, too. The combo made her head swim: the faintest trace of something woodsy and soap and a masculine element that was all Colin. Sitting this close, bunched together on the seat in the old bus, she inhaled, and it made her mouth water. She wanted to lick him. Trail her tongue right up the strong column of his throat and breathe him in, nibble her way along his neck…
As if he sensed her increasingly wicked thoughts, he turned his head and met her eyes. Busted, she blushed a bit but grinned.
He gazed back, those intense marine eyes boring into hers. Desire shimmered through her, a rush of pure heat. Finally the corners of his full mouth lifted in a sexy little smirk. As if he’d read her lascivious mind. Her panties instantly got damp.
God help her, he turned her on.
Maybe she’d have to do something about that, she mused. She was pretty sure he never would. Too uptight, too reluctant, and too much of a gentleman. It would have to come from her. When and if the opportunity presented itself, she would go for it.
*
After a long walk through the streets of Cork, they decided to have dinner in a small pub in the center of town. Classic 70s rock music played as they slid into a booth and perused their menus. Maggie snapped a few pictures, then plugged her phone into what looked like a small brick, what Colin realized was a portable battery.
She usually talked much more than he did. She was outgoing to the point of gregarious, and combined with natural curiosity about whoever she was with or where she was. He thought she would have made quite the investigative reporter if she wasn’t doing the travel thing. She had a way of drawing him out of himself, getting him to talk when he didn’t think he had anything to say. He wasn’t totally comfortable with that… but it also secretly amused and delighted him.
No one had been curious to hear his thoughts on much for a long time. It more than flattered him; it made him want to be more open with her, and okay with that.
The server came to take their orders. Maggie ordered shepherd’s pie. Colin was famished and ordered a hearty steak dinner, with sides of roasted vegetables and homemade onion rings.
“Oh man. Wait, I changed my mind,” Maggie said to the young man. “That sounds amazing. I’ll have the same.”
“Very good, lass,” the server said as he jotted it down.
“And a whiskey, please,” she said. “Tullamore Dew, if you have it.”
“Of course.”
Colin lifted a brow. “The hard stuff tonight?”
“When in Rome…” She grinned. “Join me?”
“Sure,” he said. “Make it two.”
Her words from days before echoed in his head. I only tie one on in safe places, with safe people. That meant she truly felt safe with him, and he had to admit, he liked that.
“Goin’ to get drunk on me?” he asked, unable to help himself.
“Stupid drunk? No,” she said with a chuckle. “Comfortably toasty, yes. The inn is only, what, two blocks from here? You’ll walk me home, then right up to my room. I’ve got a lock on the door, and your room is just down the hall. If I screamed, you’d be able to hear me. So, I’ll be safe and fine. Those are all acceptable circumstances.”
The fading sunlight streamed through the window and lit the side of her pretty face, then hit her wedding band, glinting off the gold. He wondered what she’d been like when she was married, had a traveling companion at her side, not having to consider even the smallest details. Even freer than she seemed now… “It must be hard, having to think about your safety all the time.”
She shrugged, but her expression showed she mulled over his words before answering. “It’s just second nature to me now, so it’s not hard. It just is.”
“Traveling the world on your own, male or female, is no easy thing. But as a woman… there are so many extra precautions.” Colin nodded at the server in thanks as he set down their drinks. “You seem to be very smart about all that, and I admire it. But it’s a shame you have to be that careful in the first place. It just… I think you know what I’m trying to say.”
“I do. But that’s reality, my new friend.” She clinked her glass to his. “To a lovely day, and to you joining me for it. I think you’re having fun in spite of yourself.”
He chuckled low but didn’t disagree. “Sláinte.” The whiskey burned a trail of welcome warmth down his throat. “Ah, that’s good.”
“It is.” She smiled at him, then took another sip. “Can I show you something? Don’t want to freak you out, but maybe it’ll make you feel better.”
His brows furrowed instantly. “I suppose…”
Her grin widened at his reticence. She sat up a bit straighter, dug into the front pocket of her jeans, and pulled something out. She placed it on the table before him.
He realized it was a pocketknife. Puzzled, he looked at it for a long beat, then back up at her.
“You’re not allowed to fly with weapons,” she said. “So every time I get to a new place, I find a store on my first day and buy a new pocketknife. I keep it as long as I’m able. Then I give it away to someone on my way to the airport for my next flight. Buy a new one when I land.”
He took another swallow of whiskey.
“I told you the kinds of self-defense I’ve learned. Picked up things in different places. I’m no ninja, but I can put up a damn good fight if someone tries something.” She reached for the knife and put it back in her pocket. “And I always have one of these, either on my body, or at night, under my pillow.”
“What happened to you?” Colin asked softly.
“I’m okay, but yeah, things have happened.” She spoke a little faster, as if steamrolling over the heart of what he’d asked was too much so she’d just talk over it. “I just don’t want you to be worried about me, as sweet as that is. I’m showing you, telling you, that I’m as prepared as I can be. I’m proactive.”
“What happened to you?” He repeated the question, even gentler this time.
She paused, the look of assurance shifting into one of ambivalence. “You don’t want to hear my war stories.”
“Actually, I think I do.”
She blinked, meeting his direct gaze. She took another sip of whiskey. “I’ve been traveling by myself for four and a half years now. I’ve been mugged twice, threatened countless times, and there were four separate attempted rapes.”
Colin’s skin went clammy, the shiver that skittered over him going bone deep. But before he could respond, she barreled on, “Attempted. That’s the key word, Colin. I’m fine.”
He shook his head, fumbling for the right words.
“Jesus, you went pale. You dear, sweet man.” She reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. “The first time, I was so shaken, I hid in my hotel room for two days after, afraid to go out. I almost gave it all up right then. Realized that traveling the world alone, as a woman, was probably a stupid, reckless thing to do.” She squeezed his hand before drawing it back. “Then I heard Zack’s voice in my head. ‘My girl ain’t a quitter.’ That’s what he would’ve said. And besides… where would I have gone? Without Zack, I didn’t have a home to go to. So… I finally left my hotel, and went right to a nearby gym that offered boxing lessons. By the end of the day, I was punching a bag, and feeling a lot better.”
She was such a fighter. A born fighter. “I admire your strength,” Colin finally said. “More so than even before.”
“Well, thanks, but that’s not why I brought any of this up. I just wanted you to know I take care of myself as best I can. I won’t let idiots stop me from living my life.”
“As you shouldn’t.” Colin was shaken, and he wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was as simple as it was the thought of Maggie having to fend off an attacker, much less multiple times. Maybe it was something more, but he wasn’t sure what. Either way, imagining any man harming her made his blood boil.
“Do you know why I always wear my hair in a ponytail?” she asked.
Thrown by the random change of subject, he only shook his head.
“Because sometimes I go months and months without getting my hair cut, so this is the best way. And because it’s easy.” She leaned in on her elbows. “You okay?”
“I…” He gazed at her, still feeling his blood pulse in his veins.
“Stop it.” Her eyes narrowed on him. “You’re picturing it. Me being attacked. It’s all over your face. I’m right, right?”
He nodded. “It’s just… I’m horrified for you.”
“Thanks for that, but look at me,” she commanded. “I’m fine. So stop it. Okay?”
He nodded again, blowing out a long breath before knocking back a gulp of whiskey. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. You’re sweet.”
He groaned at that, shaking his head.
“You are,” she insisted, smiling at his obvious discomfort from her compliment. “I see it more every time we hang out. And especially when you talk about your kids.”
“Well… they’re my kids.”
“Well, hate to tell you, but I’ve met plenty of men who don’t light up when they talk about their kids. You don’t light up about most things, but you do about them.” She leaned back as the server moved in with their entrees, placing their dishes in front of them. Aromas sent from heaven wafted in the air. Colin stole one more sip of his drink as the server said, “Enjoy yer meals.”
“Oh my God,” Maggie moaned, wide-eyed at their heaping plates. “I think I just had a foodgasm.”
Colin nearly choked on his whiskey. The server laughed out loud before walking away.
They ate for a few minutes in companionable silence. But soon she was at it again with her never-ending questions.
“You said you’re one of eight kids?” Maggie asked.
“Aye. I’m the third.”
“Me too.”
“So you said.”
“I was just thinking about how different families can be,” Maggie mused as she scooped up another forkful of mashed potatoes. “You clearly have such a deep sense of family. I… never did.”
“Were they rotten to ya?” He phrased it like a joke to lighten the loaded question.
“No. They just… kind of ignored me.” She shrugged.
Colin shook his head. “I know what it’s like to feel ignored in your own home. I’m sorry.”
“You mean your ex-wife, though. Not your parents.” Maggie grinned and added playfully, “C’mon, the firstborn son? You were their pride and joy, I’m sure.”
“Maybe.” Definitely. He didn’t want to say it in light of her own family issues. “When’s the last time you went back to Ohio and saw your parents? Just curious.”
“Um… Christmas, year before last. So what’s that, over a year and a half, I guess? Then.”
“How’d that go?”
“Fine. They’ve been nicer since the accident.”
“The accident,” he repeated, then realized what she meant. The accident that had killed her husband and left her in a coma for a week. He cut into the last of his steak. “I’m sure they were very grateful you survived. They must love you, Maggie. I mean… look, I don’t know your family history, I don’t mean to insinuate myself. I’m just—”
“No worries. You sound like… a good parent.”
He frowned at that.
“I know they love me. They just never understood me. So it was easier to shower their attention on the daughters they did.” She took a long swallow, finishing her whiskey. Looking around the pub, she caught their server’s eye and lifted her glass with one of her dazzling smiles, her way of asking for another. Then she turned that smile on Colin and it almost blinded him. “Interesting how tonight you keep managing to direct the conversation to being about me. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
“It’s not a ploy,” Colin said, mildly flustered. “I’m interested in you.”
Her eyes lit and twinkled. “Are ya now?”
He blushed. He actually fucking blushed; his face felt like it was on fire. He wanted to strangle himself. “I didn’t mean… bloody hell.”
Her giggle was light and satisfied, making him only blush harder.
“You’re a cheeky one. Go ahead, laugh.” Giving in, he finally cracked a grin himself, then reached for his whiskey and drained what was left of it. “What I meant was you interest me, as a person. I find you interesting. You’ve quite a story.”
“I do indeed.” Her expression was wickedly playful and a little sexy and he wanted to ravage her. “Thank you. I find you interesting too.”
“I don’t know why,” he said, neatly cutting the last bite of his juicy filet and savoring it on his tongue. “Compared to your life, mine’s pretty boring.”
“Maybe you think your life is boring,” she said, “but you’re not boring.”
He met her eyes, swallowing his mouthful before saying plainly, “Yes, I am.”
“I disagree.” Her gaze deepened. “And not only that, you’re handsome as hell.”
His stomach gave a little flip, almost like butterflies. Here he was, a forty-year-old man, and this feisty girl was giving him butterflies. It was absurd.
“Another round,” the server said, setting down two new glasses of whiskey before them. “Shall I clear your plates?”
“Yes, please. It was amazing,” Maggie said, smiling. “Please tell the cook.”
“I surely will, lass.”
Colin waited until he walked away before saying to Maggie, “You’re a hopeless flirt, aren’t you?”
“Nah. I’m not hopeless.” She winked.
“You must be feeling that whiskey,” he said.
“I am a bit, but guess what?” She raised her glass and tapped it to his. “I thought you were gorgeous before I started drinking.”
He gaped at her.
“Don’t worry, Mister McKinnon,” she said, her voice downright sinful. “I’m just flirting. I won’t jump you. You look petrified.”
That spurred him into finally responding. “Not petrified. Stupefied.”
She laughed, a full, warm sound that grabbed hold of his insides.
“Though maybe I should be petrified,” he added. “Seein’ as how you could likely kick my arse and all.”
“Oh, Colin,” she purred, eyeing him over the rim of her glass. “I promise if you ever tried to kiss me, kicking your arse would be the furthest thing from my mind.”
Their gazes locked. He hadn’t flirted in so long, he didn’t know how anymore. He just stared back, mesmerized that this beautiful woman was flirting with him at all.
“By the way,” she said, “I don’t flirt like this with every man I meet. But… what can I say? You… interest me. As a person. I find you interesting.” After echoing his words, she winked again and took a long sip of her drink.
He felt frozen in his seat. Was she toying with him? Because for her to be interested in him… simply, he just couldn’t believe that. Why would someone like her be interested in him? He was a decade older, led a boring life, was tied to the ground with his family… everything she wasn’t. The whiskey must have gone to her head.
*
The night sky was still light at nine p.m. Maggie and Colin walked from the pub to the inn side by side. Earlier, they’d checked in and dropped off their things. Now it was just a matter of getting back, getting up to their rooms, and getting some sleep. They weren’t touching, but God he wanted to. He wanted to reach out and take her hand, pull her close, feel her against him. He wanted to close his mouth over hers and taste her, see if her hair felt as soft in his hands as he imagined it would, let his hands run over her curves and learn every alluring inch of her.
He wouldn’t, of course. He’d never cross the line like that. She felt safe in his presence, and especially given what he’d learned tonight, he wanted her to have no qualms about him in any way. But he felt her presence so strongly, especially when she was this close. There was an energy there, almost palpable between them… he stole a glance at her. Her pale cheeks had spots of color, no doubt from the two whiskeys she’d enjoyed. Christ, she was lovely.
He swallowed hard. He’d have to be a dead man not to want her. And one thing that time with her over the days had showed him was that he wasn’t dead yet after all. This woman, with her blinding smile and infectious good nature, had swept into his life and woken him up. She made him feel very much alive.
She made him feel, period. Which was both exhilarating and scary as hell.
As they trudged up the flight of stairs from the lobby of the inn to their rooms, she wobbled a bit, giggling at herself.
“You’re a bit in your cups,” he noted, steadying her with a gentle hand at the small of her back.
“Is that charming Irish for drunk?” She grinned and admitted, “If so, then yup, a little.”
“I’ll see you straight to your door, then.”
“Always a gentleman. I do like that about you.”
He bit back the reply that this evening, he’d entertained some thoughts that weren’t so gentlemanly. Thoughts that included slowly undressing her to see what color her bra and panties might be… what her body looked like bathed in moonlight… what she’d feel like under his hands and mouth.
He started getting hard again just thinking about it.
“Room number three…” she said as they walked down the hallway. They stopped in front of her door and she turned to him, smiling. “Thank you for a truly lovely day, Colin. I’m so glad you decided to join me.”
“I am too. Thank you as well.”
They stared at each other for a moment, the air crackling between them.
She edged close, put her hands on his shoulders, and leaned up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. It was dangerously close to his lips, almost landing on the corner of his mouth. The light touch of her soft lips against his skin sent currents shooting down his spine. She lingered for a second, then pulled back, looking into his eyes. “Good night.”
“Good night,” he murmured, his heart beating in hard, thick thumps as he gazed down at her. “Meet you downstairs at nine, right?”
“Mm hmm.” Her eyes trailed over his face, lingering for a few seconds on his mouth before she smiled. “Sweet dreams, Colin.” She turned away, fit the key into the lock, and went into her room, closing the door gently behind her.
He stood there for a long moment, his blood pulsing through his body and his heart still thumping, before he blinked as if to clear the spell she’d cast over him and go to his own room. He’d have sweet dreams, all right. Of her.