Straight Up Part 1

STRAIGHT UP.

by Deirdre Martin

Ireland is a good place to get lucky...Even a man on the run can enjoy the thrill of the chase...After getting on the bad side of New York's Irish mob, Liam O'Brien thought he could weather the storm back in Ireland. Working as a bartender in his parent's old village of Ballycraig, he's not looking for any trouble. But he could use a bit of fun.Aislinn McCafferty has already been scorned by a man once at the wedding altar. Now, any man who tries to woo her is quickly and coldly dispatched. The unknowing Liam soon learns this the hard way - and is immediately intrigued.Eagerly accepting a wager from the pub's owner, Liam begins a determined pursuit of the stubborn and beautiful Aislinn, who in turn uses all of her wiles to rid herself of the charmingly determined Yank. But neither of them expects this donnybrook of the sexes to turn into an unlikely love...***Copyright***THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUPPublished by the Penguin GroupPenguin Group (USA) Inc.375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USAPenguin Group (Canada). 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700. Toronto. Ontario M4P 2Y3. Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)Penguin Books Ltd.. 80 Strand. London WC2R ORL. EnglandPenguin Group Ireland. 25 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.)Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road. Camberwell. Victoria 3124. Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.)Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd.. 11 Community Centre. Panchsheel Park. New Delhi- 110 017. IndiaPenguin Group (NZ). 67 Apollo Drive. Rosedale. North Shore 0632. New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.)Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd.. 24 Sturdee Avenue. Rosebank. Johannesburg 2196. South AfricaPenguin Books Ltd.. Registered Offices: 80 Strand. London WC2R ORL, EnglandThis is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. and any resemblance to actual persons. living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.STRAIGHT UPA Berkley Sensation Book! published by arrangement with the authorPRINTING HISTORYBerkley Sensation mass-market edition / May 2010All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions. For information, address:The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,375 Hudson Street. New York. New York 10014.eISBN : 978-1-101-40446-1BERKLEY SENSATIONBerkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,***Dedication***In memory of Pat O'Shea.the best Irish storyteller I ever knew.***Acknowledgments***Mark and Rocky, my main men. Jane, for making our trip to Ireland fabulous fun. My wonderful agent, Miriam Kriss, and my equally wonderful editor, Kate Seaver. Binnie Braunstein, Dee Tenorio, Eileen Buchholtz, and Jeff Schwartzenberg. The Actors Workshop of Ithaca and Wingspace Theatre Company for helping to keep me sane. Mom, Dad, Bill. Allison, Beth, Dave, Tom, Ken, and Brak.***

Chapter One

The Yank, the Yank, the Yank. For the past two weeks, all Aislinn heard every time she ventured into Ballycraig from the farm was that there was a handsome American in town, working as a bartender at the The Royal Oak. They said he was the nephew of Bridget and Paul O'Brien, two of the nicest people in town, and the dirt was that he was from New York City and was supposedly on the lam from the Irish mob. The Yank, the Yank, the Yank. Aislinn decided it was time to check out the specimen herself.She took her battered old truck into town rather than ride her bike, since a gentle rain was falling. Last time she'd chanced a bike ride in a light rain, the drizzle had turned into an all out, pelting downpour. She was in no mood to find herself cycling back home drenched to the bone, clothes pasted to her like a cold, second skin. No mood at all.Aislinn had to park down Kennealy Way, one of Ballycraig's narrow, cobbled back alleys, since all the parking spots on the high street street were taken. There may have been only 3,000 people in the village, but from the looks of it, all of them were crammed into Oak tonight. There was no other place to go for a pint, unless you wanted to drive the twenty miles to Cross Haven. But none of the pubs there were as nice as the Oak, and besides, who wanted to bend the elbow with strangers-not that Aislinn had any intention of lingering. No. It would be in for a quick whiskey and then home for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day, checking the fence lines to make sure none of her flock could escape.Aislinn entered the pub, hanging her barn jacket on the row of pegs immediately inside the door. As she'd expected, every seat and table were taken. The flickering glow of the fireplace created a sense of intimacy, and as always, the mood was jovial, thick with the feel of kinship and a shared need to relax. She checked her watch: it was still a bit too early for everyone to be in their cups or for the singing to begin. A few of the other farmers sitting round a knotted old table near the fire nodded to her, and she nodded back. That was extent of farmer conversation, which was fine with her.Aislinn walked the wide, battered wooden planks of the floor and made her way to the bar, ignoring Fergus Purcell, David Shiels, and Teague Daly, Ballycraig's holy trinity of arseholes. As boys, they'd made her school years hell, always teasing her about being a tomboy and for wanting to be a sheep farmer just like her Da. It took years before she realized it was anger that drove their taunting. She could outplay any of them in football, and when God doled out brains, she'd been far ahead of them in line. Anyway, from the time she'd started giving boys the time of day, she'd only had eyes for Connor McCarthy. More fool her."Well, well," said Fergus, a slip of a man who fancied himself a comedian. "Look who's here. Lady Muck has decided to grace us with her presence.""You're not joking when you say the word 'muck'," David added. "Look at them wellies. Caked with mud, they are." The threesome laughed.Aislinn chuckled along with them, even as she fantasized running the three of them down when the eejits staggered home after closing."God, you lot have me laughing so hard my sides are about to split!" she exclaimed. She cocked her head in mock wonder. "I was wondering, Fergus and David: how's your construction business going? I was reading in the Independent just the other day that building is down over sixty percent. That Celtic Tiger you've been riding has keeled over and died, ay? Bad luck." Their faces fell as she turned on a charming smile for Teague. "And you, Teague Daly, you great, fat, balding thing. Have you found a job yet? Or are you planning to live at home and mooch off your poor ailing mam and da for the rest of your life?""Feckin' bitch," Teague muttered under his breath, hunching his shoulders as he pointedly turned his back on her. The other two goony faced fools were still staring at her, but all it took was one good glare and they shrank, knowing to keep their mouths shut unless they wanted her to dish up another heap of the brutal truth. Gutless twits. Always had been, always would be."Evening."Aislinn turned her attention to the man behind the bar who'd just spoken to her. So, this was the Yank. Well, the tales were dead on accurate: he was fine looking, with slate gray eyes and a great tousle of dark brown hair. Nice build, which he apparently was proud of if the tightness of his t shirt was any indication. Charming smile."Evening," Aislinn replied curtly.He extended his hand. "Liam."She ignored the gesture. "Aislinn.""Call her The McCafferty, that's her true name," she heard Fergus mutter.Old Jack, the balding, pot bellied owner of the bar, jumped in before Aislinn got a chance to shoot back at him. "Shut your piehole, Fergus." He smiled at Aislinn. "What can I get you, love? The usual.""Yes, please."She gave Liam the once over. "So, you're the Yank everyone's blathering about.""I prefer to think of myself as American.""Really? I thought all you Irish Americans preferred to think of yourselves as Irish."Jack handed her her whiskey."Thanks." She threw the dram down her throat and immediately asked for another. Liam was studying her, and not in a passive way, either. She didn't like it. "Quit eyeballing me."Liam laughed. "Can't I look at the person I'm having a conversation with?""Since when are we having a conversation?"David leaned over to Liam. "I'd avert my gaze if I were you, lest you want to burst into flames.""Enough!" Jack snapped. He put another whiskey down in front of Aislinn. "Hard day?"Aislinn nodded, appreciative of his asking. "I had to set up the creep for the lambs today.""Did Padraig not help?""Padraig has been a bit off his game lately," she replied a little more sharply than she intended. Padraig was part of the reason she was in a bad mood. A hired hand who'd helped her parents with the sheep farm for as long as she could remember, he was closing in on seventy five now and was getting forgetful, sometimes doing the same chore twice, sometimes forgetting a chore entirely. Even so, she couldn't bear to let him go. Never married, he lived alone in a small cottage on her property. All he had was the farm and her.Old Jack had moved down to the other end of the bar to take orders, leaving her with the Yank."I gather you work on a sheep farm," Liam said with a friendly smile."I own the farm, thank you very much." Work on it. Of course a man would assume that. "I hear you're on the lam from the mob."Liam blinked, looking at her like he couldn't quite believe she'd said that."Some of the ladies in the town are impressed by that, you know," she continued."Fine with me," he replied, a swagger in his voice. Oh, this one was full of himself, all right."I can't see what's so impressive about it," said Aislinn, sipping her whiskey. "Seems to me only a fool would get mixed up in such things.""It's complicated," Liam said tersely. She smiled, seeing she'd gotten under his skin and punctured his cool."Why'd you come to Ballycraig to hide out?" she continued. "You're from New York City, no? Why not disappear in Dublin?""My people are here."Aislinn snorted. " 'My people'! God, you plastic Paddys! I suppose you'll be reconnecting with your roots while you're here, too."Liam just smiled, which was maddening. "Stop flirting with me. You're making me uncomfortable."Aislinn's jaw dropped. "I most certainly am not flirting with you!""I think you are.""And I think you're soft in the head." She drained her whiskey glass and plonked it down on the bar, adding a glare for good measure. Flirting with him. Ha! Didn't he just wish!She strode to the door. "Leaving so soon?" Liam called after her teasingly She ignored him."Don't forgot your broomstick!" Teague added cheerily. She ignored that, too.She stomped back to her truck, fuming. First the idiocy of the trinity, then the Yank with his flirting rubbish. Addlepated fool. She'd no patience for him, nor for any of the men in this town with their big egos and big talk and not a damn bit of character to back it up with. She'd learned the hard way when it came to the men of Ballycraig. Useless bunch-and now there was one more to contend with, and a Yank to boot.Flirting with him. She snorted loudly as she started up her truck and roared out of town in the now teeming rain. In your dreams, Yank. In your dreams.*****"Anyone care to explain to me what just happened here?" Liam asked, watching Aislinn storm out into the night. He'd noticed her the second she'd walked through the door. How could he not? She was tall, with regal bearing, her long, red hair tangled wildly around her head like some kind of Celtic Medusa. She had porcelain skin, and sparkling green eyes, as well as a seeming "Devil may care" attitude when it came to clothing: a barn jacket, a plain red t-shirt, faded, ripped jeans, and mud caked wellies. A real country girl. A beautiful country girl."What happened is you've have your first encounter with the McCafferty," said Fergus as his pals sniggered."'The McCafferty'?""Ay, that's her nickname around town," Old Jack explained."That's her last name?"Jack nodded."Why the nickname?" Liam asked as he handed a pint of Harp to Grace Finnigan, who owned and operated the small grocery store on the high street."It's nicer than calling her 'The Bitch,'" explained Teague."Did you not feel your balls shriveling as you talked to her?" asked Jack."She seemed a little abrasive," Liam admitted. "But I didn't feel emasculated.""She's just warming up," Jack continued with a grimace. "Wait till the next time you meet her. You'll have to check yourself to make sure your goolies aren't in shreds.""Why was she here alone? Doesn't she have any friends?""Used to," David sniffed. "Drove 'em all away with that sharp tongue of hers.""She's fierce," said Jack. "And mad independent. Used to be a nice girl, but..." he shook his head sadly."But what?" Liam pushed. He was completely intrigued."Got her heart broken badly," said Jack."She was crazy about this jackass, Connor McCarthy-" David began.Old Jack interrupted with a snort. "He was no jackass. You were just upset she'd never give you the time of day in the romance department.""That's not true.""It is true." Jack took over the story. "She was seeing this fellow, Connor, for years and years. Lovely guy, gentle. Worked as a mechanic. They finally got engaged. A big, lovely wedding was planned up at her family's farm." He took a sip of his beer. "Well, the day rolled around, and didn't he confess right up there at the altar that he was gay as the day was long?""Jesus! That's terrible!" said Liam."Oh, it was, it was. The poor girl was humiliated, not to mention heart broke and furious. And rightfully so." He lowered his voice. "But ever since that day, she's had no use for the male sex. No use for anyone, really. It changed her into a hard thing. She's as soon eat you alive as look at you." He shuddered."Don't you think something like that would change you, too?" Liam asked."Probably," Jack admitted after a long pause. "But I'd like to think if it were me, I'd reach out to others, rather than drive them away.""Doesn't she have any family?" Liam asked."One sister, Nora, who skeddaled out of town as soon as she turned eighteen. She went to England to go to university in London. Married to some richy rich stockbroker. She and Aislinn aren't close. As for her parents, Doris and Bert"-he shook his head sadly- "they were killed about six months ago in a car crash. Awful, it was, God rest their souls."Liam wasn't surprised to hear it. The Irish were lunatics behind the wheel, even on small, winding country roads where two cars could barely pass each other. Combine that with some people driving drunk, and the fatality rate from auto accidents was unbelievable."Drunk driver?""Of course," said Jack. He drained his beer. "Well, that just added another devastation for her, didn't it? She was dead close to her old man. They worked the farm together. Now she runs it with Padraig."Teague laughed meanly. "A right coffin dodger, he is. Old as dirt and losing his wits, at least that's what I hear. Grace Finnigan told me he came into her shop the other day asking for tinned peaches, and when she handed them to him, he insisted he'd asked for pears and then wound up going home with three packet of crisps and some fags instead.""Sad," said Jack. "He's a lovely oul fella."Liam couldn't imagine the double blow of being left at the altar, followed by the death of both parents. He might have handled it differently, but God knows she's strong. A lesser soul would have been demolished."How far out of town is the farm?"David narrowed his eyes. "Seems to be you're asking a helluva lot of questions about The McCafferty.""Just curious.""A bit too much," said Jack, beginning to look alarmed. "You fancy her, don't you?""Maybe.""Like she'd have you," David sneered. "She won't even give the time of day to an Irishman. What makes you think she'd soften her heart for a Yank?"Liam just rolled his eyes. From the minute he'd arrived in town, he'd had to deal with animosity from these three clowns who seemed to think they were Ballycraig's cocks of the walk."Yeah," Fergus chimed in. "You heard her: you're a plastic Paddy. We all know it. On the lam from the Irish mob, my arse. You're one of them rich Yanks over here looking for your roots.""A rich Yank depriving an Irishman of a job," added Teague, gesturing at the bar."I hate to tell you gobaloons, but Liam has years of bartending experience," said Jack, coming to Liam's defense. "His parents own a pub in New York City.""So that's a reason to install him here at the Oak before giving me a shot?" Teague shot back heatedly."Teague Daly, it's no secret to anyone in this town that you've got about as much drive as a Brit," Jack said bluntly. "I've no doubt that if I'd hired you in this job, within a fortnight you'd be moaning on day and night about how hard it is."His friends laughed."Feck you, Jack," Teague hissed."The truth hurts, ay?" Jack teased.Teague gave him the old two fingered salute.Jack put a hand on Liam's shoulder. "Listen to me. I know that under the mud The McCafferty is a gorgeous piece of womanhood, but if you're thinkin' of trying to tame her, don't waste your time.""You make her sound like a horse!""A horse would have more luck with her," Teague muttered."Truly, I wouldn't waste your time," Old Jack repeated solemnly. "She'll chew you up and spit you out-assuming she'd even let you close to her.""I bet you're wrong."Old Jack thrust his head forward as if he hadn't heard Liam correctly. "What did you just say?""I said, I bet you're wrong. I bet I can break down her defenses and get her to go out with me."David, Fergus, and Teague howled with laughter."Christ, will you listen to the ego on it!" said David. "You Yanks! You all think you're Superheroes!""It'll never happen," said Fergus, shaking his head. "Never in a million years."Liam flashed a confident grin. "Wanna bet?"Old Jack's eyes lit up. "What are we betting?""If I win, you double my wages. If I lose, you don't have to pay me for a year.""You're on." They shook on it."See what did I tell you?" said Fergus disgustedly. "No wages for a year? He's a rich Yank! He's hiding from the taxman, not the Mob.""You're going to lose this wager," Teague said to Liam. "You wait and see. And then you're gonna come crawlin' back here with your tail between your legs-and believe me, that's all you'll have between your legs after The McCafferty finishes with you.""We'll see. Now: anyone need a refill?"

Chapter Two

Early the next afternoon, Liam set out to walk the two miles to Aislinn's farm. It was a beautiful day, sunny and clear, with white clouds trailing lazily across the pale blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever. A light breeze was blowing, carrying on it the smell of fresh green grass. He could smell a peat fire burning far off.Liam took his time walking the narrow roads lined with low gray stone walls and hawthorn bushes. Rolling emerald fields stretched out before him, the color so vivid they almost looked like they'd been touched up for a postcard. He heard birdsong, and in the distance, the bleating of sheep. There was no denying it: the Irish countryside was beautiful. And yet, he missed home.He missed the hustle of Manhattan, its quick rhythm and frenetic energy. But most of all, he missed his family. He and his brother Quinn e-mailed each other daily, and Quinn's vivid writing sometimes made Liam feel as if he were actually there witnessing life unfold at the Wild Hart. But it wasn't the same. He wasn't there in person to hug his sister Maggie and congratulate her about expecting her first child. He wasn't there to see his sister Sinead relaxed and happy now that her horrible, prolonged divorce was through. Not there to see Quinn and his wife Natalie tease each other or to witness the affection between his parents that he and his sibs all aspired to in their own relationships. He even missed the patrons of the bar. But he couldn't go back lest he risk his life.Thanks to his childhood friend Tommy, who was a runner for the Irish Mafia in Manhattan, he'd been set up, tricked into aiding and abetting Tommy in the torching of a video store. Whitey Connors, the head of the Irish Mob, could now drop a dime on Liam if he wanted to. Of course, Liam was just a pawn, a way for Whitey to try to stop his brother, Quinn, from working on his newspaper expose about the Mob. At first Whitey played nice: but one day, he arranged a meeting with Quinn and made it clear that if Quinn didn't drop the story, he just might kill Liam. Whitey dare not go after Quinn directly: as Quinn had once told Liam, the Mafia were stupid, but they weren't stupid enough to kill a journalist.Fortunately for Liam, one of the longtime patrons at his parents' bar, an elderly man known as the Major, had been an officer in the Irish Republican Army in its fight for independence. The Major was respected and still feared, even by the likes of Whitey. It was the Major who arranged for Liam to go to Ireland, believing Whitey wouldn't dare touch him if he knew it was the Major, and perhaps his shadowy old friends, behind sending him away. So Liam went, even though Quinn's article resulted in Whitey and a bunch of other goons being jailed. But Quinn's sources at the FBI told him it wasn't safe for Liam to come home yet. And now here he was, not knowing when he'd be able to go back to New York, if ever.He yawned, walking on. He hadn't gotten much sleep. The official closing time for the Royal Oak was twelve thirty, but once the musicians started playing, there was no getting them out of there until at least two o'clock, not that anyone minded. It never failed to amaze Liam that when Old Jack finally did close, everyone stood and sang the Irish national anthem in Gaelic. He tried to picture the patrons of the Hart rising to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and laughed out loud.Once in bed, he'd found himself unable to stop thinking about Aislinn. The McCafferty. How hysterical was it that a pack of men actually seemed scared of her? It might be understandable if she was an ax-wielding maniac, but she wasn't. Okay, she did come across as a spitfire, but it was obviously some kind of defense mechanism. He had no doubt he'd win his bet. All he had to do was break through, and given his track record, he had every confidence it could be achieved.He'd never met any woman who'd been able to resist his charms for long. Part of it was his looks, but another part of it was his undeniable moodiness. Women found him deep and mysterious, and he saw no reason to disabuse them of the notion.But it wasn't just ego that told him he'd be able to "tame" Aislinn. He was a bartender, for chrissakes. He knew how to read people, get them to talk and open up. All he had to do was gain her trust. It was going to be a cakewalk.Liam's walk came to an end when he spotted a large stone farmhouse atop a hill. There were two barns and two small outbuildings nearby. The surrounding pastures on both sides of the road were bisected by stone walls and wire fences. The big tip-off he'd arrived were the sheep spilling across the road, being herded along by a border collie.He dutifully waited for the herd to pass, then continued walking until he came to the long, winding, deeply rutted road leading up to the house. Hard as it was for him to believe, his heartbeat was actually picking up pace. He was nervous.Liam picked his way around the potholes, pissed that he hadn't had the foresight to wear his hiking boots rather than his running shoes, which were rapidly becoming covered in oozing mudNow atop the hill, he turned and looked below. The view was spectacular. Open land as far as the eye could see: ancient, twisted trees; hedgerows. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, fully experiencing the momentary sense of peace and wonder overtaking him. He opened his eyes. He could hear someone rustling around in the nearest outbuilding. He stuck his head in. "Hello?"An ancient, hunched old man looked up from hosing out a green plastic trough. Old Jack was right: Padraig was older than God, but there was still a spark in his crinkled blue eyes. He turned off the hose, put it down, and approached Liam."Can I help you? Here to buy some wool?""Actually, I'm here to see Aislinn.""Aislinn?" The old man looked mildly alarmed. "Who are you?""Liam O'Brien. I tend bar down at the Royal Oak."Padraig relaxed as his eyes lit up with recognition. "Bridget and Paul's nephew? The Yank?"Liam chuckled. "Yes, the Yank. Couldn't you tell from my accent?""Didn't really notice it, to tell the truth. I'm Padraig.""Nice to meet you," said Liam, shaking his hand."They're good people, Bridget and Paul.""They are. Maybe you remember my parents, Charlie and Kathleen O'Brien?""Of course I do! Moved to New York!""That's them.""Lovely, lovely. Send them my regards, will you?""Of course."Padraig started back toward the troughs."I'm here to see Aislinn, remember?" Liam called after him.Padraig stopped and turned. "Oh sure, sure, right enough. If you go up to the top of the hill behind the house and turn left, you'll see her far off in the high north meadow, tending to the fences. Ask her if she wants a cuppa soon. She's been up at it for hours.""Will do. And thanks.""My pleasure, son."Liam resisted the urge to peer into the windows of the house, and started up the hill. Son of a bitch, he thought as his sneakers sank farther and farther into muddy grass. You're an idiot Something I'm sure Aislinn will confirm.He made it to the top of the hill and turned left, as Padraig instructed. There, off in the distance, no bigger than a speck on the horizon, was Aislinn. Corning closer, he saw that she was on her knees with her back to him. mending a wire fence. She was wearing a baseball cap, her dark auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail. It didn't seem to bother her to be kneeling in mud. He decided that he'd call to her from a short distance away; that way, it wouldn't look like he was creeping up on her."Hey!"She turned around, and he waved to her with a big smile. When he finally was close to enough to see her expression, there was no mistaking the displeasure on her face.She rose to her feet. "What on earth are you doing here?"Liam shrugged affably. "I thought I'd just stop by to say hi."She frowned. "Oh you did, did you?""All right, I'll be honest. I felt bad about that comment I made to you last night about your flirting with me. I'm sorry it drove you out of the pub early.""You didn't drive me out early," Aislinn replied gruffly. "My intent was to go in, have a few quick drams to warm myself up, and then head back here - which is exactly what I did. Some of us have to get up early, you know.""And some of us work till the early hours of the morning.""Fair enough.""I still wish we'd gotten off on a better foot." He held out a hand. "Friends?"Aislinn eyed him warily. "Try acquaintances, and barely that." She took his hand, shaking it brusquely before turning back to the fence. "I'm busy, as you can see.""Can I help?"She whirled to face him. "Is that your idea of a joke?""No.""Well, it's funny all the same, believe me. Of course you can't help," she scoffed. "What in God's name would the likes of you know about mending fences, city boy?""Well, nothing," Liam admitted, "but I understand the concept behind it, and -"Aislinn snorted. "I understand the concept behind making an atomic bomb, but that doesn't mean I can do it.""Eejit," he heard her say under his breath. She was right. He was an idiot.But he wasn't giving up. "Maybe if you show me. ."What?" She pointed her pliers at him with narrowed eyes. "What's your game? Coming up here uninvited and offering to help me mend fences?""I told you: I came here to apologize.""Right: apology accepted. Off with you, then. And don't ever just show up here again uninvited. It's rude."Liam smiled roguishly. "Does that mean I might get invited up here sometime and you can show me then?"Aislinn wiped a bead of sweat off her forehead and just stared at him. "You know, I'm starting to think you truly are a little soft in the head. Why in the name of Jesus would I ever invite you up here?""To get to know me better.""You're mad. You truly are. Go away."For now." Liam returned lightly. "Oh, I almost forgot: Padraig wants to know if you want a cup of tea soon."Tell him I'll be down in an hour or so."Will do."Liam winked, starting back down the hill with a jaunty whistle. He could feel Aislinn's eyes burning smoking holes into his back. He was going to win this bet. All it would take was time.*****What in the name of hell was that all about? Aislinn wondered as she watched Liam disappear out of sight. First he had the gall to show up unannounced, then he asked to help her out with a chore he knew nothing about, and to top it all off, he flashed an "I can charm the pants off you" smile while hinting about her inviting him over sometime. The cheek of him!She had to admit, he did seem sincere in his apology. Even so, he could have just waited until the next time she stopped into the pub. Making a special trip up to see her didn't make sense.She'd had a very productive day so far, and that pleased her. She turned her face up to the bright, glorious sun. Why would anyone ever want to live in a city? All that noise and people hurrying about. The country was the place that fed her soul. The land, the songs of the black-birds and the robins, the clean, clean air, and of course, her beloved flock. She couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Ever.She made her way down the hill. Padraig was sitting on the small bench outside the tool shed with Aislinn's border collie, Deenie, at his feet. Deenie jumped up at the sight of her."There's my girl," said Aislinn. crouching down to give the dog's belly a good rub and let Deenie cover her face in kisses. She rose, patting heron the head as she looked across the road. Her flock was grazing right where they were supposed to be. "Good job, Deenie. As always.She approached Padraig. "Did you finish rinsing out the troughs, old man?""Of course I did. Ages ago. Shall we have some tea?""In a minute. That guy who was just here? If he ever comes round again, tell him to go away, all right?"Padraig looked relieved. "I'm dead happy to hear you say that, I must confess. I thought maybe you were wantin' to hire someone else to help us out."Aislinn patted his shoulder. "Why should I need help when I've got you, eh?""Too true. Now tell me: why is it you don't want the likes of him here? He seemed a nice enough lad.""He's a pain in the arse, that's what he is. I mean it, Padraig: if he comes sniffing round again. I want you to send him on his Yankee way."Is he sweet on you?" Padraig asked slyly."Don't be daft! And even if he were, he's barking up the wrong tree. Are we clear?""As a pane of glass, girl." He took a deep breath, rising slowly with the grimace of someone who'd acquired a lifetime of aches and pains. "Now let's put the kettle on."*****Even though it was a bit of a walk, they took their morning tea break in Padraig's cottage. It hadn't always been this way: before Aislinn's parents were killed, breaks were usually taken in the farmhouse kitchen or else out in the fields when her mother would bring her, her father, and Padraig a vacuum flask of tea. But ever since their deaths, Padraig had insisted she come to his place. Perhaps it was his way of comforting her or trying to give something back to her for keeping him on (as if that were even an issue). At any rate, Aislinn was glad of it. Change was good. At least that's what she told herself whenever she felt the old black dog of depression nipping at her heels.She sat down at the kitchen table, watching as Padraig filled his battered old kettle before putting it on the stove."Padraig," Aislinn said gently. "You've lit the wrong burner.""Ah, right, right." He turned off the flame and lit the right one. God, he could burn down the cottage one night, Aislinn thought worriedly. She toyed with the idea of asking him to move into the house with her, then quickly came to her senses: he'd drive her mad with his untidiness and tales of the old days.He opened a tin of biscuits, arranging them on a small, floral patterned plate before her. "Are you excited about your sister coming tomorrow night?"Aislinn sighed. "I guess."A professor of economics at the University of London, Nora was on sabbatical and coming home to "spend some time with Aislinn," as well as work on an article for an esteemed economic journal that she hoped would result in tenure. Aislinn was mystified: for years, all Nora had ever talked about was how glad she was to have "escaped" Ireland, as if the whole country was Maze prison. Aislinn had gone once to visit her and her husband, Donald, a stockbroker. She didn't like Donald much - he had a stick up his arse that reached clear up to his throat - but he doted on Nora, and that's all that mattered. As for London, it wasn't her cup of tea, but unlike her sister, she didn't feel compelled to put it down the way Nora did Ballycraig.That trip had been seven years ago. As for Nora, she returned home only once a year. To her credit, she had flown their parents to London to see her every fall, but like Aislinn, they didn't care much for city life. "Don't feel like I can breathe there," her father always said when he got home.God, those three days of their wake. Even now, the memories felt surreal to Aislinn, the blur of mourners, their voices sympathetic yet indistinct. Condolences and casserole after casserole appearing in the kitchen. The overpowering scent of flower arrangements. The heart-breaking, lost look on Padraig's face. Sadness interspersed with toasts of whiskey and fond reminiscences.She had to admit, she was glad Nora was there. She was an immense help, and it was the closest Aislinn had ever felt to her. Her sister stayed for a whole week, the two of them staying up nights talking, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying. Nora offered to stay longer, but Aislinn didn't see the point. They both had to get back to their own lives.That was six months ago. Since then, they had talked on the phone a bit more than in previous years. And now Nora was coming for a prolonged visit, without Donald, thank God. What would she do all day while Aislinn worked the farm? God knew, Nora's notion of hell was being out in the fields shepherding."I wonder what she'll do with her days," Padraig mused as if he read Aislinn's thoughts. She says she'll be working on her article."She can help clean the house, I suppose."Aislinn laughed loudly. "You must be joking! Mum was always after her to keep her room tidy, and Nora turned a deaf ear. Her bedroom always looked like a rubbish tip.""Does she not keep a clean house?""She's got someone who comes in weekly.""Well, la-di-da," said Padraig. "We could send her into town on errands. Or into Moneygall to that big supermarket."Aislinn bit into a stale tea biscuit. "Let's see what the lay of the land is first before we start telling her what to do.""Too right." Padraig reached for a biscuit. "Well, it'll be interesting having her about.""Truer words were never spoken."

Chapter Three

"I hear you're wooing the McCafferty."There was no mistaking the amused glint in his uncle Paul's eyes as he passed Liam the plate of streaky bacon and sausages. Since Liam was the one responsible for opening the pub at twelve thirty on Sunday, he usually stopped by his aunt and uncle's house for breakfast on Sunday mornings, especially since he knew his cousins Erin and Brian would be there, too. It was a chance for everyone to catch up.Liam speared a piece of sausage. "Who told you?" Jack, of course."Actually, it's the talk of the town." said his cousin Erin. She paused thoughtfully. "I like the McCafferty.""Do you?" her mother asked, intrigued. "And why's that?""I was at school with her, remember? And she was always very nice to me. I always felt bad for her, with those stupid eejits Teague, Fergus, and David giving her stick all the time. She gave it back to them good, though, I'll give her that."Aunt Bridget poured herself a cup of tea. "You have to admit, it's a bit odd she always wanted to be a shepherd.""Not odd at all." Erin maintained. "What are you, Ma, in the Dark Ages? Women can do what they like.""She's right, Ma." Brian chimed in. "And I think it's great the farm is staying in the family.""She's going to have to get some help up there soon, though, I hear," said Uncle Paul, shaking his head sadly. "I hear Padraig's losing his wits.""He does seem a bit forgetful," said Liam.His aunt raised an eyebrow. "And how would we know that?""I was up there yesterday -""You were up there yesterday?" Erin interrupted with a splutter. "Did Aislinn invite you?""Of course not."Did she bite your head off, then?" Uncle Paul asked."Basically," Liam said nonchalantly. "But I'm sure she'll come around in time.""Right, and the Second Coming is nigh," Brian said dryly."What was her fiance like?" Liam continued casually.Erin sighed dreamily. "He was dead sweet. And good-looking, too. They were a very striking couple."Liam was irritated. "Really.""And he worshipped the ground she walked on," added Aunt Bridget."Too bad he didn't worship her enough to tell her the truth about himself before humiliating her in front of the whole town," Liam pointed out."He was a tormented soul," Uncle Paul said sympathetically.And now she is."What's your strategy going to be, then?" Brian asked eagerly. "Overpower her with your natural charm and good looks?""Do I detect a note of sarcasm?" Liam asked. "Never." He and Liam laughed. "Seriously," said Erin. wide-eyed with curiosity as she gulped her tea. "How on earth do you plan to win her over?" "I have my ways," Liam said with a wink. "You're gonna need supernatural powers with that one," said Uncle Paul, gobbling down a piece of sausage. "Nope," Liam said confidently. "Mark my words. It's gonna happen. Just wait and see."*****Aislinn sat at the nicked old Parsons table in the kitchen, anxiously drumming her fingers as she waited for Nora's cab to arrive. Aislinn had offered to pick her sister up at the airport, but Nora claimed Aislinn drove like a mad-woman, and she didn't want to take her own life in her hands. Aislinn disagreed, but she was in no mood to dispute her sister. Better to let Nora do things the way she wanted, at least at first.Though Aislinn knew it would probably go unnoticed, she'd cleaned the house from top to bottom. She made sure there were fresh sheets on Nora's bed, fresh soap and towels in the loo, and had even taken the time to pick some wildflowers to put in a vase on her dresser. Nora told her not to bother with supper, so she hadn't, though the refrigerator was stocked just in case she changed her mind.Aislinn had no idea how long Nora was planning to visit, and she found that unnerving. She had her own way of running the household, and Nora could be a real bossy boots. She wondered if Nora wasn't having troubles in her marriage and that's why she was really coming, to get some distance from Donald so she could sort things out. Well, she'd find out soon enough.She heard the cab pull up and got up from the table to peek out from behind the curtain for a moment before backing away. What are you, a sheltered bumpkin, she chided herself, acting like you've never seen a bloody car pull up in the drive?She heard the door to the mudroom open and smiled to herself. Only company came through the front door."Hello? Aislinn?" Nora called out."In the kitchen, as if you didn't know." Aislinn was still smiling, feeling more excited than she'd been giving herself credit for. It took all her might to hang on to it, however, when Nora appeared with the cabdriver behind her, cursing and muttering to himself as he hauled in two large suitcases and put them down on the floor with a grunt. "I'll just go get the others, missus.""Wow," said Aislinn uneasily, eyeing the bags. "There's probably enough in there to clothe the whole town!"Nora laughed lightly. "Some of it's books. And my laptop. Don't think I've forgotten how changeable the weather can be here. I've brought enough clothing to cover every season."The cabbie lurched back inside, depositing the final two bags on the kitchen floor. Nora handed him a wad of bills. "Keep the change.""Thank you," he said. "Have a nice evening, ladies.""You, too," said Aislinn. She turned to her sister, licking her lips nervously. "So." So I'm here!"Yes." Aislinn embraced her and found herself enveloped in a cloud of perfume. She fought not to cough as she asked, "How was your flight?""Oh, you know, short," said Nora, peeling off her very stylish black leather trench coat. She looked around the kitchen. "Where's Deenie?"She got too tired to wait up for you and went to bed," Aislinn teased.Nora hung up her coat on the back of the mudroom door, flinging her arms open wide. "It's so nice to be home!"This is my home now not yours, Aislinn thought possessively. As always, Nora was exquisitely put together: lovely tan trousers, a deep burgundy cashmere sweater, gold earrings, and flawless makeup. Her black hair was chic and short. Aislinn wondered if Nora was going to dress like that every day. It made little sense if you lived on a farm."Do you want some tea?""Of course.""I do have coffee if you'd prefer.""I'm in the mood for tea, thanks.""Tea it is."Nora sat down, an elbow on the table as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. "Catch me up on all the Ballycraig gossip.""Padraig's slipping a bit, Teague Daly is still a great, lazy lummox, Erin O'Brien is going to university online, and there's a Yank working at the Oak who claims to be on the lam from the Irish Mob in New York. He's a royal eejit.""Why do you say that?""Full of himself. All the women in town are gaga over him; they think he's some kind of sexy outlaw or something.""But you haven't succumbed to his charm?" Nora asked dryly."I've no use for him. Like I said, full of himself, and thick as two short planks. We didn't get on too well the first time we met the other night. So he comes up here yesterday to apologize and then asks if he can help me mend the fences. As if he knows a damn thing about mending fences!""You're the one who's thick as two short planks. Aislinn."Aislinn sniffed. "Oh? And why would that be?""He obviously fancies you. Why else would he make a special effort to come up here?""He's an eejit, like I said." She put the kettle on the stove and spooned some loose tea into the pot. "Even if he does fancy me, fat lot of good it's going to do him.""Aislinn," Nora said carefully. "Have you dated anyone since -""No. That's the last thing I'm interested in.""But maybe it's time," Nora wheedled gently. "It might be good for you -""Listen here, Nora McCafferty," Aislinn chided affectionately, "I know you're just trying to be helpful, but you cannot come marching in here and within two minutes start giving me advice about how to live my life. I'm a big girl.""It just seems obvious to me -""Leave off, okay?"Nora held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay.""Thank you. I appreciate it. You sure I can't get you anything to eat?""I'm fine. Food's the last thing I need! Look how fat I am!"Aislinn looked at her sister like she was mad. "You're crazy. You're an assless wonder."Nora laughed. "Unfortunately, I'm not a tummyless wonder. Or a thighless wonder."Aislinn shrugged. "You look fine to me.""You're the one who looks skinny," Nora noted with a thin strain of envy in her voice."I'm all right. Probably from working the farm and riding my bike around when I can. I've no need of a gym."Speaking of the farm, you said Padraig is slipping a bit?""Just a bit," Aislinn said defensively."Maybe you should encourage him to retire.""Not yet.""But -""There you go again, offering up suggestions when you haven't lived here in years," Aislinn said, trying to keep her tone light. "Leave Padraig to me. all right?"I know you. You'll never let him go.Aislinn said nothing as she poured the boiling water from the kettle into the teapot. "How long are you staying for?""I'm leaving it open-ended. If that's all right with you.""Of course it is," Aislinn lied. She turned around to face Nora. "I hope you don't think I'm prying, but I can't help but wonder: have you come here to take a break from Donald? Are you two having problems?""God, no," said Nora, looking shocked that Aislinn could even suggest such a thing. "I wanted to see you, and I wanted a change of scenery while I worked on my article. I figured it might help jolt the creative process, you know?""I don't know anything about creativity, but I'll take your word for it.""Donald will pop over on the occasional weekend," Nora continued.Feck thought Aislinn. "What's your article about?" she asked."Economic development in South Africa.""You should pop up to Dublin one day and see if you can talk to Saint Bono. God knows he never shuts his yap when it comes to that subject."Nora laughed. "True." She sighed. "Probably sounds boring to you.""Yup," said Aislinn. "But I imagine deworming the ewes after their lambs are born sounds boring to you.Nora shuddered. "Boring and awful."Aislinn took the tea strainer and poured it into the first mug. "I take it you've no intention of helping me and Padraig around the farm, then? She saw the flash of terror in Nora s eyes and burst out laughing. "I'm kiddingl"Nora looked relieved. "Thank God.""You'll just stay in the house and write?" Aislinn asked, pouring a cup of tea for herself."Pretty much. I might head up to Dublin a few times to use the library at Trinity. You could come along if you like. You could sightsee while I work.""No thank you." Aislinn handed a mug of tea to her sister. "I might put you to work around here in some way, just so you know.""Oh yes? Do tell.""Maybe run errands sometimes. Cook the occasional meal.""I can handle that." Nora took a sip of tea. "Perfect, as always." She looked amused. "I'm not totally averse to being outside, you know! I haven't walked the whole property in a long time. Maybe we could do that one afternoon."That would be nice."And I'd like to go with you to the Royal Oak to check out this Yank who's got the hots for my baby sister.""Put a sock in it, please.""It's going to feel odd, being back for a prolonged period of time.""You'll get used to it soon enough," said Aislinn, more to assure herself than Nora."I hope so.

Chapter Four

"That was bloody hair-raising. You're as bad as every other driver in this country."Aislinn shot Nora a dirty look as they walked into the pub with Padraig. They'd driven in Aislinn's truck, the three of them crushed into the front seat. Padraig had wanted to drive, but Aislinn wouldn't let him. He tended to turn his head to look at you when he talked, taking his eyes off the road for long periods of time. Aislinn had no desire to find herself in a ditch.Nora had been at the farm a week, and so far, so good. She wasn't getting underfoot, and really, the only time she plucked on Aislinn's nerves was when she complained about having to drive all the way into Moneygall to shop. She came home moaning about all the things she couldn't find, like sun-dried tomatoes, bruschetta, and fresh pasta. "You're not in London anymore," Aislinn reminded her patiently. Can't get bloody bruschetta. Boo-hoo. Aislinn thought."My driving is fine," Aislinn insisted as she held the door open, preparing for the onslaught. The locals would be surrounding Nora to welcome her back to Ballycraig, even though all of them knew that when she'd left years ago, she'd termed it an "escape.""God, this place never changes," Nora marveled as they stepped inside. Padraig didn't even bother to take his coat off as he made a beeline to the bar. Aislinn's eyes cut surreptitiously to the left: of course the Yank was there, along with the Holy Trinity of Arseholes, raising their glasses high when they spotted Nora."Hail the returning queen!" said Fergus."We hear you're back in town for a good while," said David. "What happened? Lose all your money in the stock market?"Nora just rolled her eyes. "They never change, either, I see," she said to Aislinn."No, they don't."A thick throng of people soon surrounded them, welcoming Nora warmly. Aislinn nodded her acknowledgment when they also greeted her, all so polite, their expressions a mix of pity and unease. The pity really irritated her. As for the unease, she had to admit she enjoyed that just a teeny bit. It was nice to control something - even if it was people's perception that she was fearsome.Aislinn was dressed more formally than the last time she'd been here - not on purpose, but because she'd finished around the farm with a little time to spare. She'd pulled her hair back in a loose braid and had donned freshly pressed jeans, a simple blue V-neck T-shirt, and her Frye boots. Nora, of course, was dressed to the teeth. She looked completely out of place. She was completely out of place.Nora nudged Aislinn discreetly in the ribs. "That the Yank?" she whispered, glancing at the bar."Who else would it be?""Good-looking man.""Too bad he knows it.""Let's go over and get a drink."Together, the two sisters sidled through the thick, boisterous crowd. The musicians were already playing by the roaring fire, well into "The Foggy Dew." By the time they got to "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house. Aislinn herself felt the prick of hot tears at the corners of her eyes just thinking about it: it had been one of her father's favorite tunes.Aislinn reached the bar first, trying to ignore Liam's penetrating stare. Because she was cursed, she found herself next to Teague Daly."Evening, McCafferty."Aislinn didn't look at him. "Evening. Daly."She felt him looking her up and down. "You look halfway decent tonight. Maybe havin' the sister in town has roused your competitive spark, eh?""You're a baboon's ass."She still married?" Teague asked in a quiet voice."Yeah. But I'm sure she'd divorce her rich stockbroker husband to marry you and live on your mam and dad's couch for the rest of her born days.""Feck off." Teague snarled."Nora! Darlin'!" Old Jack was beaming as he reached across the bar to clasp Nora's hand heartily. "We'd heard you're back. Is it for good, then?"Oh, no, no, said Nora quickly."Too bad." He looked at Aislinn. "The usual?" Aislinn nodded. "And for you, NoraT'"A mojito, please."Jack's face went blank. "A moji - wha?"Bloody Jesus, thought Aislinn. What kind of a fool orders a drink like that in a small village pub?"It's a drink that's popular in the States, and I guess in London, too," explained Liam, coming to the rescue. He smiled apologetically at Nora. "Sorry, I've got rum and club soda, but no lime, mint, or sugar syrup. Is there something else we can get you?"Nora looked put out. "Can you do a gin and tonic?"Of course."Mojito," Aislinn heard Old Jack repeat to himself as he went to get her whiskey, as if it was some newfangled expression he had to wrestle with.Aislinn regarded her sister with disbelief as Liam went to fix Nora's drink. "Earth to Nora. Did you really think you could get a mojito here? At the Oak?""They're very popular!" Nora protested."You're in Ballycraig, remember? According to you, we don't even have a proper supermarket nearby! What made you think you'd be able to get some exotic drink?"Nora ignored the question. Her eyes followed Liam. "He's hot.""So are the flames of hell," said Aislinn, taking her whiskey shot from Jack and putting money down on the bar to pay for both their drinks as Jack gave her a refill. "Thanks."Liam appeared a moment later, handing Nora her gin and tonic. "There you go."Nora extended her hand to him. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Nora McCafferty, Aislinn's sister.""Liam 0 Brien."Nice to meet you." Nora looked coy as she took a sip of her drink. "I've heard you're a big, bad, dangerous New York outlaw."Liam grinned. "Guilty as charged.""C'mon, let's go get a table," Aislinn urged, tugging her sister away from the bar. "What the hell was that about?" she snapped as soon as they were out of earshot."What?" Nora asked innocently."Flirting with the Yank!"Nora sniffed. "What's it to you?""Might I remind you, you're married?""I know. I just wanted to see if you'd get jealous. And you did.""You sure you didn't steal a few nips back at the house?" Aislinn scoffed. "Seems to me you're imagining things.""You fancy him," Nora declared with certainty. Her eyes scanned the low-lit, back room of the pub. 'Nowhere to sit.""Never is unless you get here at noon and want to hold your seat till nightfall."Aislinn noticed two turf farmers she knew as passing acquaintances motioning her and Nora over. She hesitated. Surely they didn't want her and Nora to join them. Unfortunately, Nora saw them, too."We're being summoned.""I'd rather not," said Aislinn."Why not?""I can't do small talk, Nora," Aislinn said desperately. "And I don't think you'd enjoy it much, either, unless you've a hankering to chat about the peat business.""Nonsense. I'm sure we could have a nice conversation. How about this: I'll talk, and you can just sit there and glower?""Fine. Suit yourself."The two men, both in their mid-fifties and slightly hunched from a lifetime of digging in bogs and sod carrying, rose politely when she and Nora reached the table. "Can't have two pretty ladies like you standing all night. Here, take our seats.""Oh, no, you don't have to do that, the last thing we want to do is to turn you out of your seats," Aislinn protested."Not a problem," said the taller of the two."Are you sure?" Aislinn asked again. She hated the thought of taking advantage of their good natures."More than sure. Please.""Thank you sooo much," Nora said graciously. "It's grand to know chivalry isn't dead." The two men looked pleased as they headed toward the bar. "They seem nice," she added. watching them go."Grand to know chivalry isn't dead.' Good one, that. You're quite the flirt tonight. I suppose that was a test, too, to see if I'd get jealous over one of them?""Just having fun," Nora said lightly. "Something I sense you are in dire need of." She took a sip of her drink. "Turf farmers, huh? Did you know I've hated the smell of burning peat ever since I was a little girl?""No, I didn't know that," said Aislinn, though she wasn't surprised. It was an earthy smell that could sometimes border on acrid. "I don't mind it." She tilted her head in the direction of the roaring fire. "That bothering you, then?""A bit. But I'll live.""That's a relief," Aislinn teased.Nora smiled at her. "I enjoyed walking the property with you today.""Yes, that was nice," Aislinn agreed, sipping her whiskey.They chatted on for a while. Aislinn was actually enjoying it, until she caught sight of the Yank coming toward them."Shite," she said under her breath.Nora turned to see what she was cursing about, then looked back at Aislinn. "Time for me to make myself scarce," she said with a sly grin."Don't you dare," Aislinn hissed."Hey," said Liam when he reached their table. "Mind if I join you? I'm on break.""Yes," said Aislinn.Nora shot her a "Don't be rude" look as she stood. "Actually, there are a couple of my old friends from school I'm itching to talk to. See you two later.""Yup." Liam sat down. "How's it going?""Would you mind being a bit more specific?" Aislinn could feel all eyes in the room turning to look at them: she could imagine what they were thinking. What's the Yank doing talking to Aislinn Mccafferty? He must be touched in the head."Did you finish mending your fences?""I did.""And how's it going with your sister?""You're a real nosy parker. Anyone ever tell you that?"Liam laughed. "My mother uses that expression all the time.""Well, you are.""Just making casual conversation." He took a sip of his pint. "The Oak reminds me of the pub my parents own, the Wild Hart.""Oh?" Aislinn tried to look disinterested.Liam looked sentimental. "Yeah. It has a real close-knit, family feel.""Miss it, then, do you?""Of course I do." Liam said quietly. "It's home" Aislinn's gaze was steady as she looked at him over her whiskey glass. 'What did you do that made you leave a home you miss so much?""Who's the nosy parker now?" Liam asked with an amused smile.Sorry. I suppose I am."No, it's okay," Liam assured her. "It's not what I did - it's what a friend did to me. Let's just say he betrayed me."I know all about that, Aislinn thought bitterly. "Betrayed you how?"Liam hesitated. "He got me involved in something illegal. When I wouldn't keep quiet, my friend's boss threatened me. So here I am.""For how long?"Liam looked pained. "I don't know.""You must be bored senseless in these parts." What' are you asking him questions for? she chided herself. He's going to think you care, when all you 're trying to do is be polite.Liam's gaze pinned her. "No. There are things here that hold my attention."Aislinn stared back at him. "Fascinating.""Your sister seems nice. A lot different than you, though. She older or younger?""I don't really want to talk about Nora." His curiosity regarding her sister was irksome."Nope, not fair. You asked me questions: now I get to ask you some."Fine, Aislinn said in a bored voice. Fire away."How long has she been away?""Ten years or so. Hopped it over to England the minute she got the chance." "Didn't want to be a shepherd, huh?Aislinn snorted. "Nora, a shepherd - that's a good one. No, she's a professor at a university in London.""What's she doing here?""Ask her yourself. Three questions are all you get.""I like even numbers. Let's make it four.""You don't let up, do you?""Let's just say I'm used to getting what I want," Liam murmured seductively.Aislinn stared at him a second, then burst out laughing. "Has that line actually gotten you into womens' knickers? What movie did you steal that from?"I didn't steal it from any movie," Liam replied, looking offended. "It's the truth."Well, how nice for you, then, getting what you want. For the rest of us mortals, it's hit or miss. "Do I get one more question or not?""Since I know you'll continue to be a royal pain in my arse if I don't accommodate you, fine, ask your final question.""Will you go to the ceili with me next Saturday?" Aislinn peered hard at him across the table. "Is this some kind of joke?" "Why would I be kidding?"Aislinn thought this over and could come up with no good answer."Well?""Thanks, but no thanks," she said politely."Why not?""It's none of your business why not!"Liam took a slug of beer. "I disagree. I think the least you can do is tell me why you can't go." "Hmm, let's see," said Aislinn, tapping her chin with her index finger thoughtfully. "I have to wash my hair that night."Try again."Final answer.""You want to know why I think you're turning me down?"Aislinn yawned. "Not particularly.""I think you like me.""If I liked you, I'd be going with you, wouldn't I?" Aislinn shot back."Not if you're afraid of being vulnerable, you wouldn't.""Vulnerable to what?" Aislinn scoffed. "Your pathetic macho come-on lines?""To feeling."Aislinn stiffened, indignant. "How dare you say I don't feel?""I'm sorry. Bad choice of words. What I meant was -"She stood up. "I don't much care what you meant.""Come to the dance," said Liam. "Come on. You don't have to come as my date. Just come. It'll be fun.""Some of us have to get up before dawn, you know.""You can't stay for an hour? Come on.""Excuse me: I have to go make sure Padraig doesn't get drunk. He's of no use to me when he's hungover."She headed back to the bar, feeling Liam's eyes on her the whole way. Well, let him stare. Arrogant gobaloon. I'm used to getting what I want. Giving her sloe eyes, like he was some sort of romantic hero. Handsome and mildly interesting he might be, but Liam O'Brien wasn't going to get what he wanted this time.

Chapter Five

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this. Truly."Aislinn was sitting on the closed lid of the toilet while Nora sat across from her on the lip of the tub, putting makeup on her face. For a week,Nora had been haunting her about going to the ceili Don't be such a stick-in-the-mud. You need to get out and start doing things. We don't have to stay long. When's the last time you got out and did anything fun?That was a painful question. Fun? The last time she'd had fun was over a year ago, when she and Connor had packed a lunch and hiked up to the top of Murphy's Hill the day before their wedding. They'd spread a blanket on the ground, reveling in the gorgeous, endless green fields below them stretching as far as the eye could see. A warm breeze blew, gently tickling the soft grass, and the sun was in rare form, blazing bright in the cloudless sky. Aislinn had never been happier in her life. At this time tomorrow, she kept thinking to herself, I'll be Gonnor 's wife. She remembered he seemed a bit preoccupied, but she put it down to pre-wedding jitters. Twenty-four hours later, her dream lay in tatters.When it became clear Nora wasn't going to let up about the dance, Aislinn capitulated, justifying her submission with the excuse that the dance was for a good cause: Grace Finnegan's husband, Fintan, had been diagnosed with bone cancer, and the dance would help raise money for him to go over to England for treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the world. Even so, Aislinn told her sister, "I'll stay for one hour, and one hour only. After that, you're on your own getting a ride back here."Of course, Aislinn's agreeing to go to the dance wasn't enough for Nora. Oh, no. She insisted on rifling through Aislinn's closet to see if she had something "appropriate to wear," and naturally, in Nora's estimation, she didn't. To get Nora off her back - again - Aislinn agreed to wear a pair of Nora's black jeans (too tight if you asked her), spiked-heel boots (it wasn't as if she'd be dancing), and a crimson scoop-neck shirt, topped with a silk scarf around her neck. She'd also agreed to wear her hair down."You look gorgeous," Nora declared."I won't look gorgeous when I'm in traction after breaking my neck wearing these ridiculous boots," Aislinn grumbled. "You sure you didn't borrow these from Catwoman?"Nora ignored the crack. "Let's get some makeup on you," she insisted, and that's when she'd steered a simmering Aislinn into the loo and commanded her to sit down. Aislinn had opened her mouth to protest, then realized it was futil"I don't know why I'm succumbing to this torture," Aislinn lamented as Nora dabbed God knows what on her face. "I hate the feel of this rubbish on my skin!""Don't act like you've never worn it before! You had some on, on your wedding day.""Only because the photographer said I'd look pale in the pictures if I didn't. Why can't I just go as myself?""You are going as yourself, just an enhanced version."Aislinn looked at her sister coolly. "Oh, so I need some enhancement, aye?""Aislinn." Nora paused, exasperated. "You're a beautiful woman. What's wrong with capitalizing on it?""Because it's not me, Nora," Aislinn protested. "It never has been."Nora sighed heavily. "Just indulge me on this, okay?""Seems I'm indulging you left and right these days, but fine," Aislinn muttered. "All this dressing up - it's going to cause trouble.""Close your eyes." Nora began lining her lids. "Trouble how?""The Yank is going to think I've gotten all turned out just for him. I know it.""Why would he think that?""He asked me to be his date."Nora gasped. "And you said no?"Aislinn's eyes flew open. "Of course I said no! Why in the name of God would I want to encourage that egomaniac?""Because he likes you. And he's nice."He's full of himself. You know what he had the gall to say to me at the Oak last week? That he was used to getting what he wanted. His voice went all low and sultry. As if I'd fall for a line of bull like that! What does he think I am, an eejit? He's a horse's arse, and I want no part of him.""Methinks thou doth protest too much," Nora teased."Believe me, Nora, I know the type.""Do you now?" Nora mocked. "You've only ever been with one man your whole life, and all of a sudden you're an expert on the opposite sex?""I've got eyes and ears, you know," Aislinn said fiercely. "I meet men like that all the time at the farmers' market. In fact, there's one fella who buys wool who thinks he's God's gift to women. Dad and I used to fall about the place laughing as soon as he'd leave.""I think maybe the Yank was just teasing you a bit, trying to get you to lighten up.""No, he thought he was being charming and seductive. I saw how he was behaving. You didn't.""There's no reason you can't have a little fun with him," Nora suggested slylyAislinn frowned. "I'm not big on toying with people's emotions, Nora.""There's nothing wrong with flirting.""I'll leave that to you, thank you very much."Nora sighed. "You need to get back on the horse, Aislinn.""Why? So I can get thrown and kicked in the head again? No thank you.""What are you saying? You're done with men?Aislinn folded her arms obstinately across her chest. "That is exactly what I'm saying, yes.""So you want to end up like Padraig.""What the hell does that mean?" Aislinn asked, trying to keep her temper in check. Bloody Nora! Home only two weeks and already putting her two cents in where it wasn't wanted!"Old and alone, with nothing to live for but the farm,""Alone doesn't mean lonely, Nora."Nora stared at her in disbelief. "That's it, then? You've built a fortress around your heart that no man can ever penetrate?""Bingo.""I refuse to believe that you never want to feel a man's arms around you again. You always said you wanted children. What, you've changed your mind?"Maybe."Nora seemed to soften. "You know, you're not the first person in the world who's had their heart broken. I was there when it happened, remember? I know it was awful. But you've only prolonged your own agony by turning hard."Aislinn stiffened. "I don't know what you mean.""You do so. You're not thick. You pushed everyone away, Aislinn. Did you ever stop to think that if you'd done the opposite, maybe you'd have healed by now?"Aislinn began brushing her hair. "I am healed.""A cow's arse you are.""I don't want to talk about this anymore.""Suit yourself. But in my opinion, hiding up here and acting the ice princess is sad. You've got so much to offer, and you're throwing it away because one arsehole did you wrong.""All it takes is one. Now let's finish up this torture, shall we?"*****Aislinn let Nora drive her truck down into town for the ceili though she hated every moment of it. She was a horrible driver, rusty after years of using public transport in London. Aislinn knew that had she driven, they could have been to the dance in half the time.The dance, like all dances and events involving more people than could fit in the Oak, was being held at the parish hall of Saint Columba's. Wedding receptions, memorial services, political meetings, communion parties, dances - Saint Columba's had seen them all.Aislinn felt a twinge of sentimentality as she and Nora entered the hall. She remembered the dances she and her school chums had gone to: giggly girls on one side of the room and gawky boys on the other, trying to figure out each other's ways. Oh, Declan Taylor is looking at me! Do you suppose he's going to ask me to dance? III give David Shiels the once - over, do you think I 'in being too bold? Aislinn herself had never gone through such agonies: she was already going out with Connor.The donation for the dance was ten euros, but Aislinn gave twenty, since Padraig was too ill to come. A rattling, deadly cough, he'd told her. She'd tucked him up with a good, strong cup of tea before she left - tea she was sure he'd add a splash of whiskey to. Maybe it would help him drift off to sleep, poor old devil.The place was packed; it looked like the whole town had turned out. Folding chairs lined the walls, but only the elderly were using them. Everyone else was either dancing or standing around in small groups chatting.Aislinn recognized the band. Five local men in their fifties who'd been playing out for years. Some thirty years ago, they fancied they might one day be as big as U2. They were competent, but nothing special. And the songs they wrote themselves were dreadful. Aislinn felt a pang of pity of them. She knew what it was like to have your dream snatched from you.Eagle eye Nora scanned the hall. "There's the Yank," she said, discreetly directing Aislinn's eyes to the far left corner of the room. "He's standing with his aunt and uncle and cousins.""Good for him,""Go over there and say hello," Nora urged."Why don't you shut your pie hole?""God, you're the same stubborn thing you've always been.""And you're the same bossy boots you've always been. Give it a rest, Nora, would you, please?""Suit yourself. I'm going to go talk to Grace Finnegan. Donald and I actually know one of the oncologists at the cancer center. Maybe we could help Fintan get a consult sooner rather than later.""That's a nice thing to do."Nora headed off, and Aislinn made her way to the bar, sure she was going to break her neck in Nora's ridiculous boots. She couldn't help but notice all the surprised looks being beamed her way. Oh, look, Aislinn McGafferty actually showed up, and all dolled tip to boot She shouldn't have let Nora talk her into putting this goop on her face, not to mention persuading her to pour herself into pants so tight she felt like her legs were squeezed into sausage casings. God, what she wouldn't give to be home right now, curled up on the couch with Deenie, watching telly or reading a good book.She was just being handed her whiskey and soda when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, and she turned. It was Old Jack."Hello, Aislinn," he said, a big friendly smile splitting his red, craggy face. "It's lovely to see you here.""Well, it's for a good cause," she said uncomfortably."True, true. And how are you and Nora getting on?""Fine," Aislinn said suspiciously. Had he heard otherwise?"Grand, grand. You know," he said, leaning in confidentially, "Liam O'Brien is a bit sweet on you. Asks questions about you all the time.""Is that so? Tell the coward if he wants information on me, he should ask me himself.""That might be why the lad's making his way over here right now," Jack said with a wink as he departed.Shite, thought Aislinn. Here it conies. The swaggering thorn in my side"Hey, Aislinn."Aislinn nodded curtly. "Liam.""You look lovely."She wouldn't meet his eyes. "Thank you." He didn't look bad himself, truth be told. Nice jeans, a button-down shirt, even a blazer - it suited hint"Is it me, or is this band really, really bad?"Aislinn relaxed a bit. "They're awful," she concurred, taking a sip of her drink."Where's Padraig?""Home ill.""Think we'll raise a lot of money tonight?""I think the answer is self-evident."Jesus, he was Chatty Chatsworth. She hoped she didn't get stuck talking to him for the next hour.His eyes were doing a slow tour of her body, and for a flickering second, she thought maybe she was right to listen to Nora. But she shoved the thought away. Who the hell did he think he was?"You done giving me the once-over?" she asked sarcasticallyLiam chuckled."You don't seem to mind." "You wouldn't care if I minded or not.""Of course I would.""Right. Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got to -""I knew you'd come," Liam said smugly."I beg your pardon?""I said, I knew you'd come to the dance.""I'm here because I want to help out the Finnegans."That's part of the reason. The other part is me."Aislinn's mouth fell open. "Y' gobsmacked me. Truly. You're the most arrogant jackass I've ever met. Maybe your smoky-eyed, smooth-talking rubbish works on other women, but it won't work on me.""You're dressed up because you wanted to look good for me," Liam continued with a self-satisfied smile.Aislinn wished she could smack his face. "I'm dressed up because I wanted Nora off my bloody back.""Keep telling yourself that."Aislinn's heart began to pound. "How dare you?""I'm American, remember? We don't pull any punches.""Neither do we Irish. Now, would you ever piss off once and for all?"Liam's eyes blazed with adoration. "God, I love that you're so fiery."Aislinn felt heat flash through her body against her will. He's thro wing you a line of bull. Don't soften. Don't fall for it"Would you excuse me? You're boring the teeth off me." Aislinn started to walk away."Dance with me."She whirled around to face him. "What?""One dance, and I'll leave you alone. Union.""No,""What are you so afraid of," Liam challenged, "actually enjoying yourself?"Aislinn strolled back to him, giving him a sharp poke in the chest with her finger. "You know what I dislike most about you, apart from your misplaced arrogance?" she fumed. "It's this mad notion you have that you somehow know me. You've no idea if I'm afraid of anything or not. You've no idea if I enjoy myself or not.""You're wrong. I do know about you. I know about Connor McCarthy, and I know about your parents -""That's enough," Aislinn interrupted fiercely, feeling her face go hot. Of course he would know about Connor. The whole world knew about Connor."I'm sorry," Liam said quietly. "I didn't mean to upset you.""You didn't," Aislinn insisted briskly. "I just don't like discussing my personal life with strangers."Liam looked mildly stung, and she was glad of it. He needed to be put in his place.The band finished playing a song that sounded vaguely like the Village People's "YMCA" and launched into a version of Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," a song Aislinn happened to love."One dance," Liam repeated."Jesus God, are you sure you're not my own mother come back in the flesh, the way you nag on?" Aislinn huffed in exasperation. "Fine, one dance, and one dance only. You got that?""Loud and clear."She put her drink down on the makeshift bar and let Liam lead her out onto the dance floor. Their stance was stiff and awkward, and that was fine with her, even though she could tell he was dying to pull her closer. Still . . . dancing with a man . . . it was nice, but she was not about to let it go to her head like some pathetic, moony-eyed schoolgirl."You're a pretty good dancer," said Liam, trying to pull her a little closer. Aislinn shot him a look of warning, and he backed off."Any twit can shuffle around the floor. Even you."Liam laughed as Aislinn craned her neck to look past his shoulder, trying to spot her sister. She was still standing with Grace Finnegan. Both women were watching her and Liam. In fact, loads of people were watching. Aislinn ignored it, holding her head high, but there was no denying it ate at her. Ooh, look. Liam 0 'Brien actually persuaded the hellcat to dance. Poor thing, with that Connor business. And her main and dad. He must be taking pity on her poor, lonely soul...Aislinn broke away from him before the song ended. "I think I might be coming down with the same bug as Padraig. Good night."She hoofed it as fast as she could off the dance floor, heading straight for Nora."Couldn't you even finish the dance with him?" were the first words out of her sister's mouth."I'm feeling poorly."I'm sure it's just the opposite."Aislinn glared at her. "I'm off for home. You coming with, or you staying?""Staying, of course! We've only just got here!""Right, then. I'm sure you'll be able to catch a ride home with someone.""Aislinn -""Button your lip." She kissed her sister's cheek. "I'll see you in the morning.""Be careful driving home... chicken."Aislinn rolled her eyes and walked out into the night. Ah, blessed freedom. Chicken - Nora was daft. She leaned against the wall and pulled her sister's boots off, wiggling her toes. She'd walk barefoot to the truck. Anything was better than feeling like you were going to teeter over.She was heading for her truck when she heard Liam call her name. Sweet Christ on a bike, would he never leave her alone?"What now?" she asked crossly.He grinned as he looked down at her stocking feet. "I had a feeling you wouldn't last long in those boots.""Yes, because you know so much about me," Aislinn replied sarcastically. "Can I help you with something?""I was wondering if we could spend some time together.""We just spent some time together.""Union, you know what I mean.""All right." She suppressed a wicked smile. "How about you come with me and Padraig to the farmers' market in Omeath tomorrow?"Oh, it was glorious, the crestfallen expression on his face. Clearly the offer wasn't what he had in mind. But the spark returned to his face just as quickly as it had left."Okay. What time?"Dammit. She was sure he'd beg off! But no, he never let up."There won't be much for you to do apart from watch Padraig and me sell wool," she warned. "Though maybe I'll put you to work, fetching me the occasional coffee.""I could do that. What time?""You have got to be kidding me.""I told you," Liam said stubbornly. "I want to spend time with you.""Right, then. I'll pick you up at seven sharp.""Looking forward to it.""I'm glad one of us is," Aislinn replied, walking away. God, if the farmers' market didn't put him off, nothing would.*****"Getting her to dance? Now that falls under the category of miracle, boyo."Old Jack stared at Liam in amazement as he reentered the parish hall. Inviting him to come with her to the farmers' market and be her coffee fetcher - Liam had to hand it to her, it was a good one. And leaving him standing alone in the middle of the dance floor like a jackass? Double touche. But it was obvious why she did it: he was beginning to get to her.Jack was standing with David. Fergus, and Teague, the first two nursing whiskeys, the last holding a pint of Harp. Teague's expression was bitter."Big deal, so you got her to dance with you to half a song. I still think it'll be a cold day in hell before she gives the time of day to aYank."Liam shook his head and chuckled. Night in, night out, he was forced to listen to this lazy, bitter lump of a man criticize America. Liam was no super-patriot, but it was truly beginning to get on his nerves. "What the hell have you got against Americans?""You all think you're better than us.""Leave off. Teague," said Old Jack with a heavy sigh. "You're beginning to sound pathetic.""He's right." Fergus slapped Liam on the back. "You're making good headway, Liam. I'd be getting nervous if I were you, Jack."Jack sniffed. "We'll see.""Were her hands ice cold?" David teased Liam. "Are your goolies shriveled to the size of marbles?"Actually, Liam thought to himself, her skin was warm and soft."She actually looked good in them boots," said Teague. "Kid sexy.""Ay, she did look good overall," Fergus admitted reluctantly. "I don't think I've ever seen her with her face all done up like that.""On her wedding day," Jack reminded him."Oh, right, right," said David. They all shook their heads sadly."How have you achieved such headway?" Fergus demanded, making Liam's quest sound like a military mission."Basically, by not leaving her alone. Wearing her down.""Well, it'd have to be that, wouldn't it?" Teague said snarkily. "Because it certainly isn't your charm." He stormed off with a glare."Jesus, what's his problem?" Liam asked."A Yank woman broke his heart.""And you did take a job from an Irishman," David pointed out. "He's been on the dole for ages."Jack rose to Liam's defense. "Well, maybe if he got his fat arse off his mammy and daddy's couch, he could find himself a job and wouldn't resent others willing to do a hard day's work, Yank or not." Jack looked at Liam. "I still think you're gonna lose the bet, son," he said good-naturedly. "Do you want anything at the bar?""A Guinness would be fine."Jack waddled to the bar as David and Fergus crossed the room to ask two women to dance, leaving Liam alone on the sidelines. Even though being in Ballycraig sometimes bored him senseless, he kind of liked that it was one of those Irish villages that hadn't been affected by Ireland's boom years. No designer stores, no wine bars, no five-star restaurants - Ballycraig left that to surrounding villages.Jack returned with Liam's pint, and they touched glasses before each downed a healthy amount of liquid. It was hotter than hell in the parish hall. "Aren't you going to ask any of the other fine-looking women of the town to dance?" he asked Liam."In a minute." Liam glanced around the hall. There were quite a few good-looking women in town, and he knew for a fact many of them fancied him. But he really had no desire to ask any of them to dance or to make the effort at small talk. At least not right now."You got her to dance. Amazing."Liam turned as Aislinn's sister, Nora, joined him and Jack. No one would ever guess the two were sisters: Nora was dark-haired, well-dressed, and urban. "Chalk and cheese," as his parents would say."Is it?" Liam asked."You know it is," said Nora, "I'm glad you like her. She's really wonderful. She's just -""A wounded, snarling animal," Jack offered helpfully."That's quite a strong way of putting it," said Nora, looking displeased by Jack's comment, "but yes. And whether she'll admit it or not, she's beginning to like you. I can tell by all the complaining she does about you."Liam threw Jack a smug look as the older man started to look green around the gills."You okay?" Nora asked Jack."Fine. It's just hotter than the fifth circle of hell in here." He loosened his tie. "I'm going to step outside to get a breath of fresh air. Excuse me.Nora turned to Liam. "So what's next?""She's allowing me to accompany her to the farmers' market tomorrow.""Have fun," Nora said dryly.Liam grinned. "Oh, I will, believe me."

Chapter Six

Aislinn was certain that when she pulled up in front of the Oak at 7 a.m., Liam would either be nowhere in sight or would blearily come up with an excuse to beg off accompanying her to the farmers' market. But no: there he was, bright-eyed and smiling, holding a vacuum flask of freshly brewed coffee. BastardShe'd heard Nora come in from the ceili around midnight, tiptoeing past her bedroom door. Usually, Aislinn slept like a log, but not last night. Loath as she was to admit it, she was softening a bit toward the Yank, and that was kicking up quite a bit of dust in her head. Succumbing to his overtures meant once again risking heartache. Who knew how long Liam planned to stay in Ballycraig? She could hitch her wagon to his, only to have him turn around and with that unnervingly sexy twinkle in his eye say, "It's been nice, love, but I'm back to New York." And there she'd be, shattered and humiliated all over again. No: better to tamp down her feelingsShe'd try to maneuver so that Padraig would sit in the middle of the cab, but he'd jumped out to open the door for Liam to climb in before she'd even come to a full stop. Aislinn dealt with the whisper of excitement caused by his being pressed up against her by concentrating on her driving, leaving the talking to Padraig and Liam. Their discussion was wide-ranging, running the gamut from the process of cleaning and preparing fleeces to Michelle Obama to Liam waxing sentimental about his family. Padraig kept referring to her dad as if he were still alive. Each time, she corrected him gently, and he responded with a quick, "Oh, right, right," before moving on to another topicThey arrived in Omeath around nine. Aislinn knew most of the other vendors at the market well, having grown up around them: her dad had started taking her with him when she was just six. Padraig made a point of telling Liam that their fleeces were widely considered to be the best, always fetching the highest prices. Perhaps Liam was having them both on, but he looked impressedShe and Padraig settled themselves in their booth, while Liam excused himself to go exploring. The market had grown over the years. In the beginning, it was just local farmers selling primarily produce, wool, cheese, and milk, but now it was big business with tourists flocking to it, drawn by its "quaintness." Today there were stalls selling crafts, homemade chocolates, baked goods, organic vegetables, handmade toys, and preserves. There was even a group of musicians playing traditional music. Aislinn remembered that at first, her father had despaired of the change, worried about "the changing face of Ireland." But eventually he accepted it, especially since the market usually drew close to four thousand people, and they'd started making more and more money thereWithin minutes of opening, one of her regular customers, a hand spinner from Garra, came by and bought three unprocessed fleeces. A good omenAfter making that first sale, Padraig leaned over to Aislinn. "I like your young man very much," he said"He's not my young man."Well, he wants to be."You know what I say to that.Two more regulars came by, buying two processed fleeces each"It's going to be a good day," Padraig predicted"I agree. We're going to sell out." Aislinn looked at him affectionately. "I notice your 'rattling, deadly cough' seems to have abated.Padraig produced a cough."Oh, no, no, it hasn't.""I'll stop by tonight and make you some lovely tea." Aislinn knew he just wanted a little attention, and she was more than happy to give it."Now where's your young man gone to?"Aislinn took a deep breath before answering. Either he was teasing her, or he'd already forgotten shed told him Liam wasn't her boyfriend."He's roaming about.""Nice lad," he repeated as if he'd never said it before.Aislinn just sighed."You know, your parents would have hated to see you end up alone," Padraig said casually.Aislinn felt a knot form in her chest. "What are you talking about, you addled old thing?""I remember your da saying to me - after the wedding, you know, when Connor buggered off and you lost your taste for human company - that he was worried it would scar you for good, and what a shame that would be.""Why didn't he say this to me?""You know your father. He was a man of few words."It was true; her father had never been much of a talker, especially when it came to feelings. But she wished he had told her he was worried, rather than confide in Padraig.Liam wandered back, bearing three home-baked scones. "I figured since we didn't have any breakfast..."Thank you," said Aislinn, who was ravenous. Usually she ate a big breakfast, but she'd overslept this morning and was in a rush to get up and out before Nora could interrogate her about anything.Liam stuck his hands in the front pockets of his jeans as if he didn't know what else to with them. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do?""Yup," said Aislinn, glad he seemed at loose ends. He'd wanted to spend time with her? Well, he was getting his wish. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the guy who thought he was God's gift to women strolling their way. "Feck" she cursed softly."What's wrong?" Liam asked."Nothing."Aislinn steeled herself as the eejit stopped at her booth. smiling. "Mornin'. Aislinn." He nodded curtly at Padraig. "Padraig."Aislinn regarded him warily. "Morning, Alfie. You going to buy anything this time, or are you just stopping off to boast about how every woman in the republic wants you?""Every woman but you, apparently. Though I can't understand why.""Could be that I have a brain in my skull." She popped a hunk of scone in her mouth. "If you're not going to buy anything, move on."Alfie chuckled. It took him a moment before he registered Liam's presence, but when he did, his gaze was mildly contemptuous. "And who might you be?""I'm Liam 0 Brien. Aislinn's boyfriend.Aislinn choked back a sputter. Didn't he just wish! Then again, he was doing her a service: his wishful thinking might drive Alfie off for good.Alfie was scowling at her. "Why are you seeing a Yank when there are loads of sexy Irishmen to be had?""Sexy Irishmen?" Aislinn replied, making a great show of looking around. "I've yet to meet one."Alfie frowned. "I guess I'll be getting on.""Please do."With a final dirty look at Liam, he turned heel and walked away."What an asshole," said Liam."Aren't you the polite one." Aislinn looked down, wiping scone crumbs off her lap. "I suppose I should thank you for driving him away with your bold-faced lie. It came in very handy.""It's not a lie," Liam said playfully. "It's a prediction."Aislinn glanced up at him and snorted, even though twinges of unwanted heat were assaulting her body. "In your dreams."*****She sold everything, as she knew she would. The money would allow her to make some repairs to the barn and purchase a couple of new ewes. She also intended to buy a few steaks for Deenie as a reward for her good work.It was dusk when the market closed and the vendors began packing up. "We don't have to dash home right away, do we?" Padraig asked."Why?""I want to chat with a few of my and your da's old buddies.""Go ahead," Aislinn urged, even though she was eager to get home and away from Liam who, to her great disappointment, had been as charming and helpful as could be all day.After Padraig left, Liam inched a bit closer and lowered his voice. "Aislinn," he said tentatively. "I noticed Padraig forgot the prices for things a few times.""No matter." Aislinn said briskly. "I fixed it.""You really love him, don't you?""I do," said Aislinn, unexpectedly choking up. "He's family, and family takes care of family. He can work with me for as long as he likes.""So there really is a tender heart beating inside that brusque facade," Liam murmured gently.Aislinn said nothing."I know all about presenting a tough face to the world as a way of protecting yourself," Liam continued. "I was the consummate bad boy at home. But a lot of it was just a way to deflect the pain I was in, since I always felt I couldn't measure up to my older brother. And"What is it with you Yanks, spilling your guts without anyone asking you to, like everyone you meet is a bloody therapist?" Aislinn interrupted. She did not want to go down this road. "Whether you like it or not, I see through your mask, Aislinn. I see the vulnerable woman beneath the hard shell. And if you'll just let me -"Aislinn rose abruptly, desperate to get away from him. But Liam jumped up, too, and in a bloody bold move, pulled her to him and planted a good, long kiss on her lips, one to which she instantly responded. More, she thought, more, before jerking herself away. Liam grinned sexily. "You liked that." "Don't flatter yourself," Aislinn replied, affecting a bored tone. "It was a moment of madness we'll never speak of again. Got it?" "I want more moments of madness with you," Liam murmured. "Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm not going to let up until I get them.""You could have any woman in town," Aislinn pointed out sharply. "Why set your sights on me?" "Because you're sexy, smart, independent, and headstrong. Did I mention you were sexy?""Yes, my barn jacket and wellies have turned many a man's head," Aislinn said dryly."Believe it or not, you even look sexy dressed like that."God, you're a hopeless thing. It's sad. Truly it is.""Not as sad as someone who clearly craves romance but is too chicken to take a chance," Liam retorted.Aislinn glowered at hint"I dare you to go to dinner with me" Aislinn squinted at him in disbelief. "You what?""You heard me. Prove you're not stuck in the past" Aislinn felt her temper beginning to ignite. "I don't need to prove anything to you!""True, you don't need to," Liam murmured casually. "But you know you want to, if only to put me in my place.""You don't want to know the place I think you should be in, boyo.""Have dinner with me.""No.""Have dinner with me.""Hard of hearing and thick. Not a good combo.""I'm not letting up."And I'm not giving in.""I'll beg if you want." Liam got down on his knees and held his hands out to her imploringly. "Please, Aislinn, please have -""Get up!" Aislinn hissed, horrified by the thought someone might have seen him. "I'll have dinner with you, just - get up."Liam rose, dusting himself off. "That was easier than I thought. Any ideas as to where you'd like to dine?""Anywhere but the Oak," Aislinn muttered. "The last thing I need is the whole town gawping and talking, because they've nothing better to do with their lives.""We'll go to Crosshaven.""That suits me. But you're not paying for me. I'll pay for my own meal." "That's not a date.""I thought you loved my independence," Aislinn said sarcastically."I want to do this the traditional way" Aislinn put a hand on her hip. "Oh, it's traditional, is it, for the woman to pick up the man in her truck?""I'll borrow Old Jack's car," Liam immediately countered."If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll cripple you.""I'm sure you could. Shall we say around seven, Wednesday night? That's my night off.Good, thought Aislinn. It wouldn't draw suspicion, the way it would if he asked for a night off. He could just tell Jack he wanted to go into Crosshaven, have a look round at a much bigger town."Wednesday will work for me," Aislinn said coolly. God, she'd never hear the end of it from Nora.Liam grinned. "Great. I'm looking forward to it.""Hmmm"Aislinn turned away so he couldn't see her small smile. She was looking forward to it, too. But she'd be damned if she'd let him know it.

Chapter Seven

Three minutes into driving Old Jack's car. Liam realized he should have swallowed his pride and let Aislinn drive them to Crosshaven. Jack's fifteen-year-old Ford Focus was barely able to make it up and down the hills leading to her farm. The floor beneath the drivers seat had rusted out: Jack's solution had been been to cover the hole with a thin, battered piece of sheet metal, held in place with duct tape. The upholstery was split and shredded. And the interior reeked of the lily of the valley perfume Jack's wife, Bettina, loved to douse herself withWhen he'd asked Jack if he could borrow the car, the old man guessed the reason and went pale, realizing he was going to lose the bet. At the same time, it was dawning on Liam that he was a creep to have made the bet in the first placeHe really liked Aislinn. He'd spent time with lots of women, but none had ever been as fiery or fiercely independent as she, and he was surprised how attractive he found those traits. He also loved her lack of vanity, and he had been serious when he'd told her she looked great in her caked old wellies and barn coat. Aislinn truly had no idea how naturally beautiful she wasLiam also meant it when he said he saw behind her gruff mask. Her love for Padraig, even her love for Nora, despite pretending to be annoyed by her, revealed the tenderness she tried so hard to conceal. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to draw her out. A fine, sharp desire had shot through him when he kissed her, made all the more exciting because she had responded without hesitationLiam held his breath as the car crested the final hill, spluttering and backfiring all the way. God, she was going to mock him all the way to CrosshavenHe was surprised to find Aislinn waiting for him outside, her dog beside her. She looked tense. Liam parked the car and got out"My parents always told me that when you're picking up a girl for a date, you go up to the house to fetch her," he said"They're right, but I don't want us to be cross-examined by Nora for twenty minutes." She crouched down, kissing the top of Deenies head. "Run along with you now. I won't be long.Deenie licked her face and trotted off toward the house"I can't believe she understood what you said."She's a border collie. She's smarter than half the children in this town.Liam laughed as he walked around the car to open the door for her. "You look nice," he said as she ducked inside"Thank you," Aislinn said stifflyLiam hopped back in the car, throwing it into reverse. There was a horrible grinding sound: the car didn't move"Don't worry, it's just temperamental," he assured Aislinn. Shit. please let this piece of junk go in reversHe shifted back into neutral, then again into reverse. The car obeyed. and they were on their way. albeit slowly"So," Liam said conversationally, "how has your week been so far?" He realized he was nervous and wanted to keep awkward silence between them to a minimum"It's been a week. You?"Big excitement was Fergus and David getting into a fistfight at the Oak. Something about money owed.""They're eleven years old in the head, those two." Aislinn cracked her window open an inch. "Jesus God, the smell of lily of the valley is overpowering. I feel like I'm in a funeral parlor on wheels.Liam laughed. She was funny, too. He liked that.Aislinn was looking out the window. "Where are we going?""A place called Cronin's. The seafood is supposed to be great. Jack recommended it."Aislinn turned to him sharply. "You didn't tell that old busybody you're out with me, did you?""I told you I wouldn't say anything," said Liam, feeling like a sleazeball for lying, especially when he saw the relief that crept onto her face."Good.""I don't see what the big deal is," said Liam, narrowly avoiding hitting a mangy stray cat that had appeared suddenly on the pitchblack road. "Are you ashamed of going out with me?""I told you: I just don't like giving people gossip to chew on, that's all," Aislinn said testily. She paused. "Do you always drive like an old man?"Liam shot her a look of annoyance. "This is as fast as the car will go.""Should have taken the truck," Aislinn said lightly."Next time.""Next time?" Aislinn chortled. "Don't think so. I'm only out with you tonight because you dared me to.""Bullshit. You're out with me because you like me.""You're tolerable," she allowed with a sniff."I'll take that as a compliment." He hit a pothole, and both their heads almost banged the roof of the car.Aislinn smirked. "Good one.""In case you haven't noticed, ifs pitch-dark out here," Liam said defensively. He hated these rural roads, especially since he wasn't used to driving on the opposite side of the road. What was next? Crashing into a hedgerow? He was feeling like a dorky fifteen-year-old on his first date, anxious and self-conscious."What's Nora doing tonight?" he asked."Working on her article.""Sounds boring."Aislinn smiled. "It does, doesn't it?""Yup." That smile ... Shit, it was so distracting. "You go to college?""Nah. Never had the desire. I always wanted to raise sheep. Keep it in the family, you know." She eyed him curiously. "Did you go to university?""God, no. The minute I graduated from high school I was working behind the bar at my family's pub."They fell quiet. Liam wondered if Aislinn was thinking about how this was another thing they had in common: their devotion to family tradition."They must be missing you fierce," Aislinn said softly.Liam cleared his throat uncomfortably, overcome with a sudden wash of emotion. "Yeah, I miss them, too."You must miss your folks, too, he almost said, but caught himself. He sensed it was too personal a question. Push, and he'd lose what little ground he'd gained with her.He was about to ask her more about Nora when the car suddenly began pulling to the left. Now what? he thought. He slowly pulled over to the side of the road, killing the engine."You've got a flat." Aislinn declared."Let me just take a look," said Liam authoritatively, hoping she wasn't right. He'd never had a flat tire in his life.They both got out of the car. She was right: the rear left tire was as flat as he wished the damn road was. Great."Uh, let me just take care of this, and we'll be on our way."He ducked back inside the car, opening the glove compartment. No flashlight. He opened the trunk. There was a flashlight, but the batteries were dead. Liam rubbed his forehead in frustration. How the hell was he supposed to change a tire when he couldn't see what he was doing? "You wouldn't happen to have a match on you, would he?" he asked Aislinn.She joined him in front of the open trunk. 'I do," she said, rifling through her purse. She pulled out a book of matches, and lit one. Liam pulled out the spare tire and the tools. The match went out. Aislinn lit another, and another, losing the battle against the wind."This is just great," he muttered.He stood in front of the flat tire. Stalling. He had no idea how to change a goddamn tire, though how hard could it be? It looked like all you needed to do was unscrew the bolts and -"You don't know how to change a flat, do you?" Aislinn asked, sounding highly amused."No, I can change a tire."Aislinn folded her arms across her chest. "Go on, then."He glared at her, and grabbing the jack, began jacking up the car. Aislinn burst out laughing."What?" Liam snapped."Know how to change a tire, do you? First you loosen the lug nuts, and then you jack it up." She sighed and picked up the lug nut wrench, shooing him away. "Here, let me do it. It'll take three seconds.""I'm not a moron, you know.""No one said you were. But I've no desire to stand here half the night while you try to prove you're no girly man." Smiling impishly, she put her hand over her heart. "Your secret is safe with me, I swear."Liam frowned and let her take over. Aislinn quickly changed the tire in the dark, whistling a happy tune that Liam was sure was meant to mock him."There you go, city boy," she said gaily when she was done, returning the tools to the trunk."Appreciate it," Liam muttered. He kicked the tire gently. Wasn't that something you were supposed to do to make sure it was sound? "Now, here's the thing," Aislinn said authoritatively. "This spare is as bald as my aunt Charlene. We're never going to make it into Crosshaven and back on this thing. So I guess we'd best turn around so you can drop me home, and we can call it a night.""Not happening.""I beg your pardon?""We're not calling it a night. We'll go back to your place and eat there instead."Aislinn's mouth fell open. "Oh, will we, then? Cheeky bastard! I'm not cooking for you!'"I didn't say you had to cook for me. I said we'd eat something. Then, next week we'll take your truck into Crosshaven and try this again, because eating at your house does not count as a dinner date.""We're not eating at my house."Liam swung the car keys around his index finger. "I'm not driving you home, then."Aislinn shrugged. "No skin off my nose." She turned and started walking up the road."Goddamn it," Liam cursed under his breath. "Fine!" he yelled at her back. "You win this one! I'll drive you home, and we don't have to eat anything, even though I'm starving to death!"Aislinn turned and walked back to him. "Starving, aye?""Starving."Aislinn frowned. "I suppose you could make yourself a sandwich.""Thanks so much," said Liam sarcastically. He truly was starving, having eaten very little in anticipation of their meal out,"We'll see if you still thank me when Nora plies us with questions till our eyes bleed." She held out her hand for the keys. "I'll drive. I don't think my spine can take hitting another pothole.""I don't think so. You've already emasculated me once tonight. Twice, and my ego will be in complete tatters."Aislinn laughed. "It's a rare man who can admit such a thing.""Yes, well, I'm a rare man," Liam murmured.Aislinn gave a small snort and got back in the car. "Drive on."

Chapter Eight

As Aislinn had predicted, no sooner did they step into the kitchen than Nora appeared. Damn, thought Aislinn. Here it comes. An interrogation"What are you two doing here?" Nora asked, surprised. "I thought you were going out to dinner in Crosshaven."We got a fiat, and there's no way we'd get there on the spare, so here we are," Aislinn explained. She stared at Nora hard, hoping she'd take the hint to skedaddle. She didn't"I take it you're eating here?"Just sandwiches," said Aislinn. "Then Liam will be on his way.Liam looked down at the stone floor, suppressing a smile"What's so funny. you?" Aislinn asked tetchilyLiam looked up. "Nothing," he said, his eyes quickly catching Nora's. Aislinn didn't like it. not one bit. Some chat had gone on between them behind her back. She could feel it"Where's Deenie?" Aislinn asked Nora"Asleep on your bed, I think."She must be tired. She put in a good, hard day.Nora nodded dumbly. She has no idea what I'm talking about. Aislinn thought. Despite growing up here, she still has no clue as to how sheep herding works"Did you have Padraig up for dinner?Nora frowned. "No."Nora, you know he eats with us!"It slipped my mind, Aislinn, all right? I was really absorbed in my research. In fact, I wound up taking my dinner up to my room."So? He doesn't need to be entertained. Please. Nora, if you're ever here on your own again, don't forget to have him up. He eats badly when he's left to his own devices.Nora sighed. "Next time you're out, I won't forget. I promise."Thank you." She turned to Liam. "What kind of sandwich do you want?"Whatever you have."I've got a bit of ham. Some nice cheese."There's more than that," Nora chided with a cluck of the tongue. "We've got focaccia, a little caviar, and some pesto spread. I actually had to order the caviar and spread from London, since the market in Moneygall -"Doesn't cater to rich expats," Aislinn finished for her, shooting Nora an annoyed look. A bolt of tension passed between them. Would you ever take yourself off and get out of here? thought AislinnLiam looked uncomfortable. "Ham and cheese is fine with me.""How about you?" Aislinn asked Nora. "Shall I make her nibs something, too?"Nora smiled politely. "I already ate, thank you." There was an awkward pause. "Well, I'll leave you two to it. I've got a lot of reading to do." She surprised Aislinn by kissing her on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning. Nice to see you, Liam." She started away then abruptly turned back. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, Aislinn: Donald is coming in next Thursday for a long weekend."Great, thought Aislinn. Just what I need: a weekend with a ponce who points out everything that needs to be repaired as if he knows a damn thing about it, and who drones on about how provincial and boring Ballycraig is. Still, he seemed to adore Nora. And that's what mattered."Grand," she made herself say. You two can go shopping in Moneygall and despair over the lack of artichoke dip together.Night," said Nora with a small wave."Night," Aislinn and Liam chimed together.Liam joined Aislinn at the counter as she started preparing their sandwiches. "Do I sense a little tension between the two of you?""I don't know why in the bloody name of creation she's come here to work on her article, since she and her husband have never had much use for the farm or Ballycraig. I swear to God, the day she turned eighteen she legged it out of here so fast your head would've spun.""Maybe she needs a breather from London.""That's what she says. But she does pluck on my nerves sometimes, truly. Doesn't help that we're chalk and cheese."Liam smiled. "My mother always uses that expression.""It was a favorite of my mother's, too." Mam. Aislinn swallowed hard, the image of her mother smiling flashing through her mind. She'd had a beautiful smile: soothing and kind.Liam sauntered away, inspecting the kitchen. "This house is huge." great grandfather built it. My grandfather was born here; my da, too, and his two sisters.""It's an amazing place.""Thank you," said Aislinn, welling with pride. "Padraig claims it's haunted by my grandfather, but I've never seen him about." She handed Liam his sandwich. "What would you like to drink? I've got milk, water, and Guinness."Guinness would be great."I agree. Sit."Liam sat down at the long, scarred Parsons table, practically devouring his sandwich. He looked somewhat embarrassed. I told you I was starved.""Clearly." Aislinn took a bite of her sandwich. "Now this is my idea of a date."Liam's gaze was unwavering as he took a sip of beer. "This isn't our date.""I'm fulfilling my obligation to you. You dared me to have dinner with you. I agreed. And here I am, having dinner with you.""Doesn't count," Liam insisted. "If you won't have dinner out with me next week, I'll tell Jack we were together tonight, and within minutes, the whole town will know."Aislinn cocked her head quizzically. 'Did you, by any chance, have to hop it here to Ireland because you were a blackmailing bastard?"Liam laughed delightedly. "I love it when you flirt with me.""I don't flirt," Aislinn retorted with a scowl, annoyed by how turned on she was by his laugh."Yes, yo do, but you just won't admit it." Wrong."Or maybe you don't know you're flirting, which makes it even sexier."Aislinn snorted. "Jesus, can you ever spin the bull. Did the women back home fall for this rubbish? Because if they did, perhaps I've been giving American women more credit than they deserve." She nodded at his plate. "Finish up, please, and be on your way.""If we hadn't gotten a flat, we wouldn't even be in Crosshaven by now.""And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?""I think you can spare me a bit more of your time.""Fine," she grumbled. Bigheaded pain in the neck. But he was right, of course. Had the tire not blown, they'd most likely still be in the car right now. All told, between the drive there and back and dinner, she probably would have spent about four hours with him. Well, handsome and witty as he was, she sure as hell wasn't spending four hours here with him.Sandwiches finished, she took their plates over to the sink to wash."Ever think of getting a dishwasher?" Liam asked."Ever think of minding your own business?" Aislinn soaped up the plates. "It's just me and Padraig here, and now Nora. We don't generate a lot of dishes."She could feel him coming up close behind her and held her breath for a long moment, trying to drive away the feeling of excitement inching up on her. Oh Lord, let him wrap his arms around me. Oh Lord. don't let him touch me. Oh Lord, my mind is a muddle.He didn't put his arms around her but rested his chin on her shoulder playfully. "When you're done with the dishes, I'd love it if you could introduce me to your flock.""I'm tired. I need you to go."Liam stuck his watch in front of her face. "We'd probably just be getting into Crosshaven now."Aislinn sighed in exasperation. "You really expect me to believe you give a tinker's damn about my sheep?""I'm curious. Seriously."Yeah, and my grandda's ghost haunts the paddocks." She dried her hands on a tea towel and turned from the sink. "I suppose I'll have to let you wear a pair of my dad's old wellies so you don't ruin your trainers."Liam's gaze softened. "You've still got them?""Yes," Aislinn said curtly. Nora had wanted to purge the house of all their parents' things the week after they died, as if she still bloody lived here. Aislinn refused, so Nora let it go. It was only after Nora left that Aislinn realized that her sister was only looking out for her, thinking that ridding the house of their parents' things might make it easier for Aislinn to live there,"Well, come on with you," Aislinn urged gruffly, striding toward the mudroom, where she pulled on her boots and slipped into her faithful old barn jacket. "The sooner I show you round, the sooner I get you out of my hair,"*****Her grumpiness faded as soon as she hit the barn, where her beloved flock were sleeping in the fresh straw she'd put down for them just that morning. She inhaled deeply, loving the warmth, the smell, everything about it.She named every ewe, ram, and lamb for Liam, hoping that if she started gabbing on about feeding them, rotating pastures, shearing season, and everything else that had to do with running a sheep farm, it would drive him off. But no, he acted like he was interested in all of it, which she was sure was an act. She could have stood there holding forth on the different varieties of termites, and he still would have stuck around. She'd give him points for tenacity, that was sur"Well I've dined with you, and you've seen my flock," she finally concluded cheerily. "Good night."Liam checked his watch. "We'd probably be getting our menus right about now."Aislinn sighed. "Right, what's next? Shall we peek in on Padraig? Throw stones at Nora's window? I know," she said, brightening. "Maybe I can teach you to change a tire."Liam chuckled good-naturedly. "Actually, what I'd really love to do right now is just sit in one of the meadows and look up at the stars.""Who's stopping you?""I didn't mean alone."Aislinn's heart gave a small, painful lurch; stargazing was something she and Connor used to do all the time on clear nights. In fact, it was something she often did on her own.She looked at him, at his dark, broody handsomeness and playful eyes, and decided to risk it."Fine," she muttered, trying to appear put-upon. "I'll get the blanket I keep in the truck."*****She led him up to her favorite pasture, spreading the small, plaid blanket out on the grass. She could see the lights of Ballycraig twinkling down below; Padraig was still up, too, dim light emanating from his front window and smoke curling from his chimney. If he was still awake when Liam left, she'd pay him a visit.Aislinn sat down first on the blanket, secretly thrilled when Liam sat so close their shoulders were practically touching."God, look at that sky," he said rapturously. "You don't see skies like that in the city. The buildings are too tall, and there's too much light pollution.""I couldn't bear to live in the city.""A true country girl, huh?""Yes." Liam looked at her. "Chalk and cheese."Aislinn smiled shyly. "Yes, chalk and cheese."Liam casually snaked his arm around her shoulder as his gaze returned upward. "I guess I could understand not wanting to give this up," he said after a considerable pause.Aislinn swallowed. The feel of his arm around her shoulder... it was wonderful, making her feel warm and safe. She hadn't realized how much she missed being touched by a man until now. And yet, her first impulse was to stiffen up. Liam noticed."Why so nervous?" . . obvious. "Look,"I'm not. What an idiot she was, denying the obvious. Look, I'm not good at this, she admitted lamely.Liam drew her a little bit closer. "Good at what?""Being comfortable with a man. Not after what happened." She looked him square in the eye. "I don't quite trust you."Liam glanced away for a moment. "I don't blame you. Not after what happened with Connor McCarthy" She shook her head ruefully. "What kind of eejit can't tell her man is gay?""You shouldn't beat yourself up.""I suppose not." Aislinn felt tears coming and clenched her jaw. Thinking about what happened still angered and humiliated her."That must have been hard, being jilted and losing your folks in the same year.""It was. But I've dealt with it.""Have you?" Liam asked softly.She burst into tears. For a year, she'd bitten back the pain, pushed it down, not letting anyone get near her for fear of looking weak. She hated that the whole town pitied her because of what happened with Connor. The only ones she'd let comfort her had been her parents, and they, too, were soon gone. All she had was Nora, who lived in another country and with whom she'd never been particularly close. In order to go on, she'd had to toughen herself, inside and out. If that made people think she was a hard bitch, so be it. Let them walk a mile in her shoes and see how they'd cope.Liam held her tight. "It's okay," he whispered. "Let it go."And so she did, sobbing into his shoulder as if her heart were breaking all over again. Liam rocked her quietly, stroking her hair. Finally, when she was all cried out, she pulled away from him abruptly, swiping at her eyes, hard. "Sorry about that.""No need to be sorry.""I must look a sight.""You look fine," Liam assured her."Ha! Now there you're lying. My nose gets all red when I cry, and my face goes blotchy." She swiped hard at her cheeks. "I feel like an idiot.""Why? Because you dropped your defenses?""I don't enjoy being an object of pity.""You're not an object of pity."Aislinn laughed bitterly. "Not to you, maybe. But to the rest of Ballycraig I am.""There's a difference between pity and feeling bad for someone who was deceived and humiliated by the person they love.""I suppose." She hesitated, then kissed his cheek. "Thank you for letting me soak your shirt with my pathetic tears.""My pleasure." Liam ran his index finger softly down her cheek. "I'd like more than a chaste kiss on the cheek, please." Liam -"He took what he wanted, and she let him. The kiss was sweet at first, but it quickly turned into something dark and thrilling as Liam crushed her to him. Aislinn felt a blast of heat and longing rock her body. It had been so long, so long. She was frightened but eager. Let it happen, she told herself as her body burned. Let go.Her mind was reeling as vibrant colors swirled behind her eyes, and the feeling of being fully and gloriously alive came back to her. It was something she'd been certain she'd never feel again.The kiss kept on, dizzying and sublime. Liam gently took her by the shoulders and laid her down on the blanket, stretching out beside her. Aislinn could see the desire in his eyes as they resumed their fevered kissing. A low moan came from her throat, and for a split second, she was embarrassed. But the longer Liam kissed her, the more she sensed his abandon, and the less inhibited she herself became. She could feel him melting against her, moonbeams kissing her skin as one of his hands slid down to cup her breast. The conflagration inside her was building. And yetAislinn gently removed his hand and sat up, trying to steady her breathing as she cleared her mind. Liam sat up, too, his expression dazed yet distressed."Did I do something wrong, Aislinn?""No, no, of course not. It's me. I'm just - I'm not ready to go there yet. I want to, but I can't.""It's okay.""Is it? I would hate for you to think I'm just toying with you."Pain flickered across Liam's face. "I would never think that.""Or that I'm frigid. I'm not. I'm just gun-shy."Liam cupped her chin in his hand. "We can take this as fast or slow as you want.""And what would 'this' be?""You know what.""Yes, I suppose I do." Aislinn blew out a breath of relief. "Thank you." He's a good man, she thought. A wiseass, an egomaniac, a pushy Yank, but still and all, a good man. She told him so.Liam feigned being wounded. "Is that the best you can come up with?""You're a good kisser, too: I'll give you that."Liam grinned cockily. "The best.""I'm not sure if that's true.""Have you had better?"Aislinn chuckled. "No, come to think of it.She was glad the heavy part of the conversation seemed to be done for now. "I suppose I have to have dinner with you next week." "I suppose so."She took his hand, nervously trailing an index finger back and forth across his knuckles. "I'd still prefer we keep this to ourselves for now."Liam looked unhappy. "Sure"Aislinn tensed. In the space of a second, she felt like the mood had changed from one of good-natured ribbing to one of discomfort. He was changing his mind about them already. She put her heart in lockdown mode."Is something wrong?""No," Liam hastily assured her. He pressed his lips to her forehead. "I just realized I'm tired, too."Aislinn relaxed. "I'll bet. Watching a woman change a tire can really take it out of a man.""Wiseass," Liam said affectionately. He rose, extending a hand to her, and together they walked to Old Jack's car."You have a cell phone, I hope, so you can call me if this old rattletrap doesn't get you back to town and I have to rescue you?" Aislinn asked."Of course." He put his arms around her. "Thank you for a great night.Aislinn swallowed. "Yes. I had a good time, too."Liam kissed her softly and got into the car."See you next week.""Maybe," Aislinn said coolly.Liam chuckled. "I'll pick you up at the same time next Wednesday."He waved, and then he was off. Aislinn watched his car snake down the winding road, until finally his tail-lights disappeared. She turned and walked back toward the house. She knew she'd set something in motion, and it both frightened and exhilarated her. Still, she was willing to see where it led.

Chapter Nine

He couldn't go through with the bet. No way. That's all Liam could think as he slowly drove back to Ballycraig. When Aislinn said she didn't trust him, he found it hard to look her in the eye. This was a real person with real feelings: a real person for whom he had feelings - which complicated things immensely. His plan had been to hop on the next plane the minute he heard from Quinn that it was safe for him to go back to New York. Hell, that had been part of the reason he'd gone for the bet: not only was he confident of his skills with women, but if he won and Jack had to double his wages, he'd return home with a nice chunk of changeKissing Aislinn had been magical. He'd always laughed at people who said things like that, but it was the only way to describe it. It wasn't just the need and vulnerability she displayed: it was the feeling that there was a tightly coiled passion deep within her that was ready to explode. He wanted to be the one to unleash itHe parked Jack's car behind the Royal Oak, avoiding the pub as he went directly upstairs to his apartment. He knew that the minute the clock struck twelve thirty, Jack would be knocking on his door. He was right"Come in," Liam called wearily. Jack looked anxious as he slipped inside"What happened with the McCafferty? You're back early."That's because your piece of shit car got a flat. No way could we make it into Crosshaven on that spare - speaking of which, you might want to get a real spare to stash in the trunk."Yes, right, sure," said Jack impatiently. "So you never got to wine and dine her. What did you do instead?"Had sandwiches at her house."Oh, that's dead romantic," Jack said dryly, but he looked pleased. "Not making much progress, are you, boyo?"Actually. I am."Eatin' sandwiches? I don't know how things work in New York, but let me assure you, here in Ireland we'd file that under Pathetic.Liam took a deep breath, then blew it out. "I want to call off the bet.Jack thrust his head forward. "What?"I want to call off the bet," Liam repeated. "The more I think about it, the more I realize it's a cruel thing to do."Don't hand me a line of cow shite, son. I know what's really going on here.Liam was baffled. "I don't understand."You're losing, so you want to call it off."You're wrong."I'm right," Jack insisted, thrusting his chin out. "You can't bear the thought of Fergus, David, and Teague crowing about how Mr. Big Shot Yank failed, and it's beginning to dawn on you that not getting paid for a year will mean you'll have to move in with your relatives, and it'll leave you with no pocket money to boot.Liam scrubbed his hands over his face. "Jesus. You're not getting this, are you? It's about compassion. It's about not being cruel. I didn't think through what would happen when I'd won the bet, how she'd feel being used that way. Hasn't she had to deal with enough humiliation?"Oh, I see how it is. You're losing, so all of a sudden you grow a conscience," Jack scoffed. "Convenient, that is."Liam shrugged diffidently. "You believe what you want to believe.""You're a coward."Now it was Liam's turn for incredulity. "What the hell did you just say?""You're a coward. Only a coward reneges on a wager."Liam gritted his teeth. He was a lot of things, but a coward wasn't one of them. "Call me that again and -""What? What?" Jack goaded. "Hit an old man?"Liam took a deep breath, trying to control his temper. It had been a long time since someone had pushed his buttons like this, and he could feel the old rage and darkness churning inside him."Well?""Fine, the bet's still on," Liam snapped. "You're a fool, Jack. I just gave you a chance to save yourself a lot of money, and you turned it down.""Perhaps. But as I said, only a coward reneges on a wager. And besides, I'm still confident you're going to be the one eating crow, not me. Night, now."He winked and turned, closing the door to Liam's apartment behind him.Shit, thought Liam. For someone who claimed to be confident, all it had taken was an old fool calling him a coward for him to feel a challenge to his masculinity, and barn! The bet was back on.He stretched out on his bed, racking his brains about how he might be able to make this work. Finally it came to him: he'd continue seeing Aislinn, and one night, when the romance between them was firmly established, they'd come in to the pub together; Old Jack and the three assholes would have to concede he'd won the bet. But then, he'd simply keep on seeing her. It was so simple, he laughed out loud.He turned out the light, smiling to himself.

Chapter Ten

"Did you and Liam enjoy your sandwiches?Aislinn tried not to frown at unexpectedly being confronted by Nora as she went into the kitchen to fetch the vacuum flasks of tea she'd forgotten for herself and Padraig that morning. If forgetting such a crucial part of their morning ritual wasn't testament to what a pleasant muddle her head was in, she didn't know what was"I'm surprised you're up," said AislinnNora, drinking her own tea, fiddled distractedly with her teaspoon. "I couldn't sleep."Something troubling you?"This and that," Nora said vaguely"You sure everything is okay between you and Donald?" Aislinn was genuinely concerned. The last thing she wanted was for Nora to also have a man shred her heart to bits"We're fine," Nora assured her with a faint smile. "Though I do miss him."He's coming next week, is he not? And there's nothing stopping you going back home to London."True." Her eyes tracked Aislinn as she walked across to the cupboard to get some biscuits to bring to Padraig. "I'm sorry I'm getting on your nerves."You're not," Aislinn liedNora just laughedAislinn turned around. "Okay, you are," she confessedNora looked slightly wounded. "What on earth am I doing?Aislinn furrowed her brow. "Well, you leave wet towels on the bathroom floor, for one, and you never remember to turn the lights out, and you put things in the wrong place in the cupboard ... I guess it's just that I have my own ways. I feel like you've invaded my space, do you know what I mean?"It's not just your space," Nora pointed out. "They left the farm to both of us, you know.Aislinn was taken aback. "Yes, and you've spent so much time here over the years because you love it here so much," she shot back. She put a box of biscuits in her pocket. "This is my home, Nora. It's where I've made my life. Yes, it's half yours. But that doesn't mean you can waltz in here and start giving me love advice and your opinion on Padraig and all the rest of it.Nora gave a frustrated sigh. "I was just trying to connect with you, Aislinn. I worry about you being so isolated." She smiled slyly. "That's why I think it's great you're seeing Liam O'Brien."We're not seeing each other."Right. Did he kiss you?Aislinn blushed against her will"He did!" Nora looked delighted. "Was it good?""Very good," Aislinn admitted. She glanced up at the clock above the sink. Padraig could wait a moment or two. She wished she and Nora had been this close growing up.Are you seeing him again?"We're going to go into Crosshaven on Wednesday for dinner the way we'd originally planned.""I can help you get ready," Nora said excitedly. "Do your makeup, like I did before the dance. Lend you some clothes.""We're just going to a seafood place. Nora. And I know how to do my own makeup.""Then why weren't you wearing any last night?""Because I wasn't in the mood," Aislinn said grouchily. "He's seen me with and without, and it doesn't seem to make any difference to him. I think he likes me natural. And that's how I like myself. That's the way I'm most comfortable.""Suit yourself.""I will." Aislinn slid into the chair next to her sister. "Come on, tell me: what 'things' are eating at you?""It's this article," Nora confessed. "I wonder if I chose the right career." hate that you have to 'publish or perish' in academia if you want to get tenure. Sometimes I wonder if I chose the right career."Aislinn was surprised. "I thought you liked teaching.""I do, but I hate the interdepartmental politics; people stab each other in the back a lot. And the dean of my department is a dinosaur! He really thinks women are somewhat inferior to men in the classroom. Sometimes I envy you. You don't have to answer to anyone. I'd love to be my own boss."Aislinn was shocked to hear this. "I still have pressures on me, you know.""I know, but it's different, isn't it? You have so much more control over your life than I do.""I guess I never thought of it that way." She looked at Nora sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"No, I'm all right. Really. I've gone out to walk the pastures a few times. It helps clear my head. I never realized how much land there was!"Aye, about thirty acres.""That's a lot." She paused. "And it's really not too much for you and Padraig to handle?"Aislinn rolled her eyes. "Jesus God, we're fine.""Are you?" She touched Aislinn's hand. "Ever think you might need some kind of sabbatical of your own? Take a holiday?""Me? You must be joking. I don't have time for a holiday. The farm can't run itself, you know.""You and Connor planned to go on a honeymoon, didn't you? Obviously you thought the farm would run fine without you.""That was because da was still here with Padraig, so there were two of them," said Aislinn, starting to feel defensive. "If I were to go on holiday - which I have no desire to do, by the way - that would leave Padraig all alone. It would be too much for him.""Couldn't you hire a temporary hand to help him?"Aislinn eyed Nora suspiciously. "Why are you so eager for me to take a holiday?""I'm not eager for you to do anything. I just worry about you not taking any time for yourself."Listen to us: the worry sisters," Aislinn noted with amusement. "Here's the thing: I love what I do, Nora; I've no yen to take a break from it. Besides, what would I do, go on holiday alone? That'd be loads of fun.""You could go with -"Aislinn held up a hand to silence her. "Best not go there if you know what's good for you.""Just a thought.""Besides, he's only just gotten here," Aislinn continued, more to herself than to her sister. "It's doubtful Old Jack would let him go gallivanting off so soon into his working at the pub."Nora narrowed her eyes. "Ah, so the thought of going away with him does appeal to you.""Maybe," Aislinn said cagily. "Maybe not." She changed the subject. "Will we need to go pick Donald up in Cork City?""No, he's renting a car and driving up.""That's good." Aislinn was glad. She hated when Donald criticized her truck,"He's really looking forward to coming. Talk about someone who's completely stressed! It doesn't help that he hates what he does for a living."He does?" Another surprise."Oh yeah. Just did it to please his father. Of course, now he's in a 'golden handcuffs' situation: the money is just too good for him to walk away from, even though he sometimes talks about just packing it all in one day and disappearing." Nora sighed. "Being here will do him a world of good. We can relax, take walks, go into Ballycraig. .Aislinn just nodded, completely baffled. The few times Nora and Donald had visited the farm, she'd never known them to take walks. Usually, they drove to Moneygall or took day trips down to Cork. In the evening, they'd go into Crosshaven. Nora had taken Donald into Ballycraig once when they'd first gotten together, and he had done nothing to hide how unimpressed he was. Aislinn couldn't forget his saying he'd blow his brains out if he had to live here. Thankfully, Donald hadn't said it in front of their father, who'd never warmed to his son-in-law. But the fact he'd said it at all pissed her off. What kind of an arse insulted someone to their face about where they lived? Donald really has to be stressed if he's coming here for four days, she thought. Maybe he just missed Nora.Aislinn stood, buttoning up her barn jacket. "Right. I'm off.""Can I borrow your truck if you're not using it today?" Nora asked hesitantly. "I wanted to go into Moneygall and pick up a few more groceries.""Not a problem.""I'd like to cook dinner tonight, if that's okay.""It's more than okay," said Aislinn eagerly. She'd give Nora that: she was a great cook. "Just remember not to make anything too spicy, or Padraig will have none of it. It bothers his stomach."Nora looked dismayed. "Right. Padraig.""He's part of the family, Nora. I don't know why you don't like having him around.""He's never liked me."What? That's not true.""Yes, it is! He's always thought I was a snob and needled me about it. He's the one who started calling me the Queen of Sheba, remember?""It didn't help that you told anyone who would listen that you couldn't wait to get out of here as soon as you went to university. It was kind of insulting, Nora."I guess," Nora muttered.She took another sip of tea. "He's very lucky to have you, Aislinn.""Other way round: I'm lucky to have him." She waved to Nora as she headed back outside. "Drive safe. See you later."*****That was a lovely meal."Aislinn was behind the wheel of her truck, driving herself and Liam back from their dinner in Crosshaven. Cronin's was all it was cracked up to be; she'd had a wonderful dinner of fresh mussels cooked in wine, cream, and herbs, and though she hated to admit it, their soda bread rivaled her mother's. The place had a nice, low-key atmosphere, too, the walls covered with pictures of the area and old advert signs, shelves lined with miniature antique bottles of all shapes and colors. Somewhere around nine, a band of musicians came strolling in to play traditional music. Everyone joined in the singing, even Liam, which surprised her, until he told her he'd grown up hearing his parents sing the very same tunes.Chat flowed easily, at least from Liam. Aislinn enjoyed hearing about him growing up in Manhattan, though it was hard to ignore the wistfulness that stole into his eyes when he talked about his family. He did pep up a bit when he told her stories about the regulars at his parents' pub, and whether he knew it or not, the tales of his juvenile delinquency were intriguing. Aislinn could imagine him hot-wiring cars and committing petty crimes; there was still a touch of the bad boy in him, made all the more real by his being on the lam. Outlaw Liam, she thought amusedly. Sexy Liam. The problem was, he knew it, which was why she got a kick out of taking him down a peg here and there; the man could use a little humility.For Aislinn, opening up didn't come quite so easily. Her life felt simple and mundane compared to his, and there was still a small part of her that was holding back, fearful of trusting only to get kicked in the teeth once again. If Liam sensed her hesitancy, he didn't push, for which she was grateful."Dinner was worth risking my life," Liam announced."Excuse me?""Jesus, Aislinn. Drive any faster, and we'll be going at the speed of sound.""I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing wrong with my driving. I could drive these roads blindfolded and get us home fine.Liam cleared his throat nervously. "Speaking of home... were you planning to just drop me off at the Oak or - ?"Aislinn felt a blast of heat rock her body. What a twit. She hadn't even thought about that.Liam tucked a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. "I think I can guess your answer from your hesitation. You Catholic girls," he teased."It's not that. I just - I'm not interested in spending the night.""I wasn't assuming that. I thought we could just go up to my flat, have a cup of tea, maybe make out." Liam grinned.Aislinn turned to smile at him. "You mean snogging?""Yeah, snogging.""I suppose that's all right," she said carefully, "as long as no one sees us."Liam looked confused. "What?""How many times do I have to tell you, Liam? I hate the way the tongues wag in this town, and I don't want any of them knowing my business. They'll make assumptions if they see me going up to your place.""Who the hell cares? Let them think what they want.""And where does Jack think you are tonight?""In Crosshaven with my cousin Brian," Liam murmured uneasily."And what if Brian turned up at the Oak tonight? Jack'd know you were lying.""Brian's working tonight." Liam squeezed her knee affectionately. "Would you stop being so paranoid?""Can't help it.""You can help it. And you're making me feel like you're ashamed to be with me.""God, no, it's not that at all," Aislinn swore fiercely."Then come up to my flat,""All right." Aislinn had to admit, she did feel a wee bit silly as she crept up the back stairs to Liam's place above the pub. It was well past closing time at the Oak, and thankfully, Ballycraig was one of those towns where the streets rolled up the minute the pub closed. There was no one about, not even Jack, who was sometimes known to stay on past closing to reminisce with the old-timers."Well, here it is," said Liam, unlocking the door and flipping on the light switch. "My humble abode."Humble is the operative word, thought Aislinn. The sitting room/kitchenette was tiny; the only pieces of furniture were a small table with two chairs, a couch, and a coffee table, upon which sat a laptop and a photograph of his family.She picked it up as Liam put his arm around her shoulder, pointing everyone out to her: his parents, his brother, Quinn, and his sisters, Maggie and Sinead.Aislinn studied the picture. "Your sister Maggie is gorgeous, with that long red hair. And your brother is very handsome." She brought the photo closer to her face. "Your sister Sinead looks dead sad, though.""Her marriage was beginning to disintegrate. They're divorced now.""I'm sorry to hear it.""Don't be. They should never have gotten together."Aislinn smiled as she gazed at the image of Liam's father. "He looks just like your uncle Paul.""I know. It's creepy.""Your mum looks so sweet.""She is, as long as you keep out of her kitchen.""And look at you, Mr. Dark and Broody, trying to look all dangerous," she teased.Liam hooded his eyes. "I am dangerous.""Trust me: there's no danger to a man who can't change a flat."Liam shook his head, chuckling. "You're never going to let me forget that, are you?""Not if I can help it." She put the photo back down on the coffee table. "Quite a good-looking family.""I suppose. I never really thought about it.""They must miss you fierce," Aislinn said quietly."They do, and I miss them, too." Liam shrugged philosophically. "But it is what it is. And it's not like I never talk to them: my siblings and I e-mail each other all the time, and I speak with my folks at least once a week.""I'm not big on the e-mail. I only use my computer for business things, really. Financials. That sort of thing.""I'm surprised you even have one."Yes, that's right, I write on parchment with a quill. Honestly! Just because I run a farm doesn't mean I don't own a computer!""You're right. My bad."Aislinn twisted her hands together nervously. "So."Sit," said Liam, gesturing at the couch. "I'll make us some coffee - unless you want tea.""No, coffee is lovely, thanks."Aislinn sat down, watching him prepare their coffee in the kitchen. She felt restless. No, that wasn't the right word; she felt anxious. She got up, walking over to one of the windows looking down on the street."Careful: someone might see you," Liam warned."Don't be a wise arse."It was starting to rain, making the wide pavement below glisten. Aislinn wasn't fond of being out in the rain, but she did like the sound it made when it gently hit the windowpane. When she was little and it rained at night, her mother used to tell her it was the fairies tapping at the window, wanting to come inside. Aislinn always wondered why they didn't just go in the barn, but still, she loved the image of a wee band of them huddled around the big fireplace in the kitchen, warming themselves."My brother-in-law gets in tomorrow," said Aislinn, wanting to keep conversation going. It was a way to keep her nerves at bay. She was worried that if they fell into silence, Liam would be able to hear the drumbeat of her heart growing ever louder. Nora must be happy."Yes." She hesitated. "He can be a bit of a snob, that one. All proper and highfalutin. I'm shocked he's coming, to be honest. He hates it here." She paused. "Do you like it here?" she asked shyly."Of course I do.""But it's no Manhattan, is it?"Liam looked at her. "I'm not going anywhere any time soon, Aislinn." he said gently.Yes, but you'll probably be going eventually, she thought. She elbowed the thought out of the way with one more mundane, thinking about how she and Padraig planned to trim the flocks' hooves tomorrow.She turned back to look at the rain, which was coming down harder now, the sound more insistent. She toyed with the idea of using it as an excuse to leave - the rain, the dark, the twisting roads - then stifled a self-deprecating laugh as she realized how completely transparent that would be.Coffee brewed, Liam set the two mugs down on the coffee table and patted the empty space on the couch beside him. "Care to join me, or were you planning to climb out the window?""Now why would I ever climb out the window?""You tell me.""I'm not that skittish," Aislinn maintained, sitting down beside him. She picked up her coffee and took a sip. "Not bad.""I'll take that as high praise, coming from you.""You know," Aislinn mused as a sudden thought struck her, "I've told you all about my romantic past, but I know nothing of yours."Liam looked wary. "There isn't much to tell.""Well, surely there must be something.""Basically, I've been a serial dater. I've never really had a long-term relationship. It always seemed like too much of a hassle to me."Aislinn looked down into her mug. "I see."Liam brushed a hand across the nape of her neck. "That was before I met you."Aislinn slowly lifted her head to look into his eyes. "And what's so different about me?" she asked uncertainly."Everything. The way your hair gleams in the sun. The beautiful lilt of your voice. The way you hold yourself like a queen. The love you have of the farm. Your loyalty and kindness to Padraig. Your dry sense of humor. Your fiery personality. You've got it all, Aislinn."Aislinn was speechless. No one had ever said anything like this to her before. Ever. She searched Liam's face for a trace of insincerity, worried that maybe he was simply being a silver-tongued devil and feeding her a line of bull. But sincerity shone in the deep, dark, alluring pools of his eyes. Sincerity and tenderness.He leaned close to her, their mouths practically touching. "Kiss me."Aislinn hesitated a second before letting her eyes drift shut and putting her lips to his softly. She could taste a trace of the wine he'd had at dinner, its sweetness."Kiss me harder," he commanded.Lightning streaked through her veins as she pressed her mouth against his harder, the world around them burning away until there was nothing but her and Liam and the rhythm of the rain outside. Heat was juddering through her, but she didn't want to rush. She wanted to prolong the pleasure, perhaps even tease a little. She'd forgotten she could do that: tease a man, make him want her. She scraped her teeth lightly across his lower lip, thrilled when he responded with a low groan. It spurred her on; tracing his upper lip with her tongue, she dipped inside.Her heart was pounding now, drowning out the beating of the rain. Greed was multiplying inside her, emboldening her. She crushed Liam to her, thrilling at the feel of his hard chest and the all-enveloping warmth of his body. She could sense the struggle within him to hold back the dark passion threatening to erupt. Aislinn pulled back, reading his eyes. Want. Need. Lust. It was all there, and he was waiting for her to release it.She crushed her mouth back to his for a split second before she found herself clinging to him, her hand fisted in his hair, her mouth hot and demanding. Liam responded as she knew he would, with equal fire. The roaring in her head grew louder, rendering her deaf to all but the sound of his panting breaths. She wanted. She needed - and he knew it. His hands began roaming her body, curious yet expert. Aislinn felt as though she were flying down a long, flashing tunnel, the sounds of her own panting turning to low animal moans, spurring Liam on even further. A magnificent ache had taken possession of her body, frustrating yet at the same time electrifying.Liam's touch tantalized; a featherlight stroke here, a long, firm press there. Eventually, his fingers brushed against her collarbone before one hand crept lower, cupping her breast. Aislinn pushed her chest against his hand, telegraphing her need. Liam understood: one by one, he began undoing the buttons of her shirt, until her blouse was wide open. For a split second she wished she were the kind of woman who owned sexy, lacy undergarments. But Liam didn't seem to notice or care, as he reached around to unsnap her simple white bra and free her,"God, your skin," he whispered, as his fingers nimbly toyed with her nipples. Aislinn felt as though she were tumbling through the looking glass, body taut and vibrating with anticipation as Liam took his time kneading, stroking, caressing. By the time he lowered his mouth to suckle, Aislinn felt half mad. She wanted him to ravage her, to pound inside her until any last barrier between them disintegrated and they were pure spirit, nothing but holy ether.She was riding the moment, riding the currents of electricity flying through her body, when Liam lifted his head. 'Tell me you want me," he said, nipping at her neck."I do," Aislinn confessed breathlessly, her stomach trembling. There was a sense of relief in saying it, along with a growing sense of desperation.Liam's gaze on her was steady. "Good. Because if I don't have you now, I might lose my mind.""What little mind you possess."Liam laughed, shrugging off his shirt. Jesus, he was a sight to see. Muscular but not overly sculpted, a lovely thatch of brown hair on his chest. Aislinn leaned over, kissing his shoulder."You're gorgeous," she breathed.How could a man look so sexy, just standing to take off his socks, jeans, and briefs? Aislinn knew right then she would never tire looking at him: the handsome face, broad shoulders, the hard, muscular thighs. She struggled not to gape. She'd only ever been with Connor, and though he'd been handsome, his body was thin and freckled, as well as pale like everyone else's in this country, herself included.Liam sat back down, gently tugged off her shirt, and slipped her bra over her shoulders, leaving her shuddering with delight. He reached out, his thumb tracing a trail down her jawline. Aislinn closed her eyes, sinking into the tenderness of it, small murmurs of pleasure coming from her mouth. She loved the way he touched her, the way he seemed to know how she wanted to be touched. "I've been thinking about this all night," he confessed.Aislinn was too overcome to speak. Hands shaking, she unbuttoned her jeans and shimmied out of them. Liam folded to his knees, pressing his face against her belly, his tongue teasing as it ran along the top of her panties. Aislinn gave a small gasp as he reached around and, hands on her buttocks, pulled her closer to him."I want to taste you," he said huskily. "All of you."His kisses grew fevered then as he tugged down her panties, and she stepped out of them. Wave after wave of pure shock pounded through her as she dug her nails into his back, pushing her hips against him. When he sank even lower and began flicking his tongue between her legs, joy flooded through her, unabashed, wanton.Liam paused. "I want you to come for me," he whispered.Aislinn gasped as his tongue circled her and licked, slow at first, then harder, demanding. And then it happened: she lost control, soaring as vibration after beautiful vibration shook her body. Liam looked up at her, his eyes stormy."Lie down with me."Aislinn nodded, lying down on the couch. Her skin was burning, her breath still fast and hot. Eyes closed, she could hear the sound of Liam reaching into the pocket of his jeans, followed by the tearing of foil. And then he gently positioned himself on top of her, burying his face in her hair.Aislinn pushed her hips up against him. Liam's eyes, dark with arousal, pinned her as he rubbed himself against her, his manhood hot and hard, driving her insane."Please." The word slipped out of her mouth, half plead, half sob.She opened to him, crying out as he slowly slipped inside her. Liam groaned as he began to move. "God, you feel so good."Aislinn bit her lip to stifle the screams already threatening to erupt from her lips as he began to slowly thrust inside her. She wrapped herself around him, wanting to feel him as deeply and fully as she could. Liam looked ecstatic, head thrown back, the animal noises coming from him so devastatingly male. Aislinn felt desire building in her again as he rode her faster and faster, his dominance all she needed to feel herself falling again into the molten abyss. He laced his fingers through hers, and then he was the one falling, pushing deep inside her again and again, his eyes bright and sharp. Finally, there came one hard, fierce stroke as he said her name and he gave himself over to ultimate pleasure.

Chapter Eleven

"That was..."Returning to the real world, Aislinn tried to find the right words to describe what had just happened. Perfect and blissful felt inadequate: sacred came closer to the mark but still fell short. Finally it dawned on her: transcendent.That was what it had been making love with Liam: utterly transcendent.Lying together in the blissful afterglow, they shifted position so that she was atop him, her head resting on his chest while he tenderly stroked her hair. "That was what?" he prodded."Glorious," she answered, afraid that if she sighed "transcendent," he might laugh at her, sounding all soft and poetic.Liam kissed the top of her head. "I'd have to agree.""I really didn't think that would happen tonight.""Neither did I, actually.""Was I all right?" Aislinn asked, too nervous to lift her head and ask him to his face. She'd only ever been with Connor."How can you even ask that? Couldn't you tell how much I was enjoying myself?""Men enjoy themselves regardless.""That's a myth. Men do not enjoy themselves when women lie beneath them stiff as a corpse or are too inhibited to move or make noises" Aislinn was pleased she wasn't guilty of either."You're so beautiful. Aislinn" She lifted her head to stare at him. "Go on with yourself," she scoffed."Why can't you just accept a compliment?"Aislinn flushed. "I don't know. I've just never thought of myself that way."Connor never told you were beautiful?""Yes, but he was lying, wasn't he?" Aislinn said bitterly. "No more talk of him, please.""AgreedAislinn laid her head back down on his chest, loving the feel of his hands still roaming over her naked body. She closed her eyes, reveling in how easy it was to be here with him this way. And yet.She took a deep breath. "There's something I've got to tell you," she murmured uneasily."What's that?""I don't take sex lightly. Maybe this is just a one-night stand for you. If it is, let me know now.""Of course it's not."Aislinn said a small prayer of thanks inside her head. "I'm glad.""We're together now," Liam said.She lifted her head again, her gaze serious. "A couple who are taking it slow and keeping their relationship to themselves.""Aislinn, if we're together, I want everyone to know.""In time. But right now, let me savor us having a little secret, please, before the news spreads like wildfire and we get no peace?""All right, all right."She was guarding herself from pain. She couldn't bear it if she let the world know she was with Liam, and soon afterward, he decided to dump her. She wanted to wait until she was absolutely sure they would be together forever.Liam searched her face. "You're really not going to tell anyone?""Just Nora," Aislinn said after a pause. "She's good at keeping things to herself.""Is she going to tease the hell out of you for spending the night with me?""I'm not spending the night with you. I'm going to spend a few more minutes cuddling with you, and then I'm off home to catch a few hours' sleep before Padraig and I start our day.""What time do you get up?""Around four thirty."Liam looked at her as if she were daft. "Are you kidding me?"She poked him in the chest affectionately. "Obviously you know nothing about sheep farms and shepherding, city boy.""Four thirty," he repeated to himself in disbelief. "Back home that was the time I was usually going to bed." He brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "Stay. I'll set the alarm. You'll get back in time.""No. Padraig will know something is up if I come rumbling up the drive at that hour. He's usually up at four.""Sounds like my dad. The older he gets, the more trouble he has sleeping, despite putting in long, exhausting days.""Happens to a lot of older people. My dad was the same way, too. Worried about the farm, worried about this or that.""But you have no trouble sleeping?"Aislinn laughed loudly. "Me? No. I sleep the sleep of the dead. I'm exhausted by the end of the day. Plus the country air helps."They lay there a few more minutes, chatting about everything and nothing at all. Finally, Aislinn forced herself to get up and started getting dressed.Liam propped himself up on his elbow, watching her. "You should wear your hair down all the time.""Can't. Not while I'm working. Last thing I need is the wind blowing it about in my face.""I mean when you're out with me.""If you'd like," Aislinn said shyly. She chuckled at the sight of him stretched out there on his couch, naked. "You look like a centerfold."Liam peered down at himself with amusement. "I don't think so." His expression turned mischievous. "How do you know about male centerfolds, miss?""I've heard tell of them," Aislinn said coyly."I'll bet."Liam rose, too, slipping on his briefs and jeans. "Next time you'll stay the night?"Aislinn shook her head. "You'll have to stay at my house. You can sleep in while I get up to do my chores.""Sounds romantic. Maybe I'll help you and we'll send Padraig out with the flock and we'll have sex in the barn after you've sent him out into some far field."Aislinn eyed him skeptically. "If that's a fantasy of yours, I'd prefer you keep it to yourself for now,"Liam took her in his arms. "I wish you didn't have to go."Aislinn sighed heavily. "I wish I didn't, either. But I've got work to do.""When will I see you again?"Aislinn hesitated, It was early days yet: she didn't want to rush things. Besides, if he came up to the house during the day, he'd wind up getting underfoot like Nora - and it would also rouse suspicion in Padraig. Perhaps she was being childish and silly wanting to be all hush-hush about it, but it felt as if the universe had given her a gift, and she wanted to keep it all to herself for just a little while. you what," said Liam. "Call me tomorrow, and we'll figure out when we'll see each other next. How's that?"That sounds grand. A contentedness she hadn't felt in more than a year overtook her. Thank you for a wonderful evening."My pleasure," said Liam, walking her down to her truck. He checked his watch. "I'm not tired. I think I'll e-mail my brother, see what's kicking." He kissed her nose. "Don't work too hard.""We're trimming hooves today.""Sounds exciting.""Don't lie. It doesn't suit you." She hopped up into the cab of her truck, started the engine, and leaned out the window for a final quick kiss."Talk to you tomorrow, Yank."Liam smiled, and with a small wave, he disappeared round the back of the building where the steps to his flat were. Aislinn made a conscious effort not to let the adrenaline flying through her dictate how wildly she drove back to her farm.The house was dark when she finally slipped into her bed, the sheets lovely and cool. Despite her elation, it was a sense of contentment that prevailed. She and Liam O'Brien. .Nothing she could dream could ever be more wonderful.

Chapter Twelve

Don't lie. It doesn't suit you.Aislinn's words haunted Liam as he turned on his laptop. He was wired, thoughts ricocheting inside his skull like bullets. He should have told Jack he didn't care if he thought him a coward: the bet was off. He would have caught a lot of grief for it, but who the hell cared? At least he wouldn't be deceiving Aislinn, the woman he was falling in love with. The woman who thought he was something he was not: honest.He checked his mailbox: there was an e-mail from Quinn giving him all the latest news. He was shocked to read that Quinn had taken a buyout at the newspaper, which was about to go under. Quinn had started his own website, the O'Brien File, where he blogged about NYC politics. He was also freelancing, and wrote there was a chance he might be on assignment in Dublin in a few weeks. Natalie's mother had died, and they were thinking of buying an apartment with the money she'd left Nat: their parents were well, though their father was still refusing to get his bad back looked at: their pain-in-the-ass uncle was still working behind the bar: their sister Maggie and her husband Brendan were considering moving out of the city because they didn't want to the raise the baby there: last but not least, their sister Sinead was contemplating dating again after her painful, protracted divorceDespite the possibility of seeing his brother in a few weeks, homesickness still gripped Liam. He longed to be in New York with all of them. He wanted to be behind the bar at the Wild Hart, hanging out with the regulars, one of whom, PJ Leary, had a book coming out soon, which he'd supposedly sold for over one hundred thousand dollars. Liam couldn't believe it: whenever PJ read excerpts from the book at the Hart, it had taken all Liam's strength not to tell him to put a sock in it. Leprechauns battling talking salmon, fairy kings and queens - it was a Celtic nightmare. But obviously, there was a market for itQuinn had concluded the e-mail by telling him that he hadn't yet gotten the word from his friend in the FBI that it was safe for him to come home. Liam's heart sank for a moment before his mind clouded with confusion. If he got the okay to come home right now, would he? He honestly couldn't answerHe e-mailed Quinn back, not telling him that he'd met someone. He knew if he did, there would an onslaught of phone calls from his parents and his sisters. His folks would want to hop the next plane to Dublin to come over and meet Aislinn. An Irish girl from their hometown - talk about their dream come true! Better to wait and see what happened. He wasn't totally clueless: he knew there was still a small part of Aislinn that was holding back. If there weren't, she'd have no problem with their relationship going public. She'd also have wanted to see him again as soon as possible: there would have been no hesitationHe surfed the 'net for awhile, checking to see how his hometown hockey team, the New York Blades, were doing, then shut down his computer, hoping to catch some mindless TV, forgetting there were no programs on in Ireland past 1 a.m. if you didn't have cable. Restless, he vent to bed, willing himself to sleep. Instead, he found himself staring at the low, slanted ceiling, thinking about AislinnHe never thought he'd feel this way about a woman - a cliche, but it was true. Wit, beauty, intelligence, tenderness, passion - she had it all. On a certain level, he was proud that he was the one who'd been able to crack the hard shell she'd created to protect herself. Okay, it had started off as an exercise of pure ego, but that motivation soon melted when he caught the first glimpse of the soft, sensitive, wounded woman insideone who would tear him limb from limb if she ever found out the origin of his pursuit of her.He closed his eyes, replaying the passion of earlier in the evening. He'd slept with a lot of women, but now he finally understood the difference between sex for the sake of pleasure and sex as an expression of something deeper. There had been a profound emotional connection between him and Aislinn that he'd never experienced before. It was as if he'd finally come home to himself.He relaxed, picturing Aislinn's smile and hearing the soft lilt of her voice in his head. She was the one. And when the time was right, he'd tell her.*****"Padraig, when was the last time you checked Demelza's hooves?"It was 7 a.m., and Aislinn and Padraig were on their knees in the barn, trimming the flock's hooves. It was going swimmingly until Aislinn got to Dernelza, her eldest ewe.Grabbing her right front hoof, Aislinn saw immediately that the skin between Demelza's claws was red and swollen. Hoof rot Shite.There was no way Aislinn could or would leave this unchecked, as it could run rampant through her entire flock. She waited for Padraig to answer. It was his job to check the flock's hooves every three days, just as her father had once done.Padraig make a great show of looking thoughtful. "Let me see now. .Aislinn bit back her exasperation, trying not to sound accusatory. "You don't remember, do you?""Ehm...""It's okay," she assured him, praying that the other sheep she hadn't seen yet weren't infected. As it was, she was going to have to use a different knife on the rest of the flock, burn Demelza's hoof trimmings, administer a vaccination, and give the whole flock a zinc sulfate footbath just to be safe."Padraig?" she prompted gently."I could have sworn I checked their hooves yesterday, darlin', truly. But maybe I forgot Demelza?" he offered lamely."Maybe." She patted his arm. "It's all right. We can handle it."Aislinn wiped away the perspiration beading on her forehead, remembering her vow to keep Padraig on unless his forgetfulness became a liability. Perhaps she should take him to the local clinic and have them run some tests. There were pills now that could help with forgetfulness, weren't there? She glanced at the old man, who was gazing down at Demelza affectionately, and she felt a catch in her throat. Telling Padraig he had to retire ... no, she couldn't bear to think of it.She stifled a yawn as she got back to the business of hoof clipping. Ironically, after telling Liam she was a great one for sleep, she'd barely caught a wink. Contentedness had lost to elation; she was too fired up. The way he'd touched her... transcendent. Connor had never touched her that way. Of course, in retrospect that made sense, but being with Ham made her realize how much she'd been missing."Someone was out dead late last night," Padraig said with a sly chuckle."And what were you doing up at that hour?" Aislinn demanded."Listening to the radio. You know I can't sleep sometimes.""You'll nap today at lunch, and that's an order.""Take it you were out paradin' with that Yank.""Paradin''?'"You know what I mean.""We had a nice dinner, then stayed up late talking." She looked away, suppressing a smile. One look in her eyes, and Padraig would know she was full of it."I like him," Padraig declared. "He's polite, and from what I hear from Jack, he's a hard worker. And I've always liked his people.""Yes, the O'Briens are a very nice family." Aislinn didn't really know them that well, though Erin was always nice to her when they were in school together, and she could tell Erin liked the way Aislinn was fearless in taking on the Holy Trinity of Arseholes. The Holy Trinity. Ha! Just wait till they found out she and Liam were a couple. That'd shut their gobs but good. Old Jack, too.They finished with the hooves at about eleven. Aislinn sent Padraig outside to burn Demelza's hoof trimmings while she gave the ewe a shot and prepared the footbath for the flock. A few minutes later, Padraig stuck his head in the barn door."You won't ever believe what I just saw.""What?""Your sister and her jackeen of a husband roaming around outside. That's a new one, eh? How long has that British toff been coming here, and never caring one bit about the farm?""They're both very stressed-out in their jobs," Aislinn offered, though she agreed with Padraig that it was unusual."Anyroad, he's tramping around out there in your dad's wellies," Padraig harrumphed. "If you ask me, he's not fit to wear 'em, especially with the way he always treated your da.""Too true."It used to drive Aislinn crazy, the way Donald would talk down to her father like he was an idiot just because he was shepherd. But her father never returned fire. "I won't stoop to his level," was what he'd say when Aislinn and her mother would implore him to blast Donald with both barrels. At least Nora had had the good sense to be embarrassed about it. The few times over the years Nora and Donald had graced them with their presence, Aislinn sometimes heard her chiding Donald after a family meal.They finished with the footbath, and Aislinn sent Padraig up to the house for his lunch and a lie down. When she came out of the barn, Nora and Donald were inspecting Padraig's cottage. Aislinn's chest tightened as she, with Deenie trotting beside her, went to join them."Hello, Donald," she said politely, kissing her brother-in-law on the cheek."Hello." was your drive up from Cork City?" Same as always.Whatever that means.Nora's face was disapproving as her eyes roamed over Padraig's cottage. "He's really let this place fall into disrepair. It used to be so beautiful. Like something from a postcard.""It just needs a new paint job, and the windows could use a good wash. That's all.""It's bigger than I thought," Donald murmured,Aislinn's gut tightened. Please, dear God. don't let them suggest moving Padraig up to the house so that they can turn it into a guest cottage for themselves, now that they inexplicably seem to want to spend time at the farm. She'd go mad on both counts. She would."How is Padraig doing today?" Nora asked with concern."He's fine.""Is he really?""What do you care?" Aislinn found herself snapping. "You never gave a tinker's damn before: now all of a sudden you're concerned about someone you think hates you? You're a mystery, Nora, I'll give you that."Donald was practically baring his teeth at her. "There's no need to get nasty."Aislinn bared hers right back. "Begging your pardon, but I'm just not used to you two showing much interest in what goes on here.""And I feel bad about that," Nora shot back. There was a moment of tense silence until Nora's expression finally softened. "I'm trying to make amends, Aislinn. Trying to reconnect. Mum and Dad's death made me realize how important family really is. You're all I've got now. Can't you give me a chance?"Aislinn paused to rub away the tension that was making her forehead begin to pound. "I'm sorry. It's been a bit of a morning. Demelza has hoof rot, and it's a bit alarming.""Hoof rot?" Donald looked revolted. "Sounds charming."God, I wish you'd just disappear in a puff of smoke, you ponce."You name your sheep?" he continued."Of course we name the sheep," Aislinn returned scornfully. "How else do you think we'd tell them apart?""Ah. Good point."EejitPerhaps sensing Aislinn's growing impatience with her husband. Nora slipped an arm through hers and started walking her away. "Listen," she said as they strolled in the direction of the house while Donald continued circling Padraig's cottage, "Donald and I are going down to the Oak tonight for a drink. Join us. That way I can show him your boyfriend."Aislinn fought to keep a stunned expression off her face. Nora and Donald at the pub? Together? Oh shite, they do want to turnPadraig's cottage into their second home. They want to become pail of our "quaint" community. She felt bad suspecting her sister of some kind of strategic plan, but she couldn't help it."I was planning to go down to the pub anyway."Nora looked shocked. "Alone?""Nora, I go alone all the time.""Well, tonight you'll go with Donald and me.""Fine," Aislinn agreed, feeling like a cranky bitch in the face of Nora's cheerful insistence. "We'll have to drive separately, though, if Padraig wants to come."Nora was silent. Chances were Padraig would pass, given that he'd slept so little, but you never knew. She almost told Nora, "Don't worry, he won't sit with us," but realized it was antagonistic thing to say."Donald looks good," said Aislinn. steering off the topic of Padraig."Good but tired," Nora agreed."He must be thrilled to see you."Nora was beaming. "He is. And I'm thrilled to see him, too. I guess distance really does make the heart grow fonder.""Mmm." Aislinn took a dog treat out of her pocket and fed it to Deenie, who'd been nosing her in the butt."How old is Deenie now?" Nora askedAislinn had to think a minute. "Nine." Now what, you 're going to act like you give a rat's arse about Deenie? Don't even."She seems younger.""I think it's because she's so active.""I'd like a dog, but Donald thinks it would tie us down too much. We like to travel.""Yeah, I remember that Venetian glass vase you sent Mum and Dad from Italy. Mum was quite taken by it.""I'm sure she would have preferred a grandchild," Nora said dryly. It had always made their mother sad that Nora had chosen not to have kids."Of course she would have," said Aislinn. surprised by Nora's bluntness. "But Connor and I planned -"She stopped herself."How did it go with Liam last night?"Aislinn looked down at the ground, suddenly feeling shy. "It went well." "Meaning -?" Aislinn's face went hot. "You know..."Oh my God!" Nora was wide-eyed. "You slept with him?""Yes, and what of it?" Aislinn asked, feeling defensive in the face of Nora's shocked tone and expression."I'm not judging you or questioning your judgment. I think it's great.""Why's that?""Because you make a great couple, that's why.""You've only seen us together a few times, and for a few minutes at that.""Yeah, and the chemistry is unbelievable." "Really?""Yes, really."Aislinn smiled, pleased."So, is he good?" Nora prodded playfully."I don't kiss and tell."Nora playfully smacked her arm. "I'm your older sister! You have an obligation to tell me all!"Aislinn laughed. "It was wonderful." She felt as though she were going to burst out of her skin with pure joy. She paused. "He's wnderful.""You're falling in love with him.""I am, yes," Aislinn admitted, "and it scares the hell out of me.""Why's that?""Because what if it doesn't work out?""Why are you writing the script?""Can't help it.""Okay: why are you writing a negative script rather than a positive one?""Perhaps because the only man I've ever loved before kicked me in the teeth?""Liam isn't Connor, Aislinn. Connor was lying to you. Liam isn't.""I know, I know. It's just Aislinn halted, sticking her hands in the pockets of her coat. "I'm happy, but I hate being vulnerable. I always have.""You can't love someone and not be vulnerable. Goes with the territory.""I know that, too. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.""True," Nora stroked the top of Deenie's head, "Is he in love with you?""I don't know," Aislinn answered honestly. "Obviously he's got feelings for me, but we've not said 'I love you' or anything like that. It's early days yet. I don't want to push anything or make assumptions." I understand."Listen, Nora, would you keep all this under your hat? I don't want anyone else to know about it yet."Nora looked baffled. "Why not?""Honestly? Because I want to savor it, and because I want to be sure we're really going to be together. It'd kill me if he gave me the big brush-off, and I had to deal with half the town regarding me as some pitiful creature."Nora shrugged easily. "Okay. Can I at least tell Donald?""I suppose." Since they were having a heart-to-heart, Aislinn decided to speak her mind. "Why were you and Donald inspecting Padraig's cottage, Nora?""I was just remembering the way it used to be, and it made me sad.""Mmm.""You sound suspicious.""Not suspicious, just curious. I mean, his cottage has needed some work for a while. But you never noticed it before. And your sudden interest in the health of Padraig is unusual, you have to admit.""I'm trying to make up for lost time. As you know, sometimes when people die - like parents - you start reassessing things."They'd reached the mudroom. 'Will you be having lunch with me?" Aislinn asked. Nora checked her watch. Isn't it a bit early?""Not when your day starts at four thirty.""I hadn't thought about that. No, I'll wait for Donald. We'll probably go into Moneygall for lunch."Pick up some pesto for me, will you?" Aislinn teased. "Some caviar as well.""I think it's a very good sign that your sense of humor has returned," said Nora."I think so, too." I've returned Aislinn thought.Finally.

Chapter Thirteen

As Aislinn suspected. Padraig was too tired to go to the pub that night. She'd left him up at the house watching telly, knowing that by the time she got back, he'd be fast asleep on the couch, his snoring loud enough to rattle the windows. She'd do what she always did: cover him with a blanket and leave him be. She had to admit, sometimes it was nice when Padraig fell asleep in the house, because she'd wake the next morning to the lovely smell of bacon and eggs frying. He could do a good fry-up, could Padraig. He could also brew the perfect cuppa.She, Nora, and Donald could have easily fit in the cab of her truck, but Donald was having none of it. It smells like wet sheep and hay, he sniffed. "Besides, Nora and I might want to leave earlier than you.""Suit yourself," Aislinn told him with a diffident shrug. Truth be told, she enjoyed trundling into town by herself: she could blast the radio as loud as she pleased or enjoy the blessed silence of the country.Unsurprisingly, since Donald drove like an eighty-year-old man. Aislinn beat them into Ballycraig and waited outside the Oak for them, so she and Nora could walk in together. Just like the last time Nora came to the pub, she was greeted warmly. But there was no mistaking everyone's bafflement when they laid eyes on Donald. Of course they're baffled. thought Aislinn. The man hasn't set foot in the Oak in ten years. He looked stiff and uncomfortable, completely out of his element. Which he was.Aislinn could feel Liam zeroing in on her the minute she stepped over the threshold, but she refused to look at him, not wanting to give anything away, especially since the Holy Trinity were also giving her the hairy eyeball."Long time, no see, McCafferty," said Teague with a smirk as Aislinn made her way to the bar. "Where you been hiding yourself?""Some of us work for a living, you know. You might want to try it sometime."Nora tapped Aislinn on the shoulder. "We're going to order, and then I think I'll bring Donald round and re-introduce him to people.""Right," said Aislinn. God, what she wouldn't give to be able to read their minds. First off, he was English - that was a big black mark right there in some people's books. Secondly, everyone in the room had a long memory, a particular affliction of the Irish. Aislinn was certain they were all aware Donald hadn't set foot in the pub since he and Nora had gotten together, and like her, they had to be wondering why he'd suddenly decided to grace them with his presence. Of course, they'd all be polite as pie to his face, but the minute he moved out of earshot, they'd be flapping their gums with speculation."Aislinn," said Jack with his trademark warm smile. "Nice to see you.""You, too, Jack.""Where've you been?""Working the farm, as I told this lummox here," she replied, jerking her thumb at Teague."Sure you must be doing something else besides minding the sheep." he said slyly.Aislinn narrowed her eyes, immediately suspicious. "And what would that be?" She'd kill Liam if he'd said anything to Jack. Truly she would."Spending time with your sister, I imagine."Aislinn relaxed. "Yes. I have been doing a bit of that.""Where's the old man?""Tucked up at the house. He's exhausted."Jack looked uncomfortable. "Aislinn, darlin', about Padraig."Aislinn stiffened. "Yes?""Grace Finnegan told me he came into her shop and forgot what he was there for.""I forgot to send him with a list. That's all.""But surely -""Can I have my whiskey, please?"She saw Jack exchange glances with the trio of arseholes. The poor McC'afferty is what they were probably thinking. Blind again. Can't see what's right in front of her lace."I'm on it, all right?" she assured Jack quietly while he poured her whiskey."Good girl," said Jack."I'm glad about that," said David. "If you weren't, he could go baaaa-listic."The threesome laughed. Sheep jokes. Aislinn rolled her eyes.Jack put her whiskey down in front of her. "Here you go, love.""Thanks.""How's it going, Aislinn?"It was Liam, sounding as friendly as could be. If she could, she'd shoot darts at him with her eyes. No, she was overreacting. He was a bartender. It was his job to be friendly."Fine," she replied briskly, all business. "Yourself?""Pretty good.""I'm glad for you." She put her money down on the bar. "I'm off now to join my sister -""And the imperialist swine," Fergus finished for her."There he goes, getting his Irish up," said Jack with a long-suffering sigh. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't your dad work in England for a good long time, doing construction, faithfully sending money back here to your mother?""He had to work there," Fergus spat. "There were no feckin' jobs here."Well, it's not Nora's husband's fault, you twit," Jack rejoined. "It's not 1916, you know. Let it go.""Oh, go soak your head," Fergus muttered.Aislinn picked up her whiskey. "Night," she said to Jack."I assume you'll be back for a refill?""Of course.""See you," Liam said."Night," Aislinn said. She glared at the Trinity. "You three keep your lips buttoned. I'm in no mood for your chicanery." With that, she went to join Nora and Donald.*****Liam knew that the minute Aislinn. Nora, and Donald left the pub, Jack and the Trinity would be on him, and he was right."Go on," Jack jeered. 'Tell us again how she's all hot and bothered over you now. The she-devil could give a rat's ass you're even breathing.""It's an act," Liam insisted. "She wants to keep things quiet.""Oh, that's a good one, it is," David snorted. "Though I guess I could see that. If I were spreadin' my legs for a Yank, I'd want to keep it quiet, too."Liam reached across the bar and grabbed him by the collar. "Who the fuck do you think you are? Don't you ever, ever talk about her like that." He released him with a shove."Christ on a splintered cross," Fergus marveled, his mouth dropping open. "You've fallen for the hellcat, haven't you?""Don't call her that," Liam said with a glare. "And yeah, maybe I have.""Fat lot of good it's gonna do you, by the look of it," Teague chortled."Face it,. Liam: I'm not going to have to pay you for a year," Jack crowed. "You've gotten nowhere with her." Wrong, said Liam, wiping down the bar."Why would she want to keep things quiet?" asked Fergus. "Doesn't make sense. Usually they want the whole world to know: 'Look who I've roped and tied!' Then they get pregnant and trap you for life."Liam frowned. "Nice attitude.""It's true," Fergus insisted."How the hell would you know?" Teague challenged. "You've not had a woman look at you in ten years.""His woman is his left hand," David added."Piss off, the lot of you," said Fergus, storming out of the pub."Back to the McCafferty," said Old Jack, pulling a Guinness for himself. "We've seen no evidence at all you're together, none at all. Until you walk through the door with her making goo-goo eyes at you, I'll not believe it.""Just you wait," said Liam smugly.*****"I hear you wanted to call off the bet with Jack because you know you can't win."There was no mistaking the mischievous glint in Uncle Paul's eye as he refilled Liam's coffee mug. It was Sunday morning, and Liam was there for his weekly catching up with his relatives. As always, his cousin Erin was there, but his cousin Brian was, shockingly, in church with his new girlfriend and their quaintly devout family. "Must be love," his aunt Bridget mused. "The last time that one was in church, Bono was still in short pants." Liam regarded his uncle. "I wanted to call the bet off because the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was a cruel thing to do to someone."You're right," Erin piped up. "I wouldn't want it done to me.""See?""Be that as it may," said Uncle Paul, "you didn't call it off.""Jack called me a coward," Liam said testily. "No one calls me a coward, okay?"Aunt Bridget sighed. "Still quick to anger, I see. Your mother used to talk about it all the time. Got you into a world of trouble during your teen years, as I recall" Liam bristled. "That was a long time ago. I've worked all that out.""Still, Jack was able to get your goat in three seconds flat," his uncle pointed out."He could get a dead man's goat in three seconds flat, the irksome old thing," Erin said with a snort."Thank you," Liam said, pleased that his cousin had come to his defense."So you're gonna continue with the bet," said his uncle, helping himself to a healthy portion of bacon. He reminded Liam so much of his father it was amazing; they could both eat like horses. "All because Jack called you a coward.""No, because it'll be nice to have twice the wages. And because I'm not a coward. I don't back out of bets. Besides, I've already won."His uncle raised an eyebrow. "Have you now?"Liam took a big gulp of coffee. "Yep.""Where's the evidence?""It's coming.""Believe it when I see it," said Uncle Paul in a garbled voice, his mouth stuffed with food.Erin looked confused. "What about thinking it's a mean thing to do?""Well," Liam said, leaning over to her confidingly, "as it happens, things are not going to end the way everyone thinks."Erin looked at him a second, then her face lit up. "You like her!" Yep. His uncle choked. "You like her?"Da, you know she's nice!" Erin chided. "She only got hard when Connor did her wrong! But before that, she was fine!""True, true," Uncle Paul conceded. "Are you two a couple, then?" Liam grinned. "Yep.""What are you, John Wayne with all those yeps?" his aunt teased. "Come on, then! Spit it out!""Well, I started wooing her and soon realized that I really liked her. So, after we go public, we'll just stay together.""Oh, God, your parents are going to be thrilled. Thrilled."Do not say anything yet," Liam warned. "You know them: they'll be on the next plane over here. I'll tell them when I'm good and ready."His aunt looked crestfallen. "If you say so."His uncle shook his head in wonderment. "You and the McCafferty - who'd have ever thought?"No kidding, Liam thought, sharing his sense of amazement. The last thing he ever expected was to hide out in Ballycraig and fall for someone. He did feel a twinge of hypocrisy over not telling his family back home about her. How was that any different than her asking him to keep things mum for now? Well, he thought, to quote his mother, It will all come out in the wash. Soon, everyone would know. But before they did, he had a surprise for her.

Chapter Fourteen

Aislinn was in one of the far meadows with Deenie, rotating the sheep into a new pasture. Deenie had done a superb job herding them, but as always, there were a few stragglers. Aislinn raised a hand, giving her the "look back" command. Deenie turned around and went back for the stray sheep, directing them where they needed to go.Aislinn followed, reveling in the clear, cool morning. She'd left Padraig in the barn laying down some fresh straw and filling the water troughs before waiting for some weavers who'd rung to say they were coming by to buy some wool. Though Padraig knew the prices by heart, she'd carefully written them out for him just in case. He looked insulted, but Aislinn pretended not to notice.She'd spent most of Sunday alone, riding her bike far into the country when her first round of chores were done. Liam rang in the early evening, asking if it was all right if he stopped by today. Of course it was, she told him. Their conversation was short and sweet; Aislinn had never been one for chatting on the phone. She preferred talking face-to-face.Her flock where it should be, the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, a tentative but improving relationship with her sister, a man who she was falling in love with - life was perfect. Her only sadness was that her parents weren't here to witness her happiness. But then again, perhaps they were: for all Padraig's talk of ghosts, Aislinn had never been able to decide whether she believed in life beyond the grave. But maybe there was something to it.Donald had left early that morning to go back to London. He and Nora had spent Sunday morning in Cork and the afternoon exploring more of the property. It annoyed Aislinn just to witness it. It was her land. Her home. Nora had wanted nothing to do with it for years. Aislinn took a deep breath. Maybe Nora wasn't planning to build a second home for her and Donald here. She hoped so.Deenie returned to her side, calmly leaning against her the way she always did. From her vantage point high on the hill, Aislinn could seeLiam cycling up the road from town. The sight of him made her all fuzzy inside. Oh. you're a sad one. she told herself, acting like a moony schoolgirl.She watched as Liam walked the bike up the rutted drive, resting it against the wall of the small shed. Padraig came out to greet him, then pointed up to the pasture where Aislinn was. Liam looked up at her, smiling and waving. She waved back, waiting for him to join her.He was huffing and puffing by the time he reached her, his face slightly red. "Jesus," he panted, leaning in for a kiss. "I'm in worse shape than I thought.""I thought you were big on jogging.""I've been lazy about it lately. Obviously I need to get back into it. I thought my heart was going to explode on some of those hills.""Whose bike is that?""My cousin Brian's.""Good thing you didn't take Jack's car, or I'd be towing you out of a ditch right about now.""Sadly, I think you're right." Liam crouched down so he was eye level with Deenie. "Hey, girl. How's your workday going?""She's perfect, as always. My dad trained her well.""Man's best friend.""You have a dog back in America?""Nah. My folks didn't want one, living in the city. It was bad enough when we were kids, with the six of us crammed into the apartment above the pub." Liam grinned. "I had some goldfish once. They died within a couple of days. We gave them a funeral at sea." Aislinn looked at him questioningly.Flushed em."Ah."Liam rose."Nice job at the pub Saturday night, acting like you couldn't care less about me. Very convincing.Aislinn took a small bow. "Thank you."Liam looked perturbed. "How much longer are we going to keep this up? I don't like it.""Just a little while longer. Please." She brushed the back of her hand across his cheek. "It's so lovely having you all to myself."Liam's shoulders sank a little. "All right. But since you told Nora, I think I should be able to tell one other person, too.""And who would that be?""My brother, Quinn.""The journo?""Yeah." Liam's face lit up. "He's going to be in Dublin next weekend, working on a piece about Irish illegal immigrants in New York. I'm going to go up and meet him.""That's great!""I want you to come with me."Aislinn blinked. "What?""I want him to meet you," Liam repeated firmly."Why isn't he coming here?""He'll only be in for a long weekend, so he doesn't have time. As it is, he'll probably only have time to meet us for dinner.""Liam, I can't just run off and leave the running of the farm to Padraig! He can't manage alone. Besides," she mumbled, "I'm not big on cities. I visited Nora in London once, and it wasn't my cup of tea.""Have you ever been to Dublin?"Aislinn squirmed. "Well no, but -""Then how do you know you won't like it?""I'm not saying I won't like it," she backpedaled. "I'm just saying, I'll feel like a fish out of water. And the Padraig issue -""Aislinn, come on. Who worked the farm the day of your parents' funeral?"Aislinn felt trapped. "Ehm ... two brothers I know from the farmers' market. Jake and Alec Fry.""Couldn't they work it again? Just for a weekend?""I suppose." Aislinn licked her lips nervously. "I don't know about this, Liam. Truly. They'd be working with Padraig. He might be insulted. I'm sure in his mind he thinks he can do it alone.""But he can't. And besides, you're full of it. Padraig is just an excuse.""For what?""You're afraid to go away with tile.""That's not it at all," Aislinn insisted fiercely."Then what?""Meeting family means things truly are -""Serious?""Yes.""Are you telling me they're not?""Are you telling me they are?" Aislinn shot back. You haven't told me you loved me yet, she thought."I told you the night we made love that we're a couple now.""True." She rubbed her temples. "I'm having a hard time thinking straight here.""All you need to think about is hiring those two guys to help Padraig run the farm. I'll take care of the rest.""Everyone will know we've gone away together," she murmured more to herself than him. "They'll figure it out.""So? It'll be great! Tongues will wag like crazy while we're away, and when we come back, we'll come into the Oak together, and that will be that.""They'll all think you've lost your mind!""I don't care what they think." He wrapped his arms around her. "All I care about is you."She leaned her forehead against his. "What makes you so sure Jack is going to give you the time off?""It's my brother, Aislinn. He can have his son Neil come up from Cork for the weekend to help him out.""Right. Neil." Aislinn had forgotten about him. He'd been at school with her, a timid thing, as different from his blowhard of a father as chalk and cheese. He'd worked at the Royal Oak during summer holidays, and sometimes, when he was back in town for Christmas and the like, he helped his father out, even though he had no talent for the small talk needed at the bar. All she knew about him was that he was an accountant."Won't your family be offended Quinn won't be seeing them?" she asked suddenly."They'll understand. Look, like I said, he'll barely have time for us. But I really, really want him to meet you, even if it's just for a little while."Aislinn envied Liam's excitement. She couldn't remember ever being that enthused about seeing Nora."C'mon," Liam teased, playfully nipping the tip of her nose. "You know you want to.""Only if I can get Jake and Alec for the weekend. Otherwise, no." She pulled back a bit. "And while we're at it," she said, giving Liam a small poke in the chest, if I'm to meet your brother, then once we're out, it would be nice if you'd take me round so your relatives here could meet me properly. I'm sure they all think of me as the mad McCafferty, up here on the sheep farm with no one but crazy oul Padraig to call a friend."I'm sure they don't.""Well, be that as it may, it would be nice to have a meal with them sometime. I remember your cousin Erin from school, and she was lovely."Still is.""I'm sure." "So we're all set," Liam said definitively."Did you not hear what I said? We're set if I can get Jake and Alec here. Otherwise, you're toddling up to Dub on your own.""They'll be here if I have to wave fistfuls of euros in their faces myself.Aislinn bristled. "Leave farm business to me. You sort things out with Jack." She shook her head affectionately. "Dublin. With you, yet."Liam feigned offense. "What's that supposed to mean? I've been there three times. I know my way around pretty well.""Yes, I'm sure you know all the best watering holes," Aislinn teased."Well, yeah - but I know all the good tourist spots as well.""I've no interest in the sites, really, apart from Saint Stephen's Green and having a cup of coffee at Bewley's on Grafton Street." Her aunt Charlene had gone up to Dublin frequently over the years and always raved about the famous Bewley's Oriental Cafe, and how gorgeous their coffee tasted. Aislinn wanted to find out for herself if it were true."You don't want to go to the Guinness Storehouse and get a tour of the brewery?" Liam joshed."Oh, that's top of my list, surely." Aislinn deadpanned."Well, I'm definitely taking you to Burdock's Fish and Chips. It's the best chip shop in Dublin, and it hasn't been discovered yet by the vacationing hordes.""Now that sounds more my speed."She stroked the top of Deenie's head, her faithful girl concentrating hard as she kept watch on the herd across the pasture, on the alert for any unusual movement or worse, predators.Taking her cue from Deenie, she turned to Liam. "I should really get back to work," she said reluctantly. She wished she had the kind of job where you could call in sick every once in awhile and take a mental health day - or in her case, a "spend time with your man" day."Want company?""No." Aislinn looked at him with amusement. "Don't you have anything better to do with yourself than hang about a sheep farm?""I suppose I should go back into town and help Jack balance the books. He hasn't done it in five years!""I thought Neil was an accountant.""Neil wants nothing to do with it," Liam said grimly. "Apparently whenever he tries to help Jack, they come close to fisticuffs.""I could see that. The sad part is, Jack could beat his own son with both hands tied behind his back.""True. Well, here's hoping I don't wind up with a black eye myself." He gathered her up in his arms again, for a slow, sweet, sumptuous kiss."You're quite good at that, you know," Aislinn noted wryly."I've had a lot of practice.""I must confess. I'm glad I'm the beneficiary of it." Reluctant though she was, she broke the embrace. "I'll ring you when I know what's going on with the Fry brothers."Liam laughed. "God, don't look so nervous! We're going on an adventure, Aislinn! It'll be fun!" He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Are you coming in tonight?""Depends.""Well, we'll talk soon then."He winked at her and was off down the hill. Aislinn watched him cycle away until he was nothing but a speck in the distance that eventually disappeared altogether. Dublin. With Liam O'Brien. An adventure indeed.

Chapter Fifteen

Padraig's memory might be going, but his eyes were as sharp as ever. He pierced Aislinn with a good glare when, two nights after her discussion with Nora, she came down to his place to tell him shed be going to Dublin, and the Fry brothers would be helping him."I can manage on my own," he insisted stubbornly, brewing them some tea."You most certainly cannot, and you know it," said Aislinn, tossing a chunk of peat onto the fire, thinking about how Nora hated the smell. "Don't you remember they took over for us the day of Mum and Da's funeral? And they did a fine job.""We needed them then because I wasn't available.""We needed them then because it takes at least two people to run this place.""Many is the time I managed here on my own when your da had errands to run and whatnot.""He was never away for a whole weekend, Padraig. Admit it."The old man muttered something under his breath as he stood by the stove, watching the kettle. "Don't think I don't know what's going on here.Aislinn sighed heavily. 'What's that?""You and your sister, plotting to get me out.""What?""You think I didn't see Nora and that toff husband of hers sniffing around my home?""I had nothing to do with that. I swear on my parents' graves.""She hates me, that one. Always has.""She thinks you hate her.""Hate that she's always thought she was too good for this place. Miss High and Mighty, with her books and computer and all, writing about God knows what. She'll not have my house. She'll not." U . . .Aislinn went to him, patting his shoulder. I would never let that happen," she assured him. The defiance in his voice was tinged with fear, and it broke her heart. He also sounded paranoid, which wasn't good. Aislinn had done research on her computer and learned that paranoia could be one of the symptoms of dementia. She was definitely going to make an appointment for him with a doctor as soon as she got back from Dublin. She'd lie if she had to, telling him she was going for a physical herself and it might not be a bad idea if he had one as well.Padraig poured their tea and put out his usual array of stale tea biscuits on the plate. 'You've got to branch out," Aislinn teased him. "You've been buying the same biscuits for as long as I can remember.""Why would I want to change things up now? They're fine."Aislinn bit into a biscuit. "The Frys will be here after breakfast Friday morning.""How much are you paying them?Aislinn named the price, and Padraig's eyes practically popped from his wizened face. "Jaysus, woman, they'll be able to dine out on that for years."They're helping me out on very short notice, Padraig. They deserve it.He looked defiant. "I hope they don't think they're gonna be the boss of me.""Of course not. You're going to be the boss of them," said Aislinn, feeling guilty. She'd asked Alec and Jake to keep an eye on him so they could let her know if he bollixed anything up."And Nora?" he continued."What about her?""Is she going to be hanging about'?""She'll be up at the house working as usual. I already told her you and the Frys have free rein of the kitchen to eat whatever you want whenever you want."Padraig snorted. "Oh, she must be loving that.""She doesn't have a choice." Aislinn paused. "You could eat dinner with her, if you wanted. You know she's a good cook. She'd probably welcome the company.""Pull the other one," Padraig scoffed."Well, the option is there," Padraig harrumphed, his expression suspicious. "The Frys - are they going to be sleeping here at the farm Friday and Saturday night?""No. They prefer to go home to their own place.""Well, thank God for small miracles," he said, clearly relieved.His mood improved, and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eye. "Going away with the Yank to Dublin for the weekend, eh?""How do you know that?""I'm not an eejit, you know.""I know." There was no way the whole town wouldn't know now. Padraig would tell everyone in the pub; Jack's bland son Neil would be filling in for Liam - so much for keeping their romance a delicious secret,"So, the Yank -?"To her surprise, Aislinn found herself blushing. "Yes, we're off to Dublin. His brother is in from New York.""The journo?""Liam wants me to meet hint""And he's bypassing Ballycraig?" Padraig looked mildly offended. "His people are here.""He doesn't have time. He's on assignment.""You think you'll wind up marrying him or what?" Padraig asked bluntly."Padraig!""Well, you're going away with him!""So?""Only cheap girls would do such a thing casually," Padraig announced.Aislinn patted his hand reassuringly. "It's not a casual fling.""I figured. You're not that kind of girl.""Thank you. As for marriage, let's not put the cart before the horse.""It's nice to see you smiling again. Aislinn.""I don't think I've ever been this happy. Truly.""I don't think so, either." He leaned in to her. "Now, about Dublin.""Yes?""You've got to be very careful there," he warned. "It's awash with pickpockets and con men who'd as soon rob you blind as look at you."Aislinn raised her eyebrows. "Is it now? When were you last there?"Padraig squinted his eyes, thinking hard. "Sixty-two, I think. Yes, that would be it. My brother Derek, may he rest in peace, was marrying a girl from North Dub. Tough old boot, she was. She wore the pants in that house, I can tell you.""I have a feeling the city might have changed a bit since then," Aislinn said kindly. "But I'll keep your advice in mind."Padraig nodded approvingly. Good girl. You've always had a sensible head on your shoulders."I suppose that's a compliment, though it does make me sound a bit dull.""You? Dull? Bah! Never."Aislinn leaned forward, planting a kiss on the old man's grizzled cheek. "You're sweet." She stood. "I'd best hit the hay, and you should, too.""Oh! Before you go, there was one thing I've been meaning to talk to you about. Will we be entering Deenie in the sheepdog trials this year?"Aislinn swallowed. "Padraig, that's your job, and the deadline passed months ago, remember?" she reminded him gently. "I'm sure it's too late for you two to enter now.""Oh." He looked crestfallen for a split second, then scrambled to cover it with an expression of diffidence. "Oh, well, no mind. I guess it just slipped my mind, since we've been so busy round here - you know, you and me gettin' used to running the place without your da.""I'm sure that's what happened.""There's always next year. I just hope Deenie isn't too disappointed."Aislinn chuckled to herself, amused by how they all thought of Deenie as a person and not a dog. "I think she'll live. By the way, I'm sure she'll want to sleep down here with you while I'm away.""Grand. She can lie across the bottom of my bed and keep my feet warm.""All right, then. See you in the morning."*****"Admit it: you like Dublin already."Aislinn shot Liam a dirty look as they sat down on a bench inside Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin's most famous park. They'd strolled much of the lush, green grounds, pausing at one point to sit on the edge of the fountain in the center of it all just to soak it all in. She hadn't much interest in the statue of James Joyce, but she thought she should see it anyway, since everyone said he was Ireland's greatest writer.Aislinn loved that a place so calm and peaceful existed in the middle of the city. It was a great place for people watching, too. She could spot the tourists a mile away, clumped in groups with their maps and sensible shoes. There were local people sprawled out on the grass reading in the sunshine, eating their lunch, or chattering away. Old men thinking no one could see them stealing a smoke in public. Buskers strumming their guitars, their battered old guitar cases open at their feet so people could toss coins in.They'd driven up from Ballycraig in a car Liam had rented, which she thought was madness, since a bus ran every few hours from Moneygall. But Liam insisted on it, and it didn't seem worth arguing about. On the drive, listening to the radio, she learned he had awful taste in music. She'd been positive that once they got into Dublin proper, he'd become a nervous wreck behind the wheel, but he was as calm as could be, saying that nerve-racking as it was driving on the wrong side of the road, it was nothing compared to driving in Manhattan.They were staying at the same hotel as his brother, a moderately posh place called Kelly's located right near Trinity College. Aislinn didn't see why they couldn't make do with a nice, small B and B, but again, Liam was insistent, assuring her he had the money to pay for it. She didn't want to admit to him that she'd never stayed in a hotel.He playfully nudged her shoulder with his. "You haven't admitted you like it yet.""We've only been here a few hours! So?"Yes, I like it," she admitted. "It's smaller than I imagined. And everyone seems so friendly."Liam looked surprised. "You expected people to be unfriendly? Here? In Ireland?"Aislinn laughed. "I guess we do have a reputation." "Slightly." He took her hand. "Want to go to Bewley's for lunch?""Oh, I would love that! My aunt used to go when she was younger. She said the coffee was lovely."Liam looked at her quizzically. "Do you still have extended family around Ballycraig?""Not anymore. They've all died or gone. It's not easy to make a living if you don't farm, and even then -""I can help you out if -""I most certainly do not need help!"Liam raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.Aislinn grabbed one of his hands and kissed it. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bite your head off. What I was going to say before you cut me off was that I've never been dependent on anyone for anything, and I'm not about to start now. I'm one of the lucky ones; I make a good living selling my wool," she continued proudly, "enough to turn a profit, and I'm able to pay Padraig a decent wage. That's more than enough."Liam looked at her admiringly. "It doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?""I guess not. Why? Does it take a lot to make you happy?"Liam furrowed his brows. "J don't know. I was unhappy for a really long time, mainly with myself. Totally had my head up my ass. But now.. :"Now what?" Aislinn pressed softly."Things are changing. He paused. "I m changing."I didn't know you before, so I've no way to gauge that."Be glad you didn't know me before. I was a surly bastard." "I find that very hard to believe." "Ask Quinn at dinner. He'll tell you.""I will." She snuggled closer to him. "Where is he right now?""Interviewing someone for his article. He wants to meet us at six thirty at this Indian place called Jaipur. It's right up the street from the hotel. He says it's great.""I've never had Indian food," Aislinn admitted reluctantly. "Unless you count curry on my chips.""Doesn't count."Aislinn suddenly felt self-conscious. "God, what a bumpkin you must think I am.""Why would I think that?""Never been to Dublin, only been to London once . . ." She looked down at her hands."I've always been happy just being in Ballycraig"There's nothing wrong with that. Apart from Manhattan, I've only ever been here and in Ballycraig."Aislinn slowly lifted her head, smiling. "Really?""My parents own a bat; Aislinn. They've never made much money, so we didn't travel much. And working as a bartender, I've never made much, either. But it didn't matter, because I loved my job. I still love it.""If you've never made much money, then how are we affording that posh hotel?" she asked fretfully. "And the car?""I did have some money saved up.""For something special -?""A motorcycle.""You could buy one here."Liam looked up, shielding his eyes against the sun.His lack of a definitive answer filled Aislinn with a creeping sense of unease. He doesn't want to buy a motorcycle here, because he doesn't plan to stay in Ireland. Well. no use getting your knickers in a twist over it right now. Just take it as it comes."I'm feeling a bit peckish." Aislinn declared."Yeah, I could eat." Liam stood and extended a hand to her. "To Bewley's.""To Bewley's."*****Her aunt Qiarlene had been right: Bewley's did do a lovely cup of coffee, and their sticky buns were heaven. Not the most nutritious lunch, Aislinn had to admit, but she didn't care: she was on holiday and could eat what she pleased. The cafe was on Grafton Street, a wide pedestrian shopping common. It was another great place to watch people, but she disliked the crowds. There weren't any stores there she cared to shop in, so she was glad when they walked down to Wellington Quay and spent some time just strolling hand in hand along the Liffey. Massive, silent cranes towered over the skyline, a reminder of the building boom that had stopped dead in its tracks when the economy bottomed out. Even so, the views along the river were spectacular. They decided to join all the other tourists and cross the Ha'penny Bridge.Aislinn noticed that Liam got a bit broody as the afternoon wore on. She tried to pay it no mind: perhaps the impending dinner with his brother was prompting a small bout of homesickness.She did fret a bit over what to wear to dinner when they got back to the hotel room. Aislinn had borrowed a nice, camel colored cashmere (cashmere!) jumper from Nora, and had brought along a pair of tight black jeans. Nora tried to talk her into borrowing those ridiculous spiked boots, but Aislinn would have none of it. The last thing she needed was to turn an ankle and come home on crutches! Plus, they were dead uncomfortable. No: black flats were fine.Aislinn even brought some makeup with her but ultimately decided not to wear it. It wasn't who she was. Even the jumper made her feel a little bit like a poser, until Nora reminded her that Liam might want to go out to dinner somewhere nice, and wearing one of her old flannel shirts or pilled, woolly jumpers wouldn't do. Aislinn capitulated.They arrived at Jaipur at six thirty on the dot. "Quinn's going to be late," Liam told her. "He's always late. He runs on Quinn time."Liam was right. At ten minutes to seven, a well-built, slightly disheveled man with salt-and-pepper hair came flying through the door of the restaurant, his eyes scanning the room. The minute he spotted Liam, he broke into a wide grin, which Liam returned. Aislinn's stomach gave a small tickle as they rose to meet him.Quinn grabbed his brother up into a big bear hug. "There he is." He pulled back, looking Liam up and down. "You look great, you bastard.""So do you," said Liam. He pointed to Quinn's tie. "Wow. No stains.""Bite me," Quinn said affectionately. He turned his gaze to Aislinn as he held out his hand. "Hi, Aislinn. I'm Quinn." He paused. "Ah, screw the formality." With that, he hugged Aislinn, too. She was delighted.The three of them sat down. "You order yet?" Quinn asked."No, we were polite and waited for you." said Liam. "How did your interviews go?""The one in the morning was a tight-lipped, tight-assed SOB who wasted my time. The one this afternoon was like hitting pay dirt, especially since I greased the wheels with a few pints.""My brother isn't shy about using colorful language," Liam informed Aislinn."Of course he isn't. He's got Irish blood running through his veins, hasn't he?""I like you," Quinn said with an easy smile. He cracked open his menu. "I can make some recommendations, if you like. I know what's good here. Believe me, this is real Indian food. None of that watered-down chicken vindaloo crap like we have at home.""Order away," said Liam.Aislinn couldn't believe the boatload of food that eventually arrived, all of it delicious. And Quinn was everything Liam had said he was: smart, opinionated, and curious; she felt comfortable with him right away. She sensed the two brothers were doing their best to try to minimize talking about home so that she didn't feel left out, though it wasn't necessary. She wanted to gobble up every tidbit she could about her man, and she told Quinn so. He seemed to take great enjoyment in embarrassing Liam, and Liam had no problem embarrassing Quinn right back. Aislinn loved the way the two of them hurled affectionate insults at one another. There was so much fondness, she found it hard to believe that there was a time he couldn't stand the sight of Quinn because Liam felt inadequate. Liam O'Brien, feeling inadequate! Now that was sidesplitting.She excused herself to go to the loo, wondering if they'd talk about her while she was gone. Go oil with yourself, you egomaniac. The world doesn't revolve around you. Though sometimes, Liam made her feel like it did, and she loved that.*****"She's great. Li," Quinn said the minute Aislinn disappeared into the bathroom.Liam's shoulders slumped. "I know.""What the hell is your problem?""I'm in love with her."Yeah, that's a real problem, being in love with a gorgeous, witty woman," Quinn mocked."It is a problem.""Oh, let me guess: you don't know how to be happy. Or no, wait: you don't deserve to be happy.""Shut up for a minute, will you?" Liam replied, irritated. He took a long sip of water to cool his burning tongue that had been singed by the spicy Indian food. "What am I going to do when I get the green light to come home? She'll never give up her farm.""Are you sure about that? Or are you just assuming it?" I'm sure."Have you told her you love her?"Liam felt sheepish. "Well, no.""Just tell her you love her, and see how it goes." Quinn took a sip of water. "Does she know you want to go home?""I assume so.""But you haven't actually said anything."Liam felt like he was being grilled, but he knew it was just what the situation required. Even though it had made him chafe in the past, Quinn was good at giving advice. "No, because if I tell her, she might want to end things, and I don't want them to end.""If you love her, you should tell her.""She probably knows.""Does she love you?"I think so, yeah. Probably. I mean, I assume so.Quinn rolled his eyes. "Quit assuming stuff, will ya? Tell her""I will, okay? When the time is right." Liam was starting to feel testy, so he changed the subject to PJ Leary, the writer and Wild Hart regular who'd finally sold the epic Celtic fantasy he'd been writing for twenty years as the follow-up to his first book. "Incredible," said Quinn, shaking his head. "The publisher is pouring money into marketing. They might even send him out on a book tour.""You envious?""Nah. I'm glad for him. The guy's been toiling in obscurity so long, he deserves a break. Mom and Dad might throw him a small book party."Liam felt a small pang in his gut and looked away."Sorry," said Quinn. "That's just the type of stuff you don't want to hear.""It is what it is," Liam replied numbly, though his brother was right.Mom and Dad would love her, you know.Liam fiddled with his fork. "Yeah, I know.""I think Dad might have gone to school with her father. I'll have to check." Quinn checked his watch. "Aunt Bridget and Uncle Paul pissed I didn't come down?""I didn't tell them you were in.""I'm sure they know anyway.""Of course they do.""What do they think of you and Aislinn?""They think it's good," Liam hedged. He didn't want to tell Quinn about the bet. After years of trying to convince himself he didn't give a rat's ass what his older brother thought of him, now that they were reconciled, he found he did care. Deeply."Look, don't say anything about it to Mom and Dad yet, okay?""Sure, whatever - though if Aunt Bridget and Uncle Paul know, I'm sure they've told Mom and Dad.""Well, if they have, Mom is sure keeping uncharacteristically quiet about it," Liam said sardonically. "She hasn't said a word to me.""That's because you're a bad son who hardly calls her," Quinn ribbed.Liam groaned. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aislinn walking back to the table. He wasn't surprised when he noticed other men's heads turning; she was gorgeous, and that proud bearing of hers telegraphed a sense of power and self-confidence that was all but impossible to ignore. He smiled proudly . .Perfect timing, he said, standing to pull her chair out for her. We just finished talking about you.Aislinn laughed. "That'd explain why my ears were burning in the loo."Quinn checked his watch again. "I hate to eat and run, but I have to eat and run.""Another interview?" asked Liam."Yeah, and then I want to get back to the hotel early to type up my notes." He signaled for the bill and plucked it from the center of the table before Liam had a chance to grab it. "On me."Liam protested unsuccessfully.Bill paid, they walked outside. The night air was cool, bordering on chilly. Liam felt a lump form in his throat as he and Quinn looked at one another, neither of them knowing how long it would be until they saw each other again."Soon," Quinn said, hugging Liam tight before moving on to hug Aislinn. "Keep him out of trouble, will ya?"Aislinn slipped her hand in Liam's and squeezed it. "I'll try my best.""Call me when you get back to New York, okay?" Liam said to his brother."You sound like Mom.""Don't bust my chops. Just do it.""Done" Quinn straightened his tie. "Bye now.""Bye," Liam and Aislinn called after him. She could sense Liam's pain as they watched Quinn disappear around the corner and out of sight. Liam puffed up his cheeks and blew out some air. "Well, that's that.""He's lovely."Yeah, he's a good guy."What would you like to do now? I'm up for anything, anything at all."Liam put his arm around her shoulder. "I just want to walk. Walk around the city.""Great idea."

Chapter Sixteen

Aislinn thought Liam is mood much improved the next day. Perhaps their making love at the hotel that morning had helped banish the pain of parting from his brother and missing his family.Unable to stop herself, she called the Fry brothers as she and Liam walked to the chippie for lunch. Alec assured her all was well. The Frys were highly amused by Padraig's alternating between barking orders and ignoring them. "As long as it isn't getting in the way of you two doing what needs to be done, please let it pass." Aislinn entreated them. "Course we will," Alec promised. She finished by asking after Nora: they'd seen no trace of her, apart from dishes left in the sink. "Hiding from us, she is," Alec said with a chuckle."Probably." Aislinn agreed."Here it is." Liam announced just as she was folding closed her mobile.Liam gestured at a small, forest green storefront with the words "Leo Burdock's Traditional Fish & Chips" in white and gold lettering above the door. A line was snaking out down the narrow pavement, the delicious aroma of frying fish and sizzling chips permeating the air. Aislinn flashed back to a memory of being a little girl and driving down into Ballycraig with her da to pick up fish and chips for the family at Dooney's, the local chippie. She remembered the feel of holding the meals wrapped in newspapers on her lap, the intoxicating smell of it. the fun of unwrapping the dinners at the table and drenching the fish in malt vinegar, licking salt off her fingers, everyone chattering and laughing. Such a small memory, yet so powerful.Liam took hold of her hand as they took their place in line. "I know the perfect place to sit," he said."Where?""You'll see."Once inside, the heat from the fryers hit her in the face. There were no tables; it was strictly a takeaway operation. They each ordered a single portion of cod and chips, and Liam insisted on paying. Aislinn disliked his paying for everything and told him so, announcing that she'd be paying for dinner that night. "We'll see," Liam murmured. She shook her head, knowing that meant, No, Idon't don't think so. She could hear Nora's voice in her head: Just let him do it for God's sake. Let him pamper you. Heaven knows, you've no idea how to pamper yourself Perhaps Nora was right.Back outside, Liam pointed across the street at Christ Church Cathedral. "They've got a really nice garden there. Lots of people go there and just sit on the grass and eat. C'mon."She followed him across the road. Aislinn thought maybe she'd suggest going inside the church after lunch to have a look round. She'd never been inside a cathedral before."Jesus God, I'll never be able to eat all this," said Aislinn as they settled down on a thick, green patch of grass and she saw how big their portions were. Whatever I don't eat, she thought. I'll wrap up and bring back to the hoteL There was a microwave in the room: she could zap it to have as a late-night snack if she wanted. She wondered, though: was that unsophisticated? It probably was, but she hated the idea of wasting food. It had been drummed into her by both her parents that it was a sin.She near swooned as she popped the first chip into her mouth. "Gorgeous.""I agree," said Liam, spearing a big hunk of fish with a plastic fork."So you've eaten in the garden before?""Yeah, with my folks. I've visited Dublin with them a few times. The whole family never came over together: my folks couldn't afford it. They'd take two of the four kids at a time, and the other two the next time." He chuckled, lost in reminiscence. "The last time I was here was when I was fifteen and my sister Maggie was seventeen. We thought our parents were such idiots we wouldn't even walk down the street with them!"Aislinn laughed. "I remember walking ten paces in front of my mother when we'd go into Moneygall to shop for clothing. Oh, the humiliation of being seen with her!" She paused, thoughtful. "I was never embarrassed to be seen out with my dad, though. Odd, isn't it?""That's because you worshipped him,""I suppose I did.""Still enjoying Dublin?""Can't you tell?"She looked around at the flowers in full bloom, the branches of the trees waving hello at her. She'd loved strolling around the city with him, letting the sights and sounds and smells sink in."Are you enjoying it? Being back in a city and all?" she asked, pushing her hair off her face. Bloody pain in the neck it was, blowing all around. She'd wanted to put it back in a braid the way she usually did, but since Liam liked it tumbling down around her shoulders, she let it be. She found she liked looking attractive for him."Totally.""But you're homesick.""A little. But not enough to interfere with being here with you." He pulled a digital camera out of his backpack, aiming it at her. Aislinn's hands immediately flew to cover her face as she groaned."I hate having my picture taken."Indulge me. Just one.She lowered her hands. "Only if it's one of us together.""Fine." Liam jumped to his feet, asking a man sitting nearby to take a snap of them. The man happily obliged as Liam sat back down and Aislinn rested her head on his shoulder while Liam snaked his arm around her. I'm so happy, she thought. So. so happy.The man handed the camera back to Liam, and he stuffed it into his backpack. "I'll download it when we get home and e-mail it to you."Joy sparked inside her. He'd called Ballycraig home.They chatted easily, eating their lunch. Aislinn filled him in on Nora and Donald's sudden interest in the farm and how alarming it was to her and Padraig."I can understand that," Liam said carefully, 'but look at it this way: even if they did build a place for themselves somewhere on the property, they wouldn't be there all the time.""True," Aislinn agreed, but it was still not what she wanted to hear. She tried to picture where the cottage would be. Far from the house, probably. Which meant they'd have to clear a road on the property. When they weren't using it, they'd probably let their rich London friends borrow it. Aislinn frowned, trying to disperse the dark cloud forming in her head. You're being a rig/it nasty bitch, she told herself. Nora told you she had no designs at all on the property. Stop spinning negative tales.Liam turned to her, dangling a chip in front of her mouth. "Open up," he said playfully. Aislinn complied. "I love you, you know."Aislinn halted mid-chew. "Pardon?""I love you," Liam repeated, his eyes shining with unabashed ardor.Aislinn forced herself to finish chewing the chip and swallowed. 'And you thought now might be the perfect time to tell me, when I've a chip in my mouth?""The urge was there, and I just had to go with it," Liam declared."Dead smooth, you are."His shoulders slumped. "I'm an idiot.""You're not, you're not, you're not," she rushed to assure him. "I just wasn't expecting it, was all. And no one could ever argue that it wasn't memorable."Liam laughed, clearly relieved. Inside, Aislinn's heart was knocking against her ribs, desperate to burst out and take happy flight. She was giddy, and it was lovely.She cut a piece of fish, holding it aloft on its plastic fork."Open wide," she said mischievously. Liam chuckled, then complied."I love you," she told him.Unlike her, Liam looked nowhere near choking. In fact, the smile on his face was adorable. He swallowed, washing down his food with a sip of cola, and then leaned in to her, one hand reaching around to cup the back of her neck as he pressed his mouth to hers in a sizzling kiss. Aislinn felt paralyzed by her own desire, unable to move, not really wanting to, as the kiss burned on and on. She'd never been comfortable with doing things in public that she believed were best meant to be done in private, but right now, she didn't care. They were a couple in love, and there was no reason not to glory in it. A fantasy of the future shimmered its way into her thoughts: she saw herself in the big kitchen at the house preparing dinner, talking to a little girl with Liam's dark, tousled curls and stormy gray eyes who sat swinging her legs at the big Parsons table. "And then, would you ever believe, your da asked me to marry him as he stuffed a chip in my mouth!" The little girl laughed delightedly, begging for more details.Liam eventually lifted his mouth from hers. "I've never said that to anyone before," he admitted."How does it feel?""Great." He paused. "And scary.""It is scary; I agree." She took one of his hands and pressed her lips to his open palm. "But worth it.""Definitely worth it," he agreed. He gestured at his lunch. "No way I can finish that."Aislinn put a hand to her belly. "I'm relieved to hear you say that.""We can wrap it and bring it back to the hotel.""Yeah. Worried about my article. I'm stuck.""I know you: you'll come unstuck."Nora sat down on her bed, watching Aislinn as she undressed. Aislinn noticed she was wearing sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and thick wool socks."Is that what you sleep in? No wonder you're awake. You must be boiling like a shrimp in a pot." "It's freezing in this house, Aislinn," Nora replied, rubbing her shoulders briskly. "Ever think of installing central heating?""The heating system suits me fine," Aislinn said, slipping an oversized old T-shirt of Connor's over her head."Gas fires in individual rooms? I feel like I'm in a Dickens novel.""You can install central heating if you want. Feel free." After all, it is half yours, right? she was tempted to add. Exhaustion was giving way to crabbiness. She held her tongue."You look tired," Nora noted."I'm totally banjaxed," Aislinn admitted with a yawn. "We left late so we could get another day in Dublin.""Did you like it? I do," Nora asked excitedly. "I mean, it's no London, but it does have a certain charm.""It does," Aislinn agreed.Nora pelted her with questions. Did she go see the Book of Kells at Trinity College? Did she go to the Writers Museum? Dublin Castle? The General Post Office on O'Connell Street, where you could still see the bullet holes in the pillars from the Easter Rising of 1916?"No, no, and no," Aislinn said. She gave her sister a curious look. "I'd no idea you'd spent so much time in Dublin.""See? There's something you didn't know about me. You missed a lot. Guess you'll just have to go back," Nora teased."I'm in no rush.""What did you do, then?"Aislinn filled her in on her glorious weekend, taking lots of time to tell her all about meeting Quinn."Did seeing his brother make Liam homesick?" Nora asked carefully."Yes.""Are you worried?""Why should I be worried?" Aislinn replied, smiling confidently. She practically danced over to where Nora was sitting. "He told me loved me!" she gushed. "And I said it back!"Nora bounced on the bed like a little girl. "Oh my God! That's so great!""I know." Aislinn sat down beside her. "Can you believe it? I mean, can you?""Yes, I can." She walked over to Aislinn's dresser, returning with the thick, horsehair brush Aislinn had had since she was a little girl.She sat back down on the bed to brush Aislinn's hair. Aislinn closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling: no one had done this for her since she was small, and Nora's strokes were so tender."Oh, I love that man so, Nora," she continued exuberantly. "It's positively dizzying."Nora laughed. "Isn't it the best feeling? I remember when I realized I loved Donald. I felt like I was suffering from vertigo for days.""I could leap in the air." Aislinn blushed. "I sound like an eejit.""No, you sound like a woman in love. I'm so glad you let him in, Aislinn. I was so worried you'd never meet anyone."Nora put down the brush and began braiding Aislinn's hair. "I was always jealous when mum would braid your hair, you know that?"Aislinn was surprised. "No, I didn't know.""She was always going on about how thick and wavy it was. And there was me with the stick-straight hair.""But you were the beauty.""You've never been able to see how gorgeous you are, have you? With that hair and those long legs of yours Nora shook her head."I hear you hid in the house while I was away," Aislinn said, eager to change the subject."I was not hiding!" Nora protested. "I was working on my article!""And avoiding Padraig.""Can you blame me?""Honestly, the two of you need to let it go. It's ridiculous."Aislinn rose, giving a big stretch. "I hate to be rude, but if I don't try to catch a bit of kip, I'll be dead on my feet by lunch tomorrow.""I understand." Nora stood. "I wanted to tell you: I'm going back to London on Tuesday for a few days to do some research."A few days. Which meant she intended to come back."When will you be back?""I'll ring you and let you know.""Fair enough." :"I'm so happy for you, Aislinn." Nora gave her a big hug. "It's too bad Mum and Da -""I know. Aislinn kissed her cheek. "I'll see you in the morning.Nora quietly closed the door behind her, and Aislinn slipped into bed. For the first time ever, it felt too big, as well as lonely. She missed Liam's body wrapped around her, keeping her warm and making her feel cherished. Ah, well, soon enough, she thought, drifting off to sleep. The days of hiding were over. She planned to go down to the Oak tomorrow night and let the world see she and Liam were together. She closed her eyes and slept.

Chapter Seventeen

"Be prepared to eat a big, heaping dish of crow. Jack."Old Jack shot Liam a dirty look as he set down three pints of Guinness before Fergus. Teague, and David, who were also glaring at him. In about half an hour, Aislinn was going to walk through that door, and she was going to plant a passionate kiss on his mouth. Liam was going to announce they were a couple, and that all drinks were on him. After all, he could afford it: Jack would be paying him double starting tomorrow.He preferred not to think about the bet that had started it all, focusing instead on the amazing weekend he'd had with Aislinn in Dublin. He'd loved that she delighted in seeing new things, having new experiences. Seeing Dublin through her eyes gave him a new appreciation for it and for Ireland.He especially loved that she was into taking things as they came. The only time he sensed her discomfort was when they were on Grafton Street, which was packed. He could feel her longing to get back home to open air and quiet. Seeing her face crease with stress, a thought had flashed through his mind: if Grafton Street made her tense, she could never deal with New York. The thought winked out as quickly as it came. There was no point trying to predict the future.He'd always imagined if he fell in love, he'd go the whole nine yards to set the scene to say the words: dinner by candlelight in some nice restaurant, a romantic walk through Central Park. Instead, he'd playfully popped a French fry in Aislinn's mouth and declared his heart as matter-of-factly as someone asking a buddy how her day was going. Real smooth. Yet it felt right, and, as he'd confessed to her, scary as hell. He'd never made that kind of emotional commitment before. Then again, he'd never felt this way before.He'd known Aislinn and Quinn would get along. But spending time with his brother and then having to say good-bye to him, not knowing when they'd see each other again, had messed with his head for a while. He couldn't believe what an idiot he'd been, letting his friend Tommy pull him into the web of the Irish Mob.Chatting with everyone who sidled up to the bar and effortlessly filling orders, Liam resisted the urge to check every time the pub door opened. After what felt like forever, Aislinn finally walked in, looking not unlike the way she did the first time he set eyes on her: faded jeans, wellies caked with mud, the well-worn barn jacket. The only differences were that her hair was tied back in a braid, not in a wild, auburn tangle around her head, and this time. she wasn't scowling. In fact, she was beaming at him as if he was the only person in the room."Hello, Jack," she called cheerily from the door, shucking her jacket and hanging it on a peg. "Hello Fergus, Teague, and David. A whiskey for me please, Jack."She slipped behind the bar as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Hello, darlin'," she said to Liam, giving him an eye-popping kiss. There was a swell of whispers, and then a hush fell over the room."There's my girl," said Liam. He put down the bar rag in his hand, snaking an arm around her waist to draw her close to him. "Listen up, everyone." Liam looked at the patrons' faces and held back a laugh. They were listening, all right - listening and looking at him and Aislinn as if they'd never seen a man and woman together in their lives. "I want everyone here to know I love this woman. Madly. And if what she's told me is the truth, she loves me, too.""The lot of you have known me my whole life," Aislinn added, "so you know I never lie. It's true: I love the Yank.""I'd love for you all to share in our happiness, so drinks are on me tonight," Liam finished.The pub began buzzing. Fergus was staring at them, openmouthed."And what might be wrong with you, Fergus Purcell?" Aislinn asked, hands on hips. "Cat got your tongue?""Envy, more like." said David with a frown. He reluctantly held a hand out to Liam to shake. "Well played. I never thought -""Thank you," Liam said curtly. Christ, he hoped the three idiots didn't start talking about the bet."God forbid you give your heart to an Irishman," Teague sneered at Aislinn."You may recall that I did once.""I mean a real one. Not one who was, you know, that way.""All the specimens in this town are pitiful," said Aislinn."So now what?" Fergus sniffed, smirking at Liam. "You're going to become a shepherd?""Or maybe she'll go back to New York with him and become a wool merchant," said Teague. The three of them laughed. Liam stiffened. Leave it to these assholes to bring up the one possible monkey wrench in his and Aislinn's future."Oh, listen to the three hyenas entertaining themselves," Aislinn said scornfully. She drew herself up in that imperious way that had so left an impression on Liam the first night he saw her. "There's nothing you can do or say that can put a damper on this night or on the future, so don't waste your sad, sorry breath." She turned away from them, kissing Liam softly on the mouth. "I best get out of your way.Liam put his mouth to her ear and whispered, "Will I be coming home with you tonight?""Would you be upset if we waited until tomorrow night?" Aislinn whispered back apologetically. "I've still not caught up on my sleep.""No problem at all," Liam murmured, discreetly nipping her earlobe. "I like you all energetic."Aislinn blushed as she picked up her whiskey. "I'm off to chat with Grace Finnegan and find out how her husband is getting on at that cancer center in London." She slid out from behind the bar, raising her glass at the Holy Trinity as she sauntered past. "See you, boys."None of them had a thing to say.*****"How does that crow taste?"The minute the bar closed for the night, Liam started on Old Jack. The old man had let the Trinity stay on past closing time because they'd been in on the bet from the first."You lost the bet," Liam continued. "The sooner you cop to it, the better."Jack sighed. "Fine. I lost.""Don't look so pleased with yourself just yet, Yank," said Teague. "You might have won her, but she's still going to tear you limb to limb when you dump her.""I'm not going to dump her. I love her."Teague turned to Fergus. "Will you ever listen to this one? 'I love her.' Pull the other one, mate.""It's true.""It makes no difference," Teague countered with a malicious smile. "She'll still mount your balls on the wall as a trophy when she hears about the bet.""Why would she hear about it?" Liam snapped. "Are you that cruel? She's happy. Why would you want to take that away from her?""It's true," Jack agreed."It would be a rotten thing to do, especially after what the poor girl went through.""If the bet was so rotten," David challenged Liam. "why didn't you call it off?""You know damn well why," Jack said. "Only a coward backs out of a bet.""True, true," David muttered. He looked at Liam with begrudging respect. "I have to hand it to you, Yank: I truly thought it couldn't be done. He drained his glass."You know," said Fergus, "It's kind of nice to have the old McCafferty back again, even though she does enjoy giving us a good tongue-lashing.""You lot deserve it," said Jack."Yeah, we did give her an awful time at school, didn't we?" David said guiltily. "Maybe we should apologize.""After all these years? Don't be an arse," Teague spat. "We've an image to uphold. Besides, I'd miss the tongue-lashings: she's the only woman who ever talks to us.""Whose fault is that," asked Jack, ..with the three of you sittin' here on your arses night after night, in your cups by the time you stagger out the door?""Better single than spending my life with the likes of your Bettina," said Teague."You watch yourself," Jack growled, "or you'll never darken this doorstep again. Am I clear?""Yeah, yeah, clear as day," Teague muttered, hunching his shoulders.Jack looked at Liam. "Well done.""Thank you.""I wish you every happiness.""Thank you again."So, eh, how long you think you're gonna be in Ballycraig?"David laughed loudly. "Ha-ha, he's afraid he'll go bankrupt paying you double for God knows how long!""Shut your gob," Jack snapped, turning his attention back to Liam. "Any idea?""None.""Your brother had nothing to say about it?""Nothing apart from the fact the Major says it's still not safe.""All right, then," Jack conceded with a sigh. "Possible bankruptcy it is.""What a bunch of bull," said Liam. "You make a mint in here,"Old Jack scowled at him. 'You've no idea what my overhead is, boyo. It'd put the likes of that rich bastard Sir Paul McCartney in a foul mood, believe me."Be that as it may, a bet is a bet," said Liam."It is, and I'm a man of my word. Starting tomorrow night, double wages for you. Now let's get this place cleaned up so this old, soon-to-be-poor man can go to bed."

Chapter Eighteen

Aislinn couldn't hide her anxiety as she sat in Dr. Laurie's examining room, waiting to hear what he had to say about Padraig. As she'd vowed, she made the appointment the day she returned from Dublin. Padraig gave her a hard time about going until Aislinn told him that she herself was going for a checkup, which was a lie, but she could live with it because it was a small one. Dr. Laurie, a short, serious-looking man in his midsixties, had examined Padraig first. Now he was with Aislinn, but it was for a consultation about the old man, not an examination.The doctor's brows furrowed worriedly. "His heartbeat is a wee bit erratic, and he has a little bit of rattling in his lungs. You know, I've no records of him here."He's never been to a doctor in his life. Says a whiskey a night and a good smoke is medicine enough for him."Dr. Laurie gave a small wince. "Does he smoke a lot?"Yes. Aislinn grew nervous. Why?"Well, years of smoking could be what I hear in his chest. It could also cause hardening of the arteries, which miht explain the forgetfulness you mentioned to me on the phone.""So you noticed it?" "When I asked him a few questions, yes. But you needn't worry about Alzheimer's or anything else like that, Aislinn. It's just the type of forgetfulness that's to be expected at his age.""Will it get worse?""Probably. Is he aware he's forgetting?""When it's pointed out to him. Then he tries to cover.""He seems a proud man. It must be hard on him.""How's his blood pressure?"Very good. He's in good shape for a man his ageAislinn was relieved. "That's good to hear." "I take it you wanted me to check on the forgetfulness because it's starting to affect his work on the farm?"Yes," said Aislinn, feeling guilty. "Nothing major has happened yet, but I'm afraid it will." "Could you limit his chores?""I have been. I think he's getting resentful. I mean, how do you tell a man like Padraig that he's slowing down? He doesn't think of himself as old, and until he started to become forgetful, neither did I.""Has he never mentioned retiring?"Aislinn burst out laughing. "Are you kidding? He's going to die with his wellies on, that one.""Perhaps you could mention it casually.""And what would he do with himself?""I hear there's a nice retirement community right outside of Moneygall.""He'd die of boredom in a month. That's not who he is. The farm is all he knows.""Then as far as I can see, the only option you've only got is what I suggested before: limiting what he does around the farm."Aislinn bit her lip. "He did light the wrong burner on his stove once, making tea.""I've done that once or twice when I've been over-tired," said Dr. Laurie with a smile."I'm glad to hear that," Aislinn said with relief."If he starts forgetting the words for simple things, or does something like putting his keys in the freezer or daft things like that, then there's need to worry. But for now. I think his forgetfulnesis just your garden variety getting old stuff.""Good, good." "While you're here, I may as well give you the once-over. C'mon: let's take your blood pressure."Aislinn complied with Dr. Laurie's pokes and prods, knowing they were a waste of time. She was right: her blood pressure was perfect, her weight was right on the mark, her heartbeat was strong, and her lungs were clear."Fit as a fiddle," Dr. Laurie declared, "with a glow about you as well.""I'm in love," Aislinn confessed. It was wonderful to say it aloud. Wonderful that people could see it, too, after that horrible year of just wanting to snarl at the world and be left alone."Lovely," said Dr. Laurie, looking genuinely delighted. "Being in love is good for your health, you know. Strengthens the immune system. Should I be expecting my invite to the wedding soon?""That's truly putting the cart before the horse," Aislinn said with chuckle. "We'll see how it goes."Dr. Laurie patted her shoulder. "Right - off with you then. Like I said, just keep an eye on Padraig.""I'll do that. Thank you very much for fitting us in, Dr. Laurie.""My pleasure. Have a lovely day."*****Fit as a fiddle," Padraig crowed triumphantly. "I told you I would be.""The doctor said your heartbeat was a wee bit erratic and your lungs rattled a bit."Padraig thrust his lower lip out defiantly. "He didn't say a word about that to me.""Because he knew it would go in one ear and out the other. He also said you should cut back on the smoking a bit."Padraig snorted. "I will not. It relaxes me."Just a bit," Aislinn urged, her ulterior motive being that maybe, if he smoked less, it might slow the hardening of his arteries."Since your heartbeat was a wee bit erratic," Aislinn continued carefully, "I think maybe we'll lessen your chore load."Padraig glared at her.Just for a little while," she amended."I don't think so," Padraig replied stubbornly.Aislinn resisted the urge to look skyward and plead with the heavens to help her out here. "I said, just for a little while.""And then what? You're going to drag me back here for another checkup to make sure the ticker is back to its old self'? I don't think so."You think I want to be responsible if you keel over dead in one of the pastures?" Aislinn shot back."Can't think of a better way to go," Padraig countered. His expression turned bitter. "Those Fry boys filled your head with a load of bollocks, didn't they? Fibbing about me. Trying to push me out."Paranoid. Why had Aislinn forgotten to mention to Dr. Laurie he was paranoid sometimes? Then she realized: it wasn't paranoia, it was fear. Of being useless. Of no longer being needed."Why would they push you out? They've got their own farm to tend to.""Yet they were able to take time to tend to yours.""There are three other brothers who help them work theirs. And just for the record, they didn't have one bad word to say about you, apart from the fact you'd sometimes make a great show of ignoring them or else treating them like lackeys."Did you or did you not say I was in charge?" Padraig challenged. "Yes, I did, but there was no call to be rude to them, especially since they were helping us out.""Could have done it myself," Padraig muttered."Button it," Aislinn warned."Do I sense a bit of the McCafferty temper coming on?""The McCafferty exasperation, more like." Aislinn patted his arm. "I need you on the farm, old man. You know that. But I also want you to listen to me. Tell me: if it was my father asking you to cut back a bit on the fags and the chores, you'd do it, wouldn't you?""He wouldn't ask me to do such a thing."Aislinn was ready to scream. "Pretend he would.""Then I might," Padraig allowed reluctantly. "For a bit.""Then do it for me for a bit, all right?""All right." They were walking up the high street. "Where we off to now?""You're going to go to the truck to wait for me while I run into the grocer's to get a few things. Do you need anything?""Couple of packs of fags," said Padraig with an impish grin."One pack. That's it.""You're a cruel mistress.""I try."Aislinn was satisfied she'd made at least a little bit of headway with Padraig as she headed into Finnegan's Greengrocer. Grace was at her usual perch behind the counter, gossiping with Teague's mother, Beth, and Jack's refrigerator-sized wife, Bettina. They said their hellos as Aislinn picked up a small basket to shop."Poor thing," Aislinn heard Bettina murmur as Aislinn headed down the nearest aisle.Puzzled, Aislinn hovered nearby, pretending to peruse the biscuit selection. Obviously they had no idea she could hear them."Why's that?" Teague's mother asked."Did you not hear about the bet?" replied Bettina. "When the Yank first came to town, he bet my Jack he could tame the McCafferty. He's been wooing her like mad; even took her up to Dub. Well, she fell for it, didn't she? The Yank won, and now my Jack has to pay him double for as long as he's here."I wonder how he did it," Grace said wonderingly."God only knows, but he did," said Bettina. "Well, he is handsome, and a bit of a smooth talker. Any woman could find herself falling for that eventually, even Aislinn McCafferty.""I like his accent as well," said Beth. "He could get my juices flowing." The three of them cackled."What'll happen now, I wonder," Grace mused."He won the wager. I imagine he'll break up with her now," said Bettina.Beth shivered. Oh Christ, I don't want to be there when that happens. She'll be leavin him a bloody heap on the floor."Poor thing," Bettina repeated. "After what happened with Connor and all.""Still, she's always been a bit odd, hasn't she?" Beth mused. "I never understood why she wouldn't give my Teague the time of day."Grace and Bettina were silent. at least her sister is around now to help ease the pain:" said Bettina. ."She's up to something, that one, said Grace with a sniff. I can't stand that la-di-da husband of hers, with his nose so high up in the air I can see his bloody tonsils."They laughed again. Aislinn couldn't move. Her throat had closed up to the size of a pinhole, and she was finding it hard to breathe. She was convinced she was going to die of suffocation or worse, a heart attack, if the relentless, crushing pain in her chest was any indication.You have to move. You have to get out of here without letting them know you heard them, without your expression giving any hint of what you're feeling inside. Feeling as though she were mired in cement, she forced herself to pick up a packet of biscuits and put it in the small plastic basket in her hand. She started moving up and down the aisles mechanically, throwing random items in the basket, not caring if she needed them or not. Through sheer force of will, she finally made herself go up to the counter."Will that be all, love?" Grace asked kindly."Pack of Benson & Hedges, please," Aislinn said with a smile. Beth Daly and Bettina were smiling at her, too, the hypocritical old biddies. I heard what you said, Aislinn longed to lash out. And I don't need or want your bloody pity. I might have been played for a fool, but at least I could never be like you. standing by and doing nothing while an innocent person got hurt. The lot of you can go to hell.She paid her bill and walked out of the shop, feeling their eyes on her back. Liam. That lying bastard. She should have known it was too good to be true. Her mind combed through a catalogue of memories: meeting him, teaching him to change a tire, the first time they'd made love, their weekend in Dublin . all of it bullshit. The whole town was in on it, laughing at her behind her back, the stupid, desperate, blind McCafferty making a sorry arse of herself.Nausea rose in her throat, bitter and swift. She pushed it back down. Humiliation and heartache - well, she was an old pro at dealing with those twins, wasn't she? Time again to wall off her heart. But first, there was a certain Mr. Liam O'Brien who was going to feel her wrath later this evening at the Royal Oak. She just hoped Old Jack had a first aid kit.

Chapter Nineteen

It took every ounce of Aislinn's concentration to keep her mind on the road: all she wanted to do was pull over and pound the steering wheel of her truck, screaming out the rage and hurt inside her. Padraig seemed oblivious to her mood, chattering away about God knows what, his words like the annoying buzz of an insect in her ear.As soon as they got home, she sent Padraig to put down fresh straw in the barn, while she went out with Deenie to rotate the flock to a new meadow. Faithful Deenie. How sad was it that the only ones in the world she trusted to never let her down were her dog and Padraig, and possibly Nora? She thought about how the whole town knew about the bet, and yet no one had tipped her off. Was she that disliked? She knew she'd scorned their sympathy and had deliberately chosen to remove herself from their company. She knew she'd been gruff, perhaps even a bit curmudgeonly. But still: didn't any of them have brains enough to see that she was acting that way because she was in pain? Was there no one, anyone. who'd thought to themselves, "Dear God, what the Yank is doing to Aislinn is downright cruel: I would be devastated if someone did that to me"?Tears threatened as she thought about Liam's treachery, but she forced them back. She knew she shouldn't have trusted that smug, overconfident bastard. Anger alternated with devastation. How could he toy with her affections that way, as if she were some kind of plaything, not a human being with feelings? What kind of a man would do such a thing?Well, she'd give him one thing: he was one hell of an actor. She'd believed every silver-tongued word that had come out of his lying mouth. How pathetic. All of Ballycraig must have thought it a testament to how lonely she was. She pounded her temples with her fists, trying to drive the thought from her mind. She couldn't bear the thought of them sniggering behind her back about the poor, pathetic, desperate McCafferty.Liam wouldn't be the only one who she'd be laying into tonight. Every one of the villagers deserved to be exposed for what they truly were: cruel and heartless. This was it: she was done with men, and she was done with the lot of them as well. She had her farm, Padraig, and Nora. She had Deenie, who loved her unconditionally. Never again, she vowed. Never again.*****She waited until around eight to go to the Oak, when she knew the pub would be packed. When she walked through the door and Liam spotted her, he broke into that sexy, curving smile of his that usually made her go all soft inside. Judas. Wanker. She smiled back, refusing to make eye contact with anyone else. Screw all of you, she thought."Hey babe," said Liam, pouring out her usual whiskey."Hey yourself," Aislinn said, still smiling at him. Liam leaned across the bar and kissed her: she made herself kiss him back.And then she slapped him across the face as hard as she could.Liam stared at her, stunned, as the pub immediately fell quiet."How dare you?" she hissed. "How dare you use me for your own amusement?"Eyes locked on hers, Liam slowly slipped out from behind the bar."Don't you dare come near me," she growled."Just hear me out," Liam implored, moving toward her cautiously as if she were some sort of rabid animal who might lunge at him if he approached too quickly."Hear you out?" Aislinn echoed bitterly. "What's to hear? That you tricked me into falling in love with you for your own amusement?" Aislinn cocked her head quizzically. "Tell me: did you think it was funny to use me that way?""Aislinn -""Shut up. You don't get to say a word, do you understand? Not a word."Liam glanced away, unable to look at her."Who are you?" she continued. "I mean truly: who the hell are you? Only the worst kind of scum would do what you did to me. You do realize that, don't you?"Liam looked down at the floor."It was a cruel, insensitive thing to do. But you did it anyway, and what for?" She gestured at the Holy Trinity. "Because you wanted to impress this pathetic pack of bastards into accepting you?" She turned her disgust on Old Jack. "Because this cheap gobshite doesn't pay you enough?" Jack's gaze darted away. "What's wrong, Jack? Can't bear to look me in the eye? Can't bear to hear the truth?"She heard a few snickers coming from behind her and wheeled around furiously. "You lot think you're any better? You think I don't know you all knew about this? I'm not going to deny that I've spent the past year keeping to myself, or that it was wrong of me to reject the kindnesses you tried to show me after Connor broke my heart and my parents died. But did my behavior really merit this kind of cruelty? Was I so awful to you all that you felt I deserved this? How would you feel if someone did this to you? Chew on that for a few seconds, you heartless bastards."Guilty silence reigned. "You're pathetic, every last one of you," she spat, trying to keep her voice level as tears threatened. "All I can hope is that one day, someone does something as awful to you as you've done to me, so you can see what it feels like. I don't know how you can live with yourselves."She whirled back to Liam, her blood pounding so loudly in her ears she could barely hear herself think, "As for you, Yank, I hope you don't have the balls to call yourself a man, because that's the last thing you are. No real man would ever, ever do what you did to me. Rot in hell."She stormed out of the pub, slamming the door behind her. Her body was taut as a bowstring, quivering with rage. She paused a moment to take a deep breath and collect herself before continuing on. After a few seconds, she realized she was stomping up the street like some kind of crazed soldier and deliberately tried to slow her pace, but it was no good. She was being propelled forward by an unstoppable wave of anger. She heard the pub door open behind her and curled her fists at her side. It had better not -"Aislinn!She quickened her pace, her anger ratcheting up a notch. Did the eejit expect her to stop and turn around? Did he think she'd even want to talk to him?"Aislinn!Liam raced to stand in front of her. Aislinn simply walked around him, looking through him as if he wasn't even thereHe tried to stand before her again. "Aislinn, please.""Get out of my way before I shove you out of the way," she threatened through clenched teeth. Liam fell into step beside her. "I wasn't lying when I said I loved you. I do. Yeah, things started out as a bet, but as soon as I started spending time with you, I knew you were the one for me."Aislinn ignored him."Did you hear -""Piss off. Liam. Please.""I wanted to call it off," he insisted.Aislinn laughed bitterly. "Oh, God, would you listen to him, trying to backpedal?" She shot him a venomous, sideways glance. "Don't you understand? The fact that you even made such a wager in the first place tells me you're not fit to lick my boots.""It was a mistake, Aislinn. A really, really stupid mistake.""Did you think I'd never find out about it?" she railed."Did you think, even if you eventually told me about it yourself, that I'd forgive you for making a fool of me in front of the whole town? How much of a pushover do you think I am?" She pushed a tangle of her hair off her face roughly. "I want to know how much I owe you for the trip to Dublin.""Aislinn -""I don't want to be in debt to the likes of you for anything. Now leave me the hell alone. I mean it""I'll do anything you want if you just let me explain and give me another chance," Liam pleaded. "Anything.""The only thing I want you to do is get out of my sight. D'you hear?""Aislinn, look at me. Please."She stopped dead, glaring at him. "Are you thick? How many times do I have to tell you?" she shouted. "I want you to leave me alone! I never want to speak with you again! Got it?""Got it," Liam said quietly."Good. Now go back to your stupid, gutless friends and make fun of me, or pity me, or whatever it is you losers do for a laugh.She left him standing there on the sidewalk, watching her walk away. She should have spit in his face; he deserved so much more than the slap she'd given him in the pub. She never thought she could hate anyone as much as she hated Liam O'Brien right now. God, please, let him get the green light to go back home soon. The idea of his being here for months, maybe even years, was torture.She climbed up into the cab of her truck, gunned the engine, and headed for home.*****Liam wasn't sure how long he stood out on the sidewalk in a daze, watching Aislinn storm away. He knew he deserved the slap and everything she'd said to him. He'd made a choice to make the bet. He'd made a choice not to call it off. He'd made a choice to believe he could have his cake and eat it, too, stupid enough to think she would never find out about the wager. She was right: who was he?He wished to hell he didn't have to go back inside and face everyone in the pub. The Oak was still silent when he'd run out after her, the air thick with shame. Aislinn was right: they were all complicit. But the thought offered no comfort at all. How could it? He was the main culprit, the scum who had messed with her affections when she was the most vulnerable she'd ever been in her life, and for what? To prove he was better than the three jack-asses who resented his presence in Ballycraig? To demonstrate how he'd always been able to charm the pants off any woman he'd ever wanted? What a fucking loser. Because of his ego, he'd lost the only woman he had ever loved.He steeled himself and walked back into the pub. People were hunched over their drinks, looking remorseful, no one quite meeting his eye. He couldn't say he blamed them. He wouldn't want to look at himself, either, the despicable Yank who'd turned them all into objects of contempt.Jack's eyes filled with pity as Liam slipped back behind the bar. "Well?" he asked tentatively."Well what?" Liam snapped. "She basically told me to go fuck myself.""I suspected as much," said Jack. "Here." He poured Liam a whiskey and pushed it toward him. Liam threw the shot back, and Jack poured him another one."I shouldn't have called you a coward when you wanted to call off the bet," said Jack quietly. "I should have let it go.""No one here is to blame but me," said Liam. "I was a coward: I should have had the guts to tell you I didn't care what you thought." He threw the second shot down his throat."I told you she'd nail your balls to the wall no matter what," Teague crowed triumphantly."Fuck you.""Did you really think that once she found out, she'd be all right with it?" Teague sneered. "You're charming, but you're not that charming, Yank.""Enough!" Jack yelled. "I'm in no mood for fisticuffs, you hear? Which is where this is headed if I'm not mistaken.""I wonder how the hell she found out," said Liam. He eyed the Trinity contemptuously. "One of you assholes told her, didn't you?""I feckin' didn't!" David protested."Nor did I!" said Fergus.Liam turned his gaze to Teague."Don't look at me, mate," Teague snorted. "I might be a wanker, but I'm not that big of a one.""Maybe no one told her," Fergus offered. "Maybe she overheard someone talking about it. I don't think anyone in this town would be so cruel as to tell her.""No, but we were all cruel enough to keep our mouths shut," Liam countered miserably. His fist crashed down on the bar. 'Tuck!"Old Jack patted his shoulder. "That's it, Liam. You get it out.""What the hell am I going to do, Jack?" Liam asked plaintively. "She hates me. She'll never take me back.""True," said Teague, looking pleased."I told you to shut your gob!" said Jack with a glare. He poured Liam another shot. Liam had every intention of getting shit faced: anything to numb the pain and self-loathing."Maybe after she cools down, she'll realize she loves you, too, and she'll forgive you," said Jack."Yeah, and maybe Santa Claus is real," Liam jeered. He downed his third shot. "Would you forgive me if you were her? I wouldn't.""Now, now, our Lord forgave those who nailed him to the cross," Jack reflected. "I'm sure she could forgive you. You've just got to give her time to lick her wounds and all that.""I'm a moron," Liam said to no one in particular."Would a song cheer you up'?" Jack offered.Liam gave him a withering glance. "No thank you.""Just trying to help," Jack muttered."I know," Liam said miserably, pouring himself another shot. "I know Aislinn: she's not going to stop coming in here. She'll come in for her whiskey when she's in the mood, and she'll just sneer at me like the asshole I am. Stilt""Talk to Nora," Jack's wife, Bettina, suggested. She'd been stacking glasses behind the bar, listening in on the conversation. "She might put in a good word for you."Liam rallied a bit. "That's not a bad idea. She seemed happy when Aislinn and I got together.""There you go. I'm sure she'd be willing to plead your case when the McCaf - when Aislinn is ready to hear it." Bettina colored, turning away to fold napkins."I want you to keep paying me my regular wages," Liam told Jack. 'Tuck winning the bet. I don't want the money now.""I would," said Teague."That's because you're a jackass," said Fergus. He looked at Liam. 'If there's anything I can do to help you win her back - anything - you let me know.""Me, too," said David. "It's the least we can do."Teague said nothing.Liam thanked them, but he knew it was a lost cause.