Page 79 of Troubles

“Is this what you’re sharing with me? Your favorite thing in Dublin?” I sip at the best pint of Guinness I’ve ever tasted. “For the love of God, this is amazing. It tastes so—so different.”

“Yeah, it’s fresh here. Better, right?” He smirks at me; our easy conversation is back. God, I missed this. I missed him. I think a part of me knew all along that I was coming back to clear things—that I couldn't live without him. “And, no. This is just lunch to keep you from scaring off my next surprise.” He pops a bunch of fries in his mouth being particularly obtuse.

“You’re not going to tell me. Is it that awful?” I’m teasing, baiting him when suddenly my blood runs cold. He wouldn’t, would he? I press my shaking hands flat to the tabletop, and stare at him.

She’s his best friend. And she sure as shit should be scared of me, but I’m not doing this today. No way in hell. I take a bracing breath and bite back the anger and disappointment that threatens to bubble up and overflow.

“Lisbeth, what? What’s wrong?” Aidan’s fork clatters to his plate as he reaches for me.

A hot flush climbs up my neck, setting my cheeks on fire. “I can’t see that woman, Aidan. I won’t do it. Not yet.”

His roaring laughter snaps my attention.

“What the fuck is so funny about this?” I’m seething.

“Lis, no. Give me some credit, I’m not that daft.”

I’m not so sure.

“I want to take you to Howth, a fishing village up north—to feed the seals. Sammy’s a local celebrity, loves getting a fish head thrown to him, waving at all the pretty girls. He’s quite a flirt.” He gazes at me over his pint glass, and I’m not sure if he’s being flippant.

His eyes go dark then, intensely serious—dangerous.

“Then I’m going to take you to spend the night in a castle and remind you—repeatedly—how much I love you.”

Oh.

43

Aidan

Over and over and over again.

I show her how much I’ve missed her. How much I love her.

I drink in every single moment I can with Lis, savoring the time we have. I don’t want to spend even a minute sleeping.

Her laughter as she fed the seals was musical. Hearing my name on her lips as she comes undone, is something I will never get enough of.

The pale light of early morning filters through the castle window, highlighting Lis’ kiss-swollen lips, and her messy hair.

I don’t want to let her leave.

I check my watch and think of how little time there is until we have to leave for the airport.

I have her. But I have to let her go.

I still have to say goodbye.

“Hey, you let me fall asleep.” Lisbeth’s voice is raspy from sleep. I feel her graze my neck as she runs her finger down to rest over my heart. “I didn’t want to miss out on any time—I didn’t want to waste this, any of it.” Her warm palm rests on my skin and her fingers toy absently with my nipple.

“What’s…what’s the plan? How are we going to do this, until you get back?” And there it is. Her need to know and my complete and utter lack of answers. It could be weeks, yet. It could be months.

Sifting my fingers through her hair, watching the light play with the silken strands, I press a kiss to her forehead. “We’ll do whatever we need to to see each other. I’m going to bust my arse to get everything taken care of here as quickly as possible, but…” I move her on to my chest, needing to have her closer, hating the words that hang between us, “…but it could still be some time. Are you going to be okay?”

I search her face, cradled between my palms needing reassurance that this will work. That we’ll be okay.

“I will be. I’m going to dive into my classes, get lost in studying for the nursing boards. I’ll be busy, but I will miss you every single moment.” Lis leans forward brushing her lips across mine in a slow sensuous kiss. One full of all the emotions that neither of us seem to be able to put into words.

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