Page 41 of What are the Chances

“Are you sure? We can go back home if you don’t feel comfortable.”

I ignore the way she referred to my parents’ place as home.

“Alma is your family. You should stay with her at least one night.”

“Okay,” she says. “But one more thing before we go back in.”

I keep one hand pressed to her back, my other hand running my fingers through the hair at the side of her face, feeling the silky strands dance across my fingertips.

“What is it?”

“Say that word in Irish again. The one you called me before.”

“Álainn,” I say, my chest warming as the word passes my lips.

“No,” she smirks. “The other one.”

My pulse races as she stands on her toes, bringing her mouth just in front of my ear.

“Mianach, was it?”

Her hot breath dances against my ear, and I grow hard for her. Something about the combination of her American accent mingled with the delicate sound of her voice stirs excitement within me. I’ve never heard Irish sound sexier.

Bending slightly, I reach one arm around her legs and the other around her waist, lifting her into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck, resting her head against my chest. I make my way through Alma’s front yard, leaving the gigantic rock and bright stars behind.

“Let’s go to bed, álainn, mianach.”

***

I wake up the next morning in Alma’s guest bedroom. Charlotte isn’t lying beside me, but I can hear her voice coming from the hallway. After putting on my jeans and t-shirt from yesterday, I saunter out to the living room to find Charlotte and Alma in the kitchen. Charlotte’s leaning against the counter, dressed in the same dress as yesterday and looks just as beautiful. Her hair is braided off to the side, the same way it was the day we met. She smiles the moment she sees me emerging from the hallway as does Alma.

“Good morning, ladies.” I plant a kiss on Alma’s cheek before giving Charlotte a quick peck on her lips.

“Good morning, lad,” Alma beams. “I trust you slept well.”

“Yes,” I laugh. “Much better than the small bed in my parents’ attic.”

“Aye,” Alma replies, turning to pour me a cup of tea. She hands me the steaming cup, and I bring the hot liquid to my lips, relishing its warmth.

“What kind of adventures do you both have planned for today?” Alma asks, slowly walking across the kitchen, opening her small white refrigerator. She pulls out a carton of cream and pours some into her empty cup before adding the hot tea.

I turn to Charlotte, and motion toward her, leaving her the opportunity to answer.

“Whatever this one would like.”

Charlotte takes a deep breath, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Actually, I’m leaving that up to you, Mase. I haven’t seen too many sights since I got here, just the Cliffs, of course, but I was hoping you could show me around.”

“Really?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” she giggles. “Is that so hard to believe? I am an American after all. I want to see all the sights.”

“Oh, Charlotte, my dear.” Alma walks past us, stopping just long enough to cup Charlotte’s cheek. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Charlotte smiles at her great-aunt in response.

I shake my head and smile. “Okay, whatever you want.”

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