Page 36 of Irish Rebel
And now this teasing, this sexual flirt in an innocent’s body was driving him mad. And God help him, he liked it.
“Have some more, Brian.”
“I’ll be sorry if I do.” But he took the big bowl Adelia offered him. “Sorrier if I don’t. You’re a rare cook, Mrs. Grant.”
“Dee, I told you. And rare was just what I was for a number of years. Before Hannah retired—that was our housekeeper. She was with Travis longer than I’ve been with him. When she retired a few years back I just didn’t want another woman, a stranger, you know, in the house day and night and so on. I figured I’d better learn to cook something more than fish and chips or we’d all starve to death.”
“Nearly did the first six months,” Travis commented and earned a narrow-eyed stare from his wife.
“Well, sure, and the experience made you get a handle on that fancy grill outside, didn’t it? The man was spoiled rotten. I wager you could even put a meal together for yourself, Brian.”
Idly he rubbed Sheamus—who was snoring under the table—with the side of his boot. “If I’ve no choice in the matter.”
Brian caught the lazy look Keeley sent him as she sipped her wine. Heat balled in his belly. In defense he turned to Travis. “I’m told you enjoy a hand or two of poker from time to time.”
“I’ve been known to.”
“The lads’re talking about a game tomorrow night.”
“I might come down—I’ve heard you’re a hard man to beat.”
“If you’re going to play cards, you should ask Burke to join you,” Adelia put in. “Then maybe Keeley, Erin and I can find something equally foolish to do with our evening.”
“Good idea. More wine, Brian?” Keeley lifted the bottle, cocked a brow. The purr in her voice was subtle, but he heard it. And suffered.
“No, thanks. I’ve work yet.”
“I’ll walk down with you when you’re ready,” Travis told him. “I’d like a look at that colicky mare.”
“The two of you go ahead. We’ll see to the dishes.”
Travis grinned like a boy. “No KP?”
“There’s not that much to be done, and you can make up for it tomorrow.” She got up to clear, and kissed his temple. “Go on, I know you’ve been worrying about her.”
“Thank you for the fine meal, Dee,” Brian added when she angled her head.
“And you’re very welcome.”
“Good night, Keeley.”
“Good night, Brian. Thanks for the ride.”
Adelia waited until the men were out, then turned to her daughter. “Keeley, I never would’ve thought it of you. You’re tormenting the poor man.”
“There’s nothing poor about that man.” Delighted with herself, Keeley broke off a piece of bread and crunched down on it. “And tormenting him is so rewarding.”
“Well, there’s not a woman with blood in her could argue with that. Mind you don’t hurt him, darling.”
“Hurt him?” Seriously shocked, Keeley rose to help with the dishes. “Of course I won’t. I couldn’t.”
“You never know what you will or you can do.” Adelia patted her daughter’s cheek. “You’ve a lot to learn yet. And however much you learn you’ll never really understand everything that goes on inside a man.”
“I’ve got a pretty good idea about this one.”
Adelia opened her mouth, then shut it again. Some things, she knew, couldn’t be explained. They had to be lived.
Chapter Seven
