Page 10 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

“She’s watching one of her videos,” Sophie said, shaking her head. “You know how sensitive she is. This scared her a little, but we’ll manage. The bigger question is what we’re going to do about this Malcom guy.”

“I say we find him and threaten to light a creative fire under his nut sack,” Kathleen said with her usual bloodthirsty humor.

“That’s my girl,” Linc said, patting her on the back. “But what we need right now is to take some time to regroup. I can’t get the mobile home back today, I expect. Besides, we have a party planned. Sophie, please don’t tell me this ruined you for a good Irish party.”

She made a show of shaking her head. “Please. I’m always ready for a good time with friends.”

“Terrific, because we’re having steak with a whole lot of delicious sides made by Bets and her friends the Lucky Charms. You’ll love them.”

“I thought we were having a crab boil.” Ellie made a show of stirring a pot. “I was ready to throw the little suckers in.”

“The boat broke down,” he replied with a laugh. “Jamie, why don’t you help me with Sophie and Greta’s luggage. You two can stay with me and Bets until we get things settled. There’s plenty of room.”

“Ah, no, Daddy.” Ellie and Kathleen shared a look. “You’re like on your honeymoon with Bets. No one comes around before ten, and even after, everyone knocks.”

Sophie coughed out a laugh before saying, “Greta and I already have a place to stay. It’s all worked out.”

Everyone turned to look at her. Everyone but Jamie, who was standing right next to Sophie in what Linc realized was a downright protective stance. He scratched his chin.Well, I’ll be…

Then he smelled oranges. Sorcha. That girl. She’d helped him and Bets get together. Seems she had plans for these two. Best news all day.

“But we were going to offer for you to stay at Summercrest with us,” Kathleen said.

“I’mgoing to stay at Summercrest, if that’s all right,” Jamie said, clearing his throat. “I thought Sophie and Greta could have my house and a little privacy.”

“Of course!” Kathleen exclaimed. “Jamie, you’re always welcome. But doesn’t Summercrest give you the heebie—”

He shot her a look. “The last thing Sophie needs is to see one of the guys parading around shirtless.”

“Actually…” Sophie chuckled and tapped his arm playfully. “That might make me reconsider. I’m kidding!”

Ellie and Kathleen fought smiles, and Linc had to bite his lip. He could almost hear that old song playing, “Love Is In The Air.”

“Sounds like it’s all settled then,” Linc said, refusing to be sheepish about Ellie’s comment. He was having the best sex of his life, and with the woman he adored to pieces. So shoot him! He didn’t plan on stopping either.

“Why don’t we let you get settled at my house?” Jamie turned to Sophie directly, and it was suddenly like no one else was present. “I can pack up some things and then take you over to the party.”

She touched him again, the kind of touch that lingered like raindrops on a windowpane. He touched Bets like that whenever he could.

“I say we just start the party and get to it. Greta will have an easier time if we transition directly into it. Besides, Sandrine will be there, right?”

“Yeah, she’s helping Bets and the others,” Linc answered.

“We’ll have a great time,” she declared as if her home hadn’t just been unplugged and hauled off.

“You always were resilient.” Linc put his arms around Ellie and Kathleen. “Come on, girls. I need help grilling up the meat. You’ll ride with me.”

“Sophie, you can follow me in your new car,” Jamie said, laying a hand on her arm. “I’ll go slow so you can learn the roads.”

“Thanks, Jamie.” Sophie beamed at him and then looked over at the rest of them, smiling. “I’ll see everyone there.”

The two of them walked away shoulder to shoulder. Linc steered the girls to his SUV and put them in the back before they could change their minds.

He was halfway down the drive when Ellie broke the silence. “I think they really like each other.”

“You just getting that?” Linc drawled.

“Those were some serious sparks, if you ask me,” Kathleen said with a wolf whistle. “You don’t think Sorcha’s involved, do you?”

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