Page 48 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

He waved a hand grandly. “It’s no bother. Come. Let us go into the night and hope to see no more water guns.”

She was grinning as she walked over to him and put a hand on his damp coat. “You’re in great form. I can’t wait to see how tonight goes.”

The moment they arrived at the lively Irish tavern he’d chosen, the teasing began. Everyone he knew asked about the lines of water across his front and back. He introduced Sophie as the new artist at the center, aware of the speculation, and told the story about the water guns, which led to questions about how he’d ended up staying at Summercrest Manor in the first place.

Sophie stepped in and grandly told the story about how he’d become her and Greta’s unexpected Prince Charming by offering up his home. More speculation rained down on them as he guided her to the table with a gentle hand on her back.

“Whew!” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “The Irish really do like stories, don’t they?”

“They were hoping for a few more details, I think.” He fingered his coat. “Maybe I should have changed, after all.”

“People seemed positively shocked to hear about your water battle with Kathleen and Ellie.” She thanked the server, who’d brought them menus. “Are you known for being so serious?”

He pursed his lip before saying, “Liam was just talking to me about that. I used to play pranks when I was a child, but you grow up. I’m a teacher now.”

She made a humming sound. “And you’re supposed to set a good example, right? God, we’re a pair. You’re the quiet, serious type while I’m the really nice artist. You want to shake things up a little?”

Now,thathe hadn’t expected. He leaned closer. “What do you have in mind?”

“If I were in my twenties, I’d say tequila shots followed by a cab home.”

He laughed. “You can’t easily get a cab out here, Sophie, and I hate tequila. What’s your second option?”

She slid her hand onto the table. “How about we hold hands? Because I’m telling you right now that I like you very much and want to make a habit out of being seen in public with you. If that’s okay.”

Taking her hand, he caressed the back of it with his thumb. “That’s grand, actually, as I feel exactly the same way. But why don’t you have that tequila shot anyway? If you’re looking to shake things up…”

She tilted her head toward the band playing in the corner. “Maybe I can sing a little loudly too. Oh, Jamie, I feel so happy. Forget about those morons not hooking up my utilities or me having to delay my shipment. I mean, I’m here with you. In Ireland. My mother would think my studio’s rustic, but I love it. I’m taking my art to a new level with my design, and on Sunday, the whole world is going to know it.”

His stomach trembled as he thought about his inclusion in the article. “Let’s forget about the whole world reading my name in the paper. All that matters is the children’s arts program.”

“You’re too modest, but that’s one of the things I like about you.” She picked up her menu, obscuring her face, before she peeked around it. “I should probably tell you something else while I’m shaking things up.”

“Yes?”

“Part of me was disappointed to be back at your house because I thought being in separate houses would give us an opportunity to take things to the next level. God, I’m talking like I would about my art. Let me be clear. I’m talking about sex. With you.”

A flash of heat powered through him, stealing his breath. Suddenly, he could smell her subtle perfume, and all he could look at was the line of her slender neck where her pulse beat. “Good to be clear about such things. I’ve been thinking about having sex with you as well.”

She gripped his hand, her green eyes intent. “What are we going to do about that?”

“I’m prepared, if that’s what you’re asking,” he said, wanting to assure her.

Her face went blank before she started laughing. “Oh, you mean birth control. Right. That’s easy enough. Condoms work until I can get back on the pill.”

He cleared his throat. “I have them.”

“Great!” She put her hand over her mouth, looking embarrassed. “I should probably lower my voice. What I meant was, what are we going to do about the logistics? I’m not a fan of having sex in a car. It wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be.”

He bit the inside of his cheek. “That’s a shame. Maybe you were with the wrong person.”

“Likely.” She laughed, the sound rich with irony. “I was with my ex in the back of a limo. God, I really need tequila. Does it bother you that I was married before and have a kid? Whoops, did I just ask that?”

“If it’s been on your mind, I’m glad you did.” He scooted his chair closer so he could rest their joined hands against his heart. “No, it doesn’t. Who you are today is the sum of who you were and the experiences you’ve had. Besides, if you hadn’t been with your ex, you wouldn’t have Greta, and she’s an absolute angel.”

She touched his jaw with her other hand, enclosing them in a new intimacy. “Oh, Jamie. I barely know you. We just met a week ago, and yet I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

Those words had him stepping ahead a little. “Soulmates perhaps.”

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