Page 23 of Accidental Irish Daddy

“My da,” I say. “He lives across in America with my stepmother and half-sister.”

She dares a look over her shoulder at me. “Your parents are divorced?”

“It’s a long story that ends with my da marrying a younger woman.”

She shakes her head and tsks as she constructs the sandwiches and puts them on separate plates. “That’s rough. Your poor mother.”

“Well, admittedly, it was rough at first, but… it’s all good now. We get along okay. You know, my little sister is around Bridget’s age. Maybe they’ll meet someday. I’m sure they’d get along. The two of them can get together or something.”

She turns around, a smirk on her face as she walks one of the plates to me. “Or something? Like a playdate?”

I snort a laugh. “Maybe. I don’t know. Do girls her age have playdates?”

“I don’t think so.” She laughs. “But I think it’d be a nice idea, though. Bridget could use a friend or two. She’s…well, she’s alittle isolated at school and at home. She’s always got her nose buried in a book.”

“I noticed that a few times she’s been here. Smart girl?”

“Very. Straight As. I’m hoping she’s smart enough to get into one of those boarding schools that the Royals get educated at. At best, she can go off and become a great scientist. At worst, she’ll marry a prince and live a life of luxury far away from here.”

“Perish the thought,” I say. “If she’s anything like you, she’ll grow to be a gorgeous girl. It’d be a shame to waste that kind of beauty on any of them.”

Her face flushes a little and I realize what I’ve let slip out. Silent thoughts bleeding into my reality. I’d better watch that.

“I should get this out to your ma. You probably want to get back to work as well.”

“Yeah,” I nod, standing up. “I’ll, uh, I’ll eat this in my office. Thank you for making it.”

“No problem.”

I watch her walk out of the back door.

That was interesting. For one thing, that was a pretty neat trick, changing the subject when it came to talking about her home life. It was unexpected. She seems so proud of Bridget…I don’t know, I was sure that she’d gush for hours about life with her. Instead, she shifted the focus to me.

I don’t know if that means anything, really. She’s probably just trying to keep things professional. I can’t shake this nagging feeling that there’s much more to her story than she’s telling. As much as I don’t want to think too much into it, I can’t help it. I’m intrigued by her.

I go back to my office, eat my sandwich, and get ready for my next meeting…and try my hardest not to think too much about Aisling.

***

My last meeting just ended and it’s late. I leave my study just in time to spot Aisling walking down the stairs from Ma’s room. As she walks into the foyer, I watch her for just a moment as she grabs her purse and keys, pausing only to brush her hair off her shoulder.

“Is it seven already?” I ask as I step into the light.

She smiles at me. It’s natural and easy. A ray of sunshine warming me with just a look.

“It is,” she answers. “I believe that’s my time to go. Unless you’d like me to stay longer?”

She raises her eyebrows, emerald eyes glinting questioningly.

Yes. I’d love it if you stayed longer…

“No, no. I know you have to get home. Drive safe, all right?”

She nods, then steps away from me and walks out, leaving that sweet floral scent to hang in the air behind her.

I go upstairs and check on Ma. She’s sitting up in her bed now, a book in her lap and her reading glasses on. She looks up at me and smiles, taking off her glasses.

“How are you feeling tonight?” I ask her.

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