Straight Up Part 1

STRAIGHT UP.

by Deirdre Martin

Ireland is a good place to get lucky...Even a man on the run can enjoy the thrill of the chase...After getting on the bad side of New York's Irish mob, Liam O'Brien thought he could weather the storm back in Ireland. Working as a bartender in his parent's old village of Ballycraig, he's not looking for any trouble. But he could use a bit of fun.Aislinn McCafferty has already been scorned by a man once at the wedding altar. Now, any man who tries to woo her is quickly and coldly dispatched. The unknowing Liam soon learns this the hard way - and is immediately intrigued.Eagerly accepting a wager from the pub's owner, Liam begins a determined pursuit of the stubborn and beautiful Aislinn, who in turn uses all of her wiles to rid herself of the charmingly determined Yank. But neither of them expects this donnybrook of the s.e.xes to turn into an unlikely love...***Copyright***THE BERKLEY PUBLIs.h.i.+NG GROUPPublished by the Penguin GroupPenguin Group (USA) Inc.375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USAPenguin Group (Canada). 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700. Toronto. Ontario M4P 2Y3. Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)Penguin Books Ltd.. 80 Strand. London WC2R ORL. EnglandPenguin Group Ireland. 25 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.)Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road. Camberwell. Victoria 3124. Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.)Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd.. 11 Community Centre. Panchsheel Park. New Delhi- 110 017. IndiaPenguin Group (NZ). 67 Apollo Drive. Rosedale. North Sh.o.r.e 0632. New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.)Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd.. 24 St.u.r.dee Avenue. Rosebank. Johannesburg 2196. South AfricaPenguin Books Ltd.. Registered Offices: 80 Strand. London WC2R ORL, EnglandThis is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fict.i.tiously. and any resemblance to actual persons. living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not a.s.sume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.STRAIGHT UPA Berkley Sensation Book! published by arrangement with the authorPRINTING HISTORYBerkley Sensation ma.s.s-market edition / May 2010All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not partic.i.p.ate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions. For information, address:The Berkley Publis.h.i.+ng Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,375 Hudson Street. New York. New York 10014.eISBN : 978-1-101-40446-1BERKLEY SENSATIONBerkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publis.h.i.+ng Group,a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,***Dedication***In memory of Pat O'Shea.the best Irish storyteller I ever knew.***Acknowledgments***Mark and Rocky, my main men. Jane, for making our trip to Ireland fabulous fun. My wonderful agent, Miriam Kriss, and my equally wonderful editor, Kate Seaver. Binnie Braunstein, Dee Tenorio, Eileen Buchholtz, and Jeff Schwartzenberg. The Actors Workshop of Ithaca and Wings.p.a.ce Theatre Company for helping to keep me sane. Mom, Dad, Bill. Allison, Beth, Dave, Tom, Ken, and Brak.***

Chapter One

The Yank, the Yank, the Yank. For the past two weeks, all Aislinn heard every time she ventured into Ballycraig from the farm was that there was a handsome American in town, working as a bartender at the The Royal Oak. They said he was the nephew of Bridget and Paul O'Brien, two of the nicest people in town, and the dirt was that he was from New York City and was supposedly on the lam from the Irish mob. The Yank, the Yank, the Yank. Aislinn decided it was time to check out the specimen herself.She took her battered old truck into town rather than ride her bike, since a gentle rain was falling. Last time she'd chanced a bike ride in a light rain, the drizzle had turned into an all out, pelting downpour. She was in no mood to find herself cycling back home drenched to the bone, clothes pasted to her like a cold, second skin. No mood at all.Aislinn had to park down Kennealy Way, one of Ballycraig's narrow, cobbled back alleys, since all the parking spots on the high street street were taken. There may have been only 3,000 people in the village, but from the looks of it, all of them were crammed into Oak tonight. There was no other place to go for a pint, unless you wanted to drive the twenty miles to Cross Haven. But none of the pubs there were as nice as the Oak, and besides, who wanted to bend the elbow with strangers-not that Aislinn had any intention of lingering. No. It would be in for a quick whiskey and then home for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day, checking the fence lines to make sure none of her flock could escape.Aislinn entered the pub, hanging her barn jacket on the row of pegs immediately inside the door. As she'd expected, every seat and table were taken. The flickering glow of the fireplace created a sense of intimacy, and as always, the mood was jovial, thick with the feel of kins.h.i.+p and a shared need to relax. She checked her watch: it was still a bit too early for everyone to be in their cups or for the singing to begin. A few of the other farmers sitting round a knotted old table near the fire nodded to her, and she nodded back. That was extent of farmer conversation, which was fine with her.Aislinn walked the wide, battered wooden planks of the floor and made her way to the bar, ignoring Fergus Purcell, David s.h.i.+els, and Teague Daly, Ballycraig's holy trinity of a.r.s.eholes. As boys, they'd made her school years h.e.l.l, always teasing her about being a tomboy and for wanting to be a sheep farmer just like her Da. It took years before she realized it was anger that drove their taunting. She could outplay any of them in football, and when G.o.d doled out brains, she'd been far ahead of them in line. Anyway, from the time she'd started giving boys the time of day, she'd only had eyes for Connor McCarthy. More fool her."Well, well," said Fergus, a slip of a man who fancied himself a comedian. "Look who's here. Lady Muck has decided to grace us with her presence.""You're not joking when you say the word 'muck'," David added. "Look at them wellies. Caked with mud, they are." The threesome laughed.Aislinn chuckled along with them, even as she fantasized running the three of them down when the eejits staggered home after closing."G.o.d, you lot have me laughing so hard my sides are about to split!" she exclaimed. She c.o.c.ked her head in mock wonder. "I was wondering, Fergus and David: how's your construction business going? I was reading in the Independent just the other day that building is down over sixty percent. That Celtic Tiger you've been riding has keeled over and died, ay? Bad luck." Their faces fell as she turned on a charming smile for Teague. "And you, Teague Daly, you great, fat, balding thing. Have you found a job yet? Or are you planning to live at home and mooch off your poor ailing mam and da for the rest of your life?""f.e.c.kin' b.i.t.c.h," Teague muttered under his breath, hunching his shoulders as he pointedly turned his back on her. The other two goony faced fools were still staring at her, but all it took was one good glare and they shrank, knowing to keep their mouths shut unless they wanted her to dish up another heap of the brutal truth. Gutless twits. Always had been, always would be."Evening."Aislinn turned her attention to the man behind the bar who'd just spoken to her. So, this was the Yank. Well, the tales were dead on accurate: he was fine looking, with slate gray eyes and a great tousle of dark brown hair. Nice build, which he apparently was proud of if the tightness of his t s.h.i.+rt was any indication. Charming smile."Evening," Aislinn replied curtly.He extended his hand. "Liam."She ignored the gesture. "Aislinn.""Call her The McCafferty, that's her true name," she heard Fergus mutter.Old Jack, the balding, pot bellied owner of the bar, jumped in before Aislinn got a chance to shoot back at him. "Shut your piehole, Fergus." He smiled at Aislinn. "What can I get you, love? The usual.""Yes, please."She gave Liam the once over. "So, you're the Yank everyone's blathering about.""I prefer to think of myself as American.""Really? I thought all you Irish Americans preferred to think of yourselves as Irish."Jack handed her her whiskey."Thanks." She threw the dram down her throat and immediately asked for another. Liam was studying her, and not in a pa.s.sive way, either. She didn't like it. "Quit eyeballing me."Liam laughed. "Can't I look at the person I'm having a conversation with?""Since when are we having a conversation?"David leaned over to Liam. "I'd avert my gaze if I were you, lest you want to burst into flames.""Enough!" Jack snapped. He put another whiskey down in front of Aislinn. "Hard day?"Aislinn nodded, appreciative of his asking. "I had to set up the creep for the lambs today.""Did Padraig not help?""Padraig has been a bit off his game lately," she replied a little more sharply than she intended. Padraig was part of the reason she was in a bad mood. A hired hand who'd helped her parents with the sheep farm for as long as she could remember, he was closing in on seventy five now and was getting forgetful, sometimes doing the same ch.o.r.e twice, sometimes forgetting a ch.o.r.e entirely. Even so, she couldn't bear to let him go. Never married, he lived alone in a small cottage on her property. All he had was the farm and her.Old Jack had moved down to the other end of the bar to take orders, leaving her with the Yank."I gather you work on a sheep farm," Liam said with a friendly smile."I own the farm, thank you very much." Work on it. Of course a man would a.s.sume that. "I hear you're on the lam from the mob."Liam blinked, looking at her like he couldn't quite believe she'd said that."Some of the ladies in the town are impressed by that, you know," she continued."Fine with me," he replied, a swagger in his voice. Oh, this one was full of himself, all right."I can't see what's so impressive about it," said Aislinn, sipping her whiskey. "Seems to me only a fool would get mixed up in such things.""It's complicated," Liam said tersely. She smiled, seeing she'd gotten under his skin and punctured his cool."Why'd you come to Ballycraig to hide out?" she continued. "You're from New York City, no? Why not disappear in Dublin?""My people are here."Aislinn snorted. " 'My people'! G.o.d, you plastic Paddys! I suppose you'll be reconnecting with your roots while you're here, too."Liam just smiled, which was maddening. "Stop flirting with me. You're making me uncomfortable."Aislinn's jaw dropped. "I most certainly am not flirting with you!""I think you are.""And I think you're soft in the head." She drained her whiskey gla.s.s and plonked it down on the bar, adding a glare for good measure. Flirting with him. Ha! Didn't he just wis.h.!.+She strode to the door. "Leaving so soon?" Liam called after her teasingly She ignored him."Don't forgot your broomstick!" Teague added cheerily. She ignored that, too.She stomped back to her truck, fuming. First the idiocy of the trinity, then the Yank with his flirting rubbish. Addlepated fool. She'd no patience for him, nor for any of the men in this town with their big egos and big talk and not a d.a.m.n bit of character to back it up with. She'd learned the hard way when it came to the men of Ballycraig. Useless bunch-and now there was one more to contend with, and a Yank to boot.Flirting with him. She snorted loudly as she started up her truck and roared out of town in the now teeming rain. In your dreams, Yank. In your dreams.*****"Anyone care to explain to me what just happened here?" Liam asked, watching Aislinn storm out into the night. He'd noticed her the second she'd walked through the door. How could he not? She was tall, with regal bearing, her long, red hair tangled wildly around her head like some kind of Celtic Medusa. She had porcelain skin, and sparkling green eyes, as well as a seeming "Devil may care" att.i.tude when it came to clothing: a barn jacket, a plain red t-s.h.i.+rt, faded, ripped jeans, and mud caked wellies. A real country girl. A beautiful country girl."What happened is you've have your first encounter with the McCafferty," said Fergus as his pals sn.i.g.g.e.red."'The McCafferty'?""Ay, that's her nickname around town," Old Jack explained."That's her last name?"Jack nodded."Why the nickname?" Liam asked as he handed a pint of Harp to Grace Finnigan, who owned and operated the small grocery store on the high street."It's nicer than calling her 'The b.i.t.c.h,'" explained Teague."Did you not feel your b.a.l.l.s shriveling as you talked to her?" asked Jack."She seemed a little abrasive," Liam admitted. "But I didn't feel emasculated.""She's just warming up," Jack continued with a grimace. "Wait till the next time you meet her. You'll have to check yourself to make sure your goolies aren't in shreds.""Why was she here alone? Doesn't she have any friends?""Used to," David sniffed. "Drove 'em all away with that sharp tongue of hers.""She's fierce," said Jack. "And mad independent. Used to be a nice girl, but..." he shook his head sadly."But what?" Liam pushed. He was completely intrigued."Got her heart broken badly," said Jack."She was crazy about this jacka.s.s, Connor McCarthy-" David began.Old Jack interrupted with a snort. "He was no jacka.s.s. You were just upset she'd never give you the time of day in the romance department.""That's not true.""It is true." Jack took over the story. "She was seeing this fellow, Connor, for years and years. Lovely guy, gentle. Worked as a mechanic. They finally got engaged. A big, lovely wedding was planned up at her family's farm." He took a sip of his beer. "Well, the day rolled around, and didn't he confess right up there at the altar that he was gay as the day was long?""Jesus! That's terrible!" said Liam."Oh, it was, it was. The poor girl was humiliated, not to mention heart broke and furious. And rightfully so." He lowered his voice. "But ever since that day, she's had no use for the male s.e.x. No use for anyone, really. It changed her into a hard thing. She's as soon eat you alive as look at you." He shuddered."Don't you think something like that would change you, too?" Liam asked."Probably," Jack admitted after a long pause. "But I'd like to think if it were me, I'd reach out to others, rather than drive them away.""Doesn't she have any family?" Liam asked."One sister, Nora, who skeddaled out of town as soon as she turned eighteen. She went to England to go to university in London. Married to some richy rich stockbroker. She and Aislinn aren't close. As for her parents, Doris and Bert"-he shook his head sadly- "they were killed about six months ago in a car crash. Awful, it was, G.o.d rest their souls."Liam wasn't surprised to hear it. The Irish were lunatics behind the wheel, even on small, winding country roads where two cars could barely pa.s.s each other. Combine that with some people driving drunk, and the fatality rate from auto accidents was unbelievable."Drunk driver?""Of course," said Jack. He drained his beer. "Well, that just added another devastation for her, didn't it? She was dead close to her old man. They worked the farm together. Now she runs it with Padraig."Teague laughed meanly. "A right coffin dodger, he is. Old as dirt and losing his wits, at least that's what I hear. Grace Finnigan told me he came into her shop the other day asking for tinned peaches, and when she handed them to him, he insisted he'd asked for pears and then wound up going home with three packet of crisps and some f.a.gs instead.""Sad," said Jack. "He's a lovely oul fella."Liam couldn't imagine the double blow of being left at the altar, followed by the death of both parents. He might have handled it differently, but G.o.d knows she's strong. A lesser soul would have been demolished."How far out of town is the farm?"David narrowed his eyes. "Seems to be you're asking a h.e.l.luva lot of questions about The McCafferty.""Just curious.""A bit too much," said Jack, beginning to look alarmed. "You fancy her, don't you?""Maybe.""Like she'd have you," David sneered. "She won't even give the time of day to an Irishman. What makes you think she'd soften her heart for a Yank?"Liam just rolled his eyes. From the minute he'd arrived in town, he'd had to deal with animosity from these three clowns who seemed to think they were Ballycraig's c.o.c.ks of the walk."Yeah," Fergus chimed in. "You heard her: you're a plastic Paddy. We all know it. On the lam from the Irish mob, my a.r.s.e. You're one of them rich Yanks over here looking for your roots.""A rich Yank depriving an Irishman of a job," added Teague, gesturing at the bar."I hate to tell you gobaloons, but Liam has years of bartending experience," said Jack, coming to Liam's defense. "His parents own a pub in New York City.""So that's a reason to install him here at the Oak before giving me a shot?" Teague shot back heatedly."Teague Daly, it's no secret to anyone in this town that you've got about as much drive as a Brit," Jack said bluntly. "I've no doubt that if I'd hired you in this job, within a fortnight you'd be moaning on day and night about how hard it is."His friends laughed."f.e.c.k you, Jack," Teague hissed."The truth hurts, ay?" Jack teased.Teague gave him the old two fingered salute.Jack put a hand on Liam's shoulder. "Listen to me. I know that under the mud The McCafferty is a gorgeous piece of womanhood, but if you're thinkin' of trying to tame her, don't waste your time.""You make her sound like a horse!""A horse would have more luck with her," Teague muttered."Truly, I wouldn't waste your time," Old Jack repeated solemnly. "She'll chew you up and spit you out-a.s.suming she'd even let you close to her.""I bet you're wrong."Old Jack thrust his head forward as if he hadn't heard Liam correctly. "What did you just say?""I said, I bet you're wrong. I bet I can break down her defenses and get her to go out with me."David, Fergus, and Teague howled with laughter."Christ, will you listen to the ego on it!" said David. "You Yanks! You all think you're Superheroes!""It'll never happen," said Fergus, shaking his head. "Never in a million years."Liam flashed a confident grin. "Wanna bet?"Old Jack's eyes lit up. "What are we betting?""If I win, you double my wages. If I lose, you don't have to pay me for a year.""You're on." They shook on it."See what did I tell you?" said Fergus disgustedly. "No wages for a year? He's a rich Yank! He's hiding from the taxman, not the Mob.""You're going to lose this wager," Teague said to Liam. "You wait and see. And then you're gonna come crawlin' back here with your tail between your legs-and believe me, that's all you'll have between your legs after The McCafferty finishes with you.""We'll see. Now: anyone need a refill?"

Chapter Two

Early the next afternoon, Liam set out to walk the two miles to Aislinn's farm. It was a beautiful day, sunny and clear, with white clouds trailing lazily across the pale blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever. A light breeze was blowing, carrying on it the smell of fresh green gra.s.s. He could smell a peat fire burning far off.Liam took his time walking the narrow roads lined with low gray stone walls and hawthorn bushes. Rolling emerald fields stretched out before him, the color so vivid they almost looked like they'd been touched up for a postcard. He heard birdsong, and in the distance, the bleating of sheep. There was no denying it: the Irish countryside was beautiful. And yet, he missed home.He missed the hustle of Manhattan, its quick rhythm and frenetic energy. But most of all, he missed his family. He and his brother Quinn e-mailed each other daily, and Quinn's vivid writing sometimes made Liam feel as if he were actually there witnessing life unfold at the Wild Hart. But it wasn't the same. He wasn't there in person to hug his sister Maggie and congratulate her about expecting her first child. He wasn't there to see his sister Sinead relaxed and happy now that her horrible, prolonged divorce was through. Not there to see Quinn and his wife Natalie tease each other or to witness the affection between his parents that he and his sibs all aspired to in their own relations.h.i.+ps. He even missed the patrons of the bar. But he couldn't go back lest he risk his life.Thanks to his childhood friend Tommy, who was a runner for the Irish Mafia in Manhattan, he'd been set up, tricked into aiding and abetting Tommy in the torching of a video store. Whitey Connors, the head of the Irish Mob, could now drop a dime on Liam if he wanted to. Of course, Liam was just a p.a.w.n, a way for Whitey to try to stop his brother, Quinn, from working on his newspaper expose about the Mob. At first Whitey played nice: but one day, he arranged a meeting with Quinn and made it clear that if Quinn didn't drop the story, he just might kill Liam. Whitey dare not go after Quinn directly: as Quinn had once told Liam, the Mafia were stupid, but they weren't stupid enough to kill a journalist.Fortunately for Liam, one of the longtime patrons at his parents' bar, an elderly man known as the Major, had been an officer in the Irish Republican Army in its fight for independence. The Major was respected and still feared, even by the likes of Whitey. It was the Major who arranged for Liam to go to Ireland, believing Whitey wouldn't dare touch him if he knew it was the Major, and perhaps his shadowy old friends, behind sending him away. So Liam went, even though Quinn's article resulted in Whitey and a bunch of other goons being jailed. But Quinn's sources at the FBI told him it wasn't safe for Liam to come home yet. And now here he was, not knowing when he'd be able to go back to New York, if ever.He yawned, walking on. He hadn't gotten much sleep. The official closing time for the Royal Oak was twelve thirty, but once the musicians started playing, there was no getting them out of there until at least two o'clock, not that anyone minded. It never failed to amaze Liam that when Old Jack finally did close, everyone stood and sang the Irish national anthem in Gaelic. He tried to picture the patrons of the Hart rising to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and laughed out loud.Once in bed, he'd found himself unable to stop thinking about Aislinn. The McCafferty. How hysterical was it that a pack of men actually seemed scared of her? It might be understandable if she was an ax-wielding maniac, but she wasn't. Okay, she did come across as a spitfire, but it was obviously some kind of defense mechanism. He had no doubt he'd win his bet. All he had to do was break through, and given his track record, he had every confidence it could be achieved.He'd never met any woman who'd been able to resist his charms for long. Part of it was his looks, but another part of it was his undeniable moodiness. Women found him deep and mysterious, and he saw no reason to disabuse them of the notion.But it wasn't just ego that told him he'd be able to "tame" Aislinn. He was a bartender, for chrissakes. He knew how to read people, get them to talk and open up. All he had to do was gain her trust. It was going to be a cakewalk.Liam's walk came to an end when he spotted a large stone farmhouse atop a hill. There were two barns and two small outbuildings nearby. The surrounding pastures on both sides of the road were bisected by stone walls and wire fences. The big tip-off he'd arrived were the sheep spilling across the road, being herded along by a border collie.He dutifully waited for the herd to pa.s.s, then continued walking until he came to the long, winding, deeply rutted road leading up to the house. Hard as it was for him to believe, his heartbeat was actually picking up pace. He was nervous.Liam picked his way around the potholes, p.i.s.sed that he hadn't had the foresight to wear his hiking boots rather than his running shoes, which were rapidly becoming covered in oozing mudNow atop the hill, he turned and looked below. The view was spectacular. Open land as far as the eye could see: ancient, twisted trees; hedgerows. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, fully experiencing the momentary sense of peace and wonder overtaking him. He opened his eyes. He could hear someone rustling around in the nearest outbuilding. He stuck his head in. "h.e.l.lo?"An ancient, hunched old man looked up from hosing out a green plastic trough. Old Jack was right: Padraig was older than G.o.d, but there was still a spark in his crinkled blue eyes. He turned off the hose, put it down, and approached Liam."Can I help you? Here to buy some wool?""Actually, I'm here to see Aislinn.""Aislinn?" The old man looked mildly alarmed. "Who are you?""Liam O'Brien. I tend bar down at the Royal Oak."Padraig relaxed as his eyes lit up with recognition. "Bridget and Paul's nephew? The Yank?"Liam chuckled. "Yes, the Yank. Couldn't you tell from my accent?""Didn't really notice it, to tell the truth. I'm Padraig.""Nice to meet you," said Liam, shaking his hand."They're good people, Bridget and Paul.""They are. Maybe you remember my parents, Charlie and Kathleen O'Brien?""Of course I do! Moved to New York!""That's them.""Lovely, lovely. Send them my regards, will you?""Of course."Padraig started back toward the troughs."I'm here to see Aislinn, remember?" Liam called after him.Padraig stopped and turned. "Oh sure, sure, right enough. If you go up to the top of the hill behind the house and turn left, you'll see her far off in the high north meadow, tending to the fences. Ask her if she wants a cuppa soon. She's been up at it for hours.""Will do. And thanks.""My pleasure, son."Liam resisted the urge to peer into the windows of the house, and started up the hill. Son of a b.i.t.c.h, he thought as his sneakers sank farther and farther into muddy gra.s.s. You're an idiot Something I'm sure Aislinn will confirm.He made it to the top of the hill and turned left, as Padraig instructed. There, off in the distance, no bigger than a speck on the horizon, was Aislinn. Corning closer, he saw that she was on her knees with her back to him. mending a wire fence. She was wearing a baseball cap, her dark auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail. It didn't seem to bother her to be kneeling in mud. He decided that he'd call to her from a short distance away; that way, it wouldn't look like he was creeping up on her."Hey!"She turned around, and he waved to her with a big smile. When he finally was close to enough to see her expression, there was no mistaking the displeasure on her face.She rose to her feet. "What on earth are you doing here?"Liam shrugged affably. "I thought I'd just stop by to say hi."She frowned. "Oh you did, did you?""All right, I'll be honest. I felt bad about that comment I made to you last night about your flirting with me. I'm sorry it drove you out of the pub early.""You didn't drive me out early," Aislinn replied gruffly. "My intent was to go in, have a few quick drams to warm myself up, and then head back here - which is exactly what I did. Some of us have to get up early, you know.""And some of us work till the early hours of the morning.""Fair enough.""I still wish we'd gotten off on a better foot." He held out a hand. "Friends?"Aislinn eyed him warily. "Try acquaintances, and barely that." She took his hand, shaking it brusquely before turning back to the fence. "I'm busy, as you can see.""Can I help?"She whirled to face him. "Is that your idea of a joke?""No.""Well, it's funny all the same, believe me. Of course you can't help," she scoffed. "What in G.o.d's name would the likes of you know about mending fences, city boy?""Well, nothing," Liam admitted, "but I understand the concept behind it, and -"Aislinn snorted. "I understand the concept behind making an atomic bomb, but that doesn't mean I can do it.""Eejit," he heard her say under his breath. She was right. He was an idiot.But he wasn't giving up. "Maybe if you show me. ."What?" She pointed her pliers at him with narrowed eyes. "What's your game? Coming up here uninvited and offering to help me mend fences?""I told you: I came here to apologize.""Right: apology accepted. Off with you, then. And don't ever just show up here again uninvited. It's rude."Liam smiled roguishly. "Does that mean I might get invited up here sometime and you can show me then?"Aislinn wiped a bead of sweat off her forehead and just stared at him. "You know, I'm starting to think you truly are a little soft in the head. Why in the name of Jesus would I ever invite you up here?""To get to know me better.""You're mad. You truly are. Go away."For now." Liam returned lightly. "Oh, I almost forgot: Padraig wants to know if you want a cup of tea soon."Tell him I'll be down in an hour or so."Will do."Liam winked, starting back down the hill with a jaunty whistle. He could feel Aislinn's eyes burning smoking holes into his back. He was going to win this bet. All it would take was time.*****What in the name of h.e.l.l was that all about? Aislinn wondered as she watched Liam disappear out of sight. First he had the gall to show up unannounced, then he asked to help her out with a ch.o.r.e he knew nothing about, and to top it all off, he flashed an "I can charm the pants off you" smile while hinting about her inviting him over sometime. The cheek of him!She had to admit, he did seem sincere in his apology. Even so, he could have just waited until the next time she stopped into the pub. Making a special trip up to see her didn't make sense.She'd had a very productive day so far, and that pleased her. She turned her face up to the bright, glorious sun. Why would anyone ever want to live in a city? All that noise and people hurrying about. The country was the place that fed her soul. The land, the songs of the black-birds and the robins, the clean, clean air, and of course, her beloved flock. She couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Ever.She made her way down the hill. Padraig was sitting on the small bench outside the tool shed with Aislinn's border collie, Deenie, at his feet. Deenie jumped up at the sight of her."There's my girl," said Aislinn. crouching down to give the dog's belly a good rub and let Deenie cover her face in kisses. She rose, patting heron the head as she looked across the road. Her flock was grazing right where they were supposed to be. "Good job, Deenie. As always.She approached Padraig. "Did you finish rinsing out the troughs, old man?""Of course I did. Ages ago. Shall we have some tea?""In a minute. That guy who was just here? If he ever comes round again, tell him to go away, all right?"Padraig looked relieved. "I'm dead happy to hear you say that, I must confess. I thought maybe you were wantin' to hire someone else to help us out."Aislinn patted his shoulder. "Why should I need help when I've got you, eh?""Too true. Now tell me: why is it you don't want the likes of him here? He seemed a nice enough lad.""He's a pain in the a.r.s.e, that's what he is. I mean it, Padraig: if he comes sniffing round again. I want you to send him on his Yankee way."Is he sweet on you?" Padraig asked slyly."Don't be daft! And even if he were, he's barking up the wrong tree. Are we clear?""As a pane of gla.s.s, girl." He took a deep breath, rising slowly with the grimace of someone who'd acquired a lifetime of aches and pains. "Now let's put the kettle on."*****Even though it was a bit of a walk, they took their morning tea break in Padraig's cottage. It hadn't always been this way: before Aislinn's parents were killed, breaks were usually taken in the farmhouse kitchen or else out in the fields when her mother would bring her, her father, and Padraig a vacuum flask of tea. But ever since their deaths, Padraig had insisted she come to his place. Perhaps it was his way of comforting her or trying to give something back to her for keeping him on (as if that were even an issue). At any rate, Aislinn was glad of it. Change was good. At least that's what she told herself whenever she felt the old black dog of depression nipping at her heels.She sat down at the kitchen table, watching as Padraig filled his battered old kettle before putting it on the stove."Padraig," Aislinn said gently. "You've lit the wrong burner.""Ah, right, right." He turned off the flame and lit the right one. G.o.d, he could burn down the cottage one night, Aislinn thought worriedly. She toyed with the idea of asking him to move into the house with her, then quickly came to her senses: he'd drive her mad with his untidiness and tales of the old days.He opened a tin of biscuits, arranging them on a small, floral patterned plate before her. "Are you excited about your sister coming tomorrow night?"Aislinn sighed. "I guess."A professor of economics at the University of London, Nora was on sabbatical and coming home to "spend some time with Aislinn," as well as work on an article for an esteemed economic journal that she hoped would result in tenure. Aislinn was mystified: for years, all Nora had ever talked about was how glad she was to have "escaped" Ireland, as if the whole country was Maze prison. Aislinn had gone once to visit her and her husband, Donald, a stockbroker. She didn't like Donald much - he had a stick up his a.r.s.e that reached clear up to his throat - but he doted on Nora, and that's all that mattered. As for London, it wasn't her cup of tea, but unlike her sister, she didn't feel compelled to put it down the way Nora did Ballycraig.That trip had been seven years ago. As for Nora, she returned home only once a year. To her credit, she had flown their parents to London to see her every fall, but like Aislinn, they didn't care much for city life. "Don't feel like I can breathe there," her father always said when he got home.G.o.d, those three days of their wake. Even now, the memories felt surreal to Aislinn, the blur of mourners, their voices sympathetic yet indistinct. Condolences and ca.s.serole after ca.s.serole appearing in the kitchen. The overpowering scent of flower arrangements. The heart-breaking, lost look on Padraig's face. Sadness interspersed with toasts of whiskey and fond reminiscences.She had to admit, she was glad Nora was there. She was an immense help, and it was the closest Aislinn had ever felt to her. Her sister stayed for a whole week, the two of them staying up nights talking, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying. Nora offered to stay longer, but Aislinn didn't see the point. They both had to get back to their own lives.That was six months ago. Since then, they had talked on the phone a bit more than in previous years. And now Nora was coming for a prolonged visit, without Donald, thank G.o.d. What would she do all day while Aislinn worked the farm? G.o.d knew, Nora's notion of h.e.l.l was being out in the fields shepherding."I wonder what she'll do with her days," Padraig mused as if he read Aislinn's thoughts. She says she'll be working on her article."She can help clean the house, I suppose."Aislinn laughed loudly. "You must be joking! Mum was always after her to keep her room tidy, and Nora turned a deaf ear. Her bedroom always looked like a rubbish tip.""Does she not keep a clean house?""She's got someone who comes in weekly.""Well, la-di-da," said Padraig. "We could send her into town on errands. Or into Moneygall to that big supermarket."Aislinn bit into a stale tea biscuit. "Let's see what the lay of the land is first before we start telling her what to do.""Too right." Padraig reached for a biscuit. "Well, it'll be interesting having her about.""Truer words were never spoken."

Chapter Three

"I hear you're wooing the McCafferty."There was no mistaking the amused glint in his uncle Paul's eyes as he pa.s.sed Liam the plate of streaky bacon and sausages. Since Liam was the one responsible for opening the pub at twelve thirty on Sunday, he usually stopped by his aunt and uncle's house for breakfast on Sunday mornings, especially since he knew his cousins Erin and Brian would be there, too. It was a chance for everyone to catch up.Liam speared a piece of sausage. "Who told you?" Jack, of course."Actually, it's the talk of the town." said his cousin Erin. She paused thoughtfully. "I like the McCafferty.""Do you?" her mother asked, intrigued. "And why's that?""I was at school with her, remember? And she was always very nice to me. I always felt bad for her, with those stupid eejits Teague, Fergus, and David giving her stick all the time. She gave it back to them good, though, I'll give her that."Aunt Bridget poured herself a cup of tea. "You have to admit, it's a bit odd she always wanted to be a shepherd.""Not odd at all." Erin maintained. "What are you, Ma, in the Dark Ages? Women can do what they like.""She's right, Ma." Brian chimed in. "And I think it's great the farm is staying in the family.""She's going to have to get some help up there soon, though, I hear," said Uncle Paul, shaking his head sadly. "I hear Padraig's losing his wits.""He does seem a bit forgetful," said Liam.His aunt raised an eyebrow. "And how would we know that?""I was up there yesterday -""You were up there yesterday?" Erin interrupted with a splutter. "Did Aislinn invite you?""Of course not."Did she bite your head off, then?" Uncle Paul asked."Basically," Liam said nonchalantly. "But I'm sure she'll come around in time.""Right, and the Second Coming is nigh," Brian said dryly."What was her fiance like?" Liam continued casually.Erin sighed dreamily. "He was dead sweet. And good-looking, too. They were a very striking couple."Liam was irritated. "Really.""And he wors.h.i.+pped the ground she walked on," added Aunt Bridget."Too bad he didn't wors.h.i.+p her enough to tell her the truth about himself before humiliating her in front of the whole town," Liam pointed out."He was a tormented soul," Uncle Paul said sympathetically.And now she is."What's your strategy going to be, then?" Brian asked eagerly. "Overpower her with your natural charm and good looks?""Do I detect a note of sarcasm?" Liam asked. "Never." He and Liam laughed. "Seriously," said Erin. wide-eyed with curiosity as she gulped her tea. "How on earth do you plan to win her over?" "I have my ways," Liam said with a wink. "You're gonna need supernatural powers with that one," said Uncle Paul, gobbling down a piece of sausage. "Nope," Liam said confidently. "Mark my words. It's gonna happen. Just wait and see."*****Aislinn sat at the nicked old Parsons table in the kitchen, anxiously drumming her fingers as she waited for Nora's cab to arrive. Aislinn had offered to pick her sister up at the airport, but Nora claimed Aislinn drove like a mad-woman, and she didn't want to take her own life in her hands. Aislinn disagreed, but she was in no mood to dispute her sister. Better to let Nora do things the way she wanted, at least at first.Though Aislinn knew it would probably go unnoticed, she'd cleaned the house from top to bottom. She made sure there were fresh sheets on Nora's bed, fresh soap and towels in the loo, and had even taken the time to pick some wildflowers to put in a vase on her dresser. Nora told her not to bother with supper, so she hadn't, though the refrigerator was stocked just in case she changed her mind.Aislinn had no idea how long Nora was planning to visit, and she found that unnerving. She had her own way of running the household, and Nora could be a real bossy boots. She wondered if Nora wasn't having troubles in her marriage and that's why she was really coming, to get some distance from Donald so she could sort things out. Well, she'd find out soon enough.She heard the cab pull up and got up from the table to peek out from behind the curtain for a moment before backing away. What are you, a sheltered b.u.mpkin, she chided herself, acting like you've never seen a b.l.o.o.d.y car pull up in the drive?She heard the door to the mudroom open and smiled to herself. Only company came through the front door."h.e.l.lo? Aislinn?" Nora called out."In the kitchen, as if you didn't know." Aislinn was still smiling, feeling more excited than she'd been giving herself credit for. It took all her might to hang on to it, however, when Nora appeared with the cabdriver behind her, cursing and muttering to himself as he hauled in two large suitcases and put them down on the floor with a grunt. "I'll just go get the others, missus.""Wow," said Aislinn uneasily, eyeing the bags. "There's probably enough in there to clothe the whole town!"Nora laughed lightly. "Some of it's books. And my laptop. Don't think I've forgotten how changeable the weather can be here. I've brought enough clothing to cover every season."The cabbie lurched back inside, depositing the final two bags on the kitchen floor. Nora handed him a wad of bills. "Keep the change.""Thank you," he said. "Have a nice evening, ladies.""You, too," said Aislinn. She turned to her sister, licking her lips nervously. "So." So I'm here!"Yes." Aislinn embraced her and found herself enveloped in a cloud of perfume. She fought not to cough as she asked, "How was your flight?""Oh, you know, short," said Nora, peeling off her very stylish black leather trench coat. She looked around the kitchen. "Where's Deenie?"She got too tired to wait up for you and went to bed," Aislinn teased.Nora hung up her coat on the back of the mudroom door, flinging her arms open wide. "It's so nice to be home!"This is my home now not yours, Aislinn thought possessively. As always, Nora was exquisitely put together: lovely tan trousers, a deep burgundy cashmere sweater, gold earrings, and flawless makeup. Her black hair was chic and short. Aislinn wondered if Nora was going to dress like that every day. It made little sense if you lived on a farm."Do you want some tea?""Of course.""I do have coffee if you'd prefer.""I'm in the mood for tea, thanks.""Tea it is."Nora sat down, an elbow on the table as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. "Catch me up on all the Ballycraig gossip.""Padraig's slipping a bit, Teague Daly is still a great, lazy lummox, Erin O'Brien is going to university online, and there's a Yank working at the Oak who claims to be on the lam from the Irish Mob in New York. He's a royal eejit.""Why do you say that?""Full of himself. All the women in town are gaga over him; they think he's some kind of s.e.xy outlaw or something.""But you haven't succ.u.mbed to his charm?" Nora asked dryly."I've no use for him. Like I said, full of himself, and thick as two short planks. We didn't get on too well the first time we met the other night. So he comes up here yesterday to apologize and then asks if he can help me mend the fences. As if he knows a d.a.m.n thing about mending fences!""You're the one who's thick as two short planks. Aislinn."Aislinn sniffed. "Oh? And why would that be?""He obviously fancies you. Why else would he make a special effort to come up here?""He's an eejit, like I said." She put the kettle on the stove and spooned some loose tea into the pot. "Even if he does fancy me, fat lot of good it's going to do him.""Aislinn," Nora said carefully. "Have you dated anyone since -""No. That's the last thing I'm interested in.""But maybe it's time," Nora wheedled gently. "It might be good for you -""Listen here, Nora McCafferty," Aislinn chided affectionately, "I know you're just trying to be helpful, but you cannot come marching in here and within two minutes start giving me advice about how to live my life. I'm a big girl.""It just seems obvious to me -""Leave off, okay?"Nora held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay.""Thank you. I appreciate it. You sure I can't get you anything to eat?""I'm fine. Food's the last thing I need! Look how fat I am!"Aislinn looked at her sister like she was mad. "You're crazy. You're an a.s.sless wonder."Nora laughed. "Unfortunately, I'm not a tummyless wonder. Or a thighless wonder."Aislinn shrugged. "You look fine to me.""You're the one who looks skinny," Nora noted with a thin strain of envy in her voice."I'm all right. Probably from working the farm and riding my bike around when I can. I've no need of a gym."Speaking of the farm, you said Padraig is slipping a bit?""Just a bit," Aislinn said defensively."Maybe you should encourage him to retire.""Not yet.""But -""There you go again, offering up suggestions when you haven't lived here in years," Aislinn said, trying to keep her tone light. "Leave Padraig to me. all right?"I know you. You'll never let him go.Aislinn said nothing as she poured the boiling water from the kettle into the teapot. "How long are you staying for?""I'm leaving it open-ended. If that's all right with you.""Of course it is," Aislinn lied. She turned around to face Nora. "I hope you don't think I'm prying, but I can't help but wonder: have you come here to take a break from Donald? Are you two having problems?""G.o.d, no," said Nora, looking shocked that Aislinn could even suggest such a thing. "I wanted to see you, and I wanted a change of scenery while I worked on my article. I figured it might help jolt the creative process, you know?""I don't know anything about creativity, but I'll take your word for it.""Donald will pop over on the occasional weekend," Nora continued.f.e.c.k thought Aislinn. "What's your article about?" she asked."Economic development in South Africa.""You should pop up to Dublin one day and see if you can talk to Saint Bono. G.o.d knows he never shuts his yap when it comes to that subject."Nora laughed. "True." She sighed. "Probably sounds boring to you.""Yup," said Aislinn. "But I imagine deworming the ewes after their lambs are born sounds boring to you.Nora shuddered. "Boring and awful."Aislinn took the tea strainer and poured it into the first mug. "I take it you've no intention of helping me and Padraig around the farm, then? She saw the flash of terror in Nora s eyes and burst out laughing. "I'm kiddingl"Nora looked relieved. "Thank G.o.d.""You'll just stay in the house and write?" Aislinn asked, pouring a cup of tea for herself."Pretty much. I might head up to Dublin a few times to use the library at Trinity. You could come along if you like. You could sightsee while I work.""No thank you." Aislinn handed a mug of tea to her sister. "I might put you to work around here in some way, just so you know.""Oh yes? Do tell.""Maybe run errands sometimes. Cook the occasional meal.""I can handle that." Nora took a sip of tea. "Perfect, as always." She looked amused. "I'm not totally averse to being outside, you know! I haven't walked the whole property in a long time. Maybe we could do that one afternoon."That would be nice."And I'd like to go with you to the Royal Oak to check out this Yank who's got the hots for my baby sister.""Put a sock in it, please.""It's going to feel odd, being back for a prolonged period of time.""You'll get used to it soon enough," said Aislinn, more to a.s.sure herself than Nora."I hope so.

Chapter Four

"That was b.l.o.o.d.y hair-raising. You're as bad as every other driver in this country."Aislinn shot Nora a dirty look as they walked into the pub with Padraig. They'd driven in Aislinn's truck, the three of them crushed into the front seat. Padraig had wanted to drive, but Aislinn wouldn't let him. He tended to turn his head to look at you when he talked, taking his eyes off the road for long periods of time. Aislinn had no desire to find herself in a ditch.Nora had been at the farm a week, and so far, so good. She wasn't getting underfoot, and really, the only time she plucked on Aislinn's nerves was when she complained about having to drive all the way into Moneygall to shop. She came home moaning about all the things she couldn't find, like sun-dried tomatoes, bruschetta, and fresh pasta. "You're not in London anymore," Aislinn reminded her patiently. Can't get b.l.o.o.d.y bruschetta. Boo-hoo. Aislinn thought."My driving is fine," Aislinn insisted as she held the door open, preparing for the onslaught. The locals would be surrounding Nora to welcome her back to Ballycraig, even though all of them knew that when she'd left years ago, she'd termed it an "escape.""G.o.d, this place never changes," Nora marveled as they stepped inside. Padraig didn't even bother to take his coat off as he made a beeline to the bar. Aislinn's eyes cut surrept.i.tiously to the left: of course the Yank was there, along with the Holy Trinity of a.r.s.eholes, raising their gla.s.ses high when they spotted Nora."Hail the returning queen!" said Fergus."We hear you're back in town for a good while," said David. "What happened? Lose all your money in the stock market?"Nora just rolled her eyes. "They never change, either, I see," she said to Aislinn."No, they don't."A thick throng of people soon surrounded them, welcoming Nora warmly. Aislinn nodded her acknowledgment when they also greeted her, all so polite, their expressions a mix of pity and unease. The pity really irritated her. As for the unease, she had to admit she enjoyed that just a teeny bit. It was nice to control something - even if it was people's perception that she was fearsome.Aislinn was dressed more formally than the last time she'd been here - not on purpose, but because she'd finished around the farm with a little time to spare. She'd pulled her hair back in a loose braid and had donned freshly pressed jeans, a simple blue V-neck T-s.h.i.+rt, and her Frye boots. Nora, of course, was dressed to the teeth. She looked completely out of place. She was completely out of place.Nora nudged Aislinn discreetly in the ribs. "That the Yank?" she whispered, glancing at the bar."Who else would it be?""Good-looking man.""Too bad he knows it.""Let's go over and get a drink."Together, the two sisters sidled through the thick, boisterous crowd. The musicians were already playing by the roaring fire, well into "The Foggy Dew." By the time they got to "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house. Aislinn herself felt the p.r.i.c.k of hot tears at the corners of her eyes just thinking about it: it had been one of her father's favorite tunes.Aislinn reached the bar first, trying to ignore Liam's penetrating stare. Because she was cursed, she found herself next to Teague Daly."Evening, McCafferty."Aislinn didn't look at him. "Evening. Daly."She felt him looking her up and down. "You look halfway decent tonight. Maybe havin' the sister in town has roused your compet.i.tive spark, eh?""You're a baboon's a.s.s."She still married?" Teague asked in a quiet voice."Yeah. But I'm sure she'd divorce her rich stockbroker husband to marry you and live on your mam and dad's couch for the rest of her born days.""f.e.c.k off." Teague snarled."Nora! Darlin'!" Old Jack was beaming as he reached across the bar to clasp Nora's hand heartily. "We'd heard you're back. Is it for good, then?"Oh, no, no, said Nora quickly."Too bad." He looked at Aislinn. "The usual?" Aislinn nodded. "And for you, NoraT'"A mojito, please."Jack's face went blank. "A moji - wha?"b.l.o.o.d.y Jesus, thought Aislinn. What kind of a fool orders a drink like that in a small village pub?"It's a drink that's popular in the States, and I guess in London, too," explained Liam, coming to the rescue. He smiled apologetically at Nora. "Sorry, I've got rum and club soda, but no lime, mint, or sugar syrup. Is there something else we can get you?"Nora looked put out. "Can you do a gin and tonic?"Of course."Mojito," Aislinn heard Old Jack repeat to himself as he went to get her whiskey, as if it was some newfangled expression he had to wrestle with.Aislinn regarded her sister with disbelief as Liam went to fix Nora's drink. "Earth to Nora. Did you really think you could get a mojito here? At the Oak?""They're very popular!" Nora protested."You're in Ballycraig, remember? According to you, we don't even have a proper supermarket nearby! What made you think you'd be able to get some exotic drink?"Nora ignored the question. Her eyes followed Liam. "He's hot.""So are the flames of h.e.l.l," said Aislinn, taking her whiskey shot from Jack and putting money down on the bar to pay for both their drinks as Jack gave her a refill. "Thanks."Liam appeared a moment later, handing Nora her gin and tonic. "There you go."Nora extended her hand to him. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Nora McCafferty, Aislinn's sister.""Liam 0 Brien."Nice to meet you." Nora looked coy as she took a sip of her drink. "I've heard you're a big, bad, dangerous New York outlaw."Liam grinned. "Guilty as charged.""C'mon, let's go get a table," Aislinn urged, tugging her sister away from the bar. "What the h.e.l.l was that about?" she snapped as soon as they were out of earshot."What?" Nora asked innocently."Flirting with the Yank!"Nora sniffed. "What's it to you?""Might I remind you, you're married?""I know. I just wanted to see if you'd get jealous. And you did.""You sure you didn't steal a few nips back at the house?" Aislinn scoffed. "Seems to me you're imagining things.""You fancy him," Nora declared with certainty. Her eyes scanned the low-lit, back room of the pub. 'Nowhere to sit.""Never is unless you get here at noon and want to hold your seat till nightfall."Aislinn noticed two turf farmers she knew as pa.s.sing acquaintances motioning her and Nora over. She hesitated. Surely they didn't want her and Nora to join them. Unfortunately, Nora saw them, too."We're being summoned.""I'd rather not," said Aislinn."Why not?""I can't do small talk, Nora," Aislinn said desperately. "And I don't think you'd enjoy it much, either, unless you've a hankering to chat about the peat business.""Nonsense. I'm sure we could have a nice conversation. How about this: I'll talk, and you can just sit there and glower?""Fine. Suit yourself."The two men, both in their mid-fifties and slightly hunched from a lifetime of digging in bogs and sod carrying, rose politely when she and Nora reached the table. "Can't have two pretty ladies like you standing all night. Here, take our seats.""Oh, no, you don't have to do that, the last thing we want to do is to turn you out of your seats," Aislinn protested."Not a problem," said the taller of the two."Are you sure?" Aislinn asked again. She hated the thought of taking advantage of their good natures."More than sure. Please.""Thank you sooo much," Nora said graciously. "It's grand to know chivalry isn't dead." The two men looked pleased as they headed toward the bar. "They seem nice," she added. watching them go."Grand to know chivalry isn't dead.' Good one, that. You're quite the flirt tonight. I suppose that was a test, too, to see if I'd get jealous over one of them?""Just having fun," Nora said lightly. "Something I sense you are in dire need of." She took a sip of her drink. "Turf farmers, huh? Did you know I've hated the smell of burning peat ever since I was a little girl?""No, I didn't know that," said Aislinn, though she wasn't surprised. It was an earthy smell that could sometimes border on acrid. "I don't mind it." She tilted her head in the direction of the roaring fire. "That bothering you, then?""A bit. But I'll live.""That's a relief," Aislinn teased.Nora smiled at her. "I enjoyed walking the property with you today.""Yes, that was nice," Aislinn agreed, sipping her whiskey.They chatted on for a while. Aislinn was actually enjoying it, until she caught sight of the Yank coming toward them."s.h.i.+te," she said under her breath.Nora turned to see what she was cursing about, then looked back at Aislinn. "Time for me to make myself scarce," she said with a sly grin."Don't you dare," Aislinn hissed."Hey," said Liam when he reached their table. "Mind if I join you? I'm on break.""Yes," said Aislinn.Nora shot her a "Don't be rude" look as she stood. "Actually, there are a couple of my old friends from school I'm itching to talk to. See you two later.""Yup." Liam sat down. "How's it going?""Would you mind being a bit more specific?" Aislinn could feel all eyes in the room turning to look at them: she could imagine what they were thinking. What's the Yank doing talking to Aislinn Mccafferty? He must be touched in the head."Did you finish mending your fences?""I did.""And how's it going with your sister?""You're a real nosy parker. Anyone ever tell you that?"Liam laughed. "My mother uses that expression all the time.""Well, you are.""Just making casual conversation." He took a sip of his pint. "The Oak reminds me of the pub my parents own, the Wild Hart.""Oh?" Aislinn tried to look disinterested.Liam looked sentimental. "Yeah. It has a real close-knit, family feel.""Miss it, then, do you?""Of course I do." Liam said quietly. "It's home" Aislinn's gaze was steady as she looked at him over her whiskey gla.s.s. 'What did you do that made you leave a home you miss so much?""Who's the nosy parker now?" Liam asked with an amused smile.Sorry. I suppose I am."No, it's okay," Liam a.s.sured her. "It's not what I did - it's what a friend did to me. Let's just say he betrayed me."I know all about that, Aislinn thought bitterly. "Betrayed you how?"Liam hesitated. "He got me involved in something illegal. When I wouldn't keep quiet, my friend's boss threatened me. So here I am.""For how long?"Liam looked pained. "I don't know.""You must be bored senseless in these parts." What' are you asking him questions for? she chided herself. He's going to think you care, when all you 're trying to do is be polite.Liam's gaze pinned her. "No. There are things here that hold my attention."Aislinn stared back at him. "Fascinating.""Your sister seems nice. A lot different than you, though. She older or younger?""I don't really want to talk about Nora." His curiosity regarding her sister was irksome."Nope, not fair. You asked me questions: now I get to ask you some."Fine, Aislinn said in a bored voice. Fire away."How long has she been away?""Ten years or so. Hopped it over to England the minute she got the chance." "Didn't want to be a shepherd, huh?Aislinn snorted. "Nora, a shepherd - that's a good one. No, she's a professor at a university in London.""What's she doing here?""Ask her yourself. Three questions are all you get.""I like even numbers. Let's make it four.""You don't let up, do you?""Let's just say I'm used to getting what I want," Liam murmured seductively.Aislinn stared at him a second, then burst out laughing. "Has that line actually gotten you into womens' knickers? What movie did you steal that from?"I didn't steal it from any movie," Liam replied, looking offended. "It's the truth."Well, how nice for you, then, getting what you want. For the rest of us mortals, it's. .h.i.t or miss. "Do I get one more question or not?""Since I know you'll continue to be a royal pain in my a.r.s.e if I don't accommodate you, fine, ask your final question.""Will you go to the ceili with me next Sat.u.r.day?" Aislinn peered hard at him across the table. "Is this some kind of joke?" "Why would I be kidding?"Aislinn thought this over and could come up with no good answer."Well?""Thanks, but no thanks," she said politely."Why not?""It's none of your business why not!"Liam took a slug of beer. "I disagree. I think the least you can do is tell me why you can't go." "Hmm, let's see," said Aislinn, tapping her chin with her index finger thoughtfully. "I have to wash my hair that night."Try again."Final answer.""You want to know why I think you're turning me down?"Aislinn yawned. "Not particularly.""I think you like me.""If I liked you, I'd be going with you, wouldn't I?" Aislinn shot back."Not if you're afraid of being vulnerable, you wouldn't.""Vulnerable to what?" Aislinn scoffed. "Your pathetic macho come-on lines?""To feeling."Aislinn stiffened, indignant. "How dare you say I don't feel?""I'm sorry. Bad choice of words. What I meant was -"She stood up. "I don't much care what you meant.""Come to the dance," said Liam. "Come on. You don't have to come as my date. Just come. It'll be fun.""Some of us have to get up before dawn, you know.""You can't stay for an hour? Come on.""Excuse me: I have to go make sure Padraig doesn't get drunk. He's of no use to me when he's hungover."She headed back to the bar, feeling Liam's eyes on her the whole way. Well, let him stare. Arrogant gobaloon. I'm used to getting what I want. Giving her sloe eyes, like he was some sort of romantic hero. Handsome and mildly interesting he might be, but Liam O'Brien wasn't going to get what he wanted this time.

Chapter Five

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this. Truly."Aislinn was sitting on the closed lid of the toilet while Nora sat across from her on the lip of the tub, putting makeup on her face. For a week,Nora had been haunting her about going to the ceili Don't be such a stick-in-the-mud. You need to get out and start doing things. We don't have to stay long. When's the last time you got out and did anything fun?That was a painful question. Fun? The last time she'd had fun was over a year ago, when she and Connor had packed a lunch and hiked up to the top of Murphy's Hill the day before their wedding. They'd spread a blanket on the ground, reveling in the gorgeous, endless green fields below them stretching as far as the eye could see. A warm breeze blew, gently tickling the soft gra.s.s, and the sun was in rare form, blazing bright in the cloudless sky. Aislinn had never been happier in her life. At this time tomorrow, she kept thinking to herself, I'll be Gonnor 's wife. She remembered he seemed a bit preoccupied, but she put it down to pre-wedding jitters. Twenty-four hours later, her dream lay in tatters.When it became clear Nora wasn't going to let up about the dance, Aislinn capitulated, justifying her submission with the excuse that the dance was for a good cause: Grace Finnegan's husband, Fintan, had been diagnosed with bone cancer, and the dance would help raise money for him to go over to England for treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the world. Even so, Aislinn told her sister, "I'll stay for one hour, and one hour only. After that, you're on your own getting a ride back here."Of course, Aislinn's agreeing to go to the dance wasn't enough for Nora. Oh, no. She insisted on rifling through Aislinn's closet to see if she had something "appropriate to wear," and naturally, in Nora's estimation, she didn't. To get Nora off her back - again - Aislinn agreed to wear a pair of Nora's black jeans (too tight if you asked her), spiked-heel boots (it wasn't as if she'd be dancing), and a crimson scoop-neck s.h.i.+rt, topped with a silk scarf around her neck. She'd also agreed to wear her hair down."You look gorgeous," Nora declared."I won't look gorgeous when I'm in traction after breaking my neck wearing these ridiculous boots," Aislinn grumbled. "You sure you didn't borrow these from Catwoman?"Nora ignored the crack. "Let's get some makeup on you," she insisted, and that's when she'd steered a simmering Aislinn into the loo and commanded her to sit down. Aislinn had opened her mouth to protest, then realized it was futil"I don't know why I'm succ.u.mbing to this torture," Aislinn lamented as Nora dabbed G.o.d knows what on her face. "I hate the feel of this rubbish on my skin!""Don't act like you've never worn it before! You had some on, on your wedding day.""Only because the photographer said I'd look pale in the pictures if I didn't. Why can't I just go as myself?""You are going as yourself, just an enhanced version."Aislinn looked at her sister coolly. "Oh, so I need some enhancement, aye?""Aislinn." Nora paused, exasperated. "You're a beautiful woman. What's wrong with capitalizing on it?""Because it's not me, Nora," Aislinn protested. "It never has been."Nora sighed heavily. "Just indulge me on this, okay?""Seems I'm indulging you left and right these days, but fine," Aislinn muttered. "All this dressing up - it's going to cause trouble.""Close your eyes." Nora began lining her lids. "Trouble how?""The Yank is going to think I've gotten all turned out just for him. I know it.""Why would he think that?""He asked me to be his date."Nora gasped. "And you said no?"Aislinn's eyes flew open. "Of course I said no! Why in the name of G.o.d would I want to encourage that egomaniac?""Because he likes you. And he's nice."He's full of himself. You know what he had the gall to say to me at the Oak last week? That he was used to getting what he wanted. His voice went all low and sultry. As if I'd fall for a line of bull like that! What does he think I am, an eejit? He's a horse's a.r.s.e, and I want no part of him.""Methinks thou doth protest too much," Nora teased."Believe me, Nora, I know the type.""Do you now?" Nora mocked. "You've only ever been with one man your whole life, and all of a sudden you're an expert on the opposite s.e.x?""I've got eyes and ears, you know," Aislinn said fiercely. "I meet men like that all the time at the farmers' market. In fact, there's one fella who buys wool who thinks he's G.o.d's gift to women. Dad and I used to fall about the place laughing as soon as he'd leave.""I think maybe the Yank was just teasing you a bit, trying to get you to lighten up.""No, he thought he was being charming and seductive. I saw how he was behaving. You didn't.""There's no reason you can't have a little fun with him," Nora suggested slylyAislinn frowned