by Kate Sweeney
“No…Really?” Trevor leaned forward then. “Tell me.”
“We’d just run away. Some parents, well, life is hard, and I understand that. Ya lose your job, you have a family, you need income. The government, of course, pays you to be a foster parent. For some, they do it because they love kids and can’t have their own and want to give them a good home.” She smiled sadly. “We just never found them. So when it got tough or…”
“Abusive?” he gently prodded.
“I never let it get to that point. The minute I saw that start, we left. In the night…” Maureen stopped; Annabel saw the tears form in her eyes. “I’d pack our bags and off we went. It was an adventure, I’d tell Michael.” She looked up at both of them. “He was just a kid and so trusting. He’d put his little hand in mine and…” She stopped, her bottom lip quivering. “It wasn’t always hard. There were years when we were very young, we would stay put, but then the family either had to move or it got too much for them. In between, I made sure we both went to school. When I was of legal age, I got myself a job and a small flat in Dublin.” She laughed outright then. “It was a rat hole, but we were together, and no one could take him away from me.”
“Any higher education?” Trevor asked, shaking his head in awe.
“I went for a few terms but didn’t have the time or the money.”
“How old are you if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I would,” Annabel mumbled as she washed the silverware.
“Shush,” Trevor said, waving her off.
“I don’t mind. I’m thirty. Michael is twenty-six. All grown up.”
Annabel noticed the faraway look again. “You’re slacking,” Annabel said, shoving the forks at her. They both laughed as Maureen dried them without another word.
After the dishes were put away, Maureen laid the damp towel over the counter; she looked pale and tired. Annabel glanced at the clock—it was nearly eight thirty. “I know it’s early, but you look so tired…”
“I am a little.”
“Will you take my advice and wait another day before you do anything?” Annabel asked. For a moment, she saw Maureen’s jaw tense. “Just one more day.”
“And you can make your call tonight?” Trevor added quickly, pulling out his cell phone.
Maureen reluctantly agreed and took the phone. “If ya don’t mind?” She walked out of the kitchen.
Annabel and Trevor watched the door gently swing in her wake.
“Bet she’s calling about her brother,” Trevor said.
Annabel nodded. “I wish I knew where he was.”
“Well, if she said he was getting into bad drugs, he might be in a hospital or a rehab facility. I know there’s a few in Dublin.”
“I hope he’s all right.” Annabel sighed and sat down. “And I’m glad she’s giving herself another day. She needs to rest.”
“She does look bedraggled, that’s for sure. One more day can’t hurt.”
“Are you sure you want to get involved? We could easily take the car.”
“Not on your life. Classes at Trinity don’t start for another week. And I’m bored silly in this mausoleum.”
“Who owns this?” Annabel asked, looking around the spacious kitchen.
“Timothy Patrick Donavan McGowan.” He bowed dramatically.
“Wow. Four names. He must be important.”
Trevor laughed. “He’s a well-known psychiatrist and philanthropist. He rents out his house when he’s abroad. He’ll be back in a few months.”
“Then what will you do?”
“I’m looking at a quaint place right in the middle of Dublin. I love that city. And this country air is killing me.”
Annabel laughed. “We’re so far from Nebraska. Who would have thought it?”
“Nobody we know, that’s for sure.”
They both looked up when Maureen walked back into the kitchen. She was actually smiling. She handed the phone to Trevor. “Thank you.”
“Well, if that brought the smile to your face, you can keep the phone.”
Maureen grinned. “I just wanted to make sure Michael was doing better.”
“And he is?” Annabel asked, amazed at how a smile transformed Maureen’s face. She looked like a teenager.
“He’s not out of the woods yet, but he’s recovering. Thank you both so much.”
“Well, if we’re going on this adventure in the next couple days, we’ll all need a good rest and relax.” Trevor stood and stretched. “Annabel, you have your pick of any room. But you may have to ask Maureen if…” He grinned like a fool, which made Maureen’s pale complexion change dramatically, as she avoided Annabel.
“Thank you.” Annabel glared at Trevor, who sported an innocent look.
“You’re very welcome,” he said with a bow. “Now don’t worry about anything in the morning. You get up whenever you like…”
“Translation?” Annabel looked at Maureen. “Trevor will not be coherent until noon.”
“Hmm.” Trevor snorted. “But she’s right. First one up makes coffee. And if you have the inclination, we have plenty of eggs and wonderful Irish sausages and bacon. Only if you’re inclined…”
“Thanks, Trevor. You’re a gracious host.”
Maureen laughed along. “We’ll make your breakfast.”
“We will?” Annabel’s mouth dropped.
“Wonderful. Now I’ll lock up the house, then I’m off to take a hot bath and bed. Good night, ladies.” He hugged both women before walking through the swinging kitchen door.
They stood in awkward silence for a moment before Annabel cleared her throat. “Well, I’ll get my luggage and…”
Maureen chuckled then and turned off the kitchen light, leaving Annabel to follow.
*******
They stood in the hallway by Maureen’s door. Annabel had her luggage trailing behind her as she rolled it down the hall.
“Well…” she said, realizing her hands were shaking.
Maureen scratched the back of her neck and looked down the hall. “I guess you do have your pick of rooms.”
“I guess,” Annabel said in a dejected voice, which had Maureen smiling. “I guess I’ll stay across the hall. Good night.”
“Good night, Annabel,” Maureen said softly. “Annabel…”
“Yes?” Annabel realized she said that far too eagerly. She tried to sound nonchalant as she crossed the hall. “Yes?”
Maureen hesitated, then shook her head. “Thank you for helping me. I’m not sure where I’d be if you hadn’t.”
Annabel smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s an adventure, don’t forget. Good night,” she said as she walked into the bedroom and quietly closed the door.
Annabel turned on the light and stared at the large lonely-looking bed. She tossed her bag on the bed and sat down. She bounced one or twice for good measure. “Too soft,” she said dejectedly. She opened her suitcase, taking out a pair of flannel pajamas. She grinned wickedly as she ran her fingers over the fabric.
She grabbed them and headed to the door. Flinging it open, she nearly ran into Maureen, who was poised to knock.
“Hi,” Annabel said with a grin. “I just realized you have no clean clothes or pajamas.” She held up the flannel. “I have an extra pair. If you want them.”
Maureen frowned slightly. “Thank you.”
“What did you want?”
“I, well, I thought…the same thing.”
Annabel raised an eyebrow. “I think you’re lying.”
“No, I’m not.” Maureen reached for the pajamas as Annabel held them behind her back. “Annabel. It’s late…”
“Why did you come to my room?” she asked, backing up.
Maureen hid her grin and walked into the room. “I told ya. We thought of the same thing.”
“Hmm,” Annabel said, still backing up. “You don’t strike me as a woman who would care if she wore anything to bed.”
Maureen slowly walked toward her. “Hand ’em over.”
“No…�
�
“Annabel.”
She laughed nervously when she backed up to the bed and stopped abruptly. “We’ve landed.”
Maureen laughed then, standing in front of her. “You’re an unstable woman.”
“I’ve been called worse.”
“I can believe that. Now no more playing. It’s late and—”
“Stay with me,” Annabel whispered. She offered Maureen a hopeful smile along with the pajamas. “I have a private bathroom.”
“So do I, but I must admit, the bed is too soft.”
“Mine is perfect.” That wasn’t the biggest lie she’d ever told. At this point, she didn’t care. “It’s very comfy.”
“Well, I would like a good night’s sleep.”
“It’s very important. Why don’t you go take a long hot bath?”
When Maureen raised an eyebrow, Annabel grinned. “I promise I won’t bother you. You can bathe in peace.”
“Thank you,” Maureen said.
“For now,” Annabel added as Maureen closed the door.
After nearly forty minutes, Annabel thought she’d drowned. She was about to go to the door when it opened. Annabel was shocked at the difference in Maureen. She looked squeaky clean, her face flushed and her hair damp. She also looked very sexy in the flannel pajamas.
“They fit,” Maureen said, extending her arms.
“Yes, they do,” Annabel said with a nod. “Very nicely, I might add. I have jeans and a sweater that will fit you, as well.”
“Thank you. I saved some hot water for ya.”
“Thanks. I’m dying for a good soak.” She gathered her pajamas. “I’ll be right out.”
True to her word, Maureen left her plenty of hot water. Annabel sighed as she lay against the cool porcelain. The image of Maureen lying naked in the same tub just minutes before had her heart racing. “Get a grip, woman,” she said, putting the hot cloth over her face.
As much as she was enjoying the time, she had to remember what was happening and what she was involved with here. She basically knew nothing about Maureen Costello. All reason told her to get out of this as quickly as possible. Now Trevor was involved, as well.
She took the cloth away from her face and gently washed her arms, inwardly wishing it were Maureen who… She stopped and groaned, quickly finishing before any more images invaded. “This is all Trevor’s fault.”
She found Maureen sound asleep, adorably cuddled in the down blanket. She turned off the light and crawled into bed, lying on her side facing Maureen, whose brow was furrowed in REM sleep. Annabel reached over, ran her fingertips across her brow, and gently kissed her forehead.
“Good night, Maureen,” she whispered.
Maureen stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For an instant, she seemed disoriented; when she met Annabel’s gaze, she smiled sleepily.
“Sorry. I fell asleep,” she whispered. “And ya lied. This mattress is very soft.”
Annabel laughed and cuddled closer. “Not too uncomfortable, I hope.”
“Not at all. Did ya enjoy your bath?”
“Very much. Thanks for saving the hot water.” She reached over and caressed Maureen’s cheek. “You have so many freckles. Can I kiss you?”
Maureen blinked several times. “Annie, uh, Annabel…”
“Annie Annabel?” she asked with a grin and cuddled closer.
They lay so close Annabel saw the little flecks of amber in Maureen’s green eyes. She saw so many emotions flash across her freckled face. She saw the vein throbbing in Maureen’s neck as she swallowed once again.
“Annie, this is an unusual situation, and it might get even more unusual. I don’t want you to…”
Annabel placed her fingertips against her lips. “I’m an adult, Maureen. So are you. I don’t have any illusions here.” She sidled a little closer. “If I get any closer, I’ll be behind you.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, and I don’t want…”
Annabel continued to look into her eyes. “Will you stop trying to protect everyone?” She slipped her arms around her neck and pulled her closer, kissing her lightly on the lips.
When she pulled back, Maureen sighed. “You have a very tender way about you.” She smiled sadly then. “I wanted to do this back in Paris,” she whispered against her lips. “I truly did.”
“And I wanted you to,” Annabel whispered back.
“You were so beautiful just as you are now.” Maureen’s lips traveled from her lips to her cheek. She then pulled back and hesitated.
The tears that formed in her green eyes shocked Annabel. “What is it?” she whispered. “Please tell me.”
Maureen’s bottom lip quivered as she cocked her head as if seeing Annabel for the first time. Annabel smiled and waited, watching some inner struggle play out on Maureen’s face.
“I haven’t been completely honest with you. There’s more going on here that I can’t explain, and I hate myself for getting you involved in this. I should never have gotten into your car at the airport.”
“Why did you?”
Maureen rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “I wasn’t thinking straight.” She looked over at Annabel and shrugged. “I just saw your face, and before I knew it, I was in your car. It was so stupid, so selfish of me.” She let out a rude laugh. “That’s been my existence so far. I’m sorry. So sorry.”
The tear rolling down the side of Maureen’s face shocked Annabel. She sat up and looked down, amazed at how green her eyes were now. She put her hand on Maureen’s shoulder. “I’m not sorry,” she said softly. “And I know something is going on besides what you’ve told me. Please don’t cry. But all I know is that I can’t just leave you now. I don’t know why.” She took Maureen’s hand and held it tightly. “I’m not fooling myself, but I can’t deny the attraction I’m feeling for you.”
Maureen stared at their entwined fingers. “Ya deserve so much more,” she whispered. “More than I can give.”
“Will you let me be the judge of that?”
Maureen smiled and sniffed back the tears. “Well, I don’t know. You haven’t shown very good judgment since we’ve met. You’re impetuous and—”
Annabel leaned down and kissed her, sighing as Maureen returned the kiss. Annabel sensually flicked her tongue across Maureen’s lips. Things were going well until Maureen pulled back and gave Annabel a scathing look.
“See what I mean? Ya can’t be kissing me like that.”
“Look who’s talking,” Annabel said, kissing her once again. Her lips traveled to Maureen’s cheek before she pulled back. “I want us to make love.”
“Annabel…”
“At some point,” she went on quickly. “I know there’s a great deal going on. So for now, just sleep. I understand what you’re saying. You’ll tell the whole story when you’re ready. I respect you and I’ll wait. Now it’s getting late and you’re tired, and so am I. Aren’t you tired of being tired?”
Maureen laughed out loud and pulled her close. “Yes, I am.”
She kissed Maureen on the top of her head. “But we are going to cuddle.”
“That’s a grand idea,” Maureen said, raising her arm.
Annabel slid under her arm and sighed happily when the arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling Annabel snugly against her body. When she felt Maureen place a soft kiss on the top of her head, she sighed again. “I could get used to this.” When she felt Maureen’s body tense, she looked up. The ever-present sad smile had Annabel’s heart aching. “I didn’t mean…”
“I feel the same, Annie.” She kissed her lightly on the lips. “There’s just never been much time for this in my life. Not with anyone as lovely as you, anyway.”
Annabel tried to speak, but she felt the tears catch in her throat. “You think I’m lovely?”
Maureen laughed then and pulled her close. “Yes, I think you’re very lovely. And a little crazy. But I think I can handle it.”
“I hope so.” Annabel laid her head
on her chest.
“It’s Trevor I’m worried about.”
Annabel laughed then. “As you should be. Now go to sleep.”
“Sweet dreams to ya, Annie,” she whispered.
Annabel felt the tears sting her eyes as she closed them.
Chapter 8
Maureen woke the next morning feeling more comfortable and relaxed than she had a right to. She glanced at Annabel, who slept so deep; her mouth was open and her arms flung over her head. Maureen shook her head as she quietly turned on her side to face Annabel. She hesitantly reached over and brushed a blond strand from her forehead.
The comfortable feeling quickly gave way to fear when she realized she had not only involved one innocent, but two in this mess. And now fear turned to guilt knowing she had lied to Annabel; well, perhaps lie was too strong a word. Omitted, Maureen thought, that seemed less culpable.
“But not by much,” she whispered sadly and slipped out of the warm comfort of the down bed. She stifled a groan as she stretched her back. “And she omitted nothing. She completely lied about this bed.”
As she crept toward the bathroom, she glanced at Annabel’s luggage on the bench at the foot of the bed. She cocked her head as she picked up the handwritten note.
Wear me, please, and feel free to use the toothbrush—we’ll buy another one.
Maureen grinned as she picked up the blue jeans and sweater. “Crazy American,” she whispered. She headed to the bathroom and a hot shower, but not before glancing once again at Annabel while she snored.
Feeling rejuvenated after the shower, Maureen dressed and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She leaned on the sink and peered closer. “You’ve got to get this finished, Costello,” she said, taking a deep breath. As she stood erect, she winced from the stab of pain that shot through her ribcage. Though it was healing and didn’t seem infected, the wound in her side held limitations, and it irritated the hell out of her.
One more day, she thought. Rest here, get your bearings and a game plan, and finish this once and for all. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, took a deep breath, and opened the door just as Annabel knocked.
Annabel leaned against the doorjamb, her eyes closed. “You take forever.”