by Leigh, Elisa
I clear my throat. “Are we cleared?” I ask coolly ready to have her attention back on me.
He frowns at me. “Good to go sir, welcome home. Have a great time dear. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He tells Caitlin.
I wrap my hand around her elbow and guide her toward the car park. We arrive at my older model SUV, and she wrinkles her nose.
“This is yours?”
“There a problem with it?” I bought this when I was twenty. I had bought it myself, without any help, and I’m proud of it. Never got the impression Caitlin cared about brands though.
“No, it’s great. I’m just surprised is all. You had a car pick you up in Chicago, and then you rented a Jet. I guess I assumed you’d be driving some fancy car. You’re a mystery, Mr. Whelan.” She shrugs her shoulder.
Ahh, makes sense now. I open the door for her, and she gets in and giggles. “It’s weird sitting on this side.”
I put my luggage in the back and get into the driver's seat, and she’s still smiling. Before putting the keys in the ignition, I turn to her. “The company that had contracted my services provided the transportation in Chicago. I work hard and don’t spend my money on frivolous shite. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable on our trip here, and I didn’t want to share your attention with anyone else, so a jet was the best option.”
She quirks her eyebrow at me and gives me a wry smile. “You and your options. You’re a very logical guy aren’t you?”
“I never make a decision without thinking through all of the possible consequences. It’s what has gotten me as far as I have in business.”
She nods, and I start the car up. We are driving for about ten minutes when she turns in her seat. “So is that your job then? You’re a businessman?”
I click my tongue. “You could say that. I contract my services out to companies that find themselves in trouble. I have a team that I work with, and we go through the company’s records to figure out what the problem is and how to fix it. Then we walk them through the changes that need to be made until the company is out of trouble and make sure they are set up to succeed.”
“It sounds like you enjoy what you do.”
“I do. It keeps me busy and has made me a lot of money in the process.”
Caitlin nods and then turns back to gaze out the window, watching the passing landscape. The sun is just starting to set here, and against the rolling green hills, it’s one of the most beautiful sights.
“It’s magical. It probably sounds cliché, but the landscape here is breathtaking.”
“Not cliché if it’s true. I know I have a healthy appreciation for my country.”
She gives me a warm smile. “My parents were born in Ireland. I think they came to America for my dad’s business, then my sister was born, and they decided to stay. Anyway, they used to talk about Ireland all the time. I’ve always wanted to visit and see what it was that made this place so special to them.”
I grab her hand and squeeze gently. “Do you know where they were from specifically? We could go visit if you want.”
“I’m not sure. I mean I know where they’re from, but I don’t know if I’m ready to visit.”
“Let me know, and I’ll take you there.”
She nods and goes back to watching the view outside the window.
About thirty minutes later we arrive in front of The Lass and Lion, and I pull into the back car park that is only for my family since we live above the pub.
“Are we getting a drink?”
“This is my brother Cormac’s pub, but we all live above it.”
“Who is we?”
“My brothers Cormac and Sullivan, and I. We each have our own apartments upstairs.”
“Surprises, surprises Mr. Whelan.”
“Why is that?”
“Are you a family man?”
“It’s only my brothers and I. Me da’ died a few years ago and my ma when we were very young. I don’t think I need to tell you how important your family is.”
Her eyes get big and round. “Oh my God. I have to call my uncle. He is probably wondering where I’m at.”
“Let’s get upstairs and settled, then you make that call.”
I lead her up the stairs and unlock my door.
“Wow. It’s a lot bigger up here than I expected.”
“Yeah. When me da’ passed, I took his place since it was bigger. My brothers live in two of the apartments, and the last one sits empty.”
I open the door and walk in so happy to be home. The place isn’t huge, but it’s mine.
“Nice place.”
“Another surprise?”
Caitlin gives me a shy smile and nods. “You’re definitely a mystery Gareth Whelan.”
I lead her into my guest room. “It’s not the place we were at last night, but it’s a good bed.” She walks in and turns in a circle looking around the small, but clean room. I watch her, drinking in her beauty, wanting nothing more than to lay her out like I did last night to get those damn walls she built up to tumble down. I lean against the door frame. “Maybe all surprises and mysteries aren’t that bad, eh’ lass?”
She shrugs. “Maybe they aren’t.”
“I’ll leave ya’ to it then.”
I close the door over and give her the privacy she needs. Shite, I hope her uncle doesn’t talk her into jumpin’ a flight and leaving me. I’d hate to get back on a plane after I just got off of one.
Chapter 8
Caitlin
I sit on the four post bed and run my hand over the handmade quilt covering it. The quilt is worn, and it looks like it was made a long time ago. Did his mother make it?
I grab my phone out of my purse and pull up Uncle Finn’s number. My thumb hovers over the call button. This is the last thing I want to do. How do I admit to my only living blood relative, the man that raised me, that I ran off with a man, out of the freaking country? It’s not like I can tell him I didn’t know about it. He would freak out, and then he’d demand that I came home. I sure as hell am not ready to do that, yet. I need to see this through. I need to figure out who Gareth Whelan is. Why does he make my heart do funny things and my lady parts tingle?
I just need to get this over with, like ripping off a band aid.
“Hello?”
“Uh, hey Uncle Finn.” Jesus can I sound any more guilty?
“What’s going on Caitie girl?”
“So last night at the pub, I met someone.”
“Did he hurt you? Do I need to come get you?”
“No, no, nothing like that. But now that you bring it up, Drew O’Malley hit me when I wouldn’t give him the attention he thought he deserved.” Before he’s able to freak out, I continue. “Gareth was there though, and he made sure that Drew knows not to come back. I did leave the pub in a bit of a disaster when I left last night though.”
“Jesus Christ, lass. I take one fuckin night off to be with the fam, and all hell breaks loose. Next thing you’re gonna tell me is you’ve left town and followed this man you met out of the country.”
I’m quiet for a moment because that’s exactly what I’ve done. Well, not exactly.
“For fuck's sake Caitlin! Tell me it isn’t true.”
“I can’t.”
“Where are ya’?”
“Ireland.”
“Fuck me in the ass,” he mutters.
“I’m sorry I didn’t give you any notice. I know with Aunt Maggie just having the baby this is the worst time for me to leave, but, I need to do this Uncle Finn.”
“Tell me you don’t think I’m worried about me fuckin’ pub, Caitie. I’m worried about you, you’re like a daughter to me. Now you’re across the pond with God knows who.” He’s quiet for a long minute until he sighs. “Just be smart, yeah?”
“I will.”
“Pain in me arse you are.”
I laugh, knowing he’s not mad at me. “And make sure you call Maggie. She’s already going to have a shit when I tell her. Call ever
y day, or shite, send a text.”
“I will, I promise. His name is Gareth Whelan, and he lives above a pub called The Lass and Lion.”
“Hmm.”
“What’s with the ‘hmmm’?”
“Your da’ and me went there a time or two, ages ago.”
“Really? Wow!”
“Dave Whelan was the owner back then. He had a few sons he was bringin’ up on his own. Must be the same family. Small world.”
“You must have gone there more than a time or two if you knew the owner,” I say laughing.
“Talk to you later Caitie girl, I have me a mess to clean.”
“Sorry, Uncle Finn.”
“Don’t be sorry for chasing your happy lass.”
I hang up wearing a goofy grin on my face. It’s been years since I’ve felt this free and I have to say, it feels pretty damn good.
When I leave the bedroom I look around the apartment, but Gareth is nowhere in sight and my giddiness from just minutes ago is gone. I decide to head downstairs and check to see if he’s gone to his brother’s pub. Before I even get to the side entrance, I hear Gareth before I see him, shouting at someone in Gaelic. He talks so fast I can’t make out what he’s saying. He sounds more irritated than angry, so I follow his voice and find him in the middle of the pub, facing off with a beautiful woman with long blonde hair. Jealousy creeps up inside me, threatening to make me run. Who is she? Did they used to be together?
“Listen up asshole.”
She’s American? Gareth is as surprised by this as I am and stands their silently staring at her. He hasn’t noticed I’m in the room yet. Huh, he must have changed before he came down because now he’s wearing a worn pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. He looks good like this, too good.
“Bloody hell, what’s with the shoutin’?” Comes a voice from the back. Not five seconds later a man appears, stopping when he sees the woman and Gareth in a standoff. Looking between them for a moment, his smile takes over his face, and he walks over to the woman and wraps his arm around her waist, then whispers in her ear. Her eyes flash with understanding and then her expression changes to one of warmth.
“Didn’ think we’d be seeing ya’ til tomorrow brother.” The man says walking him and the woman toward Gareth.
“Fuck all Cormac. I walk in to grab a pint, and this one here is walking around this mess as happy as can be singing and dancing to some shite on her phone. What the hell happened here? I thought she was going all crazy on your arse and destroyin’ your place.”
The woman looks at me and winks. We share a private smile while the brothers do their thing.
“She would never do that. Yesterday was St. Paddy’s day, what do you think happened?” He laughs, and Gareth shrugs.
“Gareth, this is Finola, my fiancé.”
“So nice to meet you Gareth. Cormac has told me so much about you and Sully already, I feel like I know you.”
Gareth nods and the tension in his body seems to fade, he continues to stand there with his hands on his hips though, then his head snaps up. “Fiancé? When the fuck did this happen?” Gareth asks happily.
“This morning.” Finola gushes and holds up her hand to show Gareth.
“Congratulations brother, I’m so happy for you. I know Da’ and Ma’ are smiling down on ya’.”
Cormac squeezes his brothers shoulder, and they share a moment. When the moment passes Cormac nods behind Gareth’s shoulder at me. “And who is this?” Cormac asks, bringing everyone’s attention to me.
Gareth turns around, and he holds out his hand for me, and I walk forward, taking it. “This is my Caitlin.” He introduces me with pride lacing his tone.
The way he says my name makes me feel ten feet tall. I clear my throat and put on a smile even though Gareth is doing crazy things to my heart and is making my head spin. “Congratulations,” I tell the newly engaged couple.
Finola reaches out and hugs me tight and releases me quickly. “Thank you so much. This is going to be so great. A double wedding!” She shouts.
“Uhh, what? No, no, that’s not, we’re not...” I shake my head not knowing what to say here and look to Gareth for help.
The bastard smiles smugly and gives me a small shrug to say he’s going with it. Lot of help he is.
I huff, and everyone laughs. The tension is broken and this perfect moment feels surreal. Yesterday I never would have thought I would be here right now, never even had it in the realm of possibilities.
“Cormac has been teaching me behind the bar. Can I get anyone a drink?” Finola asks brightly.
“I’ll have a pint,” I say first needing some liquid courage to get through this.
“Same.” The brothers say in unison.
“Easy enough. Four pints coming up.” Finola tells us and turns toward the bar.
“I’ll give you a hand.”
I walk with Finola over to the bar. “So, what really happened in here?”
Finola laughs. “Oh my god, you should have seen it Caitie, you don’t mind that I call you Caitie do you?” I shake my head no, but she doesn’t seem to notice, because she keeps talking. “There were so many people here last night, way passed how many people should have been in here. We could barely move to give people their drinks. When one group would leave another would show up. The last person didn’t leave until nine a.m. Suffice to say, we locked up and passed out upstairs right after. It was a wicked night.”
I laugh at her use of wicked. “Where are you from?”
“Boston, baby. You?”
“Chicago.”
“You sound like you have a hint of an Irish accent.”
“Caught that did you? Yeah, my parents were born here, and they came to the states for work before my sister and I were born. We never left.”
“So what brought you here?”
“Gareth.” I breathe, like his name should answer everything, because, to me, it does.
She nods her head in understanding. “Those Whelan boys are hard to say no to. I mean, I just met Cormac a week ago and look at me now, I can’t imagine going a day without him.”
They only met a week ago? I watch as Finola grabs four glasses then pulls her first pint, I stop her before she continues to the next drink. “Wait, see this foam here in the middle of the glass, it should start at the top. If you tip the glass back at an angle and pour slower the head will be much smaller.”
“How do you know this? You must teach me your magical ways.”
I laugh. “I’m a bartender in my uncle’s pub back in Chicago.”
She hands me the next glass. “You must show me your awesomeness.”
I pour the next pint, and she watches me closely. I hand her the next glass and slide over so she can do the next one. Still not angling the glass right I show her how and she giggles. When she’s done, she sets the glass down and studies her pour, then looks at me for confirmation. I nod, and she erupts in cheers. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” She throws her arm around my shoulder and pulls me into her side. “Thank you! Cormac just kept telling me I was doing a good job. I don’t think he wanted to hurt my feelings, but the looks some of the guys were giving him this week have been priceless.” She breaks out into a peel of infectious laughter, causing me to laugh right along with her. After a while, I don’t know what we’re laughing about, but we’re both in tears. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed this much or this hard in my life. I’m pretty sure I just met my best friend.
The boys wander over after a while, having righted the place as much as possible in that short amount of time. They slide up to the bar and sit opposite of us on the stools in front of where we’re standing from behind the bar.
“What are you two going on about back here?”
“Caitie here was showing me how to pull a good head,” Finola announces with a straight face.
The guy's faces are unreadable, and Finola and I burst into laughter again. We set their beers in front of them, and we all raise our glasses.
“Sláinte,
” Gareth says.
“Sláinte.” All four of us say at the same time and then all take a drink of our pints.
“When are you two getting married?” I ask, making conversation.
“Next week,” Cormac says as if he’s already planned this out. Judging by Finola’s expression they haven’t discussed this yet.
“Yeah, that’s not happening. What about my family?”
“You get a month mo grá, not a day longer.”
“Thank you.” Finola leans up on her tippy toes to get a kiss from Cormac, and he happily indulges her by leaning the rest of the way. Their kiss is intimate, one that shouldn’t be in front of other people.
I turn away, locking eyes with Gareth. The look he levels me with has my thighs quivering and my pussy dripping. My nipples are stiff just thinking about what he did to them last night. I shift where I stand, and his eyes sharpen on my breasts. I’m about to drag him upstairs when Finola ruins it.
“I know I’m not the greatest at making a drink, but my cooking more than makes up for it. How about I make us dinner, we can celebrate the engagement and you being here.”
Oh hell, I can’t say no to that. “Sounds good. I’ll help you.”
Finola loops her arm through mine and walks toward where I entered the pub. “You boys finish cleaning up. By the time you’re done, dinner should be almost ready.” Finola calls, still walking away.
I look back at Gareth over my shoulder. The hungry look he gives me promises something I don’t know that I’m ready for.
Chapter 9
Gareth
Dinner last night was incredible. My brother’s fiancé really is a great cook. He’d be an arse not to take her up on her offer to serve food in his pub. Finola made an Irish stew that was so good I went back for seconds, and then thirds. Towards the end of the night Cormack pulled out the Jager and a deck of cards, and we started playing. Sullivan stumbled in at some point and joined us for a couple of rounds and a few drinks, then disappeared back to his apartment. Something is going on with him, but I haven’t had a chance to ask him about it.