by Ellie Hall
She hadn’t meant to tell him about Xavier, the lousy ex who’d smashed her cupcake dreams. She’d been so young at the time—just out of college where she received a degree in business. Too bad they didn’t cover how to protect her heart and not get duped. In fact, she hardly ever thought of her ex, but her dream to someday open a bakery or have some other cake-related business was still on her mind. It was a someday kind of thing though.
They visited Aunt Sheila every day, saw sites in the city, which amounted to a lot of walking, and went on a boating excursion. Even though it was summer, it was too cold to swim in the sea, but they swam and relaxed in the infinity pool behind the townhome in Howth.
One afternoon, Declan finally went to pay his respects to Cole’s mother. Maggie took the rare moment alone to Facetime Haleigh in Florida.
The friends greeted each other, but before they started chatting about their respective lives, with a startle, Haleigh said, “Maggie, that smile. What is that smile? You look like the cat who got the cream.”
“Well, the food here is phenomenal. Whoever made up the rumor that food across the pond leaves something to be desired hasn’t dined in Dublin lately.”
“No, I mean, you look tickled pink.”
Maggie tilted her head. “We went boating the other day. Maybe I got a bit more sun than I thought.” She patted her face.
“You goofball. I mean you’re smiling like a girl who has her first crush, or should I say kiss?”
Maggie’s cheeks heated.
“Does that smile and that rosy glow have anything to do with player number thirty-two for the Boston Bruisers?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I think you do.” Haleigh singsonged.
Maggie wasn’t ready to confess to her friend that they’d kissed and that she might have feelings for Declan. She changed the subject, directing the conversation away from guys, but when they got off the phone, Maggie’s rosy glow didn’t fade. That may have been because she couldn’t stop thinking about Declan. All the while he’d been trying to spoil her, but he didn’t understand that his attention alone was enough. It meant everything to her.
He’d been so thoughtful. Not even realizing it had been her birthday, he’d said it was Maggie Day and he’d gotten up to bake her cake. Her favorite kind of cake. He also proved to be a lot of fun to be around—shenanigans aside. But he had a sweet, tender aspect as well. On top of that, he was a man of faith, something deeply important to her.
The truth was—and it was something she could hardly admit to herself never mind confess to him— she loved Declan.
A door slammed, footsteps stomped up the stairs, and then another door slammed. He was back from his visit to Cole’s mother. Perhaps it didn’t go so well.
Maggie’s stomach jittered and not from Cinderella’s bluebirds.
The sun was setting over the harbor and she went to the kitchen. Many nights, they ate dinner out, but recalling what he’d said about a homecooked meal, she riffled through the pantry until she located all the ingredients for her favorite comfort food.
As the water boiled and the sauce came together for macaroni and cheese, her phone jingled with an incoming call. She must’ve left it in the hallway. Declan appeared and handed it to her.
She stared at the name on the screen. Mom.
It rang again.
“Going to answer that?” Declan asked.
“Yeah,” she said. Turning to face the windows and hoping to be anchored by the boats in the harbor, she said a tentative, “Hello.” Her voice sounded small, weak.
Her mother’s voice blared through the earpiece. “Happy birthday, Lefty.” Her father’s voice echoed the sentiment in the background.
“Uh, thanks, but my birthday was last week.”
Before her mother could answer, Declan was behind her. He squeezed her shoulders and then drew her into a reverse hug as though sensing she needed one.
She didn’t want him to hear any part of the conversation, but he did what the boats could not. He held her there, giving her the support she needed in order to get through a phone call with her parents and not be carried away on a tide of tears.
“And my name is Maggie, not Lefty.”
“Come on, you were always Lefty to us.”
Yeah, left alone.
“Wait? Was your birthday last week? Gosh, I’ll have to correct my assistant. She thought it was today. Do you know that I’m on my sixth personal assistant in as many months? Some people have the competence of a trout.”
“Actually, trout are fairly intelligent and resilient, as far as fish go,” Maggie muttered.
“Is that so? Speaking of swimming. We saw your little stunt in the fountain. Who was that guy? Glad to see you traded him in for a football star.”
Maggie’s mind went blank, like a computer screen that had lost power. She didn’t compute what she was hearing. Awareness came back as she realized whatever it was, Declan could hear it too. Did her parents know?
“That man pulled me into the fountain, actually. He was being—”
“I know a ploy for the press when I see it. You learned from the best, baby,” her father said into the phone. “Great idea using it to make a move on a star football player.”
“I didn’t. I don’t know what you mean. How do you know about Declan?” She craned her head to look at him, but he held her locked in place.
“We have our sources. Remember the cameras are everywhere and we just hope this blows up as big as your tenth birthday party.” Her mother chortled.
“Mom, it’s not like that.”
“The kiss you shared at the Kitten Whisker’s pub in Dublin and on the boat suggests otherwise.”
Her breath caught. Of course, they had cameras and sources everywhere. They were probably following Declan after the moon-gate scandal, then realized it was their daughter with him.
“I’m Declan’s coach.”
“Sure you are. You wouldn’t know a football from a soccer ball if it hit you in the head. Oh, wait, Jerry, do you remember when we got that footage of her getting beaned off the head at the game. Who was playing? Gosh, I can’t remember. Classic Lefty.”
“Mom, I have to go.”
Maggie’s father hollered, “Vicky, the limo is waiting. The Bertrams are expecting us at the club.”
“Okay. Have to go. We have a big event this afternoon with the well-heeled in Hollywood. Ta ta.”
The phone went silent. Maggie couldn’t hold back her tears. She tried to get loose from Declan’s arms, but he held her in place, slowly turning her around until he embraced her in a comforting hug.
She didn’t know why since her mother and father basically implicated her in trying to use Declan for publicity. For what purpose, well, that was lost to her mother’s single-mindedness. Money. Fame.
When she finally slowed to sniffle, Declan sat her down at the table and then brought them each a bowl of macaroni and cheese.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
“Not really.”
“Well, I have something to say.”
She glanced up, awaiting another blow. He believed them. He hated her. He wanted her out of his house.
But he remained beside her and then cupped his hand over hers. “I’d noticed that they didn’t call you on your birthday. Granted, I didn’t grow up with parents the way most kids did, but it’s safe to assume moms and dads usually call if they can. Right?”
“I didn’t grow up with parents the way most kids did either but whereas you grew up poor, I was rich, which just goes to show you that money doesn’t equal love.” She poked at her bowl of noodles. “I never went hungry or anything, but they were gone most of the time. They didn’t pay me any attention, didn’t remember birthdays. Sent me away to boarding school. I was always on the outside looking in. They lived a high-profile lifestyle, but I was like this hidden secret, a burden. When I was little I sometimes wondered if they even wanted me.”
Declan levele
d her with his gaze. “Maggie, you are definitely wanted.”
Her heart swelled with hope then crashed when her phone rang yet again. That time it was from Katerina, her boss. If her parents, owners of the biggest print and online gossip empire in the world—VJ Media—, had seen them together, chances were the headmistress at Blancbourg had too.
“I should take this,” Maggie said, getting up from the table. She hurried to the other room.
Katerina bypassed pleasantries. “I see your reviews of your pupil are coming in positively. I’m happy to hear it. Because we’ve been short-staffed, I’m out of the country with a pupil of my own, but some visuals have come to my attention. It appears you and Declan Woods are very, um, comfortable with each other.”
“What do you mean?” They’d kissed enough in the last week, but it was private, not something to be splashed in the tabloids.
“There is a photograph of him holding your hand. Like he was leading you toward a boat.”
“Oh, that. Um, I’m not a big fan of maritime pursuits and considering, um, I have to chaperone him.” She hated the lie but didn’t want him to get in trouble.
“I see. Please remember that you are his teacher. He is your pupil. The relationship begins and ends there.” She hesitated. “We have a reputation to uphold at Blancbourg.”
“Of course. My apologies if that looked like anything more than it was—”
“Glad you understand,” Katerina said, finishing.
Without returning to the kitchen, Maggie said goodbye and went to her room. She couldn’t risk Declan and her being seen together in the media because of what it could do to him and his team. He’d said his coach told them not to screw up. Meaning no dating. They were attending Blancbourg to reform their lives. Now that her parents knew, they’d have people tailing them, trying to get a prime shot. Nor did she want to lose her job. But the biggest reason she knew they could only be friends was that eventually, everyone left her. He’d find someone else more dazzling, just like Xavier, just like her parents. She was unlovable.
She had to put distance between them.
The next morning was cloudy and the sky looked like it was going to crack open any moment with rain. Overnight, Maggie had come up with a plan.
Declan was on the phone and quickly hung up when she appeared. “Good morning, sunshine,” he said.
“I checked your agenda this afternoon and it’s clear. We need to set you up with a woman who you can settle down with. Someone stable, reliable. I did some research and found Blair Covell. She’s well connected and successful. Beautiful. Zero flaws. Perfect for you.”
Declan’s expression went slack and then he broke into laughter. “That’s hilarious.”
“I’m not joking. Part of your instruction with Blancbourg is to recognize suitable companions and enter into a stable, long term relationship.” Maggie did everything in her power to hold her voice steady.
He gave her a long side-eye. “No, thanks. I’m good.”
Hope dipped inside. Although she was doing what was right, she secretly hoped he wanted a long-term relationship and that he’d pick her. But he’d just proved her suspicions true. “You get near-constant texts from women. If not Blair, someone else.”
He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Are you suggesting we pretend we didn’t kiss? That we don’t—” He waved his finger between them.
“You made a pact in the playbook. I have to keep my job. We have to be friends only.”
Declan’s shoulders dipped. “Of course. I totally overstepped. That wasn’t appropriate. So we’ll, um, pretend it didn’t happen.” He cast his gaze past her.
She nodded.
Awkward silence expanded between them.
After a while, he said, “Is this about your parents? You hurried off last night, didn’t answer your door or texts. I would’ve liked to have talked to you about that. Maggie, no offense, but it’s clear what kind of people they are. Social climbing, money-grubbing—”
She held up her hand even though he was right. “One word. Playbook.”
“Right. So shouldn’t I stay away from women who have the same agenda as your mother and father?” His tone had a sharp edge to it.
“This is the last phase of our time together and the best possible way forward. I’m going to set you up on a date and we’ll put your skills to work.”
“I don’t want to. I was thinking we could watch that new superhero movie. I make great popcorn,” he said more lightly.
“How about we do rock-paper-scissors?”
He playfully rolled his eyes.
They each threw their fingers, symbolizing the three objects. She won two out of three rounds.
He pinched the space between his eyes and then brushed his hand up to his forehead.
“I want you to demonstrate that you’ve learned social graces.”
“Haven’t I already shown you? How many meals have we shared?” he asked.
“Social grace so you have access to your inner confidence and don’t have to overcompensate.”
“Trust me. I am confident. I do not need to compensate,” he ground out.
She drew a deep breath. Every word spoken was agonizing as she pushed him away. “It’s about treating people with respect and honoring their dignity. I have made arrangements for you to dine with Blair Covell.” She sounded robotic.
Declan’s face wrinkled. “If I’m late or don’t show up will you fail me?”
“Yes.”
He swept his hand over his face. “Okay, fine. I’ll do it. Just this once, but Maggie, what about us?”
“I’m your teacher. You’re my student.” Her voice shook, but the silence that followed made it final.
Loneliness was one of her earliest memories and with Declan, it was the opposite. He was thoughtful, kind, warm, and his presence filled her in a way no one ever had before. Too bad she’d soon have to say goodbye.
Chapter 12
Declan
Declan didn’t understand what was happening. Maggie went from hot to cold to downright chilly in the drafty harborside restaurant. She’d arranged for him to go on a date with someone named Blair and all he wanted was for Maggie to be seated in the chair opposite him.
Was it what her parents said that sent her scurrying? He may have been a media star—or moon, depending on who was asked—but he knew the score and that people like the notorious Vicky and Jerry Prucell of VJ Media, who were only in it for the money. They’d staked their claim airing videos of people humiliating themselves and went well beyond good-natured bloopers. Including at their child’s own expense. How were they her parents? She was one of the sweetest, kindest people ever, even on par with Aunt Sheila, and they were downright diabolical. What made her keep that from him?
She kept secrets. She omitted things. But why? What was she afraid of?
Or was she afraid of losing her job if VJ Media published photos? Her boss must’ve given her a warning.
Declan trusted Maggie and forgave her for failing to include the full content of the message from Cole’s mother, but maybe there was something else she wasn’t saying. After all, he’d kept the fact that he hadn’t actually gone to see Mrs. O’Malley to himself.
Before he could think further, a woman wearing high heels towered over the table. He quickly got to his feet to formally welcome her and pull out her chair. He knew Maggie was watching him, assessing. It was a balancing act of demonstrating that he was a gentleman so he could be done with the finishing school sentence and get started with a relationship with Maggie. He didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. He had zero interest in the date, but he also didn’t want to fail and let the guys down.
Maggie had mentioned the playbook. Perhaps she’d distanced herself to protect him. But Coach Hammer was clear. He didn’t want the guys screwing up. That meant throw away dates with a different woman on his arm every night when he went out to the restaurants, clubs, and events.
With Maggie it was different. She was light
years from anyone he’d ever known.
His mind flashed a reminder. Oh, right, Siobhan. Where he’d feared being back in Dublin would be rife with reminders of her, it was almost like he was visiting for the first time and seeing everything through Maggie’s eyes—fresh, new, and filled with wonder.
“Declan?” Blair’s smoky voice threaded into his thoughts. “Hi.”
“Oh, right. Hi.” Maggie sitting nearby quietly evaluating completely distracted him. It was disorienting and almost felt like he had a concussion. He wanted her. He couldn’t have her. She wanted him but refused him. None of it made sense.
The waiter greeted them and took their beverage order.
Blair initiated the conversation and was a bit more insightful than some of the women who, as Wolf would say, “had the lights on but no one was home.” Aunt Sheila would call Declan’s teammate a cad. However, she wasn’t wrong. There was no way around it. Declan’s heart belonged to Maggie.
When the server brought a plate of appetizers, he sensed a pair of eyes boring down on him, but they didn’t belong to Maggie.
Blair huffed, drawing his attention. “That woman over there, she can’t take her eyes off you. But I notice you keep looking at her too.” She pointed at Maggie who wrote something in her file.
“Yes, she’s my, um, coach.”
“Would you rather she be in my seat?” Blair asked pointedly.
The honest answer was out of his mouth before he could stop it. “Yes.”
Her face hardened. “I thought so. Good thing I came prepared, knowing a guy like you just uses people. Come here, Declan. I have to tell you something.”
He leaned in and she gripped the sides of his face. Before he could jerk away, Blair planted a kiss on his lips.
The snap of cameras flashing clashed with the single word, the plea that flew out of his mouth. “No.”