Foolish Temptations

by Danielle Stewart

  Chapter 3

  Aden

  * * *

  Having seats in different parts of the plane was a relief. Aden felt the noose of guilt loosen slightly around his neck. Wounding Maribel was not his intention and infringing on her trip, something she was clearly looking forward to, made him feel even worse. But it hadn’t been his fault. It was nothing more than a misunderstanding and her inability to see it that way. She was stubborn, and if she didn’t give him a chance to make it right, that was her problem.

  As the flight attendant brought him another soda, he tried to convince himself she was to blame. But even he could see through his logic.

  He turned halfway around to see her, but all he could glimpse was the top of her hair bouncing up and down as she talked to the man next to her. A stab of jealously hit his gut as he wondered who this fellow passenger might be and what they were talking about.

  “Do you need something, sir?” The flight attendant placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and indicated he should turn around. Damn right he needed something. He needed to know what the hell this guy was saying to Maribel. Was he hitting on her? Making her uncomfortable?

  “My friend is sitting back there, and I wanted to check on her.” Aden pointed toward Maribel’s seat and craned his neck to get a better look.

  “The seatbelt light is off. If you want to take a brief walk back there, that would be fine.” The flight attendant’s bright smile grew larger as she gestured for him to make his way there.

  “No, I shouldn’t. She wouldn’t want me to. Could you maybe go ask if she’s all right?”

  The smile melted away and was replaced quickly with concern. “I’ll be taking beverages back there shortly and will be sure to check in.” She moved on quickly but kept her nervous gaze on him. Aden hadn’t done a lot of travel in his life, but he knew damn well you don’t make trouble on a plane.

  Aden fidgeted in his seat, knowing there were still eight hours before landing. He hated being cooped up. Even the idea of working in a corporate office had given him some concern. Until he met Hugo in the pub and was offered a job, Aden’s time was his own. He’d spend his days catching up on sleep, getting shit done, and basically doing what he wanted while the rest of the world was at work or school. His schedule at the bar was ten-hour shifts, four days a week. It wasn’t easy being on his feet, slinging drinks and breaking up fights. But it was worth all the time he had to himself. Freedom meant everything to him. He never tied himself to anything. Not a woman. Not a job. Not even a pet. He had a house plant once and, if that was any indication, he was ill-equipped to have other living things in his life. The idea that at any moment he could pick up, stuff his favorite things in a backpack, and start over somewhere was paramount to him.

  So why had he taken the job Hugo offered? Why was he now wearing a suit and tie, getting up early, and spending his days creating a career for himself? That question kept him up at night, staring at the ceiling. The answer always eluded him.

  “Are you Aden?” There was a man looming over him with a weary look on his face. His dark hair looked frazzled, and his eyes kept darting to the back of the plane.

  “Who’s asking?” Aden had grown up in a world most people never experienced. Those who knew him causally would consider him street-smart and guarded. If anyone got any closer, they’d see he was suspicious of just about everyone.

  “We need to switch seats, dude.” The man waved for him to stand up.

  “Why?”

  “She’s asleep right now, but when that lady wakes up I want to be sitting up here.”

  “What happened? Did you give her a hard time?” Aden felt his blood start to boil. His temper was short-fused when he was young, but it had been years since he’d felt truly out of control.

  “Give her a hard time?” The man chuckled as he rolled his eyes. “I haven’t said a word in the last two hours. She hasn’t been quiet long enough for me to. She dozed off, and I took my opportunity to get the hell out of there. Now switch with me.”

  “She doesn’t want me sitting with her, trust me.” Aden looked back again but couldn’t quite see her.

  “Well, considering in those two hours she said your name about three hundred times, I’d say you’re wrong. I’d also say I don’t give a shit. Switch with me.”

  “Fine.” Aden grabbed his backpack and slid by the anxious man. The last thing he needed to do was make a scene on a flight.

  Maribel was sitting in the window seat, leaning her head on her sweatshirt as she slept. If he sat down next to her there was a chance she would stir. If she woke up to see him, she could be the one to make a scene. The flight attendant was approaching with a look of concern as the seatbelt light flipped on. He’d have to sit.

  Gingerly he lowered himself into the seat and held his breath. Maribel stirred slightly but settled quickly. He’d dodged a bullet for now.

  The overhead intercom buzzed loudly to life. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We’re expecting a bit of turbulence, and I’ve switched the seatbelt light back on. Please take your seats.”

  The crackling blare of the intercom had done it. Maribel shifted and startled awake. She rubbed her eyes briefly and then glared at me.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “The guy you were sitting with wanted to switch seats.”

  “Why?” She lifted herself slightly and searched for her former seatmate. “Tom didn’t want to sit here?”

  “No.”

  “Did he say why?”

  Aden cleared his throat. “He didn’t say.”

  Maribel huffed in annoyance, readjusted her sweatshirt, and put her head back. “I’m going back to sleep.”

  Before Aden could answer, the rollercoaster jolt of turbulence sent their stomachs swirling. Her hand shot out and clutched his forearm. Sheer instinct. Driven by fear. But still he was grateful for her touch. Every time he thought of Maribel, of how angry she was, he had to beat back his remorse. It was like an opportunity missed. Like a ship that might take you to paradise if only you’d made it to the port on time.

  The turbulence continued for a few more minutes, and Maribel kept her hand clutched tight to his arm. It wasn’t until he reached over with his other hand and covered hers that she pulled away. “You all right?”

  “I’m fine. I’ll be pissed if this plane crashes and yours is the last face I see.”

  “You really hold a grudge.” Aden intentionally kept his arm resting close to hers in case she had the urge to reach for it again.

  “You have no idea.”

  “I’m starting to.”

  The corners of her mouth rose slightly and to Aden it was a small flicker of hope. “What kind of information do you have on Junie’s family?” The little gift of changing the subject made Maribel a good woman.

  “Just names. I’ll do some research when we get there and track them down. I might need to loop you in a little if it impacts the wedding planning.”

  “How could it?”

  “She might have a huge family. Or a special location that means something to them and might be nice for her to include. I don’t really know what I’m going to find.”

  “You can send me a text message. I’m going to be busy. There’s the dress, cake, venue, food. The list goes on and on. You probably think planning a wedding is simple, but it’s not.”

  Maribel pursed her lips and shifted her sweatshirt around to try to get comfortable again as the turbulence seemed to pass.

  “You can rest your head on my shoulder if it’s more comfortable.”

  “I’d rather cover myself in pollen and stick my head in a beehive, but thanks.”

  She closed her eyes tightly and folded her bare arms together. She looked chilled, but Aden didn’t dare offer her anything else.

  Like this trip, Maribel had come into his life from out of the blue. She was one of a hundred changes that had piled up on him all at once. New job, new schedule, and a new smiling gorgeous woman waiting at
work for him every morning. It should have been a dream come true. For a man like Aden it was something pretty and shiny he could break when he messed up. Because he always messed up.

  When he was sure Maribel was asleep, he slipped off his coat and draped it over her. He was a guy who knew the difference between right and wrong. It didn’t mean he followed that plan all the time. He’d spent a lifetime learning from the cautionary tales his family members told him. The right thing to do now was give Maribel her space when they landed. Let her have the trip she so desperately wanted. He watched her eyelids flutter as she pulled his coat in around her, and he knew what was right. And he knew it would be impossible.

  Chapter 4

  Maribel

  * * *

  “I suppose Hugo picked this spot more for you than for me.” Maribel wheeled her suitcase down the bumpy sidewalk and took in the sights with a sense of awe. The stone buildings, lush green foliage climbing up their walls, were more vibrant than she could have imagined. The smell of salt was in the air. Splotches of moss against the crooked gray stone steps led to places unknown. Mountain peaks shrouded in gray clouds hugged the small town of Gallamare. The little buildings on Main Street were painted in bright welcoming colors. It was all completely new to her.

  “The family I’m supposed to track down lives in the rural area just outside town. Fishermen, I think.” Aden looked apologetic as he fell back a few steps. “I’m sure if there are other parts you want to see, Hugo will make the accommodations.”

  “He’s sent me on an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland as part of my job. I don’t intend to tell him it isn’t good enough.” Maribel tipped her chin up and tried to pretend they were strangers. But it was impossible. The beach breeze carried his cologne straight to her.

  Gallamare was intimate, romantic in its sense of old world charm. The kind of place that made you want to stroll the streets holding hands. The ocean seemed to beg couples to stand on the rocky cliffs and let the crashing waves spray their cheeks. And just a few steps behind her was the man she’d want to share this with more than anything. If he weren’t such an ass. If he hadn’t already blown his chance.

  “Our hotel isn’t far. It’s about two blocks up the hill.” Aden was clearly trying to stay out of her way, but it was useless. Maybe it was time to stop swimming upstream.

  Maribel hung back a moment so he could catch up. Her sense of direction was laughably bad, and if he knew where he was going he might as well lead the way.

  “Are you hungry?” she asked, her stomach growling as sweet smells wafted from the bakery they were passing.

  “Starving.”

  “Maybe after we check in we should get something to eat?”

  “Together?”

  “Near each other at the same time.” It was a small distinction, but she felt good making it. Even if it appeared that way on the surface, it wasn’t about punishing Aden. It was about controlling her emotions. Keeping Aden in the box she’d shoved him in. He was just a man she would be foolish to pursue.

  “Maribel, I want a chance to talk to you. I want to explain what happened that night.”

  Damn. She knew it. Her simple invitation was enough to open the door, and it was time to slam it shut again.

  “Nope.” Maribel picked up her pace again. “Never mind. I’ll check in later. I can find my own food. Bye.”

  She was practically running as she crossed the narrow street and ducked into the first open door. It was heaven. The smell of books, earthy and musty, struck her instantly. The bookstore was dark, not adequately lit for reading but perfect for scouring the shelves, touching the well-worn bindings and hunting for the perfect book. This was the kind of place where you could lose track of time.

  “Welcome, young one.” A silver-haired woman with thick glasses waved to Maribel as if they were old pals. Her heavy Irish accent struck Maribel’s ears like a song she never knew but instantly loved. “Welcome to The Upstairs Bookshop.”

  Probably like most new customers Maribel looked up. There was no upstairs. No second floor at all. The room was dark wood paneling with even darker tall shelves. Cave-like, but somehow warm and welcoming.

  The woman laughed, her silver curls bouncing around. “No there’s no secret staircase. Don’t know why it’s called The Upstairs Bookshop. It’s been ’round for more than a hundred years. When my father bought it he thought of changing the name, and the town went mad about it.”

  “It’s a beautiful shop.” Maribel ran her finger over the spines of a few familiar titles and felt like she was shaking hands with good friends. “I’ll need something to read while I’m here.”

  “How long you staying?”

  “A week.”

  “Have you been here before?”

  “No. I’ve never been anywhere.” She tucked her hair behind her ears in that nervous way she always did when meeting someone new. Maribel was haunted by a lingering feeling of not belonging. A sense that she was a bother. A nuisance that people had to endure. It had stemmed from her childhood with parents who checked out of their responsibilities too early and left her fending for herself. Being shuffled around and ignored stuck with a girl. “Don’t worry about me though. I’ll just look around. I don’t want to disturb you.”

  “Just here a week? Then you’re not putting your nose in a book. I’ve lived here all my days, and every now and then when the fog lifts, I still lose my breath at the sight of the place. Eyes wide open, lass.”

  Maribel nibbled on her thumbnail. “I’m here on business. My sense of direction is disastrous and I’ve never done any real traveling. All my adventures have been in the pages of books.” Maribel picked up an old fairy tale and thumbed through the familiar story. “I’ve scaled mountains. Flown on magic carpets. Danced with a prince.”

  “Sad.” The woman rounded the old wooden desk with an antique cash register and waddled cheerfully over to her. “Name’s Aileen Mary Connor.” She extended a plump, wrinkled hand for a shake that Maribel gladly took. “Call me Aileen.”

  “Nice to meet you, Aileen. I’m Maribel. Do you have any books you recommend?”

  “I have suggestions for you but not a book.” She waddled a little farther and made her way out the front door where she proceeded to clasp her hands around her mouth like a bullhorn as she shouted up the hill.

  Maribel wondered if she’d stumbled into the store of a crazy women. Here she was in a foreign country mostly alone since she’d ditched Aden. Was she really ready for this?

  A few moments later, Aileen came back in with a tall man with rusty red hair that sprang up from under a tweed hat. His plaid shirt was untucked from his tattered jeans. Big blue eyes and a smattering of freckles were the first things she spotted.

  “Yes?” he asked, tipping his hat in Maribel’s direction when he noticed her.

  “Kenan, this here is Maribel. She’s American. Visiting for a week. She thinks she’s just going to do her work and read books. You think a beautiful lass like her should do that?”

  Kenan pulled his hat from his head and eyed Maribel closely, giving the slightest indication he was sorry for the imposition this was causing. “She looks like a smart gal. If that’s what she wants to do.”

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit of the place,” Maribel chimed in, surprising even herself as she nervously wrung her hands. She didn’t want to impose, but if she didn’t take full advantage of this trip, she’d never forgive herself.

  “Kenan would be happy to show you around.” Aileen rounded her way back behind the desk and busied herself stacking papers that looked perfectly organized already.

  “Oh no, that’s all right. I don’t want to put you out.” Maribel waved the idea off as her cheeks blushed. She’d fantasized about meeting some tall sexy man with a strong Irish brogue who could make this trip more exciting. The problem was that was well before she knew Aden would be here too. But maybe hanging around town with Kenan would finally get Aden off her mind.

  “I’m just on my way
up to the market,” Kenan said with a sweet smile. “You want to shop around a bit, and I’ll grab ya on the way back?”

  “She’ll be ready for ya.” Aileen winked at Maribel and waved Kenan off. “Where ya staying, lass?”

  “The Garden Pavilion Inn.”

  “Well look at that.” Aileen clapped her hands together in excitement. “Kenan is the chef there. Stars are aligning now, aren’t they?”

  “Just a cook,” Kenan corrected modestly. “Be back soon.” He put his hat back on his head and leaned in to kiss Aileen on the cheek. “Behave, Auntie. Let the poor lass buy her book.”

  “He’s your nephew?” The math didn’t add up between the ages she presumed both these people to be.

  “I’m his great aunt. In a place like this you’re either family or about to be. We’re one of the original thirty families who settled here. That boy has to carry on the family name or it’ll be lost. All girls but him.”

  “That’s a lot of pressure.”

  “You want kids?”

  “With Kenan?” Maribel was teasing, but Aileen didn’t crack.

  “It’s a simple question.”

  “I’m pretty sure it might be one of the most complicated questions in history actually. A pretty big decision. He seems like a nice man. I’m sure he’ll do you proud, carrying on the family name.”

  Aileen only shrugged as though she were unconvinced. “There’s a box of books in the corner there by that lamp. That’s what you want.”

  Her interest piqued, Maribel followed the wall toward the glow of a small desk lamp sitting on a table by the back of the room. She knelt and looked inside a weathered box spilling over with books. She could only imagine what Aileen was directing her toward. Old romances full of heaving breasts? Self-help books promising to ensure she could land a husband? She was shocked to find something much more exciting. Leather bound books with no titles on the front.