Celtic Knot

by MacLeod, Shannon

  Meg’s words from earlier came flooding back and he swallowed hard, trying to clear the huge lump in his throat certain to become visible any second.

  ****

  That evening after dinner, Lily rose to clear away the dishes. “Oh, I almost forgot,” she said. “You got a call today while you were napping. A Mr…” she dug around in her jeans pocket and pulled out a hastily scribbled note, “Perez from the Tampa Museum of Art. He wants you to–”

  Bloody fucking hell, the prospectus changes from last month. See, there you go, Ian berated himself, this is the kind of shit that happens because you don’t return calls. His face was a study in blankness. “Wrong number,” he said.

  “But he asked for Ian Kelly, the artist,” Lily protested, dropping the note on the table in front of him. “From Ireland.”

  He shook his head again. “Amazing coincidence, don’t you…”

  “He seemed to think I was your assistant,” Lily continued, arching an eyebrow. “Nice man. He said to call him at your convenience to discuss the prospectus changes and please give his regards to the Wildes. Doesn’t sound like–”

  Ian ran through his choices for fast diversions, ruled out faking a seizure and took her by the hand. “How about dessert?” he said, pressing her fingers to his lips. “Close your eyes, beauty.” He surreptitiously stuffed the note in his pocket then opened the velvet box with a soft pop to reveal the sparkling earrings. “Open.”

  The message forgotten, Lily shrieked with delight. “Sweetheart, they’re beautiful!” she exclaimed and ran to the bedroom mirror to try them on.

  Ian followed close on her heels, placed his hands on her waist and dropped a kiss on top of her head. “Thank you for taking such good care of me. It has meant a lot. I know I haven’t been the best patient,” he said with a wry grin.

  “It was my pleasure, mo stor.” She beamed back at him then a look of uncertainty passed over her face. “Wait, did I say it right? Mo stor, my darling?”

  Ian winced, and his balls tightened pleasurably at her words. With a nod, he promised himself in that moment that he would never, ever tell her how strongly it affected him, hearing the Irish endearments come from her beautiful…full…kissable…

  He shook off the wave of lust and took a deep breath. “Now I’ve got something to ask you and I’d rather not have a whole lot of discussion about this. I want you to bring me the balls…uh, bills…you have due. Your rent’s already been taken care of.” When she just blinked owlishly instead of moving, he continued. “You quit your job and I am the direct cause of it. If I hadn’t fallen so in love with you, you’d still be there.”

  “How in the world can you afford all this? With this apartment…” She waved her hand around. “…your car, not to mention groceries and utilities.” She narrowed her eyes. “Who’s paying your bills, Ian?”

  “Meggie,” he lied smoothly. “Paying all my bills. Has for years. The very soul of tolerance, she is. Those earrings are lovely on you, I must say,” he said, desperate to regain control of the conversation.

  “Meg, huh?” Lily said. “You know, Ian, there’s a whole lot of things that aren’t adding up here. I’m starting to think–”

  “Not to worry, darlin’. I make out okay for a guy who draws on walls for a living.” He pulled her close. “No long discussions,” he reminded her.

  “I can’t let you pay my bills,” she said.

  “Then think of it as a loan if it makes you feel better about it. Either way, bring them to me, please.”

  She stared hard at him as if trying to decide then retrieved a small bundle of envelopes from her bag and handed them over. “I know how much is owed there,” she said firmly, “and this is a loan, not a gift.”

  “As you wish, my sweetheart,” he said. Taking the packet, he braced himself for the inevitable. One hippopotamus, two hippopotamus, three hippo–

  “You paid my rent?”

  He sighed. “We’re still having this discussion, then,” he said, then turned and headed for the kitchen. “Yes, for the next three months. Would you like something to drink?” he asked hopefully, reaching for the refrigerator door.

  When that initial shock wore off, she scampered after him. “The next three months?

  Another sigh. “Yes. Drink?”

  “When was that done? Ian, seriously, you’ve missed so much work, and there’s no way you can affor–”

  He grabbed her by the waist and yanked her against him, molding his hard body to every inch of her soft curves. She went limp in his arms as he left a fiery path with his mouth from her ear down to her throat and back then stroked her hair, down her back and kneaded her bottom, pressing her against him. After several titillating moments, he released her and she staggered back on unsteady legs, smiling and looking dazed.

  He grinned down at her. “Drink?”

  “Yeah,” she said dreamily. “What were we talking about again?”

  25

  By Thanksgiving morning Lily was beside herself with nervousness. After a half dozen wardrobe changes she finally settled on a long skirt and matching sweater. Ian found the whole process highly amusing. “They’re your parents,” he pointed out as he leaned against the bathroom doorway, watching her style her hair for the second time.

  “I just want to look…”

  He gave her a charming smile and finished her sentence. “Like a lovely, intelligent, grown woman capable of making her own decisions?”

  You see right through me. “You look very nice,” she said, both admiring his choice of dress slacks and a light knit pullover and deftly avoiding his question.

  He let it go. “Thank you,” he said, glancing up at the clock. “We should probably leave soon.”

  “You’re just looking forward to getting to drive again.” She laughed.

  “I am. It’s the whole man and machine thing,” he grunted, flexing his biceps for emphasis.

  “You’re not fooling me,” she said, snorting. “It’s more of a master of your own destiny thing. The very idea of needing another person makes you just a teensy bit…um…I guess testy would be a good word. Grumpy, even.”

  His face clouded over. “It’s a hard habit to break. I’ve always been independent, for lack of a better way of saying it. I’m getting better, though, don’t you think?” Ian offered her a tender smile. “I’m finding that I need you more and more each day.”

  Moving close behind her, he lifted a lock of her hair and brought it to his lips, then dipped his head to kiss the hollow of her neck. When she did not protest, he turned her and kissed her deliberately from her mouth to where the diamond lay cradled between her breasts. She sighed with pleasure, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He cupped her bottom with his strong hands, lifted and held her against him. “I have missed you so, my love,” he rasped out with some difficulty, “but we are expected elsewhere and don’t want to be late. Perhaps we could return to this discussion later?”

  When she nodded in shaky agreement, Ian lowered her stocking feet to the floor. “If we don’t leave now–right now–I refuse to be held accountable for the consequences.” He looked momentarily perplexed as he bent and brushed a kiss over his lips. “Is it my imagination or does this happen to us an awful lot?”

  They walked to the car hand in hand, Lily holding the colorful bouquet of fall flowers Ian had ordered for her mother. “I’m sure she’ll love them, but you didn’t have to do that,” she said.

  “Of course I did,” he answered. “How else are they to know I’m serious about courting their daughter?”

  “Courting me? Is that what you’re doing, Mr. Kelly?” Her lips curved into an adorable smile, but her eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Ian looked back at her and sighed, expression downcast. “Well, obviously I’m not doing it very well if you didn’t know.”

  “You’re wearing it outside your sweater today,” Lily remarked, teasing the little ring hanging from the chain around his neck.

  He smiled. “I
thought if your parents saw it they might somehow get the idea you were a wee bit fond of me,” he said.

  Right on time, they pulled into the driveway at Lily’s parents’ home, a sprawling two-story stucco house with a back yard overlooking the ninth hole of a private golf course. The gated neighborhood was primarily occupied by professionals if the cars were any indication, and the massive oak trees decorated with lacy Spanish moss added an old Florida charm to the winding streets. “I hope you like them,” Lily said, sounding nervous

  “You worry too much, my darlin’,” he chided gently as he opened the car door for her and offered his hand.

  The door swung open wide only seconds after they rang the bell. “Daddy,” exclaimed Lily.

  The beaming brown haired man greeted her with a big hug and kiss. “Come in, come in,” he said, stepping aside for them to enter.

  She gave Ian a radiant smile and turned back to her father. “Daddy, this is Ian Kelly. Ian, my father, Dr. Robert Evans.”

  A few inches shorter than Ian, Dr. Evans still maintained the athletic physique of his youth. He extended his hand. “Been looking forward to meeting you. Our Lily speaks very highly of you.”

  Ian clasped it firmly and smiled, having picked up on the possessive endearment. “Thank you sir. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “And this is my mother, Camille Evans,” Lily continued, gesturing to the petite blond woman who stood just behind her husband.

  Drying her hands on the frilly apron she wore over her floral print dress, her mother held out a hand, which Ian took more gently. “A pleasure, Mrs. Evans.”

  “The flowers are for you, Mom, from Ian,” Lily said, handing her mother the elegant arrangement.

  “Why, thank you very much, Ian,” Mrs. Evans said. “They’re beautiful. We should get them in a vase, though. Dinner will be a while yet, so you just make yourself at home.”

  Right on cue, Dr. Evans spoke up. “Kickoff’s in just a few minutes. Do you follow football?”

  ”I do, but I don’t believe Detroit’s got much of a chance today. They’ve had too many injuries already this season.”

  Her father nodded in agreement, and the two men walked into the family room without even looking back.

  Lily was amazed at the response that came back so quick and easy but still chewed her lower lip as they disappeared through the doorway. Her mother patted her on the arm. “They’ll be fine,” she assured her. “Come give me a hand with dinner.”

  Once in the kitchen and under the bright lights, Mrs. Evans noticed the new earrings. “Sweetie, they are stunning! He’s very handsome, and I love his accent. Where did you say he was from?”

  “Ireland. Are you fishing for information or just getting forgetful in your old age?” Lily said, laughing. “And go easy on him at dinner. He’s my ride home.”

  “I hope he’s more than your ride home, young lady,” Mrs. Evans said, giving her a meaningful look.

  After a while, Ian poked his head into the kitchen. “I’ve been sent for provisions,” he said with a grin.

  “Drinks are in the fridge,” said Mrs. Evans, gesturing with a wooden spoon. Ian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Smells like heaven in here,” he said dreamily.

  Lily smoothed her skirt, hesitating. “So…how’s it going?”

  “Pretty well, I’m thinking. Yer da hasn’t tossed me out on me ear yet so I’m relatively optimistic I’ll get to stay for dinner,” Ian deadpanned in a thick brogue.

  Mrs. Evans burst into laughter. “You are a charmer, but I’m a tougher sell than he is,” she warned.

  Without missing a beat, Ian captured her mother’s hand and pressed a light kiss to her fingertips. “Then ’tis obvious where Lily gets her fire, not to mention her radiant beauty,” he said, giving her an exaggerated wink.

  “My goodness,” Mrs. Evans swooned, fanning herself. “Charming and witty.”

  He grabbed two sodas from the refrigerator and with a jaunty wave disappeared again into the family room, but not before sneaking a kiss on Lily’s cheek.

  * * * *

  The large family room was comfortably informal and the two men sat back in plush recliners, more interested in talking than the game on the big TV. “Heard you took a hell of a fall,” Dr. Evans said conversationally. “Who was your attending physician?”

  “Dr. Thorne. He’s our family doctor here in the States,” Ian said.

  “Pat Thorne?” Dr. Evan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Great doctor and a hell of a nice guy. We co-hosted a charity golf tournament a couple of years ago. Do you play?”

  Ian managed to keep a straight face. “I shoot in the low seventies. If it’s any hotter out, I don’t play.”

  Dr. Evans barked with laughter. “So how are you feeling these days?”

  Ian knew where the conversation was headed and decided to cut right to the chase. “Much better, sir. Lily has been a tremendous help,” he offered, opening the door for the discussion Dr. Evans really wanted to have.

  “She told us she’s been staying with you while you recuperated. I’m not entirely certain I approve of that,” her father said, pursing his lips.

  “I understand completely, sir, and please know she has slept on the couch the whole time. I assure you there has been no untoward behavior.” Although not for lack of trying on my part, he thought. “Lily is a very sweet girl, Dr. Evans. You have no worries in that area.”

  Dr. Evans studied him intently. “She’s been quite sheltered, I’m afraid. She’s only had one other serious boyfriend, as I’m sure you already know. We never much cared for Lucas, you understand. Anyway, that’s all in the past now.”

  “Lucas was less than gentlemanly toward her from my understanding. She deserves better,” Ian said.

  Dr. Evans leaned forward and steepled his fingers. “And are you the man to treat her better?” he asked, his voice mild.

  Grinning, Ian leaned over and asked in a conspiratorial whisper, “Is this the part where you ask me what my intentions are toward your daughter?”

  Dr. Evans stared hard at him then chuckled. “Fair enough,” he said, mopping his eyes. “So what exactly are your intentions towards my daughter?” A smile remained on his face, but he fixed his gaze on Ian with disarming intensity.

  “We haven’t quite got that part sorted out yet. I do know that I love her very much and she says she loves me,” he said.

  Dr. Evans nodded his approval and sat back again. “Do you smoke? Any drug use? Been in jail? Gamble?”

  “No to all of that, sir.”

  “Do you drink?”

  Ian grinned. “I’m Irish, sir. Where I come from that kind of question could start a fight.”

  “Touche.” Laughing, Dr. Evans waved toward the bar. “What’s your preference?”

  “Macallan would be my favorite, sir, but I enjoy a good wine as well.”

  “I’m a Glenfiddich man myself, but I may have a bottle of Macallan around here.” The doctor hopped up and began rummaging behind the bar. “Are you up for a wee taste?” When Ian nodded, he pulled a bottle of the single malt scotch from underneath the bar and two rocks glasses. “How do you take it?” he asked.

  “Neat, sir. It’s a shame and a sin to mix it with anything,” Ian said.

  “Man after my own heart,” Dr. Evans said, pouring two shots and handing one to Ian, who rose and took it.

  Lily walked into the room asIan and her father were toasting one another and taking a long sip of the smooth whisky. “I see you’ve broken out the truth serum,” she quipped, looking from her father to Ian and back.

  “Just becoming acquainted.” Ian winked.

  “I haven’t found anything wrong with him yet, if that’s what you’re in here to find out,” her father said, casting a sidelong glance at Ian. “Not that I’m going to stop looking, of course.”

  “Of course,” Ian echoed somberly, and they both laughed.

  Lily laughed too, moving to stand closer to Ian. “I’m supposed to be calling you two
for dinner,” she said.

  Ian took her hand, lifting it to his lips for a kiss. “Have I told you how beautiful you are today, my lady? ’Tis of a certain you steal my breath away.”

  Lily blushed and murmured in a thick Southern drawl, “My goodness, how you do go on with your pretty words.” Dr. Evans smiled and headed past them toward the dining room, which gave Ian the chance to steal the kiss he knew they were both longing for.

  * * * *

  Lily was both relieved and delighted to see the men getting along so well. They ate with a healthy appetite, heaping praises on the skill of the chef and the chef’s helper. Her mother kept Ian busy throughout dinner and he dutifully sampled everything she put before him–roasted turkey, baked ham, red skinned mashed potatoes with thick gravy, savory stuffing, cranberry relish, salads and vegetables aplenty and best of all, fresh clover honey, sweet butter and homemade biscuits hot from the oven. “This whole Thanksgiving holiday is a new one for me, but I’m becoming quite fond of it,” he quipped, smiling as Mrs. Evans passed the plate of biscuits again. He peered interestedly around the dining room at the shelves of little ceramic and glass cat ornaments. “I can see where Lily gets her love of cats,” he said. “Your collection is beautiful and quite diverse.”

  “I’ve been collecting them for years,” Mrs. Evans explained. “Everywhere we go, we always manage to come back with another one.”

  Helping himself to more turkey, Dr. Evans asked, “So what business is your family in, Ian?”

  Ian cleared his throat. “Erm…mining, sir.”

  Surprised, Lily turned to look at him. “I didn’t know that.”

  “Didn’t come up, I suppose.” Ian shrugged, peering dubiously into a nearby bowl of chopped greens. “What are those?”

  “Collards, and they’re very good for you. Here.” She ladled a spoonful onto his plate and passed the hot pepper vinegar to drizzle over the greens.

  “Have you ever worked in one? I’ve heard it’s a very dangerous line of work,” Dr. Evans asked.

  “It can be,” Ian nodded absently, as he applied the vinegar, “but I’ve never had to, thankfully. I’m quite claustrophobic.”