by Cali MacKay
Maggie gave him a smile, happy to have her brother back, despite his surprise arrival and his rocky introduction to Conall. “Come on then. We’ll show ye where the pub is. Introduce ye to the barkeep. Though ye’ll want to stay in her good graces so she doesn’t bar ye. Not many other places to go.”
Liam gave her a crooked smile filled with mischief. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Conall drove them into Dunmuir, the center of town quaint and picturesque with its pastel-colored shops facing the tiny fishing port, the setting sun painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Maggie pulled her jacket closed against the bitter wind coming in off the ocean as they walked to the pub, when Conall nestled her against his side with an arm around her, helping to keep her warm. Dublin could get cold, but it was nothing compared to the Scottish highlands.
Luckily, the pub was toasty warm with a nice fire going in the hearth, their table close enough to feel the warmth from the dancing flames. It didn’t take long for Lara to show up with menus, but Maggie wasn’t expecting the scowl on her face-especially not when it was directed at her brother.
“Ye have some nerve walking into my pub.” She whacked Liam’s shoulder with the menus, threw them down on the table and stormed off behind the bar.
Maggie turned to her brother, eyebrows perked in question. “Well, that was quick, even for you. What the hell did ye do to her?”
Liam groaned and rolled his eyes, looking miserable. “We hooked up when she was helping at her aunt’s pub a few years ago-back when we were working in Falkirk. I’d meant to keep in touch, but lost her number after we moved on to the next job.” He glanced in Lara’s direction with a sigh, and ran his hand through his thick brown hair. “If ye’ll excuse me a minute.”
Maggie could easily believe he’d lost Lara’s number. Her brother might be organized and reliable when it came to their work, but it didn’t always carry over to the rest of his life, even if he meant well. “I’d like to see him sweet talk his way out of this one. Lara doesn’t seem the forgiving type.”
Conall scoffed with a half laugh. “No, she’s not. And she’s a smart lass, too, so I doubt he’ll get away with much.”
Maggie shrugged, throwing a glance over her shoulder to see how her brother was faring. “It’ll do Liam some good if he can’t use his charms. It’s too easy for him to smile and flirt his way out of trouble, and I like Lara. I hope she gives him a good tongue-lashing-especially if she wants to keep him interested.”
Conall pulled her into his arms, the feel of him comforting. “Always thought it a waste that Lara came back after culinary school. I know her da needs the help and she’s good with the running of the business, but most days, she’s not doing much but waiting tables and pulling pints. Her father hasn’t let her make any changes to the menu other than the specials. I think that’s why she’s such a pain in the arse-it’s got to be frustrating for her, I’d imagine.”
“So, why did you come back after school? I imagine it’d be easier for business if you were closer to a city.” It’s not like the highlands were a hotbed of computer activity. Hell, she was lucky if she could get cell phone reception in some spots.
Conall leaned in and kissed her cheek, his strong arm draped over her shoulder. It took another moment, which made her think he didn’t discuss his private life much. “My father’s on his own now that my parents have divorced and my sister’s moved away. He’s still young enough, but I don’t like the thought of him being here with no one else around. Besides, the oil companies that work off the coast not far from here were some of my first big clients.”
“So it made sense to stay local. Can’t say I blame ye. The area’s gorgeous.” Craggy cliffs overlooking the sea, purple heathered hills and boldly stark landscapes. It was a wild beauty thrumming with energy. And she loved that he’d been caring enough to want to keep an eye on his father and make sure he was faring well.
“Would ye ever think of staying here?” His amber eyes locked on hers and her heart missed a beat as it jumped in her chest.
She felt as if she could barely take a breath, the air in the room too thin. “Are ye saying what I think ye are? Are ye asking me to stay, Conall?”
He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, his eyes taking her in and making her feel as if there was no one in the world but the two of them. “Aye, love. I think I am. I know we’ve not been together long, but I can’t stand the thought that ye’ll be walking away from what we have a few months from now.”
Her brother slid into the seat across from them before she had a chance to respond-which may have been a good thing since she didn’t think she could string together a coherent thought the way her mind was racing. This was a huge step.
“At least I didn’t get myself barred.” Liam shook his head and picked up the menu. “I’m starving.”
“I swear, ye have a one-track mind, Liam-and ye’re one lucky bastard.” Somehow, her brother always managed to get himself out of a pile of shite smelling like a bed of roses. “Ye just better not screw up again. We’re here for months, if not longer, and I’ll not have ye making our lives here uncomfortable. I like Lara, aye?”
“I like her too, love.” Liam’s crooked smile made her want to yank his ear like an errant child. “I like her a lot.”
“Hmph.” She pursed her lips together. “I bet ye do.”
***
Maggie snuck away from Conall’s side with a final lingering look at him as he slept, his long limbs and muscular form making her want to crawl back into the comfort of his arms. By the gods, she’d fallen for him fast and hard, and truth was, she couldn’t remember ever being happier.
After taking Piper out and settling her down with her favorite chew toy, Maggie got started on breakfast. Going through the cabinets in Conall’s modern and sleek kitchen, she was pleased to find that, despite his proclamation of not cooking, his pantry was well stocked. She grabbed the cold butter and flour, and then found the sugar, vanilla extract, almonds, and apricots. Just needed some baking soda, eggs, and milk.
With the oven preheating, she quickly mixed the ingredients together and put the apricot-almond scones in to cook. As the coffee brewed and the scones baked, the kitchen filled with the scents that reminded her of home. It was her mother’s recipe, though she’d made them often enough to know the steps by heart.
A knock at the door caught her by surprise. Liam-it was as if he could smell the scones baking. She stepped to the side and let him in.
“Ye’re just in time. I’ve got yer favorite and there’s a fresh pot of coffee on.” And then she saw the crease in his brow and worried eyes. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“We can’t talk here. Meet me back at the bus-and not a word to lover boy, aye?” Liam had already turned and was heading for his car.
Closing the door behind her, she stepped out into the blustery cold and tried to catch up to him. “Oi! Hold up, would ye? What’s going on?”
Liam spun around to face her, his brown hair catching in the wind. He looked towards the house, paused and then shook his head, leveling his blue eyes on her. “It’s Aidan. Flaherty’s got him.”
Maggie’s stomach sunk and then flipped, the blood draining from her face as she grabbed his arm. “What do ye mean Flaherty’s got him?”
“They grabbed him last night at gunpoint when he was coming out of the pub and then called Da. They want the Highlander’s Hope. They’re keeping him until we hand over the jewels.” His shoulders sagged as he shook his head, his gaze on the ground. “Ma and Da are beside themselves with worry.”
It was like a punch to the gut, her panic rising up to swallow her whole. “But we don’t have the jewels and we’re still months away from the transfer.” She thought of the little blips in security. The alarm going off. Had they been trying to hack her system to try to gain access to the jewels? And after they failed to get through, moved on to a new plan?
“Maggie…we’ve no choice but to steal them. They know we’re working on th
e security for the jewels and can manage something, even if it takes a while. There’s no other option-they’ll kill him, yeah? And no one can know-especially if this is going to be a drawn-out affair. Not even Conall.” His jaw tightened. “I’m sorry, love, but we can’t risk him standing in our way or calling the authorities. Ye’ll need to break all ties.”
“I can’t, Liam. I love him.” It was yet another blow. Conall wouldn’t risk the Hope-or his reputation. Even worse, he might think the reason for their relationship was nothing more than a front to gain access to his security systems. Yet she wasn’t willing to give him up. “I won’t tell him anything, but I’m not ending it. He means too much me.”
“Ye barely know him, Maggie. And if ye both love each other, then you can make it work once we have Aidan back.”
“It’s not your decision. I’ll deal with it-with Conall.” What choice did she have? Leaving Conall wasn’t an option-it couldn’t be.
Liam shook his head, his lips pressed in a thin line. “I hope ye know what ye’re doing then. Because it’s Aidan’s life that’s on the line, yeah? Think about that. ’Cause ye know what the Flahertys are like-they’ll be chopping off Aidan’s fingers and mailing them to us if they don’t think we’re taking them seriously.”
His words left her fighting back tears, her body shaking uncontrollably as she choked on a sob. Liam pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
“We’ll get him back, love. I just hope that keeping yer man around doesn’t turn into a mistake we’ll all regret.”
Chapter Twelve
The fragrant scent of coffee and baked goods teased Conall awake, like a siren-song pulling him from his slumber. Sleep still clung to the edges of his mind as he rolled over to find his bed empty and Maggie gone. Coffee…and Maggie-the two things he was desperate for. He climbed out of bed and threw on his sweats before padding down the stairs and into an empty kitchen, Piper the only one there.
Noticing the oven was on, he peeked in and found scones browning to a perfect golden brown. Just as he debated whether or not to pull them out, Maggie walked in through the back door. The smile that immediately sprung to his lips upon seeing her quickly faded as he noticed the worry in her eyes, the blue of them shaded to a stormy grey. “What’s wrong, love?”
He closed the distance between them just as a small smile made it to her lips and she waved his worries away. “It’s nothing-the wind always makes my eyes water.”
She gave him a quick kiss and then pulled the scones out of the oven while he watched her, searching for any sign that something was wrong. Needing to feel her close, he sidled up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “So, are these one of yer specialties? Ye spoil me, love.”
“It’s me ma’s recipe.” She leaned against him, and pulled his arms even tighter around her, her voice sounding strained.
He leaned forward, still holding her, and kissed her cheek. “Are ye sure ye’re all right?”
She looked up at him, her smile tight. “It’s nothing. Why don’t ye get us a cup of coffee and I’ll plate the scones.”
Pulling out a couple of mugs from the cabinet, he did as she asked though he couldn’t help but glance her way in an attempt to figure out what was bothering her. Because something was certainly wrong, even if she wouldn’t admit it.
He handed her a cup of coffee and took the scone she offered him, not another word spoken between them. They sat down at the table, and he took a bite of the hot scone, the taste of it making him fall in love with her all over again. “Damn, woman. These are good.”
That earned him a smile-and a genuine one at that. “I’m glad ye like it. Because if you didn’t, I might have to take ye out back and beat ye with a thistle.”
“Why is it ye always make me want to misbehave?” He teasingly flicked his eyebrows up and ran a hand down her arm, happy to see she was looking more herself. “It’s a pity we’ve got to get to work, since I could easily find ways to waste the day away with you in my arms.”
Her smile faded once more, his worries returning. “I love ye, Conall. No matter what ye may think, or what I might do or say, I need ye to know that I love ye.”
Her words left him shaken and confused. “Maggie…what’s going on?”
“It’s nothing.” She managed a smile, even as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I’m just having a bit of a rough morning. It’ll pass, yeah? Or maybe I should go. I’ll need to get ready and head over to the jobsite anyway.”
“Maggie…stay. It’s still early.” Conall wasn’t sure what was going on, but if she was upset, he didn’t want her shutting him out or pushing him away. “I don’t want ye leaving if ye’re having a rough time of it. I’m here for ye, aye? If we’re in a relationship, it’s through thick and thin. Ye can talk to me about anything at all, love. Anything.”
This time, her smile-even if it was just a hint of one-reached her eyes. “You’re a good man, Conall.”
“It’s only because you make me want to be a better man.” When he brushed her cheek, she leaned into his hand, her eyes locked on his. He kissed her slowly, and then again, nuzzling her with their heads bent together.
When she finally pulled away, whatever had been bothering her seemed to have faded away, her full smile returning, even if he had his doubts that all was well. “Ye best finish up with that breakfast, boyo. I’ve got plans for you and they involve keeping up yer energy.”
He couldn’t help but laugh as he pushed his worries away. “As ye wish, love. Wouldn’t want to disappoint.”
***
Maggie had left him thoroughly exhausted and satiated, with a kiss and a promise to return once she’d finished working for the day. Conall had plenty to do, but would be working from home-if he could actually concentrate on what he needed to get done. Hours had passed since she’d gone, and he’d yet to get much accomplished, distracted by why Maggie was upset that morning.
Something was up, even if she wouldn’t admit to it. Things had been fine between them last night, and she wasn’t exactly the sort to overreact with high emotions or drama. But what happened and when? It didn’t help that her words continued to haunt him. “No matter what ye may think, or what I might do or say, I need ye to know that I love ye.” It was as if this was just the start of something, and there were worse things still to come.
He ran a rough hand through his hair and then got to his feet, resisting the urge to pace. It had been far too long since he had to deal with such worries. A part of him wanted to brush it off as paranoia after being single for years but he’d be a fool to ignore the matter completely. He’d have to just let it go for now and see how things progressed, and with luck, it’d be nothing.
He’d get back to work, but first he needed to clear his head. He grabbed his keys and Piper, knowing she’d enjoy the ride, and headed out for a drive along the coast. Wind and rain came in off the sea and lashed at the glass, the sky an angry grey, his windshield wipers thumping offbeat to the music on the radio. Though the weather wasn’t cooperating, the drive helped lull his racing mind and his crazy mutt was so happy, he couldn’t help but find himself in a better mood.
Not far from town, he decided he’d pay Rowan a visit. Since her gallery and art studio was the only one in the area, the pretty little shop was doing quite well. Of course, Rowan had tried getting him to take an art class or two, but he’d politely declined, his talents lying elsewhere.
Knowing she wouldn’t mind Piper tagging along, he parked, clicked the leash into place and then headed to Rowan’s gallery. The dainty chimes dangling from the storefront door clinked to announce his arrival as he stepped into the warmth and shelter of the shop.
“Now this is a pleasant surprise.” Giving him a wide smile, Rowan bent over and gave his ecstatic pup a scratch, only to pull away cringing. “Ugh…wet dog.”
“Had to get out of the house for a bit.” He sighed, realizing too late that Rowan was awfully good at reading every little nuance. Already she had one eyebr
ow perked and her head tilted to the side, her gaze taking in every aspect of him as if she were a hunting dog that had picked up on a scent. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” She shrugged, a look of pure innocence on her face.
“Ye want to meddle. Ye just can’t help yerself, can ye?” He shook his head as he pursed his lips to keep at bay the smile tugging at his lips.
“If you didn’t want me meddling, then you wouldn’t have come here.” A know-it-all smile danced on her lips. “Well? What’s bugging you?”
He sighed again, knowing it might do him some good to talk to her. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just not used to being in a relationship. I never know if I’m reading more into something than there actually is.”
“You’re a smart man, Conall.” She leaned up against one of her counters. “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong, but if you think something’s up, then I’d be inclined to think it might be the case.”
He didn’t want to go into any detail with Rowan, but Maggie didn’t seem the type to come to tears easily, nor did he believe it had been the wind as she had claimed. Had she met up with someone outside? If her brother was staying at Rowan’s cottage, he wouldn’t be far.
Had Liam given her a hard time about their relationship-about her spending the night at his place? Conall knew firsthand what it was like, since he was none too happy when his sister started dating and things got serious with the lads she was seeing. He could see Maggie and Liam arguing about it, but wasn’t so sure it’d lead to tears.
In the end, all he could do is be there for her. “It’s nothing. I’m sure it’ll get sorted before long, if it’s even still an issue.”
“Why don’t the two of you come by for dinner someday soon? We’re heading into the weekend and I could do with some company.” Rowan tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “And maybe Maggie’s just feeling cooped up since we’re so far from the city. I’d imagine it could get to a person if they’re not used to being in a place so remote.”