“Your parents didn’t want more?”
“No, my mum was a bit of a reluctant mother, though she loves fiercely. I couldn’t have asked for a better mum than her. But she was content with just one child. The pub’s her other.”
“It’s a fine pub.”
“It really is,” Fi agreed. “I was raised at the helm. If you’re ever wanting to open a business like that, she’s the woman to give you tips.”
“I’ve thought about it, a time or two. But I like being able to get up and go when I like. You can’t do that with a pub that needs opening every day.”
“You can if you hire the right manager.”
“’Tis true, ’tis true. Maybe someday when I’m not set on wandering. Speaking of wandering, shall we head back to the hotel?”
“What time is it?”
“It’s already eleven thirty.” Liam smiled at her shock and waved to the owner. “I imagine you’ll want a clear head for the morning.”
“I will.” Fi leaned over and squeezed Liam’s hand, content with their meal and their conversation. “This was nice. I’m glad we did this and that you’re here. It’s nice to have a friend on your travels.”
“To friends,” Liam said, and they both finished off their wine. Fi ignored the little tug of lust that played through her core, as well as the voice in her head that begged her for more from Liam. At this point, he was a business partner and needed to remain such.
Chapter 26
She slept straight through to morning in her deliciously comfortable hotel bed, having for once been afforded a dreamless sleep. Perhaps it was the wine that had slipped her into oblivion, and if so, Fi wasn’t complaining. It was nice not to wake up in a riot of turmoil or unease, and she enjoyed an espresso in her room while she read through the papers she’d had delivered up. Her mood was good this morning, she’d enjoyed a nice dinner, this job should be an interesting one, and she had a few weeks to explore Barcelona. All in all, not a bad start to the week.
Pairing trim black pants with a black blazer and a muted rose blouse, Fi smoothed her hair back and clipped a delicate silver necklace around her neck. Slipping her feet into low-heeled boots, she doublechecked her tote to make sure she had all her supplies – laptop, notebook, contracts, and pens. Satisfied, she took the elevator to the lobby, smiling at the concierge as she crossed the gleaming floor to wait for a taxi. Her meeting was at the shipyard, so she’d get an opportunity to also look over the boats and see how the operation worked. Not that it mattered much, as that was Liam’s department, but it always interested her to see how different businesses were run.
“Going my way?”
Fi turned and smiled at Liam as he crossed to her side. The man wore a suit well, she decided as she took in his dusty grey suit and crisp white shirt. He was the kind of man who wore his clothes casually, as though to say he’d rather be in jeans, and his lack of care in how he carried himself only added to his confident air.
“Will you be attending the meeting at the shipyard at eleven?” Fi asked.
“I will. Would it be presumptuous of me to comment on how you look today? Seeing as we’re in business mode?” Liam’s lips quirked a small smile.
“It would be at that.” Fi pressed a smile back and slid into the taxi, waiting as Liam rounded the car and sat next to her.
“Then I shall refrain from telling you that you look delectable in that suit. It makes me want to unbutton you and see what lies beneath all the prim and proper.”
Heat flashed through Fi and she was certain her cheeks tinted pink. Grateful for the wide sunglasses she’d pulled on, she turned and leveled a look at Liam.
“That was rude of me, wasn’t it?” Liam held up his hands, though his smile said he didn’t care.
“You shouldn’t be harassing a colleague,” Fi pointed out.
Instantly contrite, Liam put his hands down.
“You’re right. I’m sorry, I was having a wee bit of fun of with you. I suppose I feel like I can overstep my boundaries with you, and I really shouldn’t. My apologies. During work hours, I’ll treat you with the utmost respect.”
“And after work hours?”
“Depends on if you’ve asked me to disrespect you or not.” Liam’s voice held a low timbre that sent lust roiling through Fi once again.
“I’ll remember that,” Fi said and turned to watch the city go by. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and Fi was grateful for a moment to work on her composure. She had to admire Liam. Every time he overstepped a boundary with her and she called him on it, he respected her wishes and eased off. It was a delicate dance of him testing where her limits were and her showing him. She respected him for trying, but also for backing off when asked. Last night, when they’d wound their way back to the hotel – they’d opted to walk back – she’d been certain he would try to hold her hand or make a move on her at the door to her hotel room. Instead, he’d been ever the gentleman, walking companionably by her side and seeing her to her door with zero pressure for anything more. Not even a goodnight kiss, which she’d been certain he would try for. It left her feeling oddly bereft, a part of her wanting more. But as she’d set the rules, it was on her to abide by them as well.
It also left her wondering what was wrong with her that she wouldn’t be interested in dating a great guy like Liam. She’d dated far worse in her past, and it was beginning to get a bit blurry in her mind about just why she’d decided they needed to only be friends. Away from the watchful eyes of family and friends, a relationship with Liam didn’t seem so complicated anymore.
The taxi pulled to a stop at two large metal gates to the shipyard. Glancing over his shoulder, the driver looked at her in question.
“Sí, bien.”
A man exited a door by the gate and strode toward them, a smile on his face. Tanned, wearing mirrored glasses that shaded his eyes and a slim-cut suit in navy, he looked every inch the successful Spanish businessman. Despite having just had thoughts about Liam, Fi found herself admiring this man. He was the type she usually went for – polished, well-to-do businessmen. When Liam rounded the boot of the taxi and held out his hand, Fi had to stop herself from letting out a little sigh. Both handsome in their own right – one refined and wiry, the other broad and a bit rough and tumble – she’d be hard-pressed to say which she preferred.
“And you must be Fiona.” The man turned and gave her a blinding smile, holding out his hands. “I’m Luis. I’ll be working with you on this project.”
“Ah, thank you, Luis. It’s nice to meet you,” Fi said, turning to follow him onto the grounds.
“And here is our shipyard. My English, it is not so good. Do you mind?” With that, Luis launched into Spanish, effectively cutting Liam out, and Fi followed him, carrying on the conversation. For the most part, he chatted about the ships as he led them across a gravel courtyard to a long grey cinderblock building. Luis chattered on, pointing out the various attributes of the vessels, while Fi did her best to translate quickly for Liam. When they went inside, Luis began to ask Fi about her life and family.
“Do you travel much for work?”
“I do, yes. I quite enjoy it.”
“Your husband doesn’t mind?”
“No husband.” Fi smiled.
“A beautiful woman such as yourself? I’m shocked,” Luis said, removing his glasses to reveal liquid brown eyes.
“We all make choices, Luis,” Fi said, putting a little sass into her words. She wanted to push back at him just a bit.
“I suppose. Work can cause one to sacrifice in other areas. Please, if you are here alone, allow me to treat you to dinner this evening. On the business, of course.” Luis smiled and Fi warmed to him. “I know what it is to be alone in a different city.”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
“Lovely. I will collect you at your hotel at nine. Which hotel?”
“The One.”
“Perfect. Now, shall we get to business?” Luis pushed open a glass door to a
conference room. Windows lined one wall, and the view of the shipyard and the water beyond it was unobscured. On the table sat stacks of documents and an array of notebooks. A sideboard was stocked with coffee and an arrangement of pastries.
“Coffee?”
“Please. Liam? Coffee?”
“Tea for me,” Liam said, and Fi couldn’t help but notice Luis sniff at his choice.
“Of course.”
“Hot date tonight?” Liam whispered to Fi.
“Why would you think that?”
“I know when a man is asking a woman out.”
“He didn’t want me to dine alone here. He said it’s on the business.” Fi shrugged.
“If so, why hasn’t he asked me to dinner? Or tried to include me in the conversation?”
“Maybe he thinks you’re annoying,” Fi teased and smiled at Luis when he returned with a coffee for her. He’d left the tea on the sideboard, forcing Liam to go pick up the cup. Liam turned and raised an eyebrow at Fi, but she just shook her head slightly.
“Shall we begin?” Fi asked, and Luis nodded, looking from her to Liam.
“You’ll provide translation for our discussions, then?”
“Of course,” Fi said, and they bent to work, pushing everything else aside so they could hammer out the details of the contract. Watching Liam work was fascinating, Fi realized, for he truly knew the ins and outs of mergers like this one, and all of his questions were razor-sharp. As the hours drew on, her admiration for both men grew.
“Ah, I believe that is enough for one day.” Luis looked pained, glancing at his watch. “I do have a lunch appointment.”
Fi looked at her tablet. It was three o’clock, and she was once again reminded of the eating schedule of the Spanish. She’d have to recalibrate while she was here.
“I’d like a look around the boatyard, if you don’t mind?”
“I’m afraid that is not possible without an escort. Tomorrow, for sure,” Luis said, and neatly handed them off with nothing more than a polite nod for F.
“I don’t like him,” Liam decided as they waited for a taxi.
Fi looked at him in shock. “What? Why?”
“I just don’t. I don’t like his vibe. He shouldn’t be asking you to dinner.”
“You’re jealous,” Fi laughed, astonished at his comments.
“I’m not jealous. I’m telling you I don’t like him.”
“I think you’re letting personal cloud your business thoughts.”
“Maybe I am. But if it was just business – why didn’t he ask me to dinner?”
“As I said. Maybe he just thinks you’re annoying? Like I do?” Fi shot him a look over her shoulder before sliding into the taxi.
“Doubtful. You think I’m charming, but won’t let yourself think too much about it. However, the polite thing would have been for Luis to invite us both so we can all get to know each other better.”
“Don’t worry, Liam. Maybe he’ll take you to dinner tomorrow.” Fi laughed again, then sighed when he just shook his head and looked out the window.
And this was why she didn’t want to be in a relationship, Fi reminded herself.
Chapter 27
Fi chose a simple black shift dress with a tailored matching cardigan to wear for dinner that evening. Opting for just a swipe of lip gloss, delicate diamond studs, and no eye makeup, she felt like she conveyed an appropriate appearance for a work dinner. Not that she should be judged on her outfit to convey any sort of meaning, but as a woman in the business world she often viewed her clothing as a suit of armor. Some days she wanted to look like she was going into battle, while on others she preferred a softer approach. Either way, despite the advancement of women in the business world, they were still judged on their appearance.
“You did judge Luis and Liam in their suits today,” Fi said out loud to herself as she grabbed a quilted black Chanel purse to go with her dress. If she was being fair, maybe everyone just judged everyone else on their appearances – men or women. Either way, she felt she looked professional for her dinner, and looked forward to an insider’s choice of restaurants in Barcelona. Humming softly to herself, she took the elevator down to the lobby and strode outside – to find Luis leaning against a black town car.
“Ah, you’re early,” Fi said, quickly checking the slim watch at her wrist. “My apologies for making you wait.”
“I’ll always wait for a beautiful woman,” Luis said, bending to place a kiss on each of her cheeks. Fi’s back went up; she hoped this dinner wouldn’t result in her having to fend off unwanted advances. Catching a whiff of a soapy aftershave, Fi was happy he hadn’t doused himself in cologne. She couldn’t stand when people applied too much perfume or aftershave; it made her eyes water and brought on a headache.
Sliding onto the leather seat across from her, Luis ordered the driver to leave. “How was the rest of your day? Have you had a chance to enjoy our fair city?” Luis asked, turning to her. Clasping her hands in her lap, Fi angled her body slightly away from him, keeping her body language professional, and smiled at Luis in the dim light of the car.
“I had a lovely lunch by the water and was able to catch up on a book I’ve been meaning to finish for a while now.”
“What are you reading?”
“Ah, you’ll laugh,” Fi said, blushing a bit.
“Try me.”
“Well,” Fi said, looking around the car guiltily, “it was actually one of the Harry Potter books. I’ve heard such great things, but always thought they were just for children until someone convinced me to give them a try.”
“Harry Potter?” Luis slapped his leg and laughed. “They are my favorite!”
“Really?” Fi laughed, delighted with his reaction. She had wondered if he would be a stuffy businessman who wouldn’t lower himself to read such books. “I’m finding them quite an enjoyable escape.”
“They’re great. Why shouldn’t they be? They’re lovely entertainment with a world of magic. It’s fun to imagine, no?”
“I agree, it is.” Fi offered Luis a warm smile and he responded in kind.
The restaurant was sleek – way fancier than the one the night before – and she could tell that Luis was a regular here by the way the maître d’ addressed him by name. Everything was flashy – from the Lucite chairs at the dinner tables that made Fi feel like she might fall to the floor when she sat down to the shiny gold wine glasses. Chandeliers dripped crystals from the ceiling, and the people of the room matched its glitz. Fi felt woefully underdressed in her simple dress and cardigan; the other women here were shiny, unapologetically sexy, and dripping in gems.
“Quite a place,” Fi murmured, wishing for a moment to be back in the restaurant she’d visited with Liam the night before. It was more her speed. That being said, any locally-owned corner restaurant or pub would always be her comfort zone – it was what she’d been raised in. Traveling was meant to put her out of her comfort zone, so even if she didn’t have the glitz of the rest of the people at the restaurant, she certainly had the smarts and the world experience.
“Do you like it? I wasn’t sure if you’d go for fancy or not,” Luis said.
“Not always, but here and there it’s fun,” Fi said, reminding herself that this was a man who loved Harry Potter.
“Would you like to look at the menu or shall I order for both of us?”
“You obviously come here often. I’m adventurous with food, so you’re welcome to order for me,” Fi said. She leaned back in her chair to watch as Luis spoke with the waiter in detail about the specials for the evening. Shifting in her chair, she wondered why anyone would choose Lucite for a seat – it felt awkward and uncomfortable to her. Maybe that was why so many people were up and navigating around the restaurant. Though to her it looked like many of them knew each other. Perhaps this was just the evening hang-out for the wealthy of Barcelona.
“Now, tell me. You’re Irish, no?”
“I am.”
“How did you…?” Lu
is paused, nodding at the waiter who proffered a bottle of wine. They went through the sniff-and-taste dance, Luis swirling the liquid in the glass while Fi waited patiently for the routine to be over.
“Salud,” Luis said.
“Sláinte,” Fi said, reverting to her Irish.
“So… why being a translator?” Luis asked.
“I’ve always loved to travel. And I find that learning a language bridges a gap – it helps you into different countries and cultures in a way that you can’t get if you don’t speak their language.”
“Ah, yes. Very smart. I also love to travel. It’s why I love being in the shipping business. New horizons. Places to visit, explore.” Luis waved a hand.
“Do you have a favorite spot to travel?”
“I adore the Swiss Alps. Do you ski?”
“Not very well, no.”
“And Cannes is nice if you enjoy the festival.”
Fi took a moment to sort that comment out.
“Do you mean the actual Cannes Film Festival? No, I can’t say I’ve been.”
“You haven’t?” His handsome face registered surprise. Apparently, in his world, the Cannes Film Festival was a given.
“No, I’ve been quite busy during that time.” Fi almost rolled her eyes but didn’t.
“You’ll have to go sometime. Or Monte Carlo?” Luis looked at her hopefully.
“I’ve been to Monte Carlo.” Fi didn’t say that she had left the same day, for the same reasons she wasn’t a huge fan of this restaurant. Too much excess for her.
“Ah, yes. Did you gamble?”
“I’m afraid I did not. Work, you know,” Fi said and turned as the waiter brought their first dish.
“Ahh, a lovely salad. Thank you, Miguel,” Luis smiled. “So, you are very busy then. With work?”
“Yes and no. I will have down time between projects. I typically use that time to visit family or friends. Or if I particularly like the country I’m in, I’ll take a few weeks to explore.”
“On your own?” Luis asked, nodding at her in approval. “Not many people can do that. I admire that trait.”
Wild Irish Dreamer (The Mystic Cove Series Book 8) Page 13