by Kate Sweeney
The woman, frowning deeply and looking agitated, walked down the aisle. Annabel noticed her red hair was damp and her face flushed as she quickly walked by Annabel without noticing her. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief as the woman sat in the aisle seat in the middle section.
After the plane was in the air, and as soon as the Fasten Seat Belt light signaled the okay, Annabel disengaged the belt, slunk down, and pushed her seat back, peering between her seat and the person who sat next to her.
The older man gave her a curious look, and Annabel smiled sheepishly. “I have a bad back. I like to keep the seat back just a bit,” she explained.
“Oh, I understand. I have the same problem when I fly.”
“Good,” she said absently.
“Have you tried acupuncture?”
“No, thanks. I really don’t drink,” Annabel answered. She saw the odd look. “What did you say?”
“I…Nothing. Nothing.” He quickly leaned away and read his magazine.
Annabel watched as the flight attendant stopped the beverage cart by the aisle. She asked the redhead if she wanted anything, and Annabel saw the flirtatious exchange between them and rolled her eyes; she sat back in her seat. This woman probably has some kind of harem all over Europe, she thought angrily. Why in the hell am I angry? Maybe because you want to be part of that harem. Annabel smiled sadly. What are the odds of this happening?
Her very active imagination galloped away from her as she watched the erotic images flash through her mind. She smiled at her boldness with this woman but was disheartened at the outcome. Why did she leave? She sure acted as though she wanted me, Annabel thought. Am I a dud or what? Hey, no, you’re not. Plenty of women have noticed you. You’re twenty-nine and relatively attractive. Women have told you about the deep dimples, how your deep blue eyes sparkle. How your blond hair shines in the sunlight. They can’t all be lying…can they? She chuckled to herself. So you only had one romantic interlude in your entire life. So Deborah was not the one. So you found her in bed with your medical school roommate. So you had a meltdown and made an ass out of yourself in front of them. So you threw her laundry out the dorm window during the ass-making. Is that any reason to lock yourself up like this? She had no answer as she gazed out the window watching the English Channel below.
In a moment or two, her curiosity got the better of her, and she glanced back at her roulette redhead once again. She had her head back; Annabel noticed she breathed deeply and rapidly. She swiped her long slender fingers across her brow, brushing the red curls, which were still damp. Annabel noticed she had her right hand inside her jacket, holding her left side.
Hmm, Annabel thought. Well, at least she hasn’t seen me. God, I hope I can get off this plane without her noticing me. The last thing I want is to see her. Right? she asked herself. I said, right? She asked the little voice of reason inside her scrambled brain. It did not answer. Where is Trevor when I need him?
Chapter 2
Maureen groaned as she woke. Disoriented at first, she quickly looked around the plane. Breathing another sigh of relief, she tried to stretch her long legs. Why do they make planes for midgets, she grumbled, then winced as she moved. She looked around again, and her heart stopped. She smiled and shook her head when she noticed her. What did she say her name was? Ah, Francesca, that was it. She actually chuckled openly, remembering the adorable look on her face when Maureen knew the woman made up the name. Francesca, Maureen thought with a laugh. Beautiful name, beautiful woman.
“Care for another?”
Maureen tore her gaze from Francesca and looked up at the smiling flight attendant who stopped with her beverage cart once again at Maureen’s aisle.
“Another Jameson?”
“Yes, I think I will. I’ll take two with just a glass, please, luv.”
The attendant grinned slyly and handed her the two small bottles and a glass. Maureen glanced past the attendant to see Francesca peeking between the seats. Maureen handed the attendant a lone bill. “Keep the change, darlin’,” she said softly and laughed when she saw the rolled eyes of the previous night’s roulette partner, who then turned around in her seat.
Thinking of Francesca, Maureen smiled sadly. Don’t start what ya can’t finish, Costello, she thought and gazed into the amber liquid. She came too close the night before. The poor woman was on her ear with the champagne, and there was Costello lifting her skirt. She shifted in her seat. I just need to get home, that’s all. It’s nearly finished, she thought as she looked out the window. They’ll leave us alone now. They’ll have no choice. They were over the Irish Sea, and soon she’d be home.
She closed her eyes and thought of the night before. She was amazed at how drawn she was to Francesca or whatever her real name was. God, she wanted that woman. Her skin still tingled at the thought, but when the woman said “make love,” Maureen Costello froze and knew she couldn’t just take this woman. She didn’t know why. She’d done it many times before. If the woman was willing, why not…
Maureen closed her eyes, remembering; when she got back to her own room, Leiza was waiting. Maureen had just slipped into the bedroom and tossed off her jacket.
“Where have you been?” the low French voice came from the bed.
Maureen raised an eyebrow and slowly walked over. “How did ya get in here?” she asked as she kicked off her boots.
Leiza pulled back the covers to reveal her naked body. Maureen’s heart beat faster as she tried to get the images of the American woman out of her mind.
“I know the concierge, darling. Now get in here and fuck me,” she hissed.
Maureen frowned; she used vulgarity quite often, but sometimes, she hated using that word to describe such a wonderful pleasure. Who are ya kidding, Costello? Ya’ve never known it as a wonderful pleasure. Fuck is the right word for the likes of you, boyo...
Just then, Francesca’s soft plea raked through her mind. “Make love to me, please,” drummed in her brain. Maureen shook her head angrily, dismissing it as she stripped off her clothes. She slipped into bed and quickly lay over Leiza, kissing her everywhere at once. Her hands roamed all over her skin. She winced as Leiza bit down on her neck.
She parted her legs. “Feel me, chérie. Feel how wet I am for you.”
Maureen let out a feral growl and quickly slipped two fingers deep inside Leiza.
“Yes!” Leiza hissed as she arched her back, her hips rising to meet the furious thrusts. “More, harder!” She groaned as her nails dug into Maureen’s shoulder.
Maureen complied; there was no doubt Leiza would have an orgasm—three, as a matter of fact.
She quickly tossed Maureen on her back and growled into the kiss. “I want to make you come, too. Scream my name, chérie.” Leiza kissed her deeply, her hands roaming freely over Maureen’s body.
Maureen tried to feel something, anything. In the end, Maureen did scream out…
Leiza was furious. “Who is Francesca?”
Maureen now chuckled inwardly at Leiza’s fury. “Ah, the French have no sense of humor.”
*******
As the passengers started to disembark, Annabel bit at her bottom lip. She didn’t know if she should wait until the redhead passed her or get while the getting was good. She decided, and she picked up a magazine. She hid her face and waited until the plane had emptied before she followed the stream of passengers down the tunnel to the baggage claim on their way to customs.
Annabel took a deep breath, then handed her passport obediently. The young woman smiled and warmly welcomed Annabel, who let out a happy sigh. “This is much better than Paris, I have to tell you.”
The woman laughed as she examined the passport. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. We love you Yanks.” She leaned over the counter. “To tell ya the truth, you Americans are the only ones we’ve ever invited, and ya took the invitation with grace.”
“See? Now that’s a nice thing to say. Why couldn’t that woman in Paris say that? We helped them not only in one but two wo
rld wars and…” She stopped when she noticed she was gathering a crowd. Mostly waiting for her to get the hell out of the way. Annabel cleared her throat.
The woman stamped her passport, still chuckling as she handed it back to Annabel. “Enjoy your stay, ma’am.”
“Thanks. I hope I have an enjoyable vacation, too.” She was walking away when she heard the employee behind her.
“Well, Mother of God, Maureen! You’re back.”
Annabel naturally turned as she saw her standing at customs with her passport. Annabel couldn’t deny her heart rate as it raced off the charts. Maureen, eh? she thought as she watched.
Maureen nervously looked around and silenced the woman. “Jaysus, will ya keep your voice down?” As she glanced, she caught Annabel’s eye.
Once again, the green gaze held her long enough to make Annabel extremely uncomfortable; she blinked and looked away. Annabel stood frozen, realizing she had not taken a breath. When she did, it was deep and shaky.
Annabel chuckled openly and shook her head as she picked up her luggage. This is ridiculous, thinking of Maureen; she saw me. Go and talk to her, you fool. You’re acting like a seventeen-year-old. She took another deep breath and started in Maureen’s direction, but she had vanished. Annabel let out a deflated sigh and once again followed along with the rest as they left customs.
What an ordeal. Dublin was a small airport, but the human traffic was unbelievable. As Annabel shuffled along, she absently looked around and found no sign of Maureen. Nuts, she thought sadly and trudged through the airport to get her rental car.
People are so nice here, she thought happily, as the young man pulled her car around. She needed no explanation of the driving in Ireland, having driven the Austrian autobahn; she was a pro by now.
“Well then, you’re ready for our grand Irish roads,” he chided with a wink. “Where are ya headed?”
“I’m going to County Wicklow for now. Then meeting up with a friend in a few days who teaches at Trinity.”
“Excellent. Enjoy your holiday, miss. We love you Yanks.”
Annabel laughed, and after getting quick directions to her bed-and-breakfast, she got in and made the obligatory seat adjustments. It was then she heard the passenger door open.
“Don’t say a word, just drive.”
Annabel jerked sideways to see Maureen, who jumped in and slammed the door.
“What in the hell are you doing?” Annabel asked frantically. Her heart was racing, and her stomach was somewhere on the floor of the car. “Are you nuts?”
“I have no time for your prattle. Drive,” Maureen ordered, then grimaced painfully.
Annabel noticed she held her side as she did on the plane.
“Damn it, woman, move!” Maureen barked as the sweat trickled down her temple. She then pulled her blood-covered hand out of her jacket.
Annabel let out a gasp. “Holy shit!” she exclaimed as she put the car in gear and sped out of the airport.
“Slow down. I don’t want the garda after us,” Maureen said through clenched teeth as she put her head back.
“What the hell is a gardie? Don’t tell me. An Irish fairy,” Annabel asked angrily. However, she obeyed and eased up on the accelerator.
“The police.” Maureen looked out the rearview mirror. They drove through the Dublin Airport. “Go toward Dublin, then head west.”
“Hold on. I have a room waiting for me at a nice little B&B in Wicklow, which is south.” Annabel looked around. “I think.” She stole a glance at Maureen’s sweaty face. “Look, I don’t know what you’re into, and I don’t want to know, but before you start bleeding all over this rental car, you’d better get to a doctor.”
Maureen violently shook her head. “No doctors, no police,” she mumbled and wiped the perspiration off her brow. She looked around and put a shaky hand to her forehead. “I just need to rest for a bit, that’s all. Just rest.” She sighed and put her head back.
Well, yeah, in a jail cell, Annabel thought. But the sad almost pathetic voice softened Annabel as she forgot her fear of the situation. “Okay, how about this? We go to my B&B and you can rest there, but first, you need a doctor. I’m at a disadvantage here, Maureen.”
Maureen’s head shot up. “How do you know my name?”
Annabel heard her frantic voice. “Easy… I heard the woman at the airport. Calm down before you have a stroke.” She glanced at Maureen, who smiled slightly. “After the fool I made of myself last night, I really should know your last name.”
“Costello, Maureen Costello.” She sighed helplessly, then angrily slammed her hand on the door. “Fuck!”
“I hope that’s not part of your name,” Annabel offered quietly as she watched the road.
Maureen shot her a curious look, then chuckled quietly. “I’m sorry, Francesca. I have a foul mouth,” she said with a sheepish grin and a thick Irish brogue.
Annabel laughed inwardly as she remembered her alter ego of the night before. Where did she come up with Francesca?
“Don’t apologize. I have three older brothers,” she explained as she grinned slightly.
She drove through a small town and noticed the pharmacy. “You stay put. I’ll be right back,” she ordered and slipped out of the car despite Maureen’s protest.
Annabel came back a few minutes later and noticed Maureen’s head flopping down on her chest. For an instant, Annabel thought she was unconscious—or worse.
“Oh, my God!” she exclaimed and tossed the bag in the back and jumped in. She quickly shook Maureen, who jumped at the contact, then cried out in pain.
“Jaysus! Ya scared the shite out of me!” she bellowed as she grimaced once again.
“I’m sorry, I thought you were dead.”
Maureen sighed and slumped back in the seat. “One more scare like that, and I will be,” she assured her and closed her eyes.
They drove through the gorgeous Irish countryside. This was the first time Annabel had been to Ireland, and she was missing the scenery. However, this adventure outweighed the greenery. She looked over at her companion and tentatively bit at her bottom lip.
“Look, Miss Costello. You’re not a criminal or crazy, are you? I mean, I…” She stopped, knowing she sounded foolish.
Maureen opened her eyes and regarded her warily. “No, Francesca, I’m not a criminal. And I’m not insane,” she said, ending the topic.
Annabel raised a curious eyebrow and watched the road, not sure if she believed this bleeding Irishwoman or not, but she knew she was definitely drawn to her. Why? Because of one night in Paris?
Now what?
Chapter 3
Annabel drove down the narrow road, looking for the bed- and-breakfast. Then on the right, she saw the sign—Burke’s B&B.
“Here we are,” she said nervously.
Maureen’s head shot up, and she reached across with her left hand and touched Annabel’s arm. “I’m sorry your night in Paris was ruined because of me. And I’m sorry I terrorized ya today. If ya just let me rest for a bit, I’ll be on my way and ya can have your vacation back.” She looked at Annabel with pleading eyes.
Annabel’s heart melted right there on the spot. “Let’s get something straight. You did not ruin my night in Paris.” She looked at Maureen, who seemed so melancholy, it broke Annabel’s heart. She gently cleared her throat. “So for the time being, Miss Costello, let’s just get you into the room without too much trouble. You don’t look like you can stand right now,” she said honestly. “And I’m not sorry about last night.”
Maureen shot a quick look at Annabel but said nothing.
“I-I’ll be fine. I just need to rest,” Maureen said with a stubborn bite, taking a deep breath.
Annabel pulled up the gravel drive, which led to the side of the gray brick two-story Georgian home surrounded by a grove of trees. If she weren’t so petrified, she’d have noticed how adorable and quaint the house was. “Let me do the talking.” She looked at Maureen, grateful when she nodded, albeit painfully.
As she got out, a short plump woman with a ruddy smiling face came out to greet her.
“Dr. Mitchell?” she asked happily, and Annabel had to smile back, despite the situation. These Irish are all so happy, she thought, then glanced at the sullen woman in her car. Well, most of them are, anyway.
“Yes. Mrs. Burke?” Annabel offered her hand. “I hope you don’t mind I brought a friend along. I haven’t seen her in years, and we bumped into each other at the airport.”
“Not at all. Not at all, you’re both welcome. However, there’s only your room. I have guests in the others. So you’ll have to do with….” She stopped as she noticed Maureen getting out of the car. “Oh…”
Mrs. Burke watched as Maureen struggled. Annabel noticed how pale Maureen looked. She tried not to draw attention to her. “The room will be fine, Mrs. Burke. I’m sure.”
“Your room only has one bed,” she said and smiled at Annabel.
“Oh, don’t give it another thought. We’re old friends, and it’s only for a couple nights,” Annabel assured Mrs. Burke, who stole a glance at Maureen as she leaned against the car.
“Well then, that’s settled. I’ll show ya to your room and you can join us for tea,” Mrs. Burke said kindly. However, Annabel saw the doubtful look as she watched them. Mrs. Burke was no fool, Annabel was sure of that. Annabel and Maureen certainly didn’t look like old friends.
Maureen bent to pick up a piece of luggage and winced painfully.
Annabel reached down and whispered, “Miss Costello, please. I don’t want you fainting in the driveway. Let me get it.”
Maureen frowned deeply. “I’m not an invalid.”
Annabel rolled her eyes as she lifted both pieces of luggage. “Just don’t pass out,” she whispered, “or start bleeding.” She started for the door and heard Maureen grumble under her breath as she followed Annabel.
