by Kate Sweeney
“Ya found it? My God, where?” Michael asked.
Maureen stood by the fire, warming her hands after she handed it to Michael. “Matt Nolan’s boyfriend was Sean Burke.”
“The name sounds familiar,” Michael said absently as he leafed through the notebook.
“It’s just an unbelievable coincidence that his mother owns the bed-and-breakfast in Wicklow where I was staying.” Annabel sat on the hearth and looked up at Maureen, who smiled, then stared back at the flames.
“That is unbelievable.” Deirdre peered over Michael’s shoulder as he read. “So what’s in this?”
Michael looked up at Maureen, giving her a cautious look. Maureen was tired of her sin of omission. Tired of running, tired of…just tired. But she had to wait to come completely clean with all of them, including Michael, and not the least—Annabel.
“Go ahead and explain, Mick.” Maureen sat next to Annabel on the hearth. Annabel leaned into her, resting her head on Maureen’s shoulder.
“Where the hell to start?” Michael said, scratching his head.
“Well, there goes the chess game.” Trevor walked over to the bar and poured several drinks. “I take it our boy gets no alcohol?”
“Not on your life,” Deirdre said. “Count me out, as well.”
Trevor handed Maureen and Annabel their glasses, then took his place at the chess table once again.
They listened as Michael recounted his fateful association with Tommy Doyle. Deirdre listened intently, frowning deeply as she shook her head in disbelief. He explained the drugs, the money, the need as a young teenager to fit in somehow.
He looked at Maureen through teary eyes. “I never listened to my sister or Kevin or Conall. I was the smart one. Only I knew what was best for me.” He shook his head. “I had no idea how wrong I was. And how close I came to dying because of it. And now I’ve got Maureen and all of you involved in this shit, as well. I deserve this, not any of you. Least of all Maureen.” He hung his head, wiping away the tears.
Maureen breathed deeply, trying to keep her emotions in check, before she could speak. “You and I have done things we’re not proud of, Mick. But it’s almost over.”
“Well,” Michael said, holding up the book. “There are two pages in the front of this book that are filled with numbers and amounts. But take a look…” He tossed the book to Maureen.
She examined each page. “This doesn’t make sense. Is it some sort of code?” She looked up at Michael, who nodded.
“I think so. I remember Matt telling me he had so much on Tommy, but he had to devise a way so no one could tell what he had. In case Tommy got hold of it.”
“So we don’t know who or what’s in this book? What good is it?” Annabel asked.
Maureen closed the book; she pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t make heads or tails from this right now. I’m just too tired.”
“I think if we all put our heads together, we can decipher this. May I?” She took the book from Maureen and looked through it.
“I agree. We’re all reasonably intelligent people,” Trevor said.
“Not tonight,” Deirdre said. “I think a good night’s sleep is in order for everyone. You two get something to eat. Michael, you need to get into bed. This is too much for one day. Go on with ya.” She shooed Maureen and Annabel away.
“See,” Trevor said, grabbing his glass. “Nurse Ratchet.”
*******
After eating, Maureen was exhausted. She allowed Annabel to take her hand and lead her upstairs to her room.
“A hot shower, Miss Costello.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Hmm,” Annabel said. “I like you this way. All tired and compliant.”
“Don’t get used to it.” Maureen laughed and kissed her, then sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her face. It’ll be over soon, she thought. “But for now, I desperately need a shower.”
“Go.” Annabel pushed her toward the bathroom.
Maureen stripped off her clothes and stood under the hot spray, instantly feeling better. She tried not to think about the book, about Doyle, about telling all them what she was doing. But she could not avoid thinking about Annabel. She crowded every corner of Maureen’s mind and heart now. Her kindness and her compassion were something Maureen was not used to. She lowered her head, letting the warm spray run down her back. She laughed then. And her crazy sense of humor, Maureen thought. How in the world can a woman be tossed into this mess and still laugh? It was a heady combination to Maureen. And she didn’t want to let Annabel go. She wanted desperately to cling to her, to love her, and never let her go. What were the odds of that happening?
“Very slim,” she said as she shut the water off.
When she got out, she saw a robe lying on the bed with a note pinned to it.
I’ll do more laundry tomorrow. Put this on. You took too long, you shower hog. I’ll be back…—Francesca
Maureen raised a curious eyebrow. “Francesca, is it?”
*******
Annabel hummed as she dried off and slipped into her robe. She opened the door and peeked down the hallway. “The coast is clear,” she said and ran back to her room, holding her robe close to her.
She quickly opened her bedroom door and dashed in. She laughed at the stunned look on Maureen, who was just struggling into the robe she had left for her.
“Is there a fire?” Maureen grinned evilly and tied her robe. “Thanks for this.”
Annabel laughed and leaned against the door. “You’re welcome. It looks great.”
“It’s just a robe.” Maureen walked over and stood in front of Annabel.
“Not the way you’re wearing it. I like it that we’re about the same size.”
“It has been convenient.”
“Though you are a little broader in the shoulders,” Annabel continued, running her hands along the top of them.
“And your hips have a little more curve to them.” Maureen sensually caressed said hips. “I like that.”
“Good. I’m glad you’ve noticed.” Annabel pulled Maureen down for a kiss.
“I’ve noticed,” Maureen whispered against her lips. “But I don’t think I caught your name, luv.”
“Oh,” Annabel murmured. “Francesca.”
“A last name?”
“That’s all you get for now.”
Maureen smiled and kissed one cheek, then the other. “It’s a beautiful name.”
“Th-thank you.” Annabel sighed when the lips traveled down her chin, to her neck. “I don’t normally do this sort of thing.”
Maureen pulled back and smiled. Without losing eye contact, she reached over and turned off the light switch on the wall. “And what sort of thing would that be?”
“Well. I—”
It was all she got out. Suddenly, as in Paris, she was in the dark room in an instant. Her arms flew around Maureen’s neck as they melted into a smoldering kiss.
Passion and need were definitely the order of the night. There had been too much sexual tension between them for days.
“Jaysus, Annabel, I want you,” Maureen quietly exclaimed into her neck as she kissed and nibbled eagerly.
Annabel was on fire from the kisses as she roughly pulled Maureen closer. “Then for godsakes, take me,” she nearly begged.
Maureen had her against the door, her body pressed up against her.
At the request, Maureen moaned and trembled with anticipation. She’d wanted this woman since Paris. “Are ya sure? I…”
“Oh, my God, don’t get a pang of nobility now,” Annabel pleaded and pulled her down for a long, sensual kiss. Her tongue snaked out and invaded Maureen’s mouth, showing her just how badly she needed her.
“I won’t do this here,” Maureen whispered, then effortlessly picked Annabel up and walked to the bed.
“If you hurt yourself—”
Maureen set her down, gently pulling the robe off her shoulders, then easily deposited her on the bed. Maureen stood in the dark
ness and slipped out of her robe.
“God, you’re beautiful,” Annabel said.
Maureen smiled and slipped in beside her. “So are you.” She ran her fingertips down Annabel’s check to her jaw, then traced the side of her neck.
“Maureen,” Annabel whispered.
“Just let me look at you,” she said, kissing her lightly on the lips before pulling back. She gazed at her breasts, ran her fingers across her hardened nipple, then back up to her neck. “So soft,” she whispered and lowered her head.
Annabel nearly arched off the bed when she felt Maureen’s warm lips against her breast. She grabbed a handful of red hair and held her in place. As if she had no control, which she really didn’t, she parted her legs, urging Maureen lower. She nearly climaxed right there when Maureen’s tongue made contact. “Good Lord,” she cried out. If she parted her legs any farther, something would surely snap.
Maureen had control now, and soon Annabel… “Maureen, please,” she begged, and Maureen obeyed. Her orgasm rippled through her again and again. This was more than the physical joy she felt; it was Maureen making love to her finally.
And finally, she could take no more. She pulled Maureen up to her, clinging to her; she felt helpless and at the same time completely loved. “Holy cow,” she whispered.
Maureen chuckled and kissed her. “I love the feel of you, Annie. Ya give so much. You’re wonderful.”
Annabel rolled over, now looming over Maureen, whose green cat eyes smiled sensually. “You made me beg.”
“Not intentionally.”
Annabel smiled. “Oh, I think you enjoyed it.”
“Well, maybe a little.” Maureen reached up to caress her cheek.
“Payback, Miss Costello.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Annabel kissed her then, successfully silencing her. Her hand traveled down, cupping her breast, teasing her hard nipple until Maureen squirmed beneath her. As she ran her fingers down Maureen’s taut abdomen, she sighed when Maureen parted her legs.
Annabel couldn’t believe the heat generated from Maureen as she slipped her fingers deep inside. “So warm,” she whispered against Maureen’s lips.
Maureen felt the orgasm building. She’d had many lovers, but no one touched her so deep, so emotionally. It was more than sex—it was Annabel. It was as if they never left Paris. “Now, Annie, please.”
“Open your eyes, Maureen. I want to see me in your eyes.”
Maureen looked into her eyes, trying to focus. “God, Annie.” Her body as tight as a bow exploded as the orgasm rippled through her. She reached for Annabel and held her close to her breast, begging her to continue.
“I love you,” Annabel whispered in her ear. “More than you know.”
That did it for Maureen. Her body convulsed, she came again, not wanting it to ever end. She could stay like this forever, wrapped in Annabel’s love.
Her body slackened; she whimpered when she felt Annabel’s fingers leave her. She felt her warm lips on her forehead and sighed. “God, Annabel. I do love you.”
“I know,” Annabel said with a small chuckle. “I believe you said it earlier. I just wanted to make sure.”
Maureen laughed along and pulled her close. Annabel cuddled closer, pulling the down blanket over them.
They lay quietly for some time. Maureen thought Annabel might be sleeping, but when she felt her eyelashes flutter across her breast, she smiled. “Aren’t ya sleepy?” She lazily caressed her shoulder.
Annabel kissed the top of her breast. “Yes, but I’m afraid if I fall asleep, I’ll wake up and this will all have been a dream.”
“It is a dream, luv. I don’t know how else to explain what’s happened to me.”
Annabel looked up. “To us. It happened to me, too.”
Maureen smiled sadly. “An adventure you wouldn’t have in Nebraska.”
“God, no.” Annabel shifted and slid her hand under the covers.
“Tell me about your family.”
“Not much to tell, really. It was a typical life. I was the youngest. My brothers all played football, which is a religion in Nebraska.”
Maureen heard what sounded like resentment. “But your parents loved all of you.”
“Oh, yes. They did. I was just Annabel the egghead. The smart one. I guess I just felt out of the loop most of the time. I was not coordinated or sports-minded. My brothers teased me all the time.”
“I remember you saying. My shin still aches.” She kissed the top of Annabel’s head as she laughed.
“I am sorry about that.”
“Well, I think I deserved it. I was kinda bullying ya.”
“You were pushing me away. Trying to get me mad so I’d leave.”
Maureen thought for a moment, realizing that was exactly what she was doing. “I suppose it’s what I’ve done all my life.”
Annabel rose up, sweeping her hair from her face. “Why?” She rested her chin on Maureen’s chest.
Maureen looked down at her and through the moonlight she saw her eyes sparkle. “You are beautiful.”
“Thank you. Now tell me why you push people away.”
“God, you’re like a dog with a tasty bone,” Maureen said, looking at the ceiling. “I suppose it was safer that way. I’ve never lived what people call a normal life.”
“Whatever that is.”
Maureen shrugged and returned her gaze to Annabel. She ran her fingers through her blond hair. “I always felt like an outsider. Kevin would tell me it was due to not having any parents. I don’t know. That’s probably true.”
“If no one comes in, then you won’t get hurt. That’s a sad way to live.”
“It’s all I knew.”
“Well, not anymore,” Annabel assured her. She snaked her hand down between her legs.
“Annie…”
“What? Hmm. You’re still pretty excited.” She slid her fingers up and down. “Did I do this to you?”
Maureen put her hand behind her head and sighed. “Only you, Annie.”
Chapter 17
Annabel woke and stretched out, hitting Maureen in the face. “I’m so sorry,” she said, laughing.
Maureen felt her nose and groaned. “It would mean so much if ya weren’t laughing.”
“How’d ya sleep?” Annabel curled up against her side.
“Like a baby. It’s the best sleep I think I’ve ever had.” She rolled on her side to face Annabel. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. The first of many nights.”
Maureen frowned, then wondered what the next nights would bring. There was still so much to do before this was over.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Annabel said.
Maureen looked at her and smiled. “Do ya now? One night and you can read my mind?”
Annabel raised an eyebrow. “You’re not that hard to figure out. You’re an open book actually.”
Maureen slid away from her. “Speaking of books…”
“Nice comeback.”
“Get out of bed, ya lazy thing. We have things to do.”
“You’re no fun,” Annabel said in full pout.
“C’mon. We’ll go for a walk. It’s a grand morning.”
Annabel smiled as she watched Maureen stretch and head to the bathroom. She was completely naked and beautiful. Annabel sighed and looked out the window. “Grand morning?” she called out. It was damp and foggy. “You Irish have no concept of grand.”
Maureen poked her head out. “Oh, yes, I do. I see it every time I look at you.”
“You’re full of the blarney this morning.” She heard Maureen laugh as she closed the bathroom door.
They sat side by side on the bench out back, both drinking hot coffee, but only Annabel shivered while Maureen examined the book once again. “These have to be codes.”
“What are they, do you think?” Annabel asked.
“I don’t know. It looks like a couple of letters and a number. I’m sure it’s significant, but I don’t know if the seq
uence is important or not. I’ll have to talk to Michael. Maybe he can remember what the boys talked about.” She closed the book. “Whatever it is, there’s a lot of money doled out.” She absently tapped the book on her knee. “There’s something I’m missing here. I can feel it.”
“Like you should know what it means?”
“I dunno. But I think so.”
Annabel shivered and finished her coffee. “Can we continue this inside, please?”
Maureen laughed and pulled her to her feet. They stood, their faces inches apart. “You have little gray flecks in your eyes. I never noticed that before,” Maureen said.
“We’ve never been this close before. But I like it. You have a very warm body.” Annabel shivered again.
Maureen wrapped her arms around her. “Is this better?”
Annabel laid her cheek against Maureen’s chest. “Wonderful. I can feel your heart beating.” She looked up and grinned. “It’s beating pretty fast.”
Maureen kissed her tenderly…at first. She tightened her embrace and deepened her kiss. “Let’s get inside before I have a stroke.”
They met Michael and Deirdre in the kitchen when they walked in the back door.
“Well, good morning,” Michael said.
Maureen noticed the smug grin. “What are you grinnin’ at?”
“Oh, nothin’. How’d ya sleep last night, Dee?” He looked at Deirdre, who shook her head. “I had a devil of a time getting to sleep. There must have been a banshee outside my window. It was screaming and howling and…”
“Shut up,” Maureen said. “I can see you’re feeling better.” She tossed the book at his midsection. “Spend some time with this. We need to figure out what those numbers are.”
Michael laughed as he finished his breakfast. He wiped his hands and opened the book. He and Deirdre buried their heads in the book. “I left ya some breakfast,” Deirdre said over her shoulder.
Annabel fixed them both a plate of food just as Trevor walked in. He wore a black silk robe and slippers. “Good morning. Is it morning still?” he asked through his yawn. When he spied the pan full of food and the coffeepot, his eyes completely opened. “Bless whoever made this.”
