by T. C. Clark
Irene and Liam arrived in Scotland in the wee hours of the morning. As their plane landed, Liam found Irene sleeping soundly by his side.
Irene’s light snore always brought a smile to his face. He loved how she snuggled tightly against his side. Liam exhaled as he stared at the dark beauty in the seat beside him. He was falling for her fast, and he had no idea how to slow himself down. Hell, he didn’t even know if he wanted to.
Every moment with Irene felt right. They weren’t alike in every way, but they synced up in the areas that mattered. Take her relationship with Deshaun: he’d watched how they interacted with each other. Irene had been there for him when he’d felt most alone, and the love between them was apparent and genuine. Liam liked seeing that. Irene was a beauty with a kind heart, and he knew she was a rare find.
That’s why he was in no hurry to let her go. A man had to hold on to the important things in his life, and Irene was quickly becoming necessary to him.
Liam needed to figure out how to convince her to give their relationship a solid try. He knew she was afraid of something, but she refused to tell him exactly what it was. Irene was willing to talk about anything except her past.
Normally, that would have set off a red flag, but something told him to give her some time. She needed to trust in him first. Thank God for Ansley. His young niece was still determined to get all of her uncles married off as quickly as possible. Usually, her interference was unwelcome as she tended to set up situations similar to movies such as Parent Trap. But right now, Liam could use an ally.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty, we’re here,” he whispered in Irene’s ear.
He’d already spoke to Tatum; his brother had purchased a small home closer to town. Tatum used it when he had to lead lectures at the university.
Right now, it was empty because Tatum was a guest speaker at a rally in the states. The situation was perfect. They would stay at his place while they were in Scotland.
The one area of their relationship that Irene let him in completely was sex. Liam knew he needed to keep that connection strong and he had no intention of sleeping alone during his trip. He needed to use this time to cement their bond.
“What?” Irene whispered. She sat up and looked around the cabin. She was completely disoriented and unsurprisingly adorable. Liam leaned forward and kissed the frown from her lips.
“We’re here, “he announced. He reached over and popped open the airplane shade.
“We’re in Scotland!” she yelled. Several people on the plane turned around to scowl at her. They took one look at his face and turned back around. He wasn’t going to let anyone shame Irene for being excited.
“Yes, we are, and I have plans to show you off to everyone. What would you like to do first?”
Irene turned away from the window and checked her watch. “What time do we need to meet up with your family?”
“That won’t be until later tonight. Right now, Ansley’s at school and Gabby and Brodrick are mooning over the baby.”
“If that’s the case, then I think you know what I’d like to do first,” she said huskily.
Liam took one look at the sexy smile on Irene’s face and shuddered.
The woman really knew how to keep him on his toes.
“Never let it be said that a Campbell doesn’t treat his woman right.” Liam didn’t wait for Irene’s response. He just stood up and grabbed their carry-on bags. They didn’t have much time and they would be exhausted later, but he wouldn’t disappoint—not in this.
The quickness in which he ushered Irene off the plane pulled a laugh from her lips.
* * *
Irene smothered a yawn as she settled into her chair. They’d come to Scotland for Liam’s monthly date with Ansley. She needed to get her energy together. It was her fault they were both so exhausted. They’d spent the afternoon in bed.
It was hard for her to feel sorry about that. She wanted to spend every waking moment in Liam’s arms. Although, she could admit she was happy to be here with him.
They’d talked for a few minutes with Gabby and Brodrick when they’d picked Ansley up. The couple looked exhausted. They’d both admitted that adjusting to their newborn baby’s schedule hadn’t been easy.
Irene looked in the mirror at Ansley smiling in the backseat. The little girl was so sweet. She knew tonight would be fun.
She sighed; she still couldn’t believe she was in this beautiful country. From what Irene had seen of Scotland during their brief ride from the airport to Tatum’s apartment, she knew the country was beautiful. There was so much greenery and land.
Liam had told her history facts as they passed them. He was well informed when it came to Scotland. He attributed that ridiculously detailed knowledge to Tatum. His older brother had been part teacher and mentor.
They drove for a while before they found the restaurant. Irene helped Liam get Ansley’s stuff and within a few minutes they were waiting in the lobby.
She loved the sound of the Scottish accent; although, she struggled to understand it whenever a local spoke quickly. Still, Irene was coming to love Scotland and she had one person to thank for that.
“So, why did you become vegetarian?” Ansley asked as the Garden Pub brought out their appetizers.
They were eating here at Ansley’s request. Apparently, this spot was hot when it came to kids around her age. Ansley had already spoken to several of her classmates before they were seated.
It took them a second to get settled in at their table. The staff of the Garden Pub was clearly excited to see Liam as one of their guests. A few of the servers were hovering near their table.
“I did my dissertation on genetic engineering, and let’s just say, the things I discovered in a lot of the meat on the market today changed my diet permanently. I have to admit it took me years to commit to it, but I’m glad I did. What about you? What’s your favorite food?”
Ansley looked down at her plate. “What is this again?” she asked as she twirled a noodle on her fork.
“I believe this is the poor man’s version of lo mein?” Liam frowned as he tasted it.
“Really, Liam, it isn’t that bad,” Irene chuckled.
The man really loved his food and he was a perfectionist when it came to recipes. Once he’d spent two hours making her baked chicken; she was starving by the time it was ready. He made up for the long wait later in the shower.
Irene shook her head. She needed to get her head out of the gutter and focus on having a good time.
“And what kind of food is lo mein?” Ansley asked as she savored a bite.
“It is supposed to be Chinese, but I don’t think their nation would want to claim this dish.”
“Then my favorite is Chinese food,” Ansley said firmly.
“Who have you been eating with behind my back; and when did Chinese food become your favorite? I thought we both agreed that the French restaurant was the best in town.”
“Since Billy told me it was his favorite,” Ansley admitted with a pretty blush.
“And who the hell is Billy!?” Liam roared.
His strong voice carried through the restaurant, and several people turned to look at them. When Irene noticed a group of girls giggling and pointing in their direction, she knew she had to step in.
Ansley’s face was bright red now and she wouldn’t look up from her plate. This story did not need to get back to Ansley’s school.
“He is my dermatologist, Liam, and you don’t own me! Now stop yelling and eat your noodles!”
Liam’s confusion lasted only seconds when he realized the kids were looking their way. He opened his mouth to help and Irene shook her head. He’d done quite enough.
Ansley looked up and mouthed Thank you.
“Now, Ansley, tell us how you are. Obviously, things are interesting with little Ramsey around. How have you been adjusting? Trust me, there will be no more shouting at this table,” Irene said. She shot Liam a stern look and he nodded.
Ansley
relaxed. “I love Ramsey so much. But he does cry a lot. Other than that, everything has been really great.”
“What about Billy? How long have you known him?” Irene asked softly. She could tell Liam was struggling to act nonchalant, but somehow he remained quiet.
“Billy is in my class. We’ve been hanging out lately. His mom is a nurse and she works with my mom. We actually have a lot in common.”
“He sounds nice,” Irene said as she forced herself to finish her plate. Liam was right; whatever this was, it wasn’t lo mein.
“What about you? Are you really going out with my Uncle Liam?”
Liam’s intense gaze switched from Ansley to Irene.
“We are.” Irene could admit that much.
“Thank God! I can’t wait to tell everyone that he has a girlfriend. Look at this,” Ansley reached into her Hello Kitty purse and pulled out several slips of paper.
“What’s this?” Irene asked.
“Phone numbers of all the single ladies in town. Uncle Liam’s episode of Iron Chef was on television last night, and he’s popular again, and I’m exhausted,” Ansley said dramatically.
Irene’s eyes widened and she looked over at Liam. “Is this what normally happens here? Are all the single ladies in Scotland after you?”
Liam turned red and Irene and Ansley laughed.“It’s not my fault. I didn’t even want to do Iron Chef, but my agent said it would be a good idea.”
“You don’t like being a heartthrob?” Irene joked.
“The only heart I want to throb is yours,” he said seriously.
This time, Irene’s brown cheeks darkened and she looked away from Liam’s intense gaze.
Ansley shook her head. “That was cheesy, Uncle Liam.”
Liam smiled at her and pushed his plate away. “How about we leave and I’ll make us some real food before we take you back home.”
Irene nodded in agreement. The food here wasn’t great, and if they went home, Ansley and Liam could talk without the fear of her classmates overhearing them. “We can even watch a movie while we eat. Liam says you’re a big fan of Disney movies.”
“I’m the biggest fan of Disney!” Ansley said.
They paid for their meal and went back to Tatum’s house. Ansley and Irene set up the movie while Liam quickly made some black garlic hamburgers and homemade Greek-style fries.
After they finished eating, Irene ran a hand over her swollen belly. There was something amazing about a man who could cook. Since they’d started dating, she’d mostly eaten gourmet food.
“Are you ready to head back, Ansley?” Liam asked when she smothered a second yawn.
“Yeah, I think it’s time, Uncle Liam. Ramsey has to be missing me by now.”
Liam leaned over and kissed Ansley’s head. “I’ll warm up the car then.”
As soon as Liam walked out of the room, Ansley turned to her. “So, what are your intentions with my Uncle Liam?”
“What?” Irene asked. She sat up.
“I mean, Uncle Liam never, ever brings anyone to meet me, so you have to be important to him. As much as I want him to have a girlfriend, I also don’t want him to get hurt. He’s awesome if you haven’t noticed.”
“I noticed,” Irene chuckled.
“Good, just don’t hurt him, okay?”
“I’ll do my best not to hurt him, but adult relationships are different and complicated. But trust me, it is not my intention to hurt your uncle. Honestly, he is amazing,” Irene said sincerely.
Although, she knew a relationship between them probably wouldn’t end well. She had very real feelings for Liam and she didn’t intend to hurt him.
Liam cleared his throat and they both turned around. He caught Irene’s eyes and held her gaze. If his smile was any indication, she had a feeling he’d caught most of their conversation.
“You ready, Ansley?”
Ansley grinned as she looked from Irene to Liam. The wheels were spinning in the young girl’s head and Irene had no idea what she was planning.
“Yep. Oh, Uncle Liam. I have a project due on the fifth, and I need plant samples from the Highlands in order to do it. Can you get them for me? I asked my parents, but they won’t be able to do it until the weekend and I really wanted to start it today.”
“That’s a long drive, Ansley.. By the time we get back, we will have to fly out.”
“I know it’s a long drive, but you can take Ms. Irene and show her how beautiful our country is, and you see us every month,” Ansley said. She nodded at Irene, as if to give him a hint.
Irene chuckled; she knew what Ansley was trying to do. She wondered how long before Liam figured it out as well.
He was quicker than she thought. A slow, sexy grin lit his face as he got Ansley’s suggestion.
“I wouldn’t mind,” Irene said. She had no problem spending more alone time with Liam.
“Okay, then. We will have to leave very early in the morning if we want to make good time. I’ll have those samples back to you as soon as I can, Ansley.”
They dropped Ansley off and waved at Gabby and Brodrick on the porch. Liam knew they needed to rest if they wanted to make the trip. As soon as they got back, they showered together and got in bed.
It was the first night they’d spent in bed together just cuddling. Liam pulled her close to his body and wrapped himself around her.
Irene loved the way he liked to have her close. The feel of his warm body against her back was as effective as a tranquilizer, and within seconds, she drifted off into sleep.
She could get used to this. The stray thought shocked her as sleep pulled her under.
* * *
Somewhere outside of the highlands of Scotland was a lost car…
“Are you sure you know where you are going?” Irene asked for the sixth time. The rolling hills of Scotland were beautiful, but she was starting to believe she would never leave them.
Liam had changed directions twice now and she was starting to get worried.
He kept muttering about the different style of this particular map. It was the first time she’d actually seen him frustrated, and she couldn’t help but have a little fun.
“I’ve been this way a thousand times. The road has to be here.” Liam shook his head as they circled back down the same road for a third time.
“Okay, I trust you. You’re just starting to sweat a bit and I was hoping you’d let me help you,” Irene said softly.
“You trust me?” Liam’s hands tensed on the steering wheel.
Irene knew her answer mattered to him. She thought about his question. “I trust you as much as I can right now,” Irene said honestly. It was the truth; Liam had proven to be what he said he was. She saw it in the way he treated her or by the way he interacted with his family.
“That’s a start,” he said.
“I really do like you, Liam.”
“I still hear a but in your voice.”
“But liking someone is never enough to make things work.”
“What happened to you?” Liam asked. His simple question made her heart pound.
She hated this part. Irene didn’t want to talk about her past or the situations that forced her to retreat back home.
“I loved someone, he lied to me, and there were repercussions,” she said quietly. Irene looked out the window and ignored the urge to divulge more.
“I understand that, but you have to know everyone won’t lie to you. I have no intention of telling you anything but the truth. My life is an open book.”
She loved the sincerity in his words. “What about you? What’s your past love life like?”
Liam sighed and shook his head. “Nothing interesting. I’ve dated a lot of women, but no one ever made me want anything more than that. Maybe it was because of Cole. I watched him lose himself after his first love died, and it was a difficult time. I think I subconsciously stepped back from getting too heavily involved with anyone right after that. But eventually he healed and met Mel. When I met you, it was l
ike an explosion. I’ve never felt that way before.”
“What do you mean?” Irene couldn’t help herself. She knew knowing the answer was dangerous. It could possibly tempt her to want something more than a simple summer fling with the Scottish chef, but she just had to know.
“Honestly, I don’t really know. Somehow, you became the center of my thoughts. Hell, at first I hated it. My feelings for you gave you all the power. Look at what happened. I chased you all the way back to New Orleans.”
Liam didn’t sound too happy about that. “And do you regret chasing me?”
“I could never regret chasing you,” Liam said simply and just like that her heart started to race.
Before she could figure out what to say, he yelled, “Finally, we’re here! See, I told you the map was wrong,” Liam pulled over to the side of the road and jumped out of the truck.
He walked over to her side and opened the door. Irene smiled at the gesture. Liam’s mom had raised him right.
Irene took a second to look at the rolling hills and heavy fog surrounding them. Scotland was truly a magical place with its bright green mountains and cool spring air.
Liam picked up the picnic basket they’d packed together earlier.
She reached into her bag and pulled out the container Ansley had given them. “So, what exactly is gorse?”
Liam laughed as Irene examined Ansley’s coarse drawing. “Follow me and I’ll show you.”
Liam put his hand out and Irene took it. She followed him closely. He made his way up one of the hills and Irene was struck by how right he felt.
Scotland felt like home or maybe Liam felt like home. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she knew each day with him brought them closer together.
Irene looked over at Liam and smiled. He was wearing his signature sexy grin. She had a feeling they would be doing more than just gathering plants on this trip.
Liam stopped in front of an overgrown bush and dropped down. He picked up a mangy looking leaf and handed it to her.
“This is gorse? How can you tell?” All the leaves looked the same to her.
