Foolish Temptations

by Danielle Stewart

  “Watch the door? Am I supposed to body block her if she comes?” Aden laughed but Maribel was choking on worry.

  “If you care about me at all, you will.” She looked up at him from under those long lashes. “Wait. Shut up.”

  “I’m not talking.”

  She clutched a paper in her hand and read the headline again.

  “What is it?” He tried to peer over her shoulder but cast a shadow in the already dim room.

  She had to shove him back a step. “This could be something.” She stood in the pile of papers from overturned boxes still in disarray at her feet.

  “A murder?”

  “No but the funeral of a young woman.” She skimmed the article, leaning toward the window for more light. “It was around the time Ian showed up in the United States.”

  “How did she die?” He was hungry for an answer and the energy buzzed between them.

  “It doesn’t say exactly. It just talks about her funeral and how the entire town came out to mourn. It was referred to as the blackest day in recent memory. Certainly something that seemed to upset the whole town.”

  Aden stepped to her side and read over her shoulder, his hard chest muscles brushing against her back. She had to force herself to refocus on the words that had suddenly gone blurry.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Elsie Cavanaugh. She was sixteen. We have her date of death, but no cause of death.”

  “No one here will talk to me about it. But they might talk to you.”

  “I’m no spy. You know how bad I am at lying. I couldn’t even keep my mouth shut about how I felt about you.”

  She felt his breath draw in quickly. “It’s one of my favorite things about you. You are genuine. Authentic.”

  “A foolish idealistic person who never learns her lesson.” The gap between them began to close. A little of her leaning in. A little of him.

  “You’re not foolish, Maribel. You’re everything most people wish they could be. Or at the very least, wish they could be around.” His hand came up to her chin, grazing it gently. Her lips parted as she waited for him to finally do what they’d both been driving toward for so long. But his hand dropped; his body drifted away.

  He cleared his throat. “It’s why people here will talk to you. They can’t help but see how much you care. How sweet you are.”

  “Sweet. That’s me.” She pushed her hair off her shoulder and straightened her back. She almost fell for it again. “What am I supposed to ask them? Hey who’s this girl who died decades ago and what happened to her?” Maribel spun around and pushed the paper into his chest. “That’s not what Hugo sent me here to do. This is your thing.”

  “It is.” Aden nodded and nibbled at the inside of his cheek. “But you said you would help.”

  “Help research. I found you a lead.”

  “I can’t do this without you. You are clever; I know you’ll think of a way to figure out what happened to Elsie and see if it’s related to Ian. You always think of something.”

  Maribel shifted the hem of her dress and looked down at her shoes. “I should go back to the wedding.”

  “You look like a princess.” He looked at the paper rather than at her. “I’ve never seen you dressed up like that before. I meant to say something earlier.”

  “You missed an opportunity to say something to me? That doesn’t sound like you at all.” She gave him the simple gift of a little smile. “I’m going back before I turn into a pumpkin.”

  “And you’ll see what you can find out.”

  “If I can think of something that doesn’t sound absolutely absurd I will. But I doubt it.”

  “Oh I don’t know. If I’ve learned anything, it’s never doubt that Maribel girl.”

  Chapter 11

  Aden

  * * *

  His hand touching her hip had done him in. The shelves had rocked, the boxes tumbled, and he instinctively pulled her toward him. But that contact was like sticking his finger in a socket. It had sent a jolt coursing through him. He’d wanted Maribel all along. She was gorgeous and sweet. You could tell she’d be epic in the sack. It had been heading that way. They had been flirty, and he’d rationalized how he could sleep with her and not screw up work. Then she told him how she felt, and he went running for cover like her words were a tornado siren.

  He’d parked his ass on a bench and had been people watching when his phone rang. Hugo. Looking for an update no doubt. Time to bite the bullet.

  “I thought I’d hear more from you by now.” Hugo had a friendly tone, but Aden was good at reading between the lines.

  “It’s been an interesting trip so far.”

  “You’ve found something.” Hugo’s voice rose with excitement, and that served as a punch to the gut for Aden.

  “I’m not clear yet about what I’ve found.” Aden hushed his voice slightly as a few people passed by him. “Let’s just say I haven’t made any friends yet.”

  “But you’ve found her family? You’re on to something. I can hear it in your voice.”

  Aden drew in a deep breath. “I’m not ready to say.”

  “I’m paying you to say.”

  “You are but I’m not sure what we’re dealing with. The less you know the better.”

  “That’s never the case.”

  “This time it is. Trust me.”

  “Do I?”

  Aden laughed at the question. Good point. Just asking someone to trust you wasn’t how it worked. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

  “I can’t get my head around what you’d need to keep from me or why.”

  “Just know I’m trying to protect you. And if that’s not good enough, understand that I’m protecting Junie.”

  “I guess that’s going to have to be good enough for now.” Hugo groaned. “I don’t like this.”

  “I’m not a big fan of it either.”

  “At least you’re in good company.” Hugo chuckled, enjoying the chance to needle Aden over something so awkward. “How’s that going? You two haven’t killed each other yet. Good sign.”

  “She’s at a wedding with another man.” Aden kicked at some gravel under his feet and tried not to sound like a jealous fool.

  “What exactly happened between you two? I thought for sure I was witnessing a good old-fashioned office romance in the making. Then boom, mortal enemies.”

  “Not quite, but close I guess. One night we were out having drinks. It was a long day. Our boss is a real pain in the ass so we were blowing off steam.”

  “Right. A pain in the ass who sent you both to Ireland on his dime.”

  “Exactly.” Aden laughed. “Well, we split a cab home, and we were just talking the same way we always do. Just some verbal sparring, arguing with each other, teasing. The cab driver asked how long we’d been married. I laughed it off but Maribel saw it as the perfect time to tell me she wanted more.”

  “And you didn’t?”

  “I don’t have those kinds of conversations. I avoid them at all costs. She was pretty articulate. Went into all kinds of detail about how compatible we are, how we challenge each other and get along so well. She made a lot of sense.”

  “And the problem is?”

  “I’m not what she needs.”

  “Women love when you tell them what they need. While we’re on it, you should also tell her to relax. Smile more. And her dress makes her look fat. That’s the winning formula to having a woman fall in love with you.”

  “I’m not trying to have her fall in love with me.”

  “Clearly. So how did you leave it that night?”

  “The cab was slowing down, and I jumped out.”

  “You what?”

  “I jumped out.”

  “The fact that Maribel had the guts to even set foot in the same office as you is amazing. That she had the self-control not to slowly poison your coffee is a testament to her strength. Oh, this trip must be painful.”

  “It was but she’s helping me out now, and
I feel like we’re starting to act like our old selves again.”

  “YOU don’t need to be your old self again. Apparently that guy is a commitment-fearing stunt man willing to get away at all costs. Maybe try turning over a new leaf.”

  “We can’t all find what you and Junie did.”

  “Yeah because it was so simple for us? Dude she has a bunch of brothers and now we both work with West Oil. It’s not supposed to be easy.”

  “Then what the hell is it supposed to be?”

  “Worth it. It’s supposed to be worth it.”

  Chapter 12

  Maribel

  * * *

  “Where did you go?” Kenan looked pleased to see her as he handed over a small plate with some tiny foods. She blushed at the thought of skipping out on him, but he didn’t seem to mind much.

  “I had to run out for a bit. Sorry about that.” He lifted one of the small pastries up and fed it to her. This man’s food was no joke. Sweet and powdery, it melted in her mouth.

  “No problem. There was a little backup in the kitchen, so I had to help out. I’m glad I didn’t leave you out here on your own.”

  “You were right. This wedding location is absolutely stunning. I love how the decorations blend so well with the natural landscape. The food is top notch. And the historic side of Gallamare will have some real meaning to my friend.”

  “You’ll pick it then?” His eyes lit with anticipation as he clapped his hands together. “We can be ready for a big wedding.”

  “Well,” Maribel groaned as she turned her lips up in a funny pout, “my friend is very particular. I mean who sends out a scout to gather information right? The town is as important to her as the venue. She’s very much into old Irish stories. Quirky elements that make for a good backdrop to her love story. Tell me something about this town of Gallamare. It has to be real and gritty. Special. Cuttingly painful but redeeming too. What sad stories are there? What skeletons?”

  “That’s what your friend will want to know?” His forehead creased with thought. “I mean this place has character. It goes back hundreds of years. I’m sure we could pique her interest.”

  “She loves history. She’ll want to tour the place after the wedding, stay in town a couple days. Where is the folklore? Where are the broken hearts and the star-crossed lovers?”

  Kenan tilted his head knowingly. “Americans are strange.”

  “We are.” She flipped her hair off her shoulder and smiled proudly. “If it’s too much to ask, I totally understand.”

  Kenan nibbled on his lip as he thought it over. “If you aren’t too spooked I can walk you through the cemetery tonight once I’m through here. It’ll be late but you’ll certainly get your fill of the spirit of Gallamare.”

  “What will we find there?” She batted her lashes. A cheap trick but it always worked.

  “Skeletons.” Kenan used his thumb to wipe at the corner of her mouth. Some powdered sugar left behind by the last dessert. “But I’ll protect you if you get scared.” He winked and extended his arm so they could stroll around together. “Let me introduce you to some other people. The couple that got married today are local. That’s why the whole town is here. You’ll like them.”

  “Dance.” Someone shouted as they shoved her from behind toward the dance floor. “Young-love dance.”

  “Oh I can’t.” Maribel’s protest was drowned out by cheers and whoops of the crowd who had circled around them.

  “Young love.” They all roared as the music slowed to a melodic rhythm. Kenan gave her a knowing look and pulled her into his arms. There was clearly no use fighting the will of the people.

  “They won’t stop until we dance,” he whispered through her hair. “They’re always trying to match me up with some girl. A bridesmaid. A tourist group of elderly women. No one is safe.”

  “Are you the town’s most eligible bachelor or something?” She leaned back and read his expression, wondering if she’d find pride or embarrassment. But it was neither. “It bothers you?”

  “I won’t get married here.” He caught himself and explained, “There’s nothing wrong with getting married in Gallamare, if you’re from somewhere else. It’s a beautiful spot. But if I get married here, settle down, I’ll never get out. Every possibility of seeing the world I’ve been holding on to will evaporate. I can’t do it.”

  “But everyone keeps trying?”

  “I’m like the golden boy of Gallamare. I fix up the old broken houses. I keep the hotel running. People here need me and they think if I get married it’s an insurance policy that’ll keep me around.”

  “How did you earn that title?”

  “It’s a long story but this place and these people give me too much credit. I live in the shadow of my mother’s legacy and they want me to live up to it instead.”

  “Really?” Maribel pulled back from his embrace to see his expression. It was as she expected. Pained.

  “I don’t want to get into it. Let’s just say when I was young this place was insulated, made to keep me safe. Now, as an adult, it’s suffocating. I’d love to leave, but it would break the collective heart of Gallamare if I did.”

  “This is way too intriguing to keep to yourself.” She squeezed his arm playfully. He had a firm bicep but Maribel had a hard time thinking anyone’s arms could be as strong or comforting as Aden’s. He’d become the measuring stick, and no one else was coming close. Foolish. Improbable. But unstoppable.

  “Walk with me tonight, and I’ll make sure you get all the good details of star-crossed lovers and plot twists around here.” He raised a challenging brow and pulled her in tighter. “You up for it?”

  The idea of walking through some old cemetery at night with a man she hardly knew should have been enough to turn her away. But Aden had said to get creative. He’d said this was important, and he needed her. “How can I resist?”

  She rested her head on his shoulder, not to be intimate but to change her vantage point. This had been precisely what she dreamed of when Hugo handed her the ticket to Ireland. She pictured a man like Kenan. An afternoon like this. Plans for the night. Aden an ocean away. This was the palate cleanser she desperately wanted. So why was she looking over his shoulder hoping to catch a glimpse of the man she was trying to leave behind? Because she was as weak as hell.

  “He’s not here,” Kenan whispered as the song stopped and the next, quicker-paced one began. They walked off the dance floor, having appeased the crowd.

  “I know he’s not.” She stepped back and cleared her throat. “I mean, I wasn’t looking for him.”

  “Is it wise to chase a man who’s broken your heart?” Kenan didn’t look wounded but worried. “You deserve to be chased. You do see that right? You do know you’re this gorgeous, witty, smart woman who has a way of brightening up a place just by smiling.”

  “You’re quite the charmer. But I’m not chasing anyone. Not anymore,” Maribel insisted as she spun and walked off the dance floor. “And your vision of me is flattering but we don’t share it.”

  “I know.” Kennan took his finger and tipped her chin up ever so slightly. His hands moved to her shoulders and he gently pushed them back, straightening her out. “You should have your head held high every day. No weight of the world on your shoulders. I don’t know everything, but I do know if you were mine, I’d never make you look around a crowd and hope to see me.”

  “Aden and I were never together. I was never his. It’s not like we broke up or anything. You’re making it into more than it is.”

  “I’m not trying to make you feel bad.” Kenan tucked her hair gently behind her ears. “I want you to feel good. So good you don’t long for anything. So good you forget his name.”

  She blushed and licked her suddenly dry lips. “That’s a lofty goal.”

  “I enjoy a challenge.” He smirked and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “I’m that kind of man. The question is what kind of woman are you?”

  “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” S
he fluttered her lashes in his direction and almost kept his gaze. Almost. It was Aden passing by the outside fence of the gardens that had done her in. Pulled her away. Reminded her that her feelings for Aden weren’t something she could switch off like a light, even if she wanted to.

  Kenan was a kind enough man not to draw attention to her weakness.

  “You deserve some fun. A distraction.”

  “I do.” She drew in a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right.”

  “I’ll find you tonight,” he promised.

  “Shouldn’t I just give you my phone number?” She eyed him skeptically.

  “In this town I can find you quicker by just asking around.”

  “That’s unnerving.”

  “It’s quaint. Charming. I say: hey Mack have you seen the woman whose lips make the roses seem pale. I’ll ask if they have laid eyes on the lass with the dark hair so shiny it makes the sun look like a candle about to burn out. They’ll know just who I mean.”

  Maribel rolled her eyes out of muscle memory. A reflex. She’d never been good at accepting, or hell, believing, compliments. “You are smooth.”

  “I’ll find you tonight.” He pulled her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles gently. “And I’ll distract you.”

  She watched him walk back off toward the crowd and jovially chat with everyone he passed. If things were different she’d be swooning over this man, this moment, this fairy tale. If things were different.

  Chapter 13

  Aden

  * * *

  He liked the long way around. It was scenic here. That’s why he’d walked all the way around the back of the hotel grounds. It wasn’t to spot Maribel. It wasn’t to confirm his worst fears that she was in Kenan’s arms swaying to some slow song. It was just a stroll, a walk about, a jaunt. He shook his head and took a sip of his thick dark beer.

  Get a grip man.

  “You’re back in the bar?” Maribel asked as she swept up the hem of her dress and glided toward him. Her easy smile was thanks to some other man, and it made Aden’s back tense up.