The Gypsy Ribbon

by Shannon MacLeod

  “That is it,” she growled. “The both of you. Sit down and shut it.”

  The brothers grinned at each other over the top of Meg’s head and took their seats across from each other, James leading Beth by the hand, and Ian escorting Lily to sit next to him.

  Once seated, everyone set about the serious task of helping themselves to the culinary bounty. “Lunch looks grand, Meg. You’ve really outdone yourself,” James commented, loading his plate. He frowned down at an escaping carrot extending precariously over the plate edge and eased it back with his fingertip, then grunted and promptly stuck the burnt digit in his mouth. “I’ve been trying to eat better, organic and all. Are these vegetables free range?” he asked with a straight face.

  The table fell silent as several sets of eyes blinked owlishly back at him. With an equally straight face Beth speared a roasted wedge and studied it. “I don’t think potatoes require much grazing room, genius,” she deadpanned.

  His eyes lit with humor. “See, Meggie. She’s dazzled by my superior intelligence.” Recognizing the jest, everyone erupted in laughter at his self-depreciating humor.

  Still a little shy, Beth interjected bits here and there while they talked about a wide variety of subjects over lunch, mostly trying to catch James up on the “American” Kellys. When Dan casually mentioned that the Castle was going to host the Scottish Highland Games in the fall of the year, Ian’s head jerked up to find Meg fixing him with a smug grin.

  Ian shook his head no. Meg nodded yes.

  He glowered back at her, shaking his head vigorously. “No, Meghan. Discussion’s over.”

  “You most certainly will.” Meg nodded once, arching an eyebrow in challenge.

  Ian snorted loudly, turning his attention back to his lunch. “Ni feidir leat a dheanamh dom,” he muttered, reaching for his glass.

  “Cosuil le geall ar sin?” Meg snapped.

  “English!” Dan and Lily barked in unison, looking to James for translation.

  “Something about you can’t make me and wanna bet on it,” he shrugged, piling another helping of steamed cabbage onto his plate. “My money’s on her. How ‘bout a bit of bread there, sister dear?”

  Lily passed the basket of soda bread just as the glass crashed down on the table like a gunshot, making them all jump. Ian’s narrowed eyes sparked with anger. “Stay out of this, Seamus,” he growled, pointing to Meg. “This is between me and Herself.”

  Unperturbed, James glanced at his raging sister. “Could I please have the honey, honey?” he grinned, batting his lashes comically.

  Rolling her eyes at the younger brother’s antics, Meg snatched up the jar and slammed it down in front of him then returned to her original adversary. “Now, Ian…” she warned, pointing her fork at him.

  Ian threw a hand up to cut her off and attacked his roast beef a little more exuberantly than necessary. “Now, Meggie,” he said, mimicking her irritated tone.

  There was silence while the two combatants glowered at each other. Beth looked around the table, desperately hoping for a cue on how she was supposed to react to the sudden drama.

  It was James who came to her rescue. “You know, it is deeply creepy for the rest of us when the two of you argue like this,” he remarked, looking from one to the other. “Jaysus, at least use words or something so we know who to root for.”

  “Here, here. Stand down, both of you,” Dan laughed, raising his glass in toast. His good humor was infectious and with the tension broken, everyone returned to eating and amiable chatter.

  Beth looked around the table with something like awe. I feel like I’m home, she mused. Stinging tears sprang unbidden to her eyes, tears she was determined not to shed. A warm hand rested on her thigh and she glanced over to see James watching her, his own gaze a little too perceptive. His brows went up in silent question, and when she gave him a tentative smile in return he merely nodded and turned back to his lunch.

  After everyone was finished and the plates cleared, Meg brought out James’s favorite dessert, a rich black forest cake laden with sweet cherries. While Lily sliced and served, Meg returned the glass bowl overflowing with red foil wrapped chocolates to the center of the table. “Can’t live without them,” Meg remarked, peeling two and popping them into her mouth. “Since I’ve been pregnant, all the baby wants is dark chocolate and watermelon.”

  “All the baby wants?” James asked pointedly then grunted when Ian and Dan both kicked him under the table.

  Their visit was comfortable and happy, interspersed with occasional outbursts from one or both brothers. Even Beth began to see that they were in fact teasing their big sister by their contrariness. After a couple of hours James stood and announced, “We need to be heading back, Meg, Dan. Lunch was great, and it’s wonderful seeing you all again. Even you, amadan,” he winked, flashing a grin at Ian. He took Beth by the hand and said, “Are you ready, my darlin’?”

  “Thank you for having me over,” she said first to Dan then to Meg. “I had a great time.”

  Meg waved a hand in dismissal. “Our pleasure, dear. We’re happy to have you. And don’t think you need to wait until he’s back to come over, got it?”

  Dan just beamed, nodding in agreement.

  * * * *

  They all walked out to see James and Beth away and waved when they drove off in the old lilac Saturn. Meg mused aloud as the two couples walked arm in arm back to the lobby elevator. “He’s got it bad, you know. And she’s got it too, maybe even worse than he does. Hopeless, the both of them.”

  Everyone nodded sagely at that astute observation. Stepping aside to let the ladies enter first, Ian leaned toward Dan and his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “I hope she doesn’t give him a hard time when he gets around to proposing,” he said. “If you remember, I had one hell of a time convincing Lily to marry me.”

  Lily gasped and Meg turned to pierce Ian with a dagger-like stare. “You’ll go to hell for lying quick as you will stealing, little brother.”

  Ian snorted, the corners of his lips twitching. “Mayhap I just remember it differently,” he said, giving Lily a conspiratorial wink.

  15

  James and Beth relished the hour-long drive, talking and laughing non-stop the whole way back to the hotel. They browsed for a while in the upscale boutiques just off the elaborate lobby. When they arrived back in the room, they quickly changed into their recently procured beachy-style clothing. Beth wore a daring one-piece designer floral swimsuit with a matching sarong James had picked out and while he sported pair of gray boardshorts she had admired.

  Hand in hand, they raced out the back doors of the hotel and onto the dunes like children. They meandered up and down the white sand beach, watching for dolphins and looking for seashells. They played in the warm Gulf waves and kissed a whole lot, charming all who watched the young lovers enjoy each other.

  Later that afternoon, they headed back to the room, tired and ready for food. They made love in the shower, unable to resist the sensual delight of washing off the salt and sand, lathering each other from tip to toes. Not wanting to waste any of their precious time together, they ordered room service and fed each other as they lay curled up together on the bed in soft terry bathrobes. When the sun dipped low on the horizon, they moved out to the balcony and watched it set over the undulating waters of the Gulf. Beth stood at the wrought iron balcony railing, his muscled chest pressed to her back, his arms wrapped snugly around her. The steady breeze lifted and teased their hair, still damp from their extended shower. Beth sighed as she leaned her head back against his broad shoulder.

  “This has been the bestest day ever,” she said softly. “It’s official. This is the most fun I’ve ever had.”

  “First of many, my love,” he murmured next to her ear. “You’ve been neglected for far too long. I intend to make it up to you.” They fell silent and watched the sun set beyond the horizon, the fiery colors blazing as the rays faded into the sweet light before nightfall. The light had almost complet
ely fled before Beth broke the silence.

  “I hate that you have to leave tomorrow,” she whispered.

  He squeezed a little tighter and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Me too, sweet,” he said. Letting his arms slid down her waist, he led her back inside the room. Once there, a strange buzzing noise caught his attention. “What the hell’s that?” he asked, scratching his head. Puzzled, he looked around to locate the source and together they searched until they found his forgotten cell phone vibrating inside the shopping bag. He pulled it from its hiding place and groaned. “I’ve got voice mail. What a…shock,” he caught himself before the expletive could escape. Dialing his number, he retrieved the two messages.

  The first was from Aaron. No surprise there, he thought ruefully. James was stunned when he listened to the full message, however. Aaron’s tone was genial. “Hey, it’s Aaron. Hope you’re having a great time visiting your family and getting some of that home cooking. Looking forward to seeing you all rested and refreshed for tomorrow’s show.”

  That was a bit unsettling; James didn’t remember saying anything about that. The second message cleared up all confusion. After a furtive rustle Spider began speaking, a note of quiet urgency in his voice.

  “It’s me. Look, Dante’s been asking around for you. I told him I heard you say you were going to stay with your sister, so if anybody asks, that’s where you were. Your bags are ready to go for tomorrow. Flight out is at 9:35am, so go straight to the airport instead of coming all the way back here. Text me when you get there so I can meet you. Don’t forget the bag you’ve got with you. You can check it as a carry on and unpack it later. Hope you two are having a big time. Give that pretty girl a kiss for me.”

  James smiled and made a mental note to make sure Spider got a raise, then frowned as he put two and two together - Aaron was using Dante to spy on him. He glanced over at Beth, absently running her fingers through her tangled curls. “So, darlin’, what would you like to do tonight?” he asked.

  She flopped down on one of the plush chairs and fingered her chin thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “There’s a number of things we could do. As long as you’re naked, I’m fine with any of them.”

  James nodded somberly. “That means going to the mall is out, then.” He sank down to the floor next to her chair and wrapped his arms about her legs. Laying his head in her lap, he smiled up at her as she stroked his hair with a gentle hand. “I do love you, Lisbeth,” he said softly. “Do you believe me now?”

  “Hmmph,” she said, stifling a giggle. “For right now, I guess I’ll believe you. I could still use some persuading, though, just in case.”

  Happy to oblige, he rose to his knees and touched his lips to her forehead, her slightly burned nose and finally claiming her mouth in a kiss so sensual, it melted any remaining resistance she may have had. Slipping his hand inside her robe to cup her breast, he brushed his thumb over the nipple and sent shivers rocketing all over her body. He stood suddenly, plucking her from the chair and depositing her in the middle of the bed.

  He dropped his robe then slid hers off and tossed it away. When she lay naked before him, he sat back on his heels to look at her. “You are a beautiful sight, my darlin’,” he said reverently. He spent the next hour covering her body with kisses from head to toes; intoxicating and demanding kisses, teasing kisses, and gentle kisses so sweet she knew she would never ever get enough of them. “I’m memorizing you,” he explained.

  As they lay side by side, he looked deeply into her eyes. “I want to thank you for last night and today. You make me so very happy, sweetheart. I don’t want this day to end, but it has to.” He frowned and brushed a tuft of hair from his eyes. “Soon, though, I’ll be back and it’ll be to stay. I’ve made up my mind to settle here. That is, if you could stand me hanging around so much.”

  Squealing, she hugged him with delight. “That’s the best news I’ve heard! When?”

  “That I don’t know, darlin’ but I hope very soon,” he said.

  * * * *

  Even as he said that, his eyes grew shuttered and Beth had the distinct feeling he wasn’t telling her everything. She warred with herself for a moment before deciding she couldn’t remain silent any longer. “I can see your energy, you know,” she began hesitantly. “It’s all kind of swirling around you, like you’re caught in the middle of a tornado.”

  “What does my energy tell you, love?” he asked, looking away.

  She trailed her fingertips over his lips and cheek, trying to read the turbulent emotions pouring from him. “I think you spend too much time alone, even though you’re always surrounded by a lot of people,” she whispered. “People you feel don’t care about you, who don’t know you. People too willing to take advantage of you if you’re not careful.” He flinched and the stark expression on his face told her she was hitting the mark. “So you lock yourself away and nobody gets to see the real Seamus, who I think happens to be a really great guy.”

  He went silent and pulled her into his arms, his face nuzzled against the hollow of her neck. Beth continued to talk. “They run you so hard, trying to make as much money off you as they can before you drop dead. You don’t get to have a life. It’s like you’re a prisoner. I always thought your life must be so glamorous, but you’re trapped in it, aren’t you.” She stroked his hair and scraped his scalp gently with her fingernails. “You don’t have to be alone anymore,” she said firmly. “You have me now.”

  He stiffened and her heart gave a lurch as the single tear fell and trickled down the side of her neck. She embraced him as a silent sob shook his body. “You have me,” she repeated, holding him tight against her.

  They lay that way several long minutes until James turned his reddened eyes to her. “I’m sor–” he choked out, but Beth put her fingers on his lips.

  “Sssh,” she said, pressing her lips to his. He answered her kiss and they made love again, slow and sweet, savoring every moment remaining in their night. When both appetites were sated, Beth curled up against him with his arms wrapped tightly around her, and with a sigh fell deeply asleep.

  * * * *

  When the 6:55 wakeup call came the following morning, James jerked awake and snatched up the receiver before it rang a second time. “Thanks,” he muttered. Replacing the phone in its cradle his regretful gaze lit upon Beth, still asleep and curled around him like a contented cat. With a grimace, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and eased his way out of the bed.

  Moving stealthily, he tugged jeans and a t-shirt out of his bag and tossed them onto the vanity. He started the shower, dangling his hand underneath the water while it heated up. When he was satisfied it was hot enough, he turned to grab a towel and caught Beth watching from the doorway with an amused grin.

  “Jaysus!” he yelped, “Make some noise, woman!” She burst into laughter and once he caught his breath, he joined her. “I thought you were still asleep,” he said in mock accusation.

  “I was,” Beth pouted, “but when you got up you took all the warm with you.”

  Flashing a mischievous grin, he grabbed her by the arms and steered her into the shower. “Well, then, let’s get you all warmed up again,” he laughed, waggling his eyebrows wolfishly.

  * * * *

  James and Beth arrived at the airport in plenty of time but neither was anxious to head to the gate. They sat for a few minutes while James sent Spider a text letting him know where they were and the few minutes turned into a few more while they exchanged heated kisses in the darkened parking garage. When they got out of her car he asked, “Would you mind hanging onto my bag for me? I hate carry ons.” As an afterthought he added with mock fierceness, “I best not find anything in there on Ebay.”

  They rode the elevator in silence. When they stood next to the shuttle to Airside, he cradled her face in his hands and looked hard into her eyes. “I’ll be back for you, Gypsy.”

  “And I’ll hold you to that, Irish.” She smiled, determined not going to c
ry in front of him. She put her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her tightly. “Thank you for everything; I really did have a wonderful time,” she whispered.

  “I love you,” he murmured against her ear.

  “And I love you, Seamus,” she said.

  A hand suddenly shot out and grabbed him by the arm. James stiffened then turned, pushing her behind him “Jesus, man, it’s me,” Spider breathed. “Sorry to scare you. I came looking for you. Flight’s boarding in a couple of minutes. I didn’t want to yell your name out. You’re already attracting attention.” Even as he said that, Beth noticed people watching them and whispering behind their hands. He smiled as he peered around James at her. “Hiya, Beth.”

  “Morning, Spider.” She grinned back at him then looked up to see a stricken look on James’s face.

  He gave Spider a curt nod and without another word the bodyguard moved to the door of the shuttle to give them a moment of privacy. “I’ve got to go, darlin’,” he said quietly. He pulled her tightly to him and gave her one last fierce kiss, then turned and boarded the shuttle with Spider. The tram doors closed behind them with a electronic whoosh. He touched his fingertips to his lips then placed his hand over his heart. I love you, he mouthed.

  I love you too. When she repeated the gesture, he smiled but even from a distance she could see it didn’t reach his eyes. She blew him a kiss as the shuttle pulled away and bravely waved until it disappeared en route to Airside.

  Then she threw herself down in the nearest seat and sobbed.

  When Beth got home, there were two voicemails waiting for her. The first was Lily, wanting to hear all the details of her day and night with James. The second was James and she knew he must have called right before he boarded. “I miss you already, my darlin’,” was all the quiet message had said.

  That afternoon, she went to work as usual and the busy park kept her mind off her reluctance to go home to an empty apartment. It wasn’t until she arrived home that she realized how tired she was. Her phone buzzed just as she unlocked her door. Catching an excited second wind, she slammed the door and ran over to turn on the webcam.