I didn’t take the time to respond, just turned on my heel and high-tailed it to the office. After knocking softly, I cracked the door open and looked for her at her desk.
She glanced up. “Come on in.”
Pushing the door closed behind me, I rushed over to one of the chairs that faced her desk and sat on the edge of it, unable to relax enough to lean back.
“Lexi, I think I’m going to explode. I haven’t been this excited since Jace Hawkins pinched me on the ass in the seventh grade.”
Her deep red lips curved into a smile. “Good for you. He’d be crazy to turn you down.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the next two weeks. Remember, don’t tell Mason. I have never done anything this edgy and exciting in my entire life, and I don’t want anything to spoil it. A trip to Ireland is exciting enough, but a trip to Ireland with Cade Mayfield? My biggest fear is that I’ll get hit by a bus before I get there.”
Lexi cocked her head and grinned. “Maybe you should stay home for the next two weeks. Cut down on your chances of having something horrific happen to you.”
“Eh, it’ll be okay. I refuse to die before I’ve had this experience.”
“I knew you liked Cade, but I think even I didn’t know just how much.”
“Well, if you hadn’t up and moved away from me after we graduated from middle school, you’d know how much I crushed on him the first two years of high school. I hated to see him graduate. Of course, other boys came along and turned my head, but now that I’ve been around him again, I realize nothing really changed. He still makes my palms sweat and my heart race.”
“Did he know you liked him in high school?”
“No, I never told anybody. I would have been mortified if it had gotten back to him.”
“You should’ve told him. He might’ve taken you to the prom.”
I frowned. “Not likely. I was just a skinny little underclassman.” Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to sit back in the chair. “Thankfully I’m all grown up now. And not only did my boobs develop, so did my self-confidence.”
Lexi straightened a stack of papers. “Boobs and self-confidence? Cade better watch out.”
“He can watch all he wants. The Irish whiskey’s already been poured out of the bottle. Now all I have to do is get him to drink it.”
Lexi lifted an imaginary glass. “Cheers.”
Chapter 4
Luck of the Irish
Seren
Somehow I managed to survive the first week of waiting. Cade was still out of town on business, and he wasn’t sure when he’d be back.
The thought of using my bagful of secret weapons motivated me to go to the gym, even though I knew he wouldn’t be there.
As I ran on the treadmill, I thought about all the attractions I wanted to see in Ireland. I’d been making a list, so I could keep track of which ones were in each city I visited. I had also been researching currency and Irish slang, and anything else that could help me prepare for the trip.
Since it would be my first trip out of the country, I wanted to make sure there were no surprises.
Like washcloths.
I’d read that washcloths weren’t widely used in Europe. Had I not read the article before I went, I would have been caught totally unaware. Apparently, some places did have washcloths upon request, but others didn’t. Just to make sure that Cade and I were covered, I’d bought a large pack of disposable wipes and tucked them in my suitcase. It was a tip that I’d picked up in a travel forum, and I thought it could prove to be useful.
After running for a half hour and lifting a few weights, I decided to head back home. Paxton was working the front counter, and I stopped to ask him about Cade on my way out.
“Hey, Paxton.”
“Seren.”
“Do you happen to know when Cade will be back?”
“I don’t. Business is taking a little longer than anticipated.” He stretched as if he’d been standing too long in one place. “He’ll be having several meetings, so texting is probably the best way to get ahold of him.”
I tried to hide my disappointment. “Okay. I’ll do that. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
After I got home, I thought about texting him, but I decided to wait. I didn’t really have anything purposeful to tell him, and I didn’t want to appear too eager.
So I cleaned house. It helped clear my mind, and it also helped my parents. Since they were both at work and they didn’t charge me rent for my living area in the basement, I tried to help them out with chores.
And yet it didn’t seem to contain my excitement.
Unable to stand it any longer, I texted Cade.
Me: Still don’t know when you’ll be back?
Cade: Afraid not, but don’t worry, anticipation’s a good thing.
A small smile crept over my lips. Anticipation was going to kill me.
Me: And what are you anticipating?
Cade: Shh. We agreed not to talk about it. You’ll find out what I’ve been anticipating once we get there.
Me: I don’t even get a hint?
Cade: Let’s just put it this way. By the time this trip is over, you won’t be able to think about anyone but me.
Me: Big talk. Let’s see if you can deliver.
Cade: My delivery will make you…never mind, you’ll have to wait and see.
My lips curved into a smile as I thought about all the ways I could decipher his last comment.
Me: Looking forward to it!
Cade: Me, too. See you when I’m back in town.
I hugged the phone to my chest, unable to stifle the giddiness that washed over me. Part of me wondered what would have happened if I had approached Cade back when we were in high school. But I quickly decided that my original assessment would have been accurate.
***
As the days before our trip ticked by, I began to worry that Cade wouldn’t make it back in time.
I went shopping to purchase last minute items I thought I might need for the trip. On the way back home, I stopped by Whiskey Nights. I approached the bar, disappointed that Cade wasn’t there, even though I didn’t really expect him to be. He had warned me that it might be late before he got back in town, but he assured me that he would make the trip.
Hawk wasn’t there, either, so I grabbed a stool at the end of the bar, away from other patrons.
Mason walked over and tapped a rhythm out on the counter, the sleeves of his tee hugging his biceps. When he finished, he pointed at me. “Let me guess. A Pear Martini?”
I didn’t answer immediately. I just watched him, his shoulder-length hair framing his handsome face, his amber eyes twinkling jovially. He was probably the most good-humored person that I knew and had been that way for as long as I could remember.
He shot me a crooked grin. “Must’ve been a rough day at the office. Two Pear Martinis?”
Unable to hold a straight face, I smiled. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been avoiding rough days at the office. Although, time’s just about up. Since my life is mostly stress-free at the moment, one Pear Martini will suffice.”
As he began making my drink, he continued to talk to me. “No one’s life is stress-free.”
“True enough, I guess. But I’ve been through college, and I don’t feel nearly as stressed as I did in my dorm days.”
He set the drink in front of me, and I took a sip. “How’s Haley?”
“She’s good. Still looking for a nursing job. In the meantime, she’s working here, and I’m teaching her everything I know about tending bar.”
“Aren’t you a good big brother?”
Mason grinned. “Hey, somebody’s got to watch out for her. And it sure as hell ain’t going to be our mother.”
Lexi had confided in me that Mason’s mother had suffered from drug addiction ever since his father died when he was young. Lexi had taken an instant liking to Haley the first time she met her, and I supposed it made things easier for Ma
son since he had invited Haley to live with them until she could find a job.
Sometimes it took knowing people like Mason and Haley to realize just how good I had it with my own parents. I was an only child, so even though I’d sometimes been bored growing up, my parents had always worked and provided all of my needs and most of my wants.
Here I sat with a college degree, a little free time before I had to start my career, and a free trip for me and a friend to Ireland while Mason had busted his ass his whole life just to survive.
I was lucky. Of course, I was Irish, at least partly. My surname and the red tint to my hair were proof of that.
“Haley and Lexi are both fortunate to have you.”
Mason’s face grew serious. “I’d do anything for either of them.”
My lips curved into a hint of a smile as he wiped off the counter.
“What about you?” he asked as he finished his task and gazed at me.
“What about me?”
“Are you looking for a boyfriend?”
Keeping the rendezvous to Ireland a secret, I shrugged my shoulders, still unsure of whether he knew I was attracted to Cade.
“I’m surprised you haven’t found one. Do none of the male specimens in Creekview measure up?” he asked.
I gave him a sly grin, a little relieved that he didn’t seem to know about my plans to go to Europe. “I’m checking out my options.”
Mason studied me a moment. “Why do I get the feeling that some poor soul doesn’t know what’s about to hit him?”
“Because your years of bartending have made you very perceptive.”
“Yeah, well, when it gets to the point that one of you needs a drink, I’ll be here.” He pointed at me. “But therapy’s extra.”
“Who needs therapy?” Lexi asked as she approached us and took a seat next to me.
Mason’s lips twitched. “Most likely the guy that’s about to be Seren’s victim.”
“Victim?” I asked, raising my voice.
“That’s right,” Mason confirmed. “Women have a way of bending us to their wills, and we never even realize it until it’s too late. That makes us victims.”
“Willing victims,” Lexi clarified, straightening in her chair.
“You got me there, love.” Mason rubbed his jaw, his eyes raking over her body. “In fact, I’m hoping you’ll make me your willing victim tonight.”
Since my flight was leaving in the morning, I hoped I would have my own willing victim soon.
Lexi tried to stifle a smile while she turned her attention to me. “Are you getting nervous?”
Mason leaned against the bar. “Why do I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on?”
“Could I get some ice water, please?” Lexi asked sweetly.
Mason nodded in understanding. “I know when I’m not wanted.”
As he walked away, Lexi and I talked quietly.
“We’re supposed to leave tomorrow morning, and Cade isn’t even back from his business trip yet.”
Lexi laid her hand on my arm. “Don’t worry. He’ll be there.”
“I thought we’d have a little time to talk about the trip before we flew out.” I gripped her arm. “I mean, tomorrow night we’ll be staying in the same hotel room.”
“So, you are nervous.”
“Maybe a little. But I’ve got it all planned out. This is going to be the trip of a lifetime for both of us.”
We quieted as Mason walked over with the water.
Lexi took the glass from him and turned to me. “Let’s go to the office.”
I drained the rest of my drink and set the empty glass on the bar.
“Women,” Mason mumbled as he picked up my glass and walked away.
Once we entered the office, Lexi shut the door behind us. She took a seat behind the desk, and I sank into one of the chairs facing her.
“Are you packed?” she asked.
“Yep. I’m ready to roll.”
“Just think, you’ll be on a plane to Ireland tomorrow. I’m jealous.”
“You and Mason should schedule a vacation.”
Lexi tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I’d love to, but running the bar is so much work.”
“Mason said he was teaching Haley everything about bartending, and you have Stormy to watch things while you’re gone. I could help out.”
“We’re lucky to have Stormy. I think Mason has trained her on most of the day-to-day operations, and I’m sure he could show her anything else that needed to be done. With your accounting degree, I know it wouldn’t be difficult to show you the office work.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Who knows? I just might take you up on that offer.”
“I hope you do.”
“Until then,” Lexi continued, “I guess I’ll have to live vicariously through you. Take lots of pictures. I want to hear all about your trip when you get back.”
I smirked. “I’m hoping things go well enough that I can’t tell you all about my trip, but I will hit the highlights.”
“Good enough,” Lexi assured me with a knowing look.
I stood. “Well, I better get going. I want to double-check everything before I head out in the morning.”
Lexi stood, too, rolling her office chair back as she came around the desk and hugged me. “Have fun, and please be careful.”
“I will.”
She released me, and I headed toward the door. “Have fun victimizing Mason tonight,” I called over my shoulder.
Her laughter filled the room. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s definitely not a victim.”
Facing her, I shot her a grin. “Too bad because I’m pretty sure he wants to be. Your victim, anyway.”
She cocked her head as if she were thinking about my words. “He does, doesn’t he?”
I nodded. “And hopefully Cade will want to be mine.” Walking out of the room, I closed the door behind me.
When I got home, I double-checked everything a couple of times: passport, boarding pass, driver’s license, ATM card, cash, clothing, water-resistant jacket, umbrella, toiletries, binoculars, lingerie, and blindfold. As I zipped my suitcase, my phone dinged. It was a text from Cade, and my heart pounded as I closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe.
Excitement torpedoed through my body, and no amount of deep breathing was going to quell the mixture of eagerness and anxiousness that kept me on edge.
I opened the message.
Cade: Unfortunately, I’m running behind, but I should be able to meet you at the airport in the morning.
Me: Okay. I’m so excited!
Cade: Me, too.
Sleep didn’t come easy, and when my alarm went off in the wee hours of the early morning, I practically leapt from the bed. I quickly showered and dressed. Since it was still late February, I dried my hair, but to save time, I didn’t straighten it, opting instead to pull my long waves into a ponytail.
I walked upstairs and found my mother seated at the kitchen table, already dressed and having a cup of coffee. She smiled at me, long blonde curls hanging loosely around her face. “You want a cup of coffee?”
“No, thanks.” My stomach was a bundle of nerves, and I had no desire to eat or drink anything. I pulled a chair out and joined her.
“Today’s the big day,” she said as she cupped her hands around her coffee mug for warmth.
“Finally,” I groaned. “I didn’t think it would ever get here. I’m glad it was only a couple of weeks away when we scheduled it because if it had been a couple of months, I’m not sure I would’ve made it.”
“Make sure you take advantage of every minute, Seren. There’re so many things to see in Ireland, and you never know when or if you’ll go back.”
“Oh, I’ve been making a list. I’m not leaving until I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone and stood on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher. Not to mention a whole slew of other things I want to see.”
“I can’t wait till your father and I go. Your grandfather used to tell
him stories about living in Ireland when he was a boy. He said he could still smell the peat they used in the fireplace.”
“Too bad y’all didn’t get the chance to make a trip to Ireland with Granda before he died.”
She sighed. “I know. That would have been the ultimate trip for your father.”
“Granda used to tell me that I hadn’t seen green until I went to Ireland. Why did his family leave anyway?”
“They left after the second World War. They couldn’t make a living, so they sought jobs in America.”
I thought about what it must have been like to move to another country. Had they been excited or scared? Maybe a mixture of both.
“We better get going.” My mother drained her coffee cup and put it in the sink. “I’m going to grab my purse, and I’ll meet you at the basement door.”
“Okay.” I went back downstairs and wheeled my suitcase outside. My mother’s new car was kept in the garage on the opposite side of the house. While I waited on her to bring the car around to the driveway that led to my basement apartment, I left my large suitcase and went back inside to grab my purse and my computer bag.
Once the car was loaded, she drove me to the Chattanooga airport, which was about an hour away. Since the sun hadn’t risen, our commute was blanketed in darkness. As we neared the airport, artificial lights chased away the blackness, and she pulled up to the curb and helped me unload.
“You need me to go in with you?”
I shook my head. “I got it, Mom. You can go home and get ready for work.”
She hugged me. “Okay.” Pulling back, her eyes locked with mine. I knew that look. Since I was an only child, I’d seen it often—the look of fear that something terrible would happen. I knew she was imagining ten different catastrophes that would end my life. Her forehead wrinkled with concern. “Please be careful, Seren.”
“I will.”
“And message me when you get there.”
“I will.”
“And have fun.”
A smile broke across my face. “I will, Mom.”
She smiled in return. “I know, I know. But you’re my baby.”
Deceived Page 4
