Wild Irish Dreamer (The Mystic Cove Series Book 8)

by Tricia O'Malley

  “I don’t mind exploring alone. There’s so much to learn in each city. There are museums, music, local craft fairs…” Fi smiled at Luis’ look of horror. “You don’t seem like the type to go to a craft fair.”

  “I’ll admit, I do have a taste for… fancier items.” Luis managed a look of chagrin. “I fear that may make me a bit of a snob.”

  “It’s not so bad if you admit it.” Fi laughed at the relieved look that passed over Luis’ face.

  “Tell me. These craft fairs. What do you find?”

  “Oh, things like hand-beaded jewelry, intricately woven scarves, some lovely artwork… that kind of stuff. You’d be surprised at the undiscovered talent you can find there.”

  “Hmm, maybe one day I’ll try one out.” Luis smiled.

  “I think I would like to see that, simply to see you out of your comfort zone,” Fi decided, and laughed at the look that crossed Luis’ face. “You don’t strike me as someone who likes being uncomfortable.”

  “Generally, I shall admit, I do not. But that is not how you learn, no? It is best to try new things and then you grow.”

  “I agree. Which is why I love travel so much.” Now that he had admitted his taste for opulence, Fi felt much more comfortable with him. The rest of the evening passed in a surprisingly easy manner, and Fi was glad she’d agreed to dinner. If anything, by the end of the night she’d warmed up to his charm and had been able to take him down a peg or two to make him more relatable.

  When the town car pulled up at the hotel, Fi turned to thank him for dinner. “Dinner was lovely, Luis. Thank you for sharing part of your great city with me.”

  “Thank you for dining with me. I trust you’ll enjoy your time in Barcelona while you’re here. Perhaps we can do this again. We can invite Liam along as well, if he would like to join us?”

  Ha! Fi thought. Liam had Luis pegged wrong.

  “I suspect he’d love to be included. Thank you for the offer.”

  “Rest well this evening. I will see you tomorrow,” Luis said, exiting the car and holding the door open for her. Fi was pleased, and relieved, when he did nothing more than kiss her cheeks twice as a goodbye, which she knew was common as both a hello and a goodbye in Spain.

  “Goodnight, and thank you again for dinner,” Fi said. She wandered into the hotel, content with the evening and the fact that Luis was such a pleasant client. All in all, she was looking forward to her time in Spain.

  Chapter 28

  “So, how was your big date last night?” Liam asked when Fi strode through the shining glass lobby doors the next day. He looked as striking as ever in a charcoal grey suitcoat, a white button-down, and neatly pressed jeans. Today they would be touring the boat yard and some of the vessels, so they had been instructed to dress more casually. Fi had followed the advice by wearing a shimmery blue tunic over skinny jeans tucked into butter-soft leather boots. She’d strung a few necklaces around her throat – some of Aislinn’s work – and had her tote on her shoulder. Digging in the tote, she slid her sunglasses on her face and pursed her lips at Liam.

  “Don’t give me that pout,” Liam laughed.

  “It wasn’t a date,” Fi said.

  “Mmhmm,” Liam grumbled.

  “It really wasn’t. He is a nice client, and I think, easy to socialize with. In fact, he asked if I thought you’d like to join us for dinner sometime as well.” Fi dipped her sunglasses down with her finger and raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Did he now? Couldn’t he just ask me that himself?”

  “And I’m sure he will,” Fi said on a little huff of air as he got into the taxi that had pulled to their side.

  “I’ll reserve my judgment then,” Liam said. “But you’ll let me know if he tries anything with you?”

  “And why would I do that? Are you my protector all of a sudden?”

  “I’ve made it clear to you that I have an interest in you, haven’t I, Fi?”

  “That sounds like a you problem,” Fi said, and smiled when Liam tossed his head back and laughed.

  “Ach, woman, you’re cold-hearted,” Liam said, holding his hand to his heart.

  “It’s a difficult line to walk in business, Liam. Women deal with this every day. It’s trickier in countries where men flirt as easily as they take their next breath. I want to walk the line of being friendly, but also not invite advances. It’s not always easy doing so. Which is why I will push Luis back if he makes an advance – and why it’s important to me that you also respect my boundaries while we are working.”

  “I absolutely respect your boundaries at work,” Liam protested, and Fi had to agree. He’d been nothing but respectful during their business meetings yesterday.

  Fi angled her head at him. “But it’s after work we’re discussing?”

  “I enjoyed our dinner the other night. Even if it is only as friends. We’ve a past – you can’t ignore that. You are aware of my interest. How do we handle that on this trip? Can we not have dinner? Can we not see each other outside work? What are your rules?”

  “I didn’t say we can’t go to dinner.”

  “Are you playing games with me, Fi?”

  “No.” Fi threw up her hands in frustration. “I’m horrible at playing games. I’m horrible at dating and all the dancing around and the nuances. I thought I was doing something right by being straight with you about everything and now it feels like I’m in the middle of something messy.”

  “It’s not messy. But feelings aren’t black and white. You can’t be saying you don’t feel anything for me, Fi.” Liam patted her hand, making her turn to survey him through her sunglasses.

  “Liam, now is not the time nor the place to be having these types of conversations,” Fi said, pulling her hand back as the taxi rolled to a stop at the boatyard.

  “It’s a simple yes or no,” Liam said, a stubborn look crossing his face.

  “It’s complicated,” Fi sighed.

  “It doesn’t have to be,” Liam countered.

  “It does. Because that’s me. I’m complicated.”

  “All right, then uncomplicate it for me. Tell me your rules and I will respect them.”

  “Just… okay, yes, we can have dinner and spend time together. But, truly, I’d like to keep it as friends. I’m not ready to explore further – especially during a contract negotiation as high-stakes as this one. I think it’s best we don’t have too much to distract us, no?”

  “Aye, I can agree on that. And I’m sorry if I’ve pushed you. I’ll admit to a bit of jealousy when you went to dinner with Luis last night.”

  “I promise it was all on the up and up. And that’s where I’ll be leaving it as we’re starting our workday,” Fi said. She smiled as Luis and another man approached the taxi.

  “Good morning, Fiona and Liam. I’d like you to meet Jonathon. He oversees much of the shipyard and will be touring with us today,” Luis said, stepping back so they could shake Jonathon’s hand.

  Shaking off the conversation from the taxi, Fi focused on the words that flowed around her and did her duty, translating everything that was said. The hours flowed by easily as they toured the boatyard while Luis explained shipping routes and their environmental practices. It was interesting to Fi to learn about all the ins and outs of running such a massive operation, and she enjoyed her time tromping around the different ships and learning about how things were run. But by the end of the day, she was ready to put her feet up and relax – alone, as she’d promised herself.

  “Fiona,” Luis called as their taxi pulled up at the end of the day.

  “One moment,” Fi said to Liam, not caring that he gave her a look, and stepped away to speak to Luis.

  “Do you have plans for dinner this evening? Perhaps I can take you and Liam out for a meal,” Luis asked, nodding to Liam.

  “Thank you for the invitation, but I will be eating alone tonight. I’m tired. I can see if Liam is free though,” Fi offered, turning to wave her hand at him.

  “Ah, well, then ge
t your rest. I will try again later this week,” Luis said, and stepped back, giving her a smile and a small nod. Fi noted he didn’t offer to take Liam to dinner, but decided to let it go.

  Liam was largely silent on the ride home and Fi found herself grateful for the peace. Translating could be exhausting work as she had to switch between languages in her head all day long. Content to sit in silence for a moment, Fi leaned her head back and watched the city go by.

  “Would you like to grab a bite later?” Liam asked when they rolled to a stop at their hotel.

  “I’m having a ‘me’ night,” Fi said. “I just want to relax and read my book.”

  “Sounds like the perfect night. I enjoy cozying up in a hotel room and reading as well,” Liam said. “Have a nice evening.”

  “Thank you, Liam,” Fi said, smiling at him, her feet already aching from the heels she’d worn all day. A nice tub and a cozy bathrobe called to her.

  An hour later, blissfully ensconced in her hotel robe and having enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind, Fi stared balefully at her door after a knock sounded.

  “I swear… can I just get one night?” Fi wondered. After making sure the sash was tied tightly around her waist, she opened the door a few inches.

  “Room service, madam.” A waiter in a smart grey vest had a table on wheels loaded with plates in front of him.

  “Oh. My apologies, but I didn’t order room service.”

  The waiter checked his notepad.

  “Fiona?”

  “Yes, correct.”

  “This is for you from a Mr. Liam Mulder.”

  “Ah,” Fi said and stepped back, allowing the man to enter. With efficient moves, he soon had the entire spread set up on the small table near the window, along with opening the bottle of wine, and even making sure the single rose in its clear blue vase was positioned just so. Thanking him, Fi closed and locked the door before moving to the table to pick up the small envelope there. Thumbing the flap open, she pulled out a note.

  I didn’t want to interrupt your alone time, but thought we could “dine” together in our separate rooms. Dinner’s on me. Enjoy!

  For a second, Fi’s mind flashed to eating dessert off of Liam and a flush of heat touched her skin.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter,” Fi said, and then glanced over when her phone rang. Picking it up, she saw it was Grace and put her on video chat.

  “Hi Grace, how are you?” Fi asked, propping the phone on the table and sitting down to look over her food options.

  “What are you doing?” Grace asked, sitting at her own table in her cottage. Fi could see bowls and jars surrounding her and figured Grace must be working on her product line.

  “Sitting down to room service dinner,” Fi said, reaching out to take a sip from the glass of red wine the waiter had poured.

  “Fancy. How’s the trip going then?”

  “It’s good. Barcelona is nice,” Fi said, knowing full well that Grace must have heard Liam was on the trip by now.

  “Is it? I’ve never been. And… work? It’s good?” Gracie asked, her eyes wide in her face.

  “Yup, all good,” Fi said, taking a bite of cheese from the plate. “Dylan should be happy with this choice. The boatyard seems very well-run.”

  Gracie batted that away with a flick of her hand.

  “And everything else? It’s good?”

  “Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” Fi said, enjoying herself now as Gracie’s face grew stormy.

  “Just asking is all. I want to make sure you’re not lonely traveling in these cities by yourself.”

  “Weird; you’ve never called and asked if I was lonely on my other travels,” Fi mused, leaning back to kick her feet up on the other chair. “I can’t imagine why you’re checking in only a few days after I’ve last seen you.”

  “Because you’re my best friend and I love you?” Gracie asked.

  “Uh-huh. And this wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain handsome Irishman who is also on this trip, would it?”

  “What? What Irishman? Who could that be?” Gracie frowned and tried to pretend innocence. Fi almost spat out her wine.

  “Gracie, you’ve never been able to lie for shite, and you know it.”

  “Damn it, Fi. Tell me! How are you and Liam? What’s happening? Did you shag him yet?” Grace all but squealed into the phone.

  “Oh, it’s Liam you’re asking after? Not the hot Spanish president of the shipping yard?”

  Gracie drew in a long breath.

  “You’re playing around with two men?”

  “I most certainly am not! You know I’m not like that. I don’t have the wiles to do that. I’m too direct.” Fi shrugged. “But I did have dinner with Liam. And I also had dinner with Luis. And I’ve made it clear to them both that I’ll conduct myself in a businesslike manner until said business is concluded.”

  “It’s tough, isn’t it?” Grace said, her face instantly compassionate. “Navigating those lines in the business world?”

  “It can be, yes. I’m trying to just stay focused on what Dylan sent me here for.”

  “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you have your own life after business hours,” Grace said. “He’s not a monster like that.”

  “I’m aware I can have a work and personal life,” Fi laughed, and took off the cover of another plate to find a selection of cured meats.

  “How is Liam?”

  “He’s fine. I think he’s making it clear he has an interest in me, but he’s respecting my boundaries,” Fi said.

  “Why are you pushing him back?” Grace asked.

  “I told you. It’s all complicated. I like my life as it is, Gracie. Men complicate things.”

  “They don’t have to. Sometimes they enhance things,” Gracie said.

  “I don’t need enhancing. It’s already a huge step for me to have my own flat. Adding a man into the mix sounds too…”

  “Restricting?” Grace asked, mixing something in a small bowl in front of her.

  “Aye, that’s a good word. You’ll have to just let me muddle through this on me own.” Fi sighed and then squinted when Grace held up the wooden stick she was holding in her hand. “What’s that?”

  “It’s a muddle! I’m muddling an ingredient right now. So I’ll be letting you muddle your way through this.” Grace let out a peal of laughter. “Just know you can always talk to me about anything – you know that, right?”

  “Of course I know that. I love you. Now, is your mum going crazy with planning?”

  “Aye, the woman’s enough to drive me mental.”

  Chapter 29

  The waves crashed far below where she stood on the cliff’s edge – angry, angrier than she’d ever seen the cove. Dark clouds roiled on the horizon and a sharp blast of wind whipped Fi’s hair across her face, blinding her for a moment. Pushing her hair back, Fi studied the water that teemed at the edge of the beach. What had made the cove so angry today?

  When another blast of wind shook her, almost sending her over the edge herself, Fi stepped back from the cliff’s edge just to be on the safe side. Shifting her gaze from the storm rolling in to the waves below, her heart twisted when a flash of brilliant blue shone from within the waters before winking out of sight. She would have missed it had she not been looking, and Fi shuddered as the punch of magick rolled over her skin. She knew, instinctively, what the light from the cove meant. She’d heard Grace tell of it, as had other women in her family. But here, standing alone? Why would the cove light for her?

  Confused and uneasy with the electricity that thickened the air, Fi turned from the water to walk back toward Grace’s cottage, hoping to find a safe harbor there. She froze when she saw the two men standing at the cliff’s edge.

  Liam.

  A smile on his face, he strode toward her, raising one hand in a hello. The wind threw his hair into tousled mess on his head, and he was several days past a shave. He looked handsome and at ease on the land, in a tartan flannel tucked under a simple g
rey wool jumper. He called to her, but the words were lost on the wind that tore across the land.

  Did he see? Fi wondered, calling out to him. Luis walked behind him, and for a second Fi caught a wave of… malevolence washing from him. It appeared almost as if Luis was stalking Liam, like a cat about to pounce on a mouse – not like they were two colleagues having a stroll. Uncertain what this meant, Fi rushed forward with her hands in the air.

  All she knew was she had to warn Liam – she had to save him! Her heart hammered in her chest and she shouted, the words lost on the shrieking gusts of wind that now pummeled them, and Liam stopped, his head tilted at her in confusion.

  It was the last look she saw before Luis pounced, shoving Liam over the cliff’s edge. The wind seemed to grab him and lift his body effortlessly as he plummeted from her sight.

  “No!” Fi screamed, but the wind took her words, much as it had stolen Liam. She dropped to her knees in the wet grass as the clouds opened up, and sharp shards of rain pummeled her. Lifting her head, she saw Luis smiling at her through the mist.

  Fi awoke with sweat dripping down her body and blinked into the pale light of the hotel room. Dragging in a shaky breath, she held her hand to her heart and forced herself to count her breaths until she could force herself to calm down. It took several moments before she could bring herself to shift in the bed and peel herself from the sweat-soaked sheets to stumble to the bathroom. Grabbing the glass next to the tap, she poured herself a drink of cold water and downed it, staring at herself in the mirror.

  Dark circles smudged her eyes, and her skin, deathly white, held a sheen. Grimacing, Fi bent and splashed some water on her cheeks. Then she just sat – because she had to – on the edge of the tub and buried her face in the hand towel she’d grabbed.

  She hated dreams like these, the ones where something awful was happening and she was left to decipher their meaning. Oftentimes, it could actually be the difference between life and death, and she’d learned over the years to understand which ones needed immediate action on her part and which ones were more metaphorical.