Close to You by Kathryn Shay

Author:Kathryn Shay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: political romance, womens fiction romance, contemporary romance political romance, irish pub in books, four brothers secret service book, contemporary romance and sex, contemporary romance and alpha males, contemporary romance series for adults, irish men and romance novels, secret service and romance novels
Publisher: Kathryn Shay

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE SCENERY from Queens to the Finger Lakes at the beginning of August was breathtaking. Verdant greens and exploding flowers scrolled by as they drove up Route 17. Ordinarily, Aidan would have wanted to stop to take pictures, but the view inside the car was even more pleasing, so he kept driving. Caterina sat next to him, blooming like the wildflowers he’d brought her all those times. It wasn’t only how she was dressed—in white shorts and a peach camisole kind of top that made his hands itch—but her hair was down and fluffy like she’d curled it, skimming lightly tanned shoulders. He detected a hint of color on her cheeks and lips, and she’d even painted her nails a pretty peach. Today, she was all girl.

And not just in looks. Her whole manner had softened, as if once she took off the suit, earpiece, radio, gun and handcuffs of her own free will, she’d shed the agent with them. The transformation mesmerized him.

Trying not to be too sappy about how she looked, about the time they had together, he gave her an appreciative smile. “Okay, your turn to ask a question.”

They’d gotten a half hour into the drive, and he’d suggested they play Twenty Questions. In the guise of passing the time, it was a conspicuous ruse for getting to know things about each other that they hadn’t had the opportunity to find out before today.

Caterina had readily agreed. She’d already answered his queries about her father, Stash Ludzecky. The man had loved his children in his own way, but had been stern and stereotyping. Luke, particularly, had had trouble with him. Caterina recounted his untimely death, and how unresolved issues with him had affected her and Luke the most.

“What about your pa?” she asked. “Tell me about him.”

Aidan’s grip tightened, he hoped unnoticeably, on the wheel. “He was a good father. Provided as well as he could for us, though we weren’t anywhere near well off. But he’s headstrong, as you know, and he and Mama hit a bad patch.”

He went on to explain his parents’ separation, and subsequent reconciliation, but not before Pa had slept with another woman and had a child, Moira. He told Caterina about his half sister’s gang activities and how his mother had taken her in, despite the circumstances.

“That explains Bailey’s gang interest.”

He smiled.

“What?”

“You always call her Ms. O’Neil.”

She laid back against the seat and let another layer peel off. “Not in my head.”

“What do you call me in your head, Caterina?”

Amber eyes glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window. “I don’t use that kind of language in mixed company.”

Laughter bubbled out of him. He hadn’t realized she could be fun, or had any sense of humor, let alone a good one.

“I called you Aidan,” she confessed. “Right from the first.” When he glanced over, he saw a scowl on her face.

“Why the frown? You’re not having second thoughts are you?”

“No. I’m taking this one weekend with you without any recriminations. And without any interruptions.

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