Irish Intrigue by Paula Martin

Author:Paula Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic suspense, reconciliation, mourning, personal loss, galway, connemara, unexpected love
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

Chapter 16

As soon as Luke finished Monday morning’s open clinic, he dashed out to his car. Uncertainty prickled his mind as he drove to Skelleen. Charley had sounded fine on the phone last night when he called to tell her he’d pick her up about ten-thirty, but what if she wanted to pretend Saturday night hadn’t happened? He’d have to play it by ear and keep things low-key until he was sure.

His resolve lasted until he pulled up outside the cottage and she opened the door. The sight of her slim figure in grey trousers and a cerise V-necked sweater over a crisp white shirt threw all his senses into disarray.

‘I wasn’t sure what to wear,’ she said, as he got out of the car. ‘I should have asked you, but I forgot. Is this okay?’

After a struggle to breathe normally again, he smiled. ‘You’re the perfect picture of a receptionist.’

‘Thank you. I’ll get my jacket.’

He followed her inside and helped her with her woollen fleece. Once she’d zipped it up, she turned to him. ‘Do I get a kiss, or must I treat you like my boss now?’

The amusement in her copper eyes wrenched something in his guts. If he didn’t have to return to the clinic for the rest of his morning appointments, he’d take her to bed again right now. Instead, he cupped her face with his hands, and gave her a soft kiss. Everything tightened inside him when her warm tongue caressed his lips, but he pulled back with a short laugh.

‘I’m not sure this is a good idea.’

‘What isn’t? Kissing me?’

‘Ach, no, kissing you is always a good idea, but how am I supposed to concentrate on work today when I know you’ll be downstairs in reception?’

‘Mopping up dog pee?’ She laughed, reached up to kiss his lips briefly again, and turned to pick up her handbag. ‘Okay, I’m ready.’

For some reason, he’d expected to wait ten minutes or more. Julia had never been ready on time.

Dammit, he had to stop comparing her with Julia. Or was it contrasting?

‘I think I’m more nervous about today than I’ve ever been for any audition or stage performance,’ she said on the way back to Clifden.

‘Don’t be. Everyone was over the moon when I said you’d offered to do the reception work this week. It gives Sheena more time to find a temp if Teresa isn’t back by next week.’

‘And Sheena’s okay about me working at the clinic?’

‘Yes, of course she is.’

‘Only I thought—well, you and she—’

‘I’ve made it quite clear to Sheena that I’m not into relationships.’ He shot a quick grin at her. ‘Not with her, anyway.’

In response, Charley rested her hand on his thigh, and he let out a small breath of relief as he smiled and put his hand over hers to squeeze it.

He pulled into his space in the parking area behind the two stone houses which had been joined together and converted into the veterinary clinic. After he switched off the engine, he glanced around at her.

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