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Logan didn’t follow me into the hotel. When I knocked on Reesa’s door, the scent of her perfume filled my nostrils. It was unique, like a combination of coconut and lemongrass. I resisted getting any closer. Although I didn’t want to hear Logan’s lecture, it did remind me that she would be leaving Ireland soon. The look in her eyes alone told me how much she was looking forward to tonight. Maybe a little too much.
“Did you want to come in?” she asked.
“We have reservations.” And so do I.
“Then let me get my purse,” she said.
I stayed in the hallway watching her through the open door. Something was different about her. Even the sway of her hips seemed enhanced.
Don’t tempt me any more than I already am.
Had it been that long since I’ve had the company of a woman or was it just the fact that she supposedly was off limits? My body was already reacting to her and there had been no physical contact.
“I almost feel bad Logan will be eating dinner alone,” I said.
She shrugged. “I’m sure he will either work or be on the phone with his wife. Trust me, he won’t be sitting in the hotel bored. Besides, you made reservations for two, remember?”
How can I forget?
I smiled and said, “That I do.”
We headed down to my car and I looked around the parking lot, half expecting to see Logan lingering. Surprisingly, no one was around and even the traffic to the restaurant felt light. Great. When I want to be alone, I can’t get a minute to even think. When I don’t, there’s not a living soul around. What is the universe trying to do to me? I hoped the restaurant I chose wasn’t empty, too.
Thankfully when we pulled up, I found out where everyone was. The place was jam-packed and a live band was playing outside.
“Oh, my, this is lovely,” she said.
Her eyes were wide as she took in the lights strung from the branches of the trees and people dancing beneath them. The tables were scattered around the dance area, covered with white tablecloths and lit by various sizes of candles. I couldn’t have planned a more romantic venue if I had tried.
“If it is too busy to talk, we can always go someplace else,” I offered.
“Or we can talk tomorrow and just enjoy ourselves tonight. It will be nice to relax and dance under the stars. I can’t even remember ever being able to do so before,” she said.
I parked the car and asked, “No dancing in Tabiq?”
“Things were different there when I was young. But the Hendersons built a resort called New Hope and that, along with other things, has brought a lot of positive changes to my country.” She looked at me and said, “But we will talk more about that tomorrow. Tonight, I want to…dance.”
This was exactly what Logan had wanted to avoid. She was going to be in my arms, pressed up against me, and I wasn’t sure I had enough self-control to resist those sweet lips.
The engine was still running and Reesa said, “I think we will enjoy it even more if we get out of the vehicle.”
“Of course.” I got out, went around the car, and opened her door. I offered her my hand, and she accepted it. But she didn’t let go as we walked over to the hostess. “I hope you’re hungry. They have the best beef and Guinness stew around.”
“I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it. It sounds like a way for me to still have beer and no one be the wiser,” she giggled.
“I’ve never thought of it that way. It has ribs, beef, and bacon with parsnips, too. But yes, there is beer,” I said. Even just describing the stew had made my stomach grumble. “I love to eat. Cooking is another story.”
“I’m a particularly good cook for certain things,” Reesa said. “Mostly, breakfast. When you’re in Tabiq, I’ll prepare the best omelet you’ll ever have,” she said.
Will it be after spending the night with you?
I didn’t want the topic to return to Tabiq. It would change the light mood she seemed to be craving. Ignoring her offer, I asked, “Would you like to try the stew?”
“How can I not? You made it sound amazing.”
The hostess seated us at a table with a perfect view of the band, but far enough back that we would be able to still converse while we ate. I didn’t want to talk about the job, though - I wanted to hear more about her.
I placed our order and turned to Reesa. “Tell me what you’ve done since you arrived in Ireland.”
