The inn they stopped at for the night had two rooms. Amelia handed over her credit card to pay for them. She spent money like it was water dripping through her fingers and knew she had copious amounts in reserve. Driving her around the island didn’t feel good enough for the generosity and kindness she showed him since their meeting.
Daniel cringed at the memory. He acted an utter arse to her when she showed him naught but kindness. Well no matter. From here on in he’d treat her exactly how she deserved.
A crabby, middle aged brunette took their luggage up the narrow flight of stairs. Daniel helped Amelia up, taking care not to rush her. The feel of her body pressing against his burned through clothing and his soul clawed at the surface, desperate to consume her.
“There we are, right ‘cross the hall from one another, should you be needin’ any help. Calls between rooms are free, as are local calls, but if you’re wantin’ to ring home, lass, we’ll have to charge you for it.” The woman scowled.
“Don’t worry,” Amelia said with a gracious and genuine smile. “I have a cell phone I use for that. And of course I’d pay for any calls I made on your line.” Her smile widened, crinkling the corners of her eyes.
Damn but she was sweet to even the most hateful old goats.
“Well. Supper in the pub. Startin’ at six. Gives you ‘bout an hour. Last orders taken at eight thirty and no later.” She turned on her heels and stomped back down the steps.
Amelia shoved a hand to her mouth, stifling her laughter. “Poppa would have said she’s got bees in her knickers,” she said through fits of giggling.
Daniel’s eyes shot wide. “Is that so? Not in her bonnet?”
“Nope.” Amelia looked up, meeting his gaze. “Bees in someone’s underwear would definitely make them grumpier than bees in their hat. A hat you can take off in public!”
Deep, growling laughter bubbled from his gut. “Right. You’re right there. Now, let’s get you settled before we have to get down and have our supper. I’d prefer not to be down there late. She might disintegrate me with her evil glare.” He gave a shudder. “The woman terrifies me.”
“Me too!” Amelia laughed harder and turned the key in her door.
Daniel left her in her room, resting on the bed, suitcase up on the rack and open so she could easily find clothing to change if she needed or wanted it. In his room, he jumped in the shower. A cold one. Frigid water did nothing to the need clawing at him.
Jaysus, he wasn’t like a bloody teenaged lad…he was worse. All the testosterone of a man with the horny desires of a lad.
Get your goddamned head together, Daniel.
Too bad telling himself that didn’t work.
A few minutes prior to six, Daniel helped Amelia down the stairs. By the time they got into the pub, the hour of six had come. They dined in relative silence; those around them spoke amongst themselves, and a telly showing a footy game were the only other sounds.
Tonight felt so different to the previous nights he spent in her company. Daniel opened his mouth close to fifty times to ask what she had on her mind only to remember he had no right asking. He wanted to know, but being nosy didn’t give him the right. She was stuck with him until her knee healed up.
Whatever else he saw, he imagined, no doubt. No chance a beauty like Amelia had thoughts about him like his thoughts about her. None. She was stuck with him. He put her in this position.
“So do you think tomorrow we’ll hit Dublin?”
Daniel nodded. He’d tried to take his time driving through to the capitol, fearing he’d be recognised. But unless he drove inland and around it, which would take them far from the coast, he couldn’t get away from the big city.
“Since I’m here and I don’t know when I’ll be in Dublin again, I thought tomorrow we could do something touristy? I mean, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all,” he lied. The last place he wanted to go and spend the day, of all places in the world, was Dublin, or any medium-sized city.
“Cool.” She pushed the last bite of steak past her lips and sighed.
How did a lass eat so much meat and potatoes, and maintain a physique like Amelia’s? She must spend loads of time in the gym, he mused.
“I think I’m done for the night.” Amelia motioned to the man behind the bar and handed him more than enough to cover their meal and drinks, including a sizeable tip. “If I eat anything else, I might explode.”
“Aye then.” Daniel stood, moving around the table to help her up. “Let’s get you to bed then, shall we?”
“Thanks.”