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Declan
CODY PULLED ON DECLAN’S sleeve, drawing his attention from a magazine. “Uncle Declan, that lady needs our help.”
“Who?” Declan followed his nephew’s gaze across the airport waiting area.
“Look, she’s about to cry.”
“Which lady?”
The waiting area was jammed with people, unusual for this small regional airport, but the hurricane-like thunderstorm delayed everyone’s flight and overwhelmed the rental car desk with impatient travelers.
“The one wearing the bunny slippers.”
Declan’s mouth ticked up in a smile, but it fell when he spotted a lady sure enough wearing fluffy oversized bunny slippers. She waited her turn in line and looked like she’d been dragged through the thunderstorm. Her hair stuck up like a rooster’s crown held in crazy spikes by some unknown goop. Declan’s eyes widened as they roved her slim body. Her shirt looked a size too small as if she’d grabbed a junior size on accident. She wore silky red pajama shorts that revealed long, toned legs and thighs. He swallowed.
Cody pulled on his sleeve. “You have to help her, Uncle Declan.”
“Uh. Cody, sometimes at the airport you see people wearing pajamas and dressed funny. It happens.”
“No, look at her face.”
Declan did. She held herself rigid, arms clamped against her body, shoulders high and tight. A laptop backpack sat at her feet, but she didn’t have any other luggage. The grim hardness of her mouth and the quick blinking of her eyes suggested threatening tears. Cody was right, and Declan’s heart swelled with pride in his young nephew.
Glancing around the waiting area, Declan noticed other men noticing her, leering at her legs and her...shirt. She moved up in the line, limping as she stepped forward.
“I think you’re right.” He ruffled Cody’s hair. “She may not want our help, though. We’re strangers.”
“I’ll tell her you’re ok.”
“I’m sure that’ll make all the difference. Let me take the lead, all right?”
Cody nodded, understanding.
Declan gathered his duffle bag while Cody slid on his backpack and ballcap. His mind whirled. How should he approach her? He didn’t want to seem like a creep.
His phone buzzed, and he put a hand on Cody’s shoulder while he answered the call from his business chauffeur. “Declan.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t pick you up from the airport. It’s pouring this way. The Olde Towne streets are flooded.”
“Don’t worry about it. My flight from Bellemont is grounded. There’s no telling when we can fly out, so I’ll go ahead and rent a car.”
“They’re closing the downtown streets. You won’t make it in until tomorrow.”
Declan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go to the cabin, then.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thanks, Henry.”
“What’s wrong?” Cody asked.
“All this rain is stopping us from going straight to your mom’s. I’ll take you to the cabin today, probably tomorrow, until the streets clear.”
He punched Shannon’s number to update her on the change of plans. While he talked to his sister, he watched the pajama lady. She’d moved up to the desk, and her hands gestured madly as she spoke to the attendant. She did not look happy.
He disconnected and turned to Cody. “Let’s go be heroes.”
Cody beamed and bounced with excitement.
Declan squared his shoulders and approached the desk as if he owned the place. “Can I help?”
The attendant and the pajama lady both stared at him, and he flashed a smile.
“Who are you?” the pajama lady asked. She glanced to the attendant before returning her gaze to him.
She had deep brown eyes, almost black, and dusky skin. Makeup had run under her eyes making her look gothic. Something red and sticky matted her hair. He bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Was it tomato sauce, juice? It had dripped from the top of her head down the front sides of her hair to her chest where it had dried into a sticky layer over her skin. Now that he stood close to her, he could see her black t-shirt was plastered to her skin because it was soaked through.
“I’m Declan O’Hanrahan.”
The attendant’s eyes widened. “What can I do for you, sir?”
“Now, wait a second.” Pajama lady snarled. “I was here first. If I can’t catch my flight, I’ll be late. I need to be in Olde Towne tomorrow. I have a new job in two days.”
The attendant glared at the lady. “Every flight is grounded. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait like everyone else. You have another whole day to make your one hour flight.”
“You don’t understand. My purse was stolen. I don’t have my ID, so I can’t get another flight. I need this one. I can’t get a rental car. I’m stuck.”
“I’m sorry, mam. I can’t unground a plane or stop a storm for you. Please, step aside, so I can assist the next person in line.”
Declan watched as the woman deflated. Her chin trembled, and tears welled in her eyes.
“I’d like to help,” he repeated, careful to keep his voice level and calm.
The attendant fluttered her lashes and smiled. “Honey, if you’re offering help, I’ll take it.”
“I don’t know you,” pajama lady said. Her voice wobbled, making his heart squeeze.
He smiled at the attendant. “Mam, could you vouch for me?”
Cody bounced from one foot to the other and tapped the lady’s arm. She startled and looked down at him. “He’s my uncle, and he’s really nice, promise.” Cody gave her a wide gap-toothed smile, and her face softened.
“If you need a way to Olde Towne, I can help you get there. Maybe not today but as soon as the rain lets up.” He pointed at the TV monitors displaying the severe weather and flash flood warnings. “You happened to fly on a lousy day.”
The attendant huffed. “Please move along, mam. He’s a well-known businessman. I’d accept his offer.”
She glanced at the attendant and back to Declan. Moving to the side, she looked between him and Cody.
“This is Cody, my nephew. We’re returning to Olde Towne from a weekend trip. I’d be happy to offer you a ride.”
“You have a car?” She looked out the window at the gray atmosphere and sheeting rain. At one in the afternoon, it was as dark as dusk under the ominous cloud cover.
“I’m getting a rental.”
Cody took her hand in his. “Please, let us help you. Uncle Declan will take care of you.”
Her dark eyes ran over every feature of his face. Declan blushed under Cody’s eager praise and her intense scrutiny. He despised his Irish complexion’s tendency to turn red to his ears.
“All right, if you’re sure. I’ve had the worst day of my life, and I just want it to end.” She blanched. “The day. Not my life.”
The chuckle he’d been holding escaped. “I understood what you meant. Promise, we’ll take care of you.” He gestured for them to proceed toward the rental counter.
Her expression remained taut, wary, but she walked beside him. Cody kept ahold of her hand, and Declan knew he was the reason she’d accepted. Stepping up to the rental line, he wondered what he’d gotten himself into. He wouldn’t be able to get to Olde Towne for another day, possibly two if the rain continued. She’d have to stay with them overnight, yet he’d withheld that information. She needed to come with him. He needed to help her. He felt as if the three of them were bound together. A chill raced over his spine.
Elle
Goosebumps covered Elle’s arms as the AC in the airport kicked on and blew over her damp clothes. She tried to rub warmth into her arms and not shiver.
The little boy was a charmer with a spattering of freckles across his nose and an endearing smile. It would be hard to deny him the world. And the guy. Declan? A chill raced over her. He was the most interesting type of attractive she’d ever seen in person. His coppery hair wasn’t brown or red, and it swept back from his forehead in thick waves that begged to be touched. That smile, well, that smile hinted at all kinds of impish tricks. It drew a girl’s attention to shapely lips and lit clear gray-green eyes.
Worry pulled at her. She’d be riding in a car with a stranger. It was hands down the craziest thing she’d ever agreed to do. But she had no choice, and people got in taxis with strangers all the time. People used ride shares and hired drivers they didn’t know. It wasn’t any different. She’d keep telling herself it wasn’t any different.
The problem was, Elle didn’t use taxis or hire stranger drivers. She used public transportation, or she walked, or she used her company chauffeur. Elle didn’t speak to strangers. She might smile in a store at a passerby. She’d thank a cashier or waiter. Otherwise, she remained distant. Timothy called her cold, disinterested.
Elle sniffed as they moved ahead in the line. What bothered her most about Timothy wasn’t that he broke up with her or that he hurt her. He embarrassed her. What did that say about the type of woman she was? They’d dated for a year, broke up in one stilted, ugly conversation, and she felt nothing but embarrassment. The ugly things he’d said hurt her, shocked her, but hadn’t broken her heart. She’d failed at another relationship.
A smile tugged at her lip. Since her phone was snatched with her purse, she had a good excuse for not telling her father about her latest failure. Her father would drag it out for days asking for all the details of the conversation. He’d want to know the history of the relationship. “Elle,” he would say, “when did it start to go wrong? If you can identify the when you’ll understand the why.” Avoiding her father’s pressure for a few days would give her the break she needed. At least she’d left him a voice mail telling him she’d accepted the job after all.
Declan moved up to the counter and flashed that smile at the attendant who melted into a feminine giggle. Elle rolled her eyes. Some women had no dignity.
Cody tugged on her arm, and she looked down at him. The bunny slippers on her feet caught her attention. She didn’t have much dignity herself.
“You’re shivering.”
“I’m ok. It’s the AC.”
“I’ll tell Uncle Declan. He’ll warm you right up.”
Elle blinked. She wasn’t sure what Cody meant, but it wasn’t the vision that flashed through her mind. Warmth flushed her cheeks.
Declan turned and asked her, “do you prefer a certain car?” His eyes focused on her face, her cheeks, and he tilted his head as he studied her.
She hoped he hadn’t heard what Cody said. “As long as it has a roof and four wheels.”
A few minutes passed, and Declan collected his paperwork. “We’re ready to go.”
“She’s cold,” Cody said.
“Oh.” Declan paused, and his gaze raked over her. He set his overnight bag on the ground and tugged out a sweatshirt. “This will help.”
He stepped forward and slipped it over her head. It was an intimate move, and her heart experienced a funny little jolt. The moment she slid her arms through the sleeves, he tugged the hem in place. Their eyes met and held. Declan cleared his throat and stepped back from her.
“Thanks,” she said.
“No problem.” He smiled and led the way outside to the rental car lot.
Wind gusts blew rain under the protective overhang. The driving force stung the skin of her face and legs. Declan wrapped an arm around Cody and hurried them to the attendant. He murmured with the lot attendant, and the man dashed into the drenching rain. They huddled together as they waited for the car.
Declan seemed to study her face as he looked at her, so close. “What’s your name?”
“My name.”
“Yeah,” he said with a slow smile. “What do we call you?”
She stared back at him while her thoughts raced. Her reputation needed to be protected. She couldn’t be identified later as the crazy lady in the silky pajama bottoms and bunny slippers. A delirious thought burst in her mind. She could be free. For this day, with Declan and Cody, she could be any girl she wanted to be. “Elle,” she said, her voice low. “You can call me Elle.”
His cool, clear eyes held hers a moment as if he could see inside her. “Ok. Elle.”
The car whirred up to them, and Elle scrambled into the passenger seat with her laptop bag. Declan got Cody settled, making sure he was buckled and comfortable before diving into the driver’s seat.
Rubbing his hands together, Declan laughed. “Ok, guys. This is going to be an interesting drive.”
“I know the flight’s an hour. How long is the drive?”
“Normally it’s four hours, but the weather’s going to slow us down.”
She sighed. As they pulled onto the main road, exhaustion numbed her limbs. Declan turned on the heat to dry the wet chill. She scooted in her seat until she could lean against the door. The cozy sweatshirt held some woodsy scent that wrapped her in comfort. Closing her eyes, she let herself relax into sleep.
“Elle.”
Hearing Declan’s voice, Elle stirred. “Are we there?”
“Well. Here’s the thing.”
Unease twisted her stomach. She looked over her shoulder at the backseat. Cody had curled up and slept against the door. Outside the window, cars sped past them on the interstate. Rain still pelted the windshield. Declan had to use both hands to fight the wind.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, studying his profile as he focused on the road.
“Nothing. I wanted to talk to you before I took the turnoff.”
“To Olde Towne?”
“The streets are flooded, so the authorities closed the roads into Olde Towne.”
“So, where are we going?” She tried to keep her voice level, cool.
“My cabin. It’s in the hills above Olde Towne, not far. We’ll stay the night and see how things go in the morning.”
She shifted in her seat, clenching her hands together in her lap. “I don’t know about this.”
“I promise I’m not a slasher.”
“Bundy probably said the same thing.”
He laughed. “Cody vouched for me, remember? You’ll be fine. Here.” He held out his cell phone. “Make a call, let someone know you’re ok, where you’re headed.”
She took the phone and dialed her sister. “Hey, it’s me. I made it safe to Bellemont, but I’m driving into Olde Towne. I’ll be staying with Declan and Cody—” she placed her hand over the mouthpiece and hissed at Declan, “what’s your last name?” He must’ve said, but she hadn’t registered the information.
“O’Hanrahan.”
“Ok.” She turned to the phone and froze a second, her brain spasming. Oh, no. He couldn’t be. Her sister squawked at her. “I’m still here. I’m with Declan O’Hanrahan and his nephew Cody. He’ll take me into Olde Towne tomorrow. You can reach me at this number.” She listened to her sister a while. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.”
When she hung up, she held the phone in her lap and stared out the window at the passing trees. Of all the men to help her, it had to be an O’Hanrahan. He didn’t recognize her or know her. Thank goodness she’d said her name was Elle and looked like a mess. He wouldn’t recognize her later.
The turnoff from the interstate took them down a deserted, country road through the woods. She shivered. In movies, this was when the crazy locals kidnapped you, or your car broke down and the flesh-eating monster got you.
“Are you cold?”
“I’m fine.” If she were just Elle, what would she do right now? She gave Declan a wide, warm smile. “I appreciate your help.”
He glanced over her face, and a grin tugged at his mouth. “No problem. Are you going to tell me how you got like this?”
She fluttered her lashes. “What could you possibly mean?”
He laughed. It felt good to know she’d made it happen.
“I’m assuming that hairdo isn’t your usual look.”
“If you really want to know.”
“I’m dying of curiosity.”
“First, I got pickpocketed in the airport.” It wasn’t first, but he didn’t need to know about her latest relationship bomb. “A man knocked into me, pouring tomato juice of all things over my head, my clothes, everything. While I was distracted, he disappeared with my purse and carryon.”
“I’m sorry that happened to you. That’s awful.” His lips thinned into a tight line.
“At least I wasn’t hurt.”
“So, why did you change into PJs? Again, I’m assuming you don’t normally wear PJs in public.”
“My dress was soaked with red liquid.” She took an audible breath. “I couldn’t handle the grossness. On small planes they sometimes valet check carryons, so I had pajamas in my laptop bag in case something happened to my luggage. I thought I’d been so clever. I hadn’t imagined not having my day clothes.”
“You couldn’t clean yourself up in a bathroom? Were there no shops at the airport?”
“I had no time.” She began to feel annoyance at Declan. “If I could’ve avoided wearing pajamas, I would’ve.”
He gave her an apologetic glance before returning his attention to the winding back road.
“Filing a report with security took forever. I had to run for my departure gate, and my heel broke.” She had adored those shoes. “Thus, the slippers.”
Picturing herself running through the airport in heels and pajamas made her grin. She looked at Declan, and he looked at her as if he pictured the same thing. They laughed together.
“At the time it was hardly funny.” She wiggled her feet. “I can’t tell you how embarrassed I felt. It was awful. And believe it or not,” she waved a hand over her face, “this is what cleaned up in a hurry looks like. I had enough time to change and wipe my face.”
A grin flashed as he glanced over her from head to toe. “I can’t believe that’s what you packed. Especially those slippers.”
She allowed herself to smile and kicked her feet on the floorboard. “They were a present from my five-year-old niece Rachel. They’re surprisingly warm and comforting.”
He chuckled. “What we do to please the kids.”
“Exactly. Cody adores you. What did you do this weekend?”
“We went to the new children’s museum across state. He’s been begging to go.” Declan glanced in the rearview mirror at Cody. “His parents are separated, so my brother Brennan and I are doing what we can with him.”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“His dad’s a great guy, a wonderful father. It’s still hard on Cody, and we try to give our sister Shannon a break.”
She studied him. How many men would defend the guy splitting from their sister?
“You were wet in the Bellemont airport.”
Was there anything Declan didn’t notice? “I was in a teeny plane and had to make a run for the airport from the tarmac. Everyone on the flight got soaked.” She shook her head. “I should’ve rented a car and driven myself. I thought flying would be simpler, a couple of hours in the air versus lots of driving.”
“You would’ve missed an adventure. And not met us.”
“True.”
They exchanged smiles.
She had wanted the time saved to settle in and take care of business before her new job began. Now, whatever time she had would be spent getting replacement license and credit cards and phone. Fun. She rubbed her forehead. Her new employer had offered her two weeks to make the move, but after breaking up with Timothy she saw no point in delaying. Everything had fallen into place quickly.
“We’re here.”
Declan turned onto a drive that wound through the woods at an uphill angle. The rain and low clouds dimmed the view, and she wished she could see the cabin. Nerves did the hula in her stomach. Questions about the distance from Olde Towne burned in her mouth, but she managed to swallow them. He mustn’t realize she knew about his family’s business.