Chapter Seven

 

Aubrey stuffed her notes about the area into the folder. She wanted to give the readers a complete visual of this place. Once she incorporated the information into the article, she'd shoot an email to Loretta and have her take a look at the rough draft.

She approached the window and brushed the curtain aside, glancing outside. The parking lot was full and the truck she spotted last night was parked in a slot close to the entrance of the inn. Hmm… did that mean Mr. O'Grady's good-looking grandson was working today? She wondered if the grandson believed the magic box found soul mates. It would be interesting to ask him. Maybe she could finagle a quote from him, too. This brought a smile to her lips.

Her research about the inn told her people made a point to book a room during the Spring Equinox in hopes Mr. O'Grady would give them a try at the magic box. Only one person each year found what they were looking for, or so the legend stated. However, Mr. O'Grady had yet to give her proof to back up this statement.

In ancient times, the Celts believed Alban Eiler, which translated, Light of the Earth, was the holy time of transition, where nature and life cycles renewed. The Faeries perhaps thought finding a soul mate was a chance of a person starting a new life, the next chapter so to speak.

She leaned forward and peered skyward. The glass radiated warmth. The weather report she pulled up on the Internet promised sunny and warm today. "Yep, not a cloud in the sky. Perfect." If she stayed here much longer, she might have to relocate; Seattle could be gloomy and wet most of the year.

She turned away and picked up her carrying case with her laptop stored safely inside. She slipped the strap over her shoulder and reached for her papers. Her hand clasped the book on Irish folklore she borrowed from Mr. O'Grady's collection downstairs. He'd given her permission to borrow whatever she needed from his bookshelves in the library. Later on, she planned on giving the shelves a more thorough look-over, but for now, she wanted to soak up some sun.

She headed downstairs with hopes of snagging a seat out on the patio with a view of the bay.

Some of the other patrons were in the lobby below. One couple stood at the display case with brochures of things to do in the area. Another stood at the desk, probably checking in for a stay. Freshly roasted coffee and the tantalizing scent of home-baked pastries hit her nostrils, making her mouth water. She'd grab a muffin and a cup of java on the way out.

Reaching the bottom step, her gaze shifted to the front door as an amazing specimen of masculinity walked in. She was positive it was Mr. O'Grady's grandson. The gardening belt around his waist also was a dead giveaway he wasn't a guest.

With the sun shining behind him, she could only admire his broad shoulders and chest, tapering nicely down to a tight waist and slim hips. My, my, his faded blue jeans fit him all too well. Now, if he would step further into the foyer so she could see his face clearly. As if on command, he took a few steps forward only to be stopped by the couple with the brochures. Perfect. She could admire the man without him noticing her.

Dark hair trimmed at his ears and longer in the back, straight nose, strong jaw—exquisite perfection brushed with a touch of wildness and…something familiar.

Her eyes narrowed then widened when recognition hit her like a slap in the face. Her book and papers in her hand were forgotten as everything went numb. The book slipped from her grasp and smacked the ground like a gavel, startling everyone into silence.

His gaze riveted to hers while her papers swirled in the air liked she'd thrown confetti. She turned away. "Oh dear God, let him stay where he is," she mumbled under her breath.

No such luck. He flew to her rescue, his strides long and sure. Flustered, she bent down to pick up the book at the same time he knelt down. Their foreheads smacked together in the process.

His deep familiar chuckle strummed down her spine like caressing fingers, making her heart dance in her chest. No, it can't be him. This is Mr. O'Grady's grandson. He'd be an O'Grady, too.

Not if his father married Mr. O'Grady's daughter. Her nasty conscience mocked her, not letting her deny the truth.

Aubrey slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. Her heart stopped and started again with the intent of bursting from her chest. His features may have matured from a young man to now, but the eyes were the same dark blue and the way he smiled with a crooked curve of his lips couldn't be duplicated by anyone but him. He wasn't an apparition; he was truly here.

"Are you all right?" he asked, concern lacing his words as he stared at her.

She shook her head, feeling off centered. "What?"

"You look like you've seen a ghost." He handed her the book, his fingers brushing hers. Then he really looked at her. His crystal dark-blue gaze locked with hers, surprise registering before he realized his vision wasn't playing tricks on him. "Aubrey?" His voice lowered to a husky timber.

At least the bastard had the decency to remember her name. "Hello, Ian." She could have won an academy award with those two words. Her voice sounded cool and calm when on the inside she wanted to scream. It had been ten years, and in seconds, all the feelings she thought were buried came blasting to the surface with a vengeance. "Fancy meeting you here. I believe the last time we saw each other, you were perfecting your disappearing act." She moved away, retrieving the papers, hoping he'd slink off somewhere. He didn't. His quick hands retrieved her papers near the stairs.

* * * *

Blood pounded in Ian's head, as he absorbed who stood no more than two feet away from him. Aubrey Jules. Not a figment of his imagination, but the woman he thought to never see again. She was even more beautiful than he remembered her to be with her blonde hair streaked with gold, and eyes as green as the rolling hills of Ireland. She looked at him now, her gaze nearly scorching him. Okay, she had every right to be angry, but at the time, he thought he'd done a noble thing by leaving her.

"You abandoned me," she accused as if she'd read his mind.

"Aubrey—" He began only to have her cut him off.

"Don't say it. It doesn't matter." Even though her voice obviously indicated that it did matter. Her agile fingers whipped the papers from his hand before she whirled away.

Where was she going? Back upstairs to her room? He ran his hand through his hair knowing if he let her walk away, he'd never have the chance to make things right. He jogged in front of her, halting her escape. "We should talk."

Her eyes narrowed and her flushed face turned a shade darker. "I suggest you move out of my way. Now."

"Aah, there you are." His granddad approached them. His lips curved into a wide grin, oblivious to the black rage radiating off of Aubrey like a warning beacon to stay clear.