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He holds up his hands. “Och, no, don’t apologize. I found it wonderfully refreshing. For the past decade, I’ve been ‘Tag Quinn’ heir to the Quinn family or head of the Quinn family. That makes dinners uncomfortable and often hard to digest. I love that you felt at ease enough to eat with me and spend time with your thoughts. Although, I do wonder what those thoughts comprise.”
I brush my napkin over my mouth and set my empty plate onto the cart. “First, I was engrossed by the meal. It was delicious.”
“Cora will be thrilled to hear you enjoyed it.”
“And beyond that…there are things I need to figure out about the life I left behind.”
He clears his plate and leans forward on the table. “The idiot cheating husband, you mean?”
“Among other things, yes.”
“I’d like to help you with things, if you’ll let me.”
I tilt my head from side to side. While it would be good to have his insight into how much trouble I might be in from the Chicago family, Tray was very clear—Madelaine Moneta died that night.
I can’t have people poking around, stirring up questions now that I’m here. Even if the person stirring up those questions is better equipped to handle things than me.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’ve never been one to have a man solve my problems. I want to try to sort things out myself if I can.”
“All right. We’ll leave it at that for now, but maybe there’s a way I can help and not solve your problems? Is there anything you need?”
I can think of a dozen things this man could do to me as well as for me, but I don’t think that’s what he’s asking. “Could Finn take me into town for a laptop and a phone? I’m cut off from the world right now and don’t know if anyone is looking for me.”
His gaze grows darker. “Do you think your husband’s people are looking for you?”
“I honestly don’t know, but if they are…it won’t be good for anyone.”
Tag
Cora clears the dishes from our main course and leaves us with my favorite raspberry mousse chocolate cake for dessert. “You’re spoiling me, Cora.”
She grins. “And happy to admit it, sir. It’s so good to have you back home where you belong.”
“I don’t disagree, though I’m sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
She waves that away. “Do you need anything else?”
I glance over to where Laine’s moonlit eyes are telling tales of a long few days. She’s tired and has had a good day. I don’t want to press my luck.
“No. This is wonderful, thank you. Feel free to turn in for the night. You can get the tea tray and dessert dishes in the morning.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod. “I am. We’ll enjoy our dessert, and then I’ll escort Miss O’Neill up to her room.”
“As you wish, sir.” Cora takes the serving cart and wheels away, leaving Laine and I in a content quiet.
Something shifted between us today. I’m not sure if it was spending time with her family or having her mother’s ashes returned to her or something more specifically between us, but the barriers of resistance between us are melting away.
And as much as I love a mystery, I like it even more that she’s opening up—a little.
“I’ve got an idea,” I suggest, noticing her attempt to stifle a yawn with grace. “How about we take our tea and dessert outside? The night’s too nice to waste, and the back terrace has the best view of the moonrise.”
“That sounds lovely,” she replies, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she accepts my hand to help her stand.
A throat clears by the door, and when I look over, I want to curse Aiden. “What are you doing back here, mate? I thought everyone was off doing busy work.”
“Sorry to interrupt. I need to speak with you.”
