Chapter 4
P auley didn’t know what to think in that particular moment. Jamie’s words brought about all sorts of ideas she shouldn’t be thinking about. Primarily, about her ‘unusual’ requirements in a man this time around. She didn’t intend to be shy about what she wanted, nor did she intend to cast her pearls before swine , as it were. Was it too much to ask for someone who would just appreciate her private needs and not take advantage of her?
She was experienced enough to know the sexy, silver gentleman, and he was actually a gentleman, was hitting on her. The question was why. Not that she was questioning her ability to attract the male species. No, it was their motives that were always in question. What was he looking for? A one-night stand? Friends with benefits? Was he financially unstable and looking for a free ride? Or perhaps the most common one, a new live-in maid, cook, and underdrawers washer? The possibilities were endless, of course.
“Be careful what ye ask for,” she murmured with a smirk. “Ye might not like what ye get.”
“I’ll take my chances, lass,” he assured her, a smug expression on his handsome face.
She paused for dramatic effect, then she sprung a test on him. “Ye know, I do have a temper. I can put ye on yer arse if ye piss me off.”
He slowly unfolded his arms and leaned across the table, his eyes piercing as he accepted her challenge. “Make no mistake, my wee firebrand. I can just as easily put ye over my knee and light a fire on yer arse if I have to. With no regrets,” he promised.
Pauley gulped, trying to hide the intense pleasure his words inspired in the core of her being. She’d be darned if her panties weren’t feeling damp and her nipples weren’t suddenly tensing with glee. The traitorous flush creeping up her neck would squeal the affect his words had on her, but hopefully he’d put it down to her temper.
“Dominant, much?” she mocked, her fingers trembling with the death grip on her coffee cup. “Is that why yer first wife left ye?” She didn’t know anything about his past, but this was one way to find out. Maybe he was an abuser in the relationship.
“If ye want to know about my wife, just ask,” he replied in amusement. “Getting snarky with me isn’t necessary. Unless yer just looking for a spanking,” he added, cocking his head to one side as if he could read her motives.
Pauley gasped, but it wasn’t in outrage, although she desperately attempted to make it look that way. She had to grip her legs together and stifle the moan that tried to claw its way out of her throat. Throwing caution to the winds, she finally snapped. “Okay, I’m asking.”
He watched her for a few seconds, those knowing eyes seeming to probe her innermost thoughts. Then he spoke and she felt like a complete heel.
“My wife died of cancer three years ago,” he explained. “I loved her, and I’ve missed her every day since then. And no, we weren’t on the verge of divorce in case that’s yer next question. But Rhonda is gone now, and for the first time since she died, I’ve met a woman who interests me. That’s ye, Pauley MacBride.” He leaned forward for emphasis. “And I’m giving ye fair warning, firebrand, when I want something, I don’t give up easily. But if ye can say ye truly aren’t interested in getting to know me too, then I’ll quit before I’m too invested. Because I will never push myself on a woman who doesn’t want me.”
Pauley was interested, she just didn’t want to make it too easy for him. “So, in spite of yer words, ye do give up easily,” she mocked. “I can walk away right now and never have to see ye again?”
He grinned. “Only if ye can say ye aren’t interested—without it being a lie.”
Pauley opened her mouth to snark the words, then closed it again. Fuming, she glared at him. She could easily lie and make it convincing, but why? Just to win? In winning, she would ultimately be losing because she could tell he would just walk away. He appeared to be a man of his word.
Biting her lip, she studied him, her mind ticking. The desire to have the last word was strong, but so was the desire to lean in close and feel his strength. She would dearly love a strong, honest, Scottish highlander to fulfill all her inner desires. Was Jamie this man?
“There’s a long stretch of road between interest and trust, Jamie,” she finally drawled. “If yer willing to chase me down that road, I’m willing to run for a while.”
Jamie chuckled. “Best put yer running shoes on, lass.”
She nodded warily, cleared her throat, and glanced at her watch. “I need to get home for that discussion with Luca.”
“Would ye like me to come with ye?” Jamie offered.
She frowned. “I’m no sure that’s a good idea just yet. Why don’t ye talk to Lucerne and Darro and feel them out before I say anything to Luca. He does love animals, so he might even be interested. At least until the danger seems to be past.”
“Aye, I understand. I’ll talk to them tonight,” he promised, his hand on her back as he escorted her through the door and outside of the pub.
Her skin tingled and felt warm where his hand rested just above the swell of her hips, although the autumn breeze was chilly in the late afternoon. She was surprised when he walked her to her car instead of splitting off and going to his. Even more so when he opened the door after she hit the unlock on her key fob.
“I’ll call ye later on tonight,” Jamie told her, holding the door open as she slid inside out of the wind.
Her eyebrow arched. “Ye sure about that? I’ve no given ye my private phone number.”
He smiled down at her, his eyes dancing. “This is where ye say ye’ll send me a text. I have yer number at work, and as conscientious as ye are, I’m sure ye check yer messages. Or I could sic Angus and the Sinh on ye. It would be faster though, if ye just sent it to me.”
Pauley couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll just do that then, as soon as I get a minute.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, I might have to come after it. And drive careful, lass.” He closed the door and turned to stride away before she could retort back.
Pauley shook her head. Dominant and bossy. Clearly the man was deliciously arrogant, and she was already falling under his influence. She’d have to be careful with Mr. MacNamara or he might just steal a piece of her heart that she’d never get back.
***
J AMIE WALKED brISKLY up the flagstone path at Neamh. It was incredibly beautiful in the highlands this time of year. The mountains were draped in their wondrous autumn colors, and the setting sun splashed its rays of red, yellow, and orange across them, giving them a fiery glow.
Bo and Misty, Darro’s blue healers, raced out to meet him and escort him to the front door of the picturesque home. Laughing, he ruffled the fur on the back of their necks as he quickly jogged up the broad steps and across the deck.
“Down now,” he ordered the dogs as he rapped on the door and then turned the handle to see if it was open. “Hello!” he called out as he stuck his head inside.
Lucerne came around the door of the kitchen and motioned him to come on down the broad, open hallway. “Hi, Dad. Come in, ye are just in time for supper. Have ye eaten?” she asked as he took off his jacket sweater and hung it up in the entry closet on the right.
“Not yet. I was hoping I could catch whatever ye have on the menu fer tonight, honey,” he replied, greeting her with a quick hug.
Lucerne laughed and pulled him into the warm kitchen. “There’s always room fer one more, ye know that.”
“Hello, Jamie,” Darro lifted his hand and greeted him from the table. “We just sat down, ye are always welcome.”
“Sit by me, Grandpa,” Corey squealed in excitement, patting the bench beside him.
“Or ye can sit by me, Grandpa,” Delilah added, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. She was the elder of two. Corey was seven and Delilah was nine, and she was the undisputed boss of the two of them. Darro’s brother and his wife had been killed in a car accident several years ago and Darro had taken custody of his niece and nephew.
Jamie walked over to his two acquired-through-marriage grandchildren, and leaned down to give them both a hug. “Hello, ye rascals. How about I sit between ye?” he asked fondly, putting his hand between them and having them each scoot sideways so he could sit down. The table could easily hold 12 people. Lucerne gave him a place setting.
“What brings ye up here, Jamie?” Angus asked from across the table where his wife, Poppy, greeted him with a smile.
“The same thing that used to bring ye to Darro’s table before ye married Poppy,” Jamie teased with a smile at Lucerne. “A good meal that I don’t have to cook myself, and a little bit of business afterwards.”
“Ye are right about that, Jamie,” Darro agreed, taking the basket of the delicious smelling yeasty baps Lucerne was passing around. “I’m sure Poppy can’t keep his belly full with the amount of food he eats, so I have to help her out now and then.” He winked at Poppy who snickered.
Angus snorted and grabbed two baps from the basket. “My appetite may be legendary, but so is the amount of work I get done. Ye can’t have it both ways, ye know. If yer goin’ to work me to death, I need to eat.”
Darro hooted. “Legendary? The amount of biccies and coffee ye go through in the office is what’s legendary. It’s a wonder Thistle doesn’t refuse to carry ye after a meal.”
The children started giggling at the look on Angus’s face and the room dissolved into laughter and chatter as they all tucked into the delicious haggis with neeps and tatties that Lucerne had prepared.
Jamie was happy that Darro didn’t have the same rough edges that his father had. The senior Darro MacCandish, also known as Whipcord, had been a tough man. A man who didn’t suffer fools gladly. His son was cut from the same cloth, but with more mercy. Knowing that his only child had found a worthy life partner who would protect and care for her after he was gone made Jamie feel secure in the future.
And he had a grandson coming by Christmas.
He smiled at Lucerne, his heart swelling with pride. He was a blessed man to be a part of such a growing, loving family.
Jamie’s father was in a nursing home now, his mind not what it used to be. He’d never remarried after Jamie’s mother had passed away. Amanda MacNamara had been plagued with ill health and a weak heart a good part of her short life. She’d been gone for more than ten years now; her heart had failed her in her sleep. Darnell MacNamara senior hadn’t been the same since.
His older brother, Darnell Junior, was already living on the farm with his family and had settled on more cattle than sheep to make a living, which was fine either way as far as Jamie was concerned. Being a farmer hadn’t been his first choice.
His younger sister, Joy, was married with three bairns, and living in Ireland with her family. With Jamie’s career choice having him out of the country for months at a time, they hadn’t been what you would call a close family. Still, he loved them all and they tried to get together at least once a year. Usually during the summer when it was easier to travel for all concerned. They’d put it off this year due to his father’s weakened condition. The basket bashed against his arm by Corey brought him out of his thoughts.
“Another bap, Grandpa?” the youngster asked.
He smiled down. “Aye, lad. I need one more to soak up the last of this delicious gravy. Thank ye fer asking.” He took the basket and passed it along to Delilah, who passed it on down.
“What’s this business ye wanted to discuss, Dad?” Lucerne asked as she took her plate to the sink and began clearing things off the table.
Jamie looked meaningfully at the kids. “Something I need to discuss with ye and Darro,” he replied, swishing his bap around the plate to get the last drop. “That was a delicious meal, daughter, thank ye.” He popped the last of his bap in his mouth and leaned back to pat his stomach.
Poppy stood up and picked up her plate. “Do ye need us to leave, Jamie?”
Jamie shook his head. “Nay, of course not. It will concern Angus as well.”
“Now ye have got me curious.” Angus grabbed his plate too and scrambled up from the table.
Darro stood up. “Well, let’s get things cleared and have some fresh tea while we talk then.”
Everyone brought their plates to the sink where Lucerne was running some water. Each person cleared their plate on one side, rinsed it in the soapy water on the other side, and Lucerne tucked it into the big dishwasher. The scraps would be saved for the chickens and other animals that might be in need of a meal. Nothing was wasted under Lucerne and Darro’s watchful eye if they could help it. They certainly weren’t poor by any means, just frugal, and Jamie wholeheartedly approved.
Once the kids left to work on their homework and get their baths for bed, the adults settled in at the table, the others curious as to what Jamie had to say. He didn’t keep them waiting.
“Darro, would ye and Angus have need of another temporary hand here at Neamh? He’s unexperienced, but loves animals and needs a place to lay low for a while.”
Darro’s eyebrow shot up. “I think ye’d better explain the situation, Jamie.”
“What’s he hidin’ from?” Angus asked bluntly.
“The lad I’m talking about is Detective MacBride’s boy, Luca,” Jamie explained. “He’s the one who broke into Happy Housekeepers this morning. As ye know, Pauley has been taken off the case, but it’s because her son is involved. That part will be out on the news tonight.”
Darro frowned. “Ye mean a mere boy took out that thug? How old is this lad, and what’s his record? I’m sorry, but I’m no interested in hiring criminals, Jamie.”
Angus looked interested. “Are ye on a first name basis with the detective then?” he teased.
Jamie’s eyes narrowed at Angus. “I’ve had a chance to talk with her, and she admitted the truth of why she was taken off the case.”
He turned back to Darro. “Her lad is 21 and is no a criminal, but he’s been arrested for manslaughter. It’s clearly self-defense. Quinn doesn’t believe he will actually be charged with anything, but while they are waiting for the hearing, Quinn’s worried about who might not be happy that Ruskag was killed. That man has a record as long as yer arm fer everything from extortion to suspected murders they couldn’t prove. Quinn advised her to get him out of sight for a while until things cool down.”
“Does he have a job now? What does he do with his time?” Darro asked, drumming his fingers on the table.
“He works for the animal shelter, and he’s had a couple of years of higher education,” Jamie explained. “Pauley’s worried about him because since he left school, he’s been hiding things from her, and he won’t explain why Ruskag was chasing him.”
“And just how did ye get cozy enough with this Pauley to find out all these things?” Angus mocked.
The tips of Jamie’s ears turned red and he scowled at Angus. “That’s none of yer business.”
Angus chuckled. “Looks like Jamie’s finally found a lass who can hold a candle to Rhonda,” he practically purred with satisfaction.
Lucerne placed her hand on Darro’s arm. “Dad would nae put anyone in danger, honey,” she said softly. “If this Luca needs a place to lay low, I can’t think of a better place to hide than here at Neamh.”
“Me either,” Poppy chimed in with a chuckle. “Ye two have this place better guarded than Fort Knox. I know from personal experience.”
“If Luca wants to carry his weight around here, I can always use another hand,” Darro finally growled, running his fingers through his dark hair. “Make no mistake though, Jamie, if he puts one foot wrong, he’ll answer to me.”
Jamie nodded in satisfaction. “Which is exactly why I think ye and Angus could do him a world of good if he’s been hanging around the wrong crowd.”
Darro drummed his fingers some more, then asked, “Ye say he likes animals and works at a shelter? Mayhap Dal could show him around then. They aren’t too far apart in age.”
When Jamie’s cell phone suddenly rang, he didn’t recognize the number, but he instantly thought of Pauley. She’d promised to text him and hadn’t done so. He didn’t usually answer numbers he didn’t know, but his instincts were flaring. He pushed the answer button. “Hello?”
“Jamie? This is Pauley. Have ye had a chance to speak with yer daughter and her husband?”
She sounded out of breath or teary, he wasn’t sure which, and Jamie’s chest tightened. “I’m here at Neamh discussing that right now,” he replied in concern. “What’s wrong, Pauley?”
“Luca and I are at the police station filing a report. Someone threw a bottle bomb through the window in Luca’s bedroom. Thank God he wasn’t in it at the time, but the fire department had to come and put the fire out. My house is a mess right now.”
“Cripes, Pauley,” he swore. “I’ll head that way right now.”
“Nay. If yer family is in agreement, I can come up there when I’m finished and bring Luca with me.”
“Can I put ye on speaker phone?”
She hesitated, then replied, “Aye.”
Jamie covered the phone with his hand. “It’s Pauley. Someone threw a bottle bomb into her son’s bedroom. They are at the police station filing the report. I’m putting her on speaker phone.”
Lucerne and Poppy gasped while Darro and Angus’s brows crawled towards the ceiling.
Jamie put the phone on the table. “Go ahead, Pauley. Ye can talk now. Darro and Angus are here with Lucerne and Poppy.”
“Mr. MacCandish? I guess Jamie has told ye what happened. I spoke with Luca earlier this evening and he didn’t like the idea of leaving town, but now he’s on board if ye are okay with it. He’s pretty scared.”
“I’m very sorry for what happened, but I’ll be blunt, detective,” Darro growled. “Yer son is welcome at Neamh, but I’ll no tolerate any nonsense, and he’ll have to obey everything he’s told for the safety of everyone here. I have my wife and children that I no wish to put at risk if he’s mixed up in something nefarious that he won’t give up.”
“I understand yer concerns,” Pauley replied in a defeated tone. “Given the situation, I’m sorry to have bothered ye. I’ll just take an extended vacation and leave the country with him on my own until the hearing. I can protect him myself if I have to.”
“Nay,” Darro replied sternly. “A woman on her own isn’t a good thing, even if she is a trained policewoman. And as a mother, yer personal feelings would interfere with the protective detail ye would be providing. Ye’d best bring him here.”
“Excuse me?” Pauley’s voice was suddenly defensive and disbelieving.
Knowing Darro’s blunt, no-nonsense attitude might put Pauley’s independent back up, Jamie quickly intervened. “Pauley, Darro has suggested that Luca work with Dal, the lad who is interning at Neamh to get his vet license. I believe Dal would be a good influence on him since they are close to the same age. What do ye say?”
“Aye,” Angus added his two cents, albeit facetiously. “We all know Darro needs to work on his people skills, but trust me, we can look after yer lad, detective. I’ve got two lads of my own, and I know how secretive they can be at times. He’ll be safe here at Neamh.”
Darro rolled his eyes but he didn’t say anything else.
Jamie knew Darro meant exactly what he said, but he was still a kind and generous man. He just wasn’t very soft in his approach to people. That attitude had its good and bad points, but the men at Neamh respected him without question.
“Mr. MacCandish?” Pauley questioned, her voice sounding slightly angry, doubtful and hopeful all wrapped into one.
Jamie figured she was trying to swallow her pride because she was desperate to keep Luca safe. Otherwise, she’d probably tell Darro where he could put his people skills. His lips quirked in amusement.
“Detective MacBride, ye are a friend of Jamie’s and he’s family,” Darro replied a little kindlier. “Here at Neamh, we look after our own, so bring yer son now if ye like.”
“I’ll be headed that way shortly then,” she replied after a slight hesitation.
“Are ye sure ye don’t want me to come in and drive back with ye?” Jamie asked.
“Nay, I-I’ll be fine. Mica will follow me out of town and then turn back if I don’t have a tail.”
“Let us know when ye are on the way. I’ll be sending two trucks that way now to watch for ye and make sure ye don’t get followed,” Darro ordered. “The trucks will be white and have Heaven’s Gate on the side so ye know it’s us.”
“Again, thank ye, Mr. MacCandish,” Pauley replied gratefully.
“It’s Darro, and ye are welcome. Be careful.”
Pauley hung up on her end and Jamie slipped his phone into his pocket, well aware of the somber, yet curious and speculative gazes on him.
“Dessert?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Darro chuckled and stared at Angus. “For once it isn’t ye asking for dessert, ye old coot.”
“I was gettin’ around to it,” Angus protested.
Lucerne and Poppy giggled.
Then Jamie turned serious. “Thank ye, Darro, for opening yer home on Luca’s behalf. I really do appreciate it.”
“Like I said, ye are family, Jamie, and we protect our own.”
No one mentioned the elephant in the room, and Jamie was thankful they didn’t press him for more details about Pauley. Their relationship was just beginning and he was a very private person. He was just thankful they were all willing to rally around when it was important to him.