Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
SELENE
Istood at the tall sash window of my bedroom and studied the daylight, now dimmed by thickening clouds, though rays of sun still illuminated the mountains in the distance.
A momentary chill brushed over me when my gaze drifted to the tree line Maeve had pointed out earlier.
I couldn’t say if something had been there, but the wonder was enough that I turned away from the window.
My bedroom was larger than my flat’s kitchen and sitting room combined.
The ceilings were high but not cavernous, edged in simple crown molding that hadn’t been overworked or updated into oblivion.
Pale plaster walls caught the fading light and held it softly.
The floorboards beneath my feet were worn oak, their grain deepened by centuries of footsteps.
A soft knock sounded against the door before it swung inward. Maeve leaned against the frame, her cascade of red curls half-loosened from whatever attempt she’d made to tame them. “You’re not planning to spend the entire evening romancing the architecture, are you?”
I huffed softly. “I’m appreciating it.”
She straightened and stepped inside, her boots making gentle thuds against the wood. “You’ve had two hours to appreciate it. Are you ready to go to the pub?”
I turned to face her fully. “Is that what we’re doing?”
She spread her hands wide, as if my question was ridiculous. “We have to eat, don’t we? And who wants to cook? Besides, it’s our first night in Killarney. There’ll be music and laughter. Locals who’ll tell us where not to wander after dark.”
“After dark?” I repeated.
Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “Ah, here. It’ll be grand. We need a proper Irish welcome. Besides, I’ve already convinced Clara, so you can’t say no.”
I snickered, and my thoughts drifted to my attire. I’d changed out of my travel clothes and into dark slim jeans and a soft oat-colored knit sweater that kept me warm without being bulky.
Maeve, on the other hand, looked as if she’d stepped out of a painting. She wore a flowing rust-colored skirt that brushed the tops of sturdy boots, paired with a cream blouse tucked loosely at the waist. “You look like you’re about to charm a room.”
“I plan to,” she replied cheerfully. “You look like you’re about to evaluate the structural integrity of it.”
I lifted a shoulder as I grinned. “I might.”
Clara appeared in the doorway, fully assembled and composed. She’d chosen dark trousers with a fitted black turtleneck and a tailored camel coat that made her look like she could negotiate a treaty before dessert.
She glanced between us with an even look. “I assume we’re not staying out long. I prefer to avoid navigating rural roads at midnight.”
Maeve gave her a bright smile. “That works for me. Unless we find ourselves enthralled by three handsome Irishmen. Then I promise nothing.”
Clara snorted softly and shook her head, not looking the least bit surprised by Maeve’s comment.
Excitement fluttered low in my chest. “Dinner and a drink sound delightful. You might not believe it, but I’ve never tried a Guinness.”
Maeve lightly slapped her cheek in mock surprise. “That’s criminal in these parts. It’s a good thing you have two friends who’ll get you out of trouble and keep you there.” She winked. “Probably.”
Clara adjusted the lapels of her coat and stepped into the hall. “Let’s go before she decides to bar hop instead.” Our feisty friend followed her out, exclaiming that was a fabulous idea.
I reached for the bedroom lamp and switched it off. The room dimmed instantly, shadows stretching across the polished floor. For half a heartbeat, I had the strangest sensation that the house approved of our decision. Or perhaps it was only settling again.
I didn’t think about it too long as I pulled the door closed behind me and followed my friends down the hall.