voice messages when she turned on her telephone at Dublin airport. They were all from him. She dropped the mobile back in her purse and flagged a cab.
At nine o’clock, showered and under the comfort of a blanket, she called him. He picked up immediately.
“Hi,” she said.
“What’s up? Where are you?”
“Dublin.”
“Ireland?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m going to be here for a few days. A client of ours chose this location.”
“You could have added that to your rejection note,” he said.
“I guess now that your aid talk is over you’re going to be less busy,” she ignored his remark.
“Well, I’ll be back to focusing on my agenda until such time as the kingdom needs me again.”
“How flexible is your schedule?”
“How flexible do you want it to be?”
“If I were to invite you here, would you be able to make it?”
“Hmmh. Are you staying at a hotel?”
“Yes.”
“Checkout tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll text you an address. I’ll see you tomorrow, whenever you show up.”
“Candles and wine this time?” she asked.
“Already on my list.”
“See you then.”
The first day rounded up at almost sunset. Willow was running through the day on pure anticipation. This new side of her was utterly surprising and she welcomed it. No more shy, naïve girl.
The house was off of a secluded street just outside the city limits. She would have missed it if not for the voice of Ozzy Osborne insisting that she take a right turn. The rented vehicle moved slowly on a one lane road buffeted by tall trees and shrubs that provided privacy. It looked more like an access road than a driveway. The posted signs of ‘No Trespassing’ and ‘No Outlet’ warned the uninvited away. A wrought iron gate was the last warning to the guest that insisted on continuing. Willow was about to get out and push the intercom button that stuck out from the stone-pillar to the left of the gate when she heard a creak and the gates began to open.
The house was not impressive at first glance. Willow could not tell if it was stone masonry or brick in the poor evening light. In addition, the vines that climbed and cover the entire façade seemed to be saying it was not really a house, but a part of the landscape. Perfectly manicured shrubs of all sizes buffeted the front of the house. The tiny lights that shone among the plants seemed alien.
She stopped just behind a dark sedan. Before she was out of the car, two white lights came on and beat back the coming darkness. She saw two figures making their way towards her car. She recognized both of James’ bodyguards immediately.
“Simon, Kyle,” she greeted the men cordially.
“Miss Barnes,” they returned.
“We’ll bring your stuff in,” Kyle said. “Don’t worry about it.”
“No, I couldn’t ask you to do that,” she said. “I can manage.”
“It will be our pleasure,” Simon replied.
“Thank you,” Willow said.
The interior was polished marble and earth tones for paint. It had a cozy country-like feeling perhaps because of the comfortable looking sofa and chairs. He was making his way down the stairs as she walked in.
“Hey,” she said.
“Oh hi,” he looked up. “Did you get lost?”
“No, I had a client review.”
They spoke briefly during the day and she informed him she should wrap up close to four o’clock. It was almost seven o’clock.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
He met her half way the distance between them.
“No, I had a salad maybe an hour ago.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She pulled close to him.
“You look sexy,” he said.
She was wearing short black shorts, buttoned blouse and a stylish vest. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun. She’d completed her outfit in sneakers and white socks.
“Thank you.”
“So, how was your day?”
“You should come by tomorrow,” she said. “I mean we don’t have to go together, but you could find some excuse to drop by my set. You might enjoy it. It’s an underwear photo-shoot.”
“Guys and girls?”
“Just the fillies,” she said.
“I already found the filly I want,” he said.
“For now,” she added.
“How many days were you scheduled to be here?” He ignored her comment.
“Five. I’m scheduled for a late Tuesday evening flight.”
“Can you stay a few more days? I have a private plane.”
“I thought you had a dinner on Friday.”
“I do, but that means we have all day Wednesday and Thursday.”
“Did you find a date?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I hope you have a great time.”
“You’re not going to ask who?”
She shook her head.
“If you could point me to the bathroom, I