A very clever, crafty and intelligent researcher who surpasses his counterparts in every way.”
He didn’t expect the compliment. “Why, thank you, Red.”
She shook her head. “I am not done.”
He met her fiery gaze. “Oh.”
“You have been snooping for answers about my life since you returned. I like my privacy. If I wanted to share things with you or anyone, I would have. Sometimes you’re a tad too big for your britches—even if they do fit you to a fine turn.”
He burst out laughing at that. “Well I’ve never been shot down and built up so effectively in one delivery.”
She nodded once. “The pleasure is mine.”
He wanted to thank her for the pleasure of just watching her get all heated up defending herself. He loved the way her chest heaved beneath the gauzy green dress with the embroidery that matched the dye and traced the V-neck of the dress right into her delightful cleavage. That, along with the jangle of her bracelets mixed with her bravado and unabashed ease in standing her ground with him, all turned him on something fierce. He tore his eyes from the daring in her emerald-green gaze and pulled garlic bread from the warming drawer beneath the oven. He tossed the salad with his favorite homemade balsamic dressing, if only to give himself time to regroup. This intoxicating woman was having an even more profound effect on him simply by sitting in his kitchen.
She settled back down into her seat, as if ready to move on from the topic. “You are quite the chef.”
He tapped his wineglass to hers. “There is so much you don’t know about me, Ms. Sullivan. Hopefully, we’ll change that.”
He lifted his focus to the game room. “Yo, Matt-man. Help me serve dinner.”
“Almost done!” Matt was becoming a pinball wizard in his own right, working the flippers as if he had been born in the sixties.
Evan laughed. “I think I’ve created a monster.”
Kelly sipped her wine. “I suppose we’ve all created a few of those in our time, now, Evan. Haven’t we?”
CHAPTER FIVE
WHEN THE PHONE rang at five-thirty Monday morning, Kelly was already up preparing lunch for Matt’s first day of school. She reached for the phone frowning. Either someone was in distress or calling long-distance. Those long-distance calls usually left her distressed. She wasn’t happy when she read the caller ID. She considered not answering, but Mum would chase her down until they finally spoke. She might as well take the call. Matt still slept.
“Top of the morning to ya, Kelly m’ love!”
Kelly scrunched her face. “And a fine morning it is, Mum. What a surprise to hear from you so early.”
“It’s almost noon here. I knew you’d be up being the businesswoman you are. Have you found yourself a husband yet?”
She rolled her eyes at the familiar question. “Saints be praised, no. Neverland is all mine, and I don’t have to share it with anyone.”
“You’ve always been a peculiar child.”
“Mum, did you call me just to air your insults?”
“I’m only well meaning. You know that.”
What would Mum say if she knew about her six-year-old grandson? Keeping Matt’s existence unknown to her family had been easy since none of them ever ventured farther than the Kinsale county line. As far as Matt was concerned, Grampy Herby had been his grandfather, and his death had closed that door. He was too young to consider anything else. Although they were few and far between, Kelly was vigilant in never taking long-distance calls when Matt was within earshot. Of all of her careful planning and covering her tracks, this was the trickiest tightrope she walked.
“So, what can I do for you today, Mum? How is Da?”
“He’s just fine. I’m calling to tell you that Michael has moved to New York. He left yesterday. Have ye heard from him?”
A lump caught in her throat. “Michael?”
“Yes! They’ve assigned him as pastor of a lovely parish in Brooklyn. I know he’ll be busy, but he wants to see you as soon as possible. Being near his baby sister was part of his reason for going to the States.”
The floor shifted beneath her feet. Oh, my God! She dropped onto the stool at the counter. With her brother living a train ride away, she would be busted in no time.
“Kelly? Are you there?”
“Yes. Of course. That is wonderful news. How can I find him?”
“His new parish is called The Church of The Little Flower, after Saint Theresa. Isn’t that lovely?”
“He will be wonderful for the congregation, I’m sure.