a schoolteacher, and a strict one. She had to be, with five boys underfoot.”
“Five!” Fi almost choked on her sip of wine. “The poor woman.”
“Aye, and she’s letting us know that every day of our lives. A good woman, she is. Kept us in line. My brothers and I are close, though we’re scattered about the globe.”
“That’s nice. I always dreamed about having a brother or sister. Gracie was the closest to me like that. And Kira, though she was a bit younger.”
“Your parents didn’t want more?”
“No, my mum was a bit of a reluctant mother, though she loves fiercely. I couldn’t have asked for a better mum than her. But she was content with just one child. The pub’s her other.”
“It’s a fine pub.”
“It really is,” Fi agreed. “I was raised at the helm. If you’re ever wanting to open a business like that, she’s the woman to give you tips.”
“I’ve thought about it, a time or two. But I like being able to get up and go when I like. You can’t do that with a pub that needs opening every day.”
“You can if you hire the right manager.”
“’Tis true, ’tis true. Maybe someday when I’m not set on wandering. Speaking of wandering, shall we head back to the hotel?”
“What time is it?”
“It’s already eleven thirty.” Liam smiled at her shock and waved to the owner. “I imagine you’ll want a clear head for the morning.”
“I will.” Fi leaned over and squeezed Liam’s hand, content with their meal and their conversation. “This was nice. I’m glad we did this and that you’re here. It’s nice to have a friend on your travels.”
“To friends,” Liam said, and they both finished off their wine. Fi ignored the little tug of lust that played through her core, as well as the voice in her head that begged her for more from Liam. At this point, he was a business partner and needed to remain such.
Chapter 26
She slept straight through to morning in her deliciously comfortable hotel bed, having for once been afforded a dreamless sleep. Perhaps it was the wine that had slipped her into oblivion, and if so, Fi wasn’t complaining. It was nice not to wake up in a riot of turmoil or unease, and she enjoyed an espresso in her room while she read through the papers she’d had delivered up. Her mood was good this morning, she’d enjoyed a nice dinner, this job should be an interesting one, and she had a few weeks to explore Barcelona. All in all, not a bad start to the week.
Pairing trim black pants with a black blazer and a muted rose blouse, Fi smoothed her hair back and clipped a delicate silver necklace around her neck. Slipping her feet into low-heeled boots, she doublechecked her tote to make sure she had all her supplies – laptop, notebook, contracts, and pens. Satisfied, she took the elevator to the lobby, smiling at the concierge as she crossed the gleaming floor to wait for a taxi. Her meeting was at the shipyard, so she’d get an opportunity to also look over the boats and see how the operation worked. Not that it mattered much, as that was Liam’s department, but it always interested her to see how different businesses were run.
“Going my way?”
Fi turned and smiled at Liam as he crossed to her side. The man wore a suit well, she decided as she took in his dusty grey suit and crisp white shirt. He was the kind of man who wore his clothes casually, as though to say he’d rather be in jeans, and his lack of care in how he carried himself only added to his confident air.
“Will you be attending the meeting at the shipyard at eleven?” Fi asked.
“I will. Would it be presumptuous of me to comment on how you look today? Seeing as we’re in business mode?” Liam’s lips quirked a small smile.
“It would be at that.” Fi pressed a smile back and slid into the taxi, waiting as Liam rounded the car and sat next to her.
“Then I shall refrain from telling you that you look delectable in that suit. It makes me want to unbutton you and see what lies beneath all the prim and proper.”
Heat flashed through Fi and she was certain her cheeks tinted pink. Grateful for the wide sunglasses she’d pulled on, she turned and leveled a look at Liam.
“That was rude of me, wasn’t it?” Liam held up his hands, though his