Certain Sure (3 page)

“Sorry,” Fin mumbled from behind her.

Katie shrugged, unable to speak. She padded downstairs, hearing even quiet sounds: the distant hum of the refrigerator, the tick of the grandfather clock by the stairs, Fin’s soft footsteps on the carpeted stairs behind her, the throbbing in her ears.

“You’re really good with our Rose,” Fin said when Katie stopped upon reaching the front entry at the bottom of the stairs. She expected Fin to go now. If only he’d stay.

“Thanks. You too,” Katie said, studying him. He was so sexy, the way his eyes softened when he spoke of Rose, the way short strands of his hair sometimes fell onto his forehead. Katie wanted to brush them back and run her hands through his thick crop. “I better get to bed.”

Fin’s eyes glimmered and he glanced at the clock behind him. “Always go to bed at eight?”

Katie’s cheeks burned. “No, I…”

Fin laughed but stopped when Katie frowned. “If you want me to leave, you could say so.”

“It’s up to you,” Katie said, exhaling. “My parents would like to see you. They should be home by ten.”

“The pub doesn’t close so early, does it?”

“No, but my mom’s been getting my dad to leave early when she can. She says he’s been working too much lately. Would you like some coffee?” Katie said, hoping for a distraction, both from Fin and the simmering anger at her dad. He wouldn’t need to work so much if he’d let her be his assistant manager. But her degree in business meant nothing to him, as her years of experience as dishwasher, waitress, and general help at his beloved pub did nothing to persuade him of her devotion.

“Sure, thanks,” Fin said as he followed her into the kitchen. “Why don’t I make it? After all, you made dinner.”

“If you want.” Katie surveyed the room for something to do. She put away a few dishes and wiped the counter she cleaned earlier. “How have you liked living in Cork?”

“Fine. Mostly the people are friendly and I liked being near the water.”

Katie wasn’t sure what else to say, knowing why he was back and why Mr. Dunbar had sent him to Cork in the first place. Fin smiled at her, relaxing his lean, sturdy frame against the counter while the coffee perked behind him.

“Fergus tells me you could be quite the businesswoman. He and my father talked about offering you a job. You’re a real favorite with the Dunbar and Son.” Katie’s own smile disappeared as she caught a hint of sarcasm or something in Fin’s tone.

“Not according to my dad.”

“Oh? Well, my family thinks the world of you,” Fin said, crossing his arms.

Katie blushed again. She could say how much she loved his family or how kind they were to her, but she didn’t like to sound gushy or emotional. Katie waited, hoping Fin would say something. He used to always have things to say. Instead, he stood watching her, his smile gone, arms still crossed, as Katie fidgeted with the dishtowel.

“Rose will be glad to have you in town.” She hadn’t meant to imply Rose would be the only one to feel that way. She let out a breath and returned Fin’s grin. His smile changed his whole face. He became almost boyish, but utterly charming and sexy. When serious, he was more like his father, with his dark looks and set mouth.

“She’s my girl, all right. I hope to see a lot of her while I’m here. We always had a grand time when she’d visit Cork.”

“She’s told me. You all went to the village your mom’s from last year, right?”

“Yes, your parents were born there too. Not much left now. It was the first time I’d been so far from Cork. I didn’t travel much.”

“Why not?” Katie said. Her eyes traveled too far, taking him in from his biceps flexing under his polo shirt to the slight bulge below his belt. She bit her lip and concentrated on folding the dishtowel.

“Too busy. Until my promotion last year, I worked a second job bartending at a local pub.”

“Why? Must not have left you much free time,” Katie said. She tried to make the proper eye contact and act casual, but found it difficult when every time she spotted him she wanted to either pounce on him or run from the room giggling.

“I would’ve been at the pub anyway. That way I got paid for it.”

“Is living there expensive or something?” Katie studied his face. Maybe he hadn’t learned anything from his brief stint in jail for drug possession almost eight years before. The heat she felt cooled considerably.

“No. I’ve been saving. I see that look. I suppose you’ve been told what an irresponsible reprobate I am?”

Katie scanned the counter.

“My father doesn’t know everything, even if he thinks so.” Fin’s smile faded. “I worked, saved all I could for the last seven years. Lived in a run down one room flat, no car…I know what he’ll say. It doesn’t matter. I have enough now I can buy my own business if I want, start over somewhere, fresh.” Fin turned to the coffee pot.

Tears welled in Katie’s eyes, so she went to the refrigerator, getting out milk. She didn’t want Fin to go. She shook her head. What did it matter? In six weeks, she’d be on her honeymoon with Michael. Katie gripped the counter and took a deep breath.

Fin faced her again. “I hear you’ll be making a new start, marrying Michael Molloy?”

“Yes, and you don’t need to look so surprised.”

“Sorry. You don’t seem the type.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Not his type or not the marrying kind?”

“No, not one to take on her sister’s sloppy seconds.”

“What?” Katie’s hands shook. She balled them into fists. Oh, God, no. Not another boyfriend who really wanted Maureen. She didn’t care about the guys as much as the humiliation of it.

“Oh, Jaysus, I don’t mean anything. Just ignore my foot hanging out my mouth, okay,” Fin asked, his brow furrowed.

Heat coursed in her, but not like when she thought of Fin. Her palms were clammy. “No. Are you saying Maureen and Michael dated? How would you know?”

“I don’t. Never mind.”

“No. You must have a reason for saying that.”

“Just being a right idjut.”

“Does Fergus know?”

Fin shrugged. Katie sat down, moving her hands along the table edge: something solid to feel, something that stayed stable. Fin sat next to her.

“Did you see something last year?” Katie stared at him, but he wouldn’t look at her.

“Not exactly. Maybe they dated when they were both at UCLA. Remember she and Fergus broke up for a couple years once she graduated high school and moved away.”

“You must know something, Fin, or you wouldn’t have said that. Even so, I know my sister. If they dated, it wasn’t all hand holding and…” Katie put her head down in her hands.

“I was only teasing. You know how I am. I was trying to rile you. Forget it, okay? I’m sorry.”

“Don’t Fin.”

Katie glanced at him and wanted the earth to swallow her up when pity flashed in his eyes. She stood. Her head hurt as the thoughts spun around, why Michael wanted her to darken her hair, why he wanted her to shop with Maureen, why she never felt good enough. Fin touched her shoulder. She pulled her ring off and shoved it in her pocket.

“I’m sorry, Katie. I’m probably wrong. Please forget it.”

“I can’t. I don’t want to,” Katie said as she faced him. The words had rushed out before she could stop them.

He smiled. “Really?”

Why did he seem happy? “Why didn’t anyone say anything before?”

Fin ran his hand through his hair. “I told you, I don’t know anything. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you what a fool I am.” He crossed his eyes, stuck his tongue out, then grinned.

“My aunt Aleen is right. You’re a real kick in the pants, Fin Dunbar.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“Does everyone have secrets but me?” Her parents and Aunt Aleen refusing to tell her who Seamus was or talk about their families and their lives in Ireland. Maureen and why Rose was born three months early but wasn’t a preemie. Michael and his other women. All the family secrets—Dillon, Dunbar, and Molloy—from Ireland to San Francisco. Katie scrunched her brow, wondering how varied and deep the connections and betrayals went. And Fin…

“I bet you have a few,” Fin said.

Katie rubbed her fingers. “Maybe.” Like how she felt about him.

Fin laughed. “I knew it. How about a movie? Have anything good?”

“What do you like?” Probably action or James Bond, like her dad.

“Lots of things,” he said, following Katie into the family room, where he sat on the sofa. “How about ‘Sleepless in Seattle’?”

Katie faced him, her eyebrows raised. “Really? That’s one of my favorites,” she said.

“I figured.”

“But you…”

“One of my favorites too. I like Tom Hanks. Been watching him since he was on ‘Bosom Buddies.’ A bit before your time.”

“No, I used to watch that,” Katie said as she put in the tape and grabbed the remotes. “‘Family Ties’ too. And ‘Splash,’ have you seen it?”

“Are you kidding? Hanks, Hannah, Candy, and Levy? Of course.”

They laughed together as Katie settled herself next to him. Katie scooted and shifted a bit, trying to get comfortable. After a while, Fin eyed her.

“I don’t want to embarrass myself again, but, if you’re uncomfortable, Rose tells me I make a great pillow.” Fin splayed his arm across the back of the couch, grinning. She really shouldn’t do that, but she did. She moved closer to him, leaning her head into the crook of his shoulder, her legs next to his as they stretched out, their feet on the coffee table. She made sure to keep her hands on her own legs, though. “Better?”

“Yes, thanks,” Katie said with a grin. She meant it. All troubles faded when she nestled against him.

They laughed more than Katie ever had at the movie, which she’d seen several times, exchanged comments about the plot, or the actors, or how Maureen resembled Deborah Kerr from “An Affair to Remember.” Fin didn’t shift around or get up, as Michael always did. He lounged, warm and inviting, next to Katie. Mostly Katie relaxed too, though sometimes she glanced at Fin or brushed against him and she tingled all over, tensing when she tried to stop. As the movie ended, Katie sat up. Fin faced her.

“Do you know you have the prettiest hair? Reminds me of hills here in summer, all golden brown, the color shifting on the gentle curves.” He touched her hair so lightly she almost didn’t feel it.

Katie trembled. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to lean in and kiss him. But he was Fin. She knew what he was like. Fergus and Maureen had told her how he charmed women, but was never serious. He was only interested in one thing. She licked her bottom lip, starting to imagine that thing with Fin. She pinched her thigh as hard as she could and winced.

Fin chuckled. “Here I thought that was a right nice compliment.”

“The nicest ever.” Katie bit her lip at her tone, which sounded like Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy.

Fin’s eyes held hers. He leaned toward her as if he would kiss her. Clearing his throat, he edged back and faced away. Katie swallowed and scooted further from him.

“I never realized where Rose got her coloring from--you,” Fin said.

“Sometimes people think she’s my daughter. It really irritates Maureen. Thankfully, she doesn’t have much else like me.”

“She’d be lucky to be like you. Any road, you’re wrong.”

“Am I? She has Maureen’s confidence and Fergus’s smarts.” Katie fingered the green floral sofa cushion.

“But she’s also silly and loving, like you.”

Katie colored but laughed when Fin’s cheeks turned reddish. “Thanks, but I can’t take credit.”

“Why do you--” Fin began, leaning toward her again. He froze when the side door opened.

“What the hell?” Katie’s dad exclaimed. Fin stood and turned to the door. He smoothed his black Dockers and checked the tuck on his blue polo shirt. “Why Fin Dunbar! What a pleasure, me boy! It’s been a long time. How are you?”

Fin met her dad in the wide doorway to the kitchen, exchanging handshakes and a quick hug. Her mom beamed, her round cheeks plumped in a broad smile, hugging Fin, patting his cheek.

“Good to see you, Fin,” she said. “When did you get in?”

“Earlier today. My parents weren’t home, so I came straight to see Rose. I’m glad to see you too.”

“I bet she was thrilled. Katie feed you?”

“Yes, thanks. She’s a wonderful cook, your daughter.”

“She is indeed,” her dad said while her mom went to the sink.

“How old is the coffee, Katie?” she said.

“Couple hours.” Katie joined her mom.

“I wouldn’t touch her pizza, though,” her dad continued. “You should try her pot roast. That’ll do you a treat.”

“I hope to be so lucky,” Fin said, glancing at Katie, who lowered her eyes.

Her mom poured out the coffee, starting a fresh pot. “Would you like some coffee and cookies, Fin? Katie and Rose made oatmeal raisin yesterday.”

“I should probably go.”

“Nonsense,” her dad said. “It’s only ten. Your parents won’t be home until tomorrow, right?”

Fin nodded. Katie placed some cookies on a plate and set them on the table where her father sat, motioning Fin to do the same.

“You’re welcome to spend the night here, if you like,” her mom put in.

“Thanks, but my things are at my parents’,” Fin said as he sat. He grabbed a cookie. “My favorite.” He took a bite, briefly smiling. “Delicious, thanks, Katie.”

Katie pinched herself again to keep from grinning.

“Been stuck here with Katie all evening?” her dad said. Katie’s stomach dropped. “You could have come down to the pub.”

“Thanks, another time.” Fin’s eyes bored into Katie. She turned and got the sugar bowl and milk jug.

“Anytime,” her dad said. “So, how’d you leave the old place? We haven’t been there in twenty years, eh, Mavis?”