"Where'd this little guy come from?" he asked.
"Um, a gift from a friend." Keelin wasn't sure why she didn't say it was from Flynn.
"Looks like one of Flynn's. He has some of the best dogs in the country. You're lucky to have one."
Keelin hadn't known that Flynn bred dogs. Chalk it up to another thing she didn't know about the man. She preferred to think of him as a surly, uncommunicative fisherman. The picture of him lovingly nursing a mama dog flashed into her mind and she softened a bit.
"Yes, he is quite a sweetheart. So, what brings you here today?" Keelin brushed sand from her arm and tried to stop herself from peeling her tank top from her suit. She felt like she was on display.
"I stopped to see if I could take you to dinner." Shane stared at her very directly, his intentions clear.
"Me? What about..." Keelin stopped. She was about to say, "What about Cait," yet she had no idea what their relationship was, nor was it any of her business. It wasn't like she had heard from Cait since she had been here either. Still, she knew small towns and didn't want to start the gossip mill running. That being said, she was certain Flynn would hear of it. That decided it for her.
"Sure, I would love to go to dinner. But! Just as friends," Keelin said sternly.
Shane's smiled broadened. "Sure, friends it is. I'll wait while you change."
"Okay, I need a little time to shower."
"That's fine, I'll enjoy the sunset and talk to the dog.”
Keelin dropped her gear inside and went to shower, passing Fiona muttering at the kitchen counter.
"I'm going to dinner with Shane. I'm not sure when I will be back. Do you need anything from the village?"
"No. And you be careful with that man."
Keelin stopped at her doorway. "What is your problem with him? You sailed right past him and barely said a word. Yet you treat Flynn like he's God. What's the deal?" Keelin hissed at her, hoping her voice didn't carry.
"He's not for you," Fiona said enigmatically, and turned back to knead her bread. Conversation was over, apparently. Keelin threw up her hands and went to shower.
In deference to the warm evening, Keelin pulled her hair back and let it flow down her shoulders, curling mildly with the sea air. She pulled on a navy blue linen sundress that complemented her hair color and deep browneyes, and put on some thin silver necklaces. She pulled out a flat pair of strappy silver sandals and a small bag. The sun had touched her skin with color so a little lip gloss and mascara was all she needed. It would be nice to go out and learn more about the town.
Keelin left her room and stopped by Fiona's chair.
"I told him it was just as friends. Just so you know."
"Mmhmm. I know what you're doing. Be careful the games you play."
"Oh, stop. This isn't the 1900s. Girls can have guys as friends, you know. I have several in Boston," Keelin said definitively.
Fiona nodded and didn't say anything. Sighing, Keelin picked up her purse and stroked Ronan under his chin. She let herself out of the cottage and caught a glimpse of movement up on the ridgeline. She could have sworn she saw the shadow of a man but it could have been a sheep for all she knew. Or cared. Shane straightened from his perch on the front bumper of his car and whistled. Keelin laughed.
"Oh, stop."
"I'm telling you, Keelin O'Brien, you are a knockout."
Keelin blushed but enjoyed the compliment. Though she knew the Irish were famous for their charm, it was still nice to get compliments. It was so different in the States. She caught herself giggling and realized she would have to be careful around Shane. His good ol' boy routine housed a wolfish interior. Laying low on the liquor tonight would be smart.
Shane took the sea route into the village and they laughed and talked of local gossip as the sun set and thecolor of the water deepened. The breeze fluttered her hair as it dried and Keelin relaxed into the seat. It was a beautiful night.
Shane took her to a local seafood joint right on the water. It was a small place, painted a cheerful red, with its brown shutters thrown open to catch the sea breezes. The scents of seafood soaked in butter made her mouth water.
They were shown to a small table in the corner. A chunky candle sputtered in a mason jar layered with sand and seashells. Sea nets hung around the restaurant, framing walls with photos of the water. It was charming in its simplicity.
"I know it doesn't look like much but the food here is first class," Shane said as he put his napkin in his lap and pulled out the wine list. "Would you like some wine?"
"Sure, I'll have a glass." Keelin made a point of reminding herself that this would be her only glass of the night. She saw a few waitresses whispering to each other in the corner and looking curiously at them. She groaned.
