"I think we are stirring up gossip already," Keelin said.
"Does that bother you?" Shane said as he openly assessed her. Keelin looked at him. It was clear his intentions hadn't changed.
"Hey, I said just as friends," Keelin reminded him.
"Friends go to lunch or on a walk. A candlelit dinner says more. I think you are sending mixed signals, Ms. Keelin," Shane said.
"Hey, that's not fair. I told you this was just as friends." His intentness was beginning to irritate her.
"I think you knew exactly what you were doing when you went to dinner with me. The question I wonder: is itbecause you are attracted to me or is it because you are using me to send a message to a certain gentleman who gave you a puppy?" Shane's directness shocked her.
Never one to back down, Keelin stared right back at him. She opened her mouth to speak but the waitress interrupted her.
"Good evening, then. Can I get you something to drink? A pint, perhaps?" The girl's eyes shone bright with interest.
"We'll have a bottle of the local chardonnay." Shane ordered for them quickly and sent the waitress on her way.
"Listen, pal. You don't know me." Keelin felt her emotions building.
"No, but I'd like to." Shane grinned wolfishly at her.
Keelin thought she would smack him. And then she caught something else in his eyes. Loneliness glinted there. Remembering Fiona's instruction to listen to her intuition, she reached out and grabbed Shane's hand and let herself read him. Feelings assaulted her. Sadness, attraction, loneliness, and a deeper layer of kindness. Taking her hand off of his, she looked at him quietly.
"So this is all an act." Keelin stated matter-of-factly.
"What are you talking about?" Shane was flustered for the first time since she had met him.
"This. This whole thing. Your pretend attraction to me. The rich, successful guy sweeping women off their feet. The wolfish grin. All of this. That's not really you. You're a nice guy," Keelin said.
Shane sighed. He pulled at his necktie and accepted the wine from the waitress. He didn't say anything else as they both ordered the local mussels. He took a longdrink of his wine and stared out at the sea before answering.
"First, Iamattracted to you. You're a knockout. Those curves, lips made for nibbling on, and all that hair. I'd love to see it spread across my sheets."
Heat burned through Keelin. So, she wasn't totally immune to him after all. Shane had his own seduction, it seemed.
"That being said, I know you aren't attracted to me. It was just that you are new in town, and, and, well you're right. I'm lonely. It isn't easy being in the position I am in. Most people prefer not to get too close to me as I can be the one who will evict them or close their business down if they don't make rent. I love being successful, but it is lonely at the top."
Keelin gave him her first unguarded smile of the night.
"See, this is good stuff. I think we can be friends after all. Let's talk."
Shane stared at her and a delighted laugh barked out of his mouth. Once the tension eased a bit, Keelin was surprised to find that they had much to talk about and the evening wore on as they learned more about each other's families, mutual likes, and the local gossip.
"So, what are you going to do about your brother and sister?" Shane asked over dessert.
"I don't know. I haven't been into town much. Just, um, been building my relationship with my grandma. I don’t really know how to handle this situation with my brother and sister."
"I admire both your sister and brother, though they seem like they are not even related to each other. Colin isuptight and very serious. He is very devoted to his wife though and his young son. Aislinn on the other hand is a dreamer. Her artwork is stunning."
"Wait, I have a nephew?" Keelin took a deep gulp of her wine. She laughed a little. Of course she had a nephew, why wouldn't she have? She shook her head.
"Yes, Finnegan. He's a delightful child. Colin is protective of him. You might meet some resistance there," Shane said frankly.
"I think that I may start with my sister. She sounds like the easier going of the two. I'll talk to Fiona about it and maybe I'll stop by her store. I've been meaning to stop in and have a pint with Cait anyway." Keelin watched Shane closely. He lifted his chin stubbornly and didn't say anything as he signed the check.
Keelin sighed. "Come on! Aren't you going to tell me what is going on with you two? If you and I are going to be friends and all?" she prodded.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on with you and Flynn?" Shane retaliated.
