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A swooping sensation occurred in her stomach as he winked. Daphne would be freaking out right now if she was here, worrying about Finn whisking Maisie away in a whirlwind romance that ended in marriage and resulted in Daphne being alone forever.

But that was ridiculous. Completely unrealistic. Just because he winked and complimented her didn’t mean they were going to end up together. Still, Maisie couldn’t deny how much she was enjoying his attention.

The two of them climbed onto their bikes and set off down the smooth road, sailing past walkers and nodding to other bicyclists as they went on their way.

It had been years since Maisie had ridden, but just like the age-old expression, she picked it back up instantly. She and Finn settled into a nice, easy pace, riding single-file until the road widened, and Finn caught up to peddle alongside her.

She watched him sidelong for a minute, his shoulders accentuated as he leaned forward to grip the handlebars. His legs were long and lean, though his thighs stretched his pants with each press of his pedals.

“So you wear them trousers often, then?” he asked, motioning to her own legs.

Had he been watching her, too?

“Only when it’s freezing,” she replied. “Do you have joggers here?”

“Aye. ’Course we do. Though I couldn’t say if women love ’em more than men.”

“Your mom never told you?” she teased. “Or your girlfriend?”

Had she slipped that in seamlessly enough? It had sounded pretty matter-of-fact, but his knowing gaze made her think otherwise.

It wasn’t her fault she needed to know if he was actually single or not. Yesterday on the bus wasn’t confirmation enough for her.

“I try me best to listen to me ma when she talks, but if she’s ever told me ’bout her trousers, I can’t say I was payin’ attention.” Then he looked at her squarely. “And I don’t have a girlfriend, so I can’t answer in that regard either.”

A lightness flooded Maisie’s limbs, and she straightened on the bicycle seat. That was clear enough for her.

“Anyway,” he continued, watching the road again, “me ma’s too busy lookin’ after a household of her own to be banterin’ ’bout clothes. Not to mention the time she spends spoilin’ her grandfish.”

Grandfish. He was just too delightful. “She doesn’t have any other real grandkids to spoil?”

He stared at her with a look of offense. “Excuse me, but me fish are just as real as real grandchildren, thank you very much.” He paused. “But no, she hasn’t any real grandchildren. I’m her only child, like, so she’ll have a while to wait to have me future children carry on the O’Meara name.”

“Heeey,” she said with a broad smile, pointing at herself, “I’m an only child, too.”

“Are you now?”

“Yup. I always wanted siblings, though. I only ever got pigs and cows.”

He gave her a quizzical look.

“I grew up on a rural ranch,” she explained. “Livestock were my only friends. Until they were turned into meals.”

He laughed out loud, and her heart jumped in delight.

“What about you?” she asked. “Did you ever want siblings?”

“Ach, naw. I’d hate to share the attention.”

She laughed. “Why does that not surprise me?”

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Maisie was overcome with relief that she’d taken Mom and Dad’s advice.

Living this trip with no regrets was already proving to be the best decision she’d ever made.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Finn’s phone buzzed every few seconds in his pocket, and he smiled as he imagined the lads texting in the group chat. He really shouldn’t be enjoying the torment he was causing them, but it was just too fun.