Page 7
Back in North Dakota, she’d grown up on a ranch surrounded by gorgeous mountains and unending prairielands, so Maisie hadn’t seen the sea until she’d moved to Boston with Daphne last year. Since then, she’d become obsessed with the water. She’d missed it over the last few weeks being in central Europe, so she hungrily ate in the sight now.
After another few minutes, Finn spoke over the intercom again. “Alright, listen up, ladies and gents. As you can see, we’ve nearly reached our first destination, the village of Carnlough. As mentioned before, this village does have a wee harbor first built in the 1700s, though the one you’ll soon see out your window wasn’t built until 1853.”
He rattled off a few more facts about the village, Maisie having to listen intently to understand his words through his accent. Reading his lips would make it much easier. Though, that would probably make it much more distracting, too.
“Now,” he continued, “when we stop in Carnlough, there are a few things to do. First, you can take a dander to Cranny Falls that will have you feelin’ like you’ve set foot in a tropical rainforest—you’ll also be as wet as you would be in a rainforest, seein’ as how me fair country has decided to welcome you all with a lashin’ down.”
Maisie looked ahead at the windshield wipers thwapping fiercely back and forth across the broad windows at the front of the bus. It might be trickier to walk in, but she’d never been one who’d minded the rain.
“If a walk doesn’t suit,” he continued, “feel free to explore the village and shops, or do yourself a favor and visit Doherty’s Café. The food is class.”
Maisie’s interest focused more intently on his words at the mention of food. She’d done her research. It was no coincidence that she had chosen this bus tour for her and Daphne. The restaurants they’d pass by all had glowing reviews—Doherty’s café in particular. But to hear it from a local? That was proof enough for her. Now more than ever, she couldn’t wait to eat.
That butty hadn’t nearly been large enough to satisfy her ravenous appetite.
“Whatever you do,” Finn continued, entering the parking lot, “just be sure to return to the bus at one o’clock sharp so we can leave on time. But fair warnin’. I only give one free pass to those of you who are late gettin’ on me bus. After that, I have ways of makin’ sure you come on time. It’s up to you if you’d like to discover those ways yourself.”
His eyes flashed in her direction as the bus came to a full stop, and Maisie couldn’t help but smile.
The passengers filed off the bus one-by-one, and Finn stood from his seat to say goodbye.
Maisie just so happened to be the last to leave, taking a moment to arrange her belongings in her organizer before walking down the aisle toward Finn, her nerves rattling like a bag of dried chicken bones. Why was she so anxious to speak with him? She’d talked to plenty of attractive men before. Surely this would be no different.
And yet, as she watched him briefly chat with the small group of women who’d been seated at the front of the bus, the three older ladies giggling at his words, Maisie’s stomach continued to toss.
He was probably a flirt with everyone. So why was she looking forward to having him flirt with her?
Finally, the ladies departed, and Maisie and Finn were left alone on the bus. Finn’s eyes fell on her, and she pressed down the giddy feeling in her heart.
This was the first time she’d seen his entire face not hidden by people in front of her or reflected in the rearview mirror. And truthfully, when it came to looks, he was in a league of his own.
Strong brow. Charming flat cap covering a head of jet-black hair. Good nose. Great lips. Dark eyes that wrinkled at the sides when he smiled.
If he was a hog, she would give him full markings. Ten out of ten, for sure.
“Ah, here she is,” Finn said, still smiling. “The already notorious American.”
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something super witty. Preferably something that would make him laugh. But she was so distracted by his charming grin that her words fell out in a jumbled mess.
“Late and cmurd for…” Her words trailed off. What in the world had she just said?
“Steady on,” Finn began, apparently in need of a translator, too. “Was that Greek you were just speakin’?”
Had his smile not melted her embarrassment like the butter over that warm bacon butty, Maisie would have been mortified. Fortunately, she had just enough dignity left to pick up the pieces of her pride and try again.
“Sorry,” she said, “my words were faster than my lips. I was trying to apologize for being late—and for not sharing my bacon butty. I promise next time, I’ll be on time, and I’ll bring enough food to pay your tax.”
Boom. Got through a whole sentence without stumbling over her words. She was such a pro at speaking now.
“I’ll be holdin’ you to that, so I will,” he said.
They shared a smile, and Maisie, practically falling into a stupor again with his eyes on her, cleared her throat to snap out of it. “I’m Maisie, by the way. Maisie King.”
“I know,” Finn said. “I have your name on me list. Right under Straggler and Tax-Evader.”
She stared. His jokes were delivered so dryly, she might have mistaken him for speaking seriously. But the dead giveaway was once again that twinkle in his dark eyes.
“You’re joking,” she stated, just to be sure that he was.
