Page 43 of Dust to Dust

A nervous laugh bubbled from her lips. “Um, yeah. I didn’t even know it really had a name until I went into my mom’s recipe box. We always just joked it was ‘the sick soup’.”

When Dare started for Isla, I shot out of my chair. “Keep your hands to yourself!”

While Isla jumped, Dare merely grinned. “Easy, mate. I was just going for the soup.”

Warily, I watched him take the container from Isla. After peeling back the lid, he inhaled deeply. A groan of pleasure came from his lips. “Fuck me. This smells just like Mam’s!”

“Really?” I questioned.

“It sure as hell does.”

Dare grinned at Isla. “Do you have a little Irish in you, Ms. Vaughn?”

She nodded. “My mother’s great-grandparents came over from Cork.”

When a teasing glint flashed in Dare’s eyes, I anticipated his coming cheek by starting around the desk. Before I could reach him, he purred, “You know, if you cook as good as my mam, it’d be my pleasure for you to have a large amount of Irish in you.”

At Isla’s gasp and Caterina’s groan, I shoved Dare. Hard. “Watch your mouth, or you’ll be eating that soup through a straw,” I snarled. Of course, that just made him laugh harder.

I then snatched the soup from him. When the smell invaded my nostrils, it was my turn to moan. “It does smell just like Mam’s.”

Caterina smiled at Isla. “Would you mind giving me the recipe? Considering how these two are salivating, I can only imagine my husband would like it as well.”

Isla returned Catrina’s smile. “I would be happy to.”

Motioning between the two of them, I said, “Isla, this is my sister-in-law, Caterina. She’s married to my oldest brother, Callum.”

Recognition flooded Isla’s face hearing Caterina’s name. “It’s nice meeting you.”

“Likewise,” Caterina replied. Tilting her head, Caterina apprised Isla. “Could I bother you with another favor?”

With a shrug, Isla replied, “I suppose so.”

“You’re the perfect person to weigh in on my idea for the club.” Caterina cut her gaze over to mine. “Isn’t she?”

Before I could answer, Isla said, “I’m not sure how well I can answer considering I’ve only been here for a week.”

“You’re a woman and a dancer–the exact market I’m targeting.”

Shifting on her feet, Isla nibbled her bottom lip. “Okay.”

Caterina’s dark eyes lit up. “Please have a seat,” she instructed, motioning to the chair next to her. While she eased down on the leather, I didn’t return to my chair. Instead, I leaned back against the desk across from Isla.

“Just give me your honest thoughts about this,” Caterina said. After Isla nodded, Caterina informed her of her plan. During certain parts, Isla’s head would bob and a few times she smiled.

Once Caterina finished, she stared expectantly at Isla. After clearing her throat, Isla said, “I think it’s a great idea.”

Caterina beamed. “You do? You’re not just saying that?”

Shaking her head, Isla replied, “No. I really do. But you really shouldn’t just poll me. Why don’t you come talk to the other girls?”

“I would love that. Maybe they could give their input on what they would like to see the mission be.”

“I’m sure they would.”

Caterina tilted her head at me. “Of course, I don’t want to get their hopes up if we don’t have permission.”

With a snort, I replied, “Did you honestly think I was going to say no to you?”

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