Page 55 of Dublin Debacle

Something brushed her arm, making her glance down.

Jack’s hand lay across the console, palm up.

Emily looked from his hand to his face.

He gave her a gentle smile. “We’re going to find this person. We’re going to find the Flamethrower and the person behind all the drama.”

She took her hand off the steering wheel and laid it across his palm.

Jack curled his fingers around hers and brought her hand up to brush his lips across her knuckles. “You care a lot about your family.”

She nodded, her fingers tingling where his lips had touched. A horn honked behind her, yanking her out of the trance she’d slid into. She jerked her hand free from his to place it firmly on the steering wheel.

“I promise to do anything I can to see that you all are safe,” he said.

Moisture welled in her eyes. “You’d do that for a stranger?”

He chuckled. “We’re hardly strangers...after last night.”

Her cheeks burned. “Not physically,” she whispered.

“I’d like to get to know you more,” he said.

Her lips curled in an instant smile. “I’d like that, too.” The smile twisted into a frown. “If I live long enough, I’d like to try dating you. You know, that thing normal people do before sleeping together.”

Jack laughed out loud. “You’re on. Let’s find the Flamethrower, break up a fight and put an end to the Dublin debacle so we have a few minutes to go out on a date.”

She grinned. “I’d like that.”

“We have a date.” Jack clapped his hands together. “Let’s make it happen.”

With renewed purpose, Emily pulled into the alley next to the pub and shifted into park.

Before she got out of the car, she pulled her cell phone from her pocket. “I’ll let Daphne know to open the pub this afternoon, since we’ll be busy saving the world.”

Jack reached across and squeezed her thigh. “That’s my girl.” Then he leaned over the console and kissed her full on the mouth.

Emily clasped her free hand around the back of his neck and kissed him like it might be her last. And it might be just that—if the people with their mercenary assassins got their way.

When she finally leaned back breathless, her cheeks and body on fire, she stared up into Jack’s eyes. “I’m sorry you lost Laura, but I’m glad you found me.” She cupped his cheek. “Let’s go find the Flamethrower.”

She flung open her door, got out and met Jack at the rear of the vehicle. Together, they walked across the street to the jewelry shop where Daniel Foster, the new owner, welcomed them in.

“Ah, Ms. O’Brien, so good to see you.” He shook her hand first and then turned to Jack. “Are we here to celebrate good news? Perhaps you’ve come to choose an engagement ring?” He smiled hopefully.

Heat rose up Emily’s neck and flooded her cheeks. “No, that’s not it,” she said. “This is Jack Collins, a...friend of mine. Jack, David Foster. He recently inherited the store from his grandfather and has been busy updating the interior and exterior.”

Jack shook Daniel’s hand. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Daniel dipped his head. “Thank you.”

“What you’ve done with the place is wonderful,” Emily said. “I haven’t been inside since you renovated.” She glanced around, amazed at the transformation from old and outdated to a place that invited people in with lighting that set the mood and enhanced the display cases, making the gemstones shine.

“Do you think it’s too modern?” Daniel asked, his gaze also sweeping through the store.

“No, not at all.” Emily smiled. “You’ve combined old-fashioned charm with modern lighting and displays. It’s wonderful.”

“Oh, good,” Daniel said. “I wanted the place to appeal to young and old.” He turned his attention back to Emily and Jack. “If you aren’t looking for an engagement ring, though you make a stunning couple, are you here to find a gift for a loved one?”

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