Page 24 of Taming Irish

I pull out my phone from my back pocket when it rings, frowning at the unknownnumber.

“Go ahead,” my mom says, when I glance up at her with a look ofapology.

“Yeah?” I say, walking out of the kitchen and into the small living room with its retro, faux woodtelevision.

“Hi, Shane? This is ColleenKelly.”

“Hey Colleen,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck and wondering what kind of favor the woman is about to ask. We’d gone on a few dates back in high school. She was a pretty thing, with bright red hair and gorgeous green eyes, but one make-out session and it was obvious on both our parts that the chemistry wasn’tthere.

“I heard ye werehome.”

“News spreads fast.” I try to keep the annoyance out of my voice and wait for whatever indulgence she’s about to ask me for. I know it’s not a booty call, that’s not the chick’s style. So, I’m thinking it’s either an appearance at one of her mom’s little fundraisers, or she’s wanting to set me up with one of herfriends.

“I have a favor toask.”

And there itis.

“Everything allright?”

“Yeah. Great, actually. I’m in New York rightnow.”

“New York? Great city. I just came back a few days ago. What are ye doingthere?”

“Writing. I’ve been working with a publicisthere.”

“Not sure I can help ye with that. I don’t have many contacts in the bookworld.”

“That’s not what I was calling about.” There’s a small pause on the other end. “I wanted to know if ye were up for adate?”

I chuckle. “I thought we tried thatalready.”

Her laughter flitters through the phone. “Not with me. I did a house swap. That’s how I’m here. But the woman that’s staying at my place seems to be having a hard time adjusting. Nora suggested it. Ye can say no if yewant.”

I rub the back of my neck andwince.

Colleen adds quickly, “If ye’re wondering, the woman is gorgeous. Even by Shane Hayesstandards.”

“And ye know my standards?” Ichuckle.

“I knowIdidn’t live up to them,” she says lightly, with no hint of hurt in hervoice.

“Not true. Wejust…”

She laughs. “How about we leave it at a mutual disinterest? So, what do ye say? Show her a littleWild Irishhospitality.”

I grunt, knowing exactly what she’simplying.

“Nora said she hasn’t really left the house since she’s been there. So, ye shouldn’t have a problem getting a hold of her. I’ll text ye my address. Oh, andShane...”

“Yeah?”

“Try not to break the girl’sheart.”

“Ye know that’s one thing I can’tpromise.”

Another small laugh. “Well, at least show her a good time before yedo.”

I end the call chuckling, and in a way, I’m grateful for a little distraction. I haven’t been able to get Makena out of my head. Maybe this is exactly what I need. Especially if the woman is as pretty as Colleensaid.

---