Page 77 of Harbor Lights

Con gave a bark of laughter. “Let me assist, then. First round is on me.”

Shiv ground the gears in a desperate attempt to find reverse.

“Would you like me to drive?”

“Nope, all good here. Just… ” She couldn’t find an excuse, but she was desperate to get away from the charged atmosphere of the little car.

“Trying to save the clutch at the cost of the gearbox?”

The clutch.She reengaged her brain, jabbed her foot on the pedal, reversed, and got into first gear without further embarrassment. She drove slowly up the hill from the quay, so she didn’t have to attempt another gear change. The engine screamed its objection to her incompetence.

“Sounds like young Siobhán might need some driving lessons if she’s here for the long term.”

She glared over her shoulder. Jacky couldn’t be more than ten years older than her. He grinned back unrepentantly.

“That can be arranged.” Con squeezed her knee, and she shivered.

“Clutch.”

Shiv pressed the pedal and Con smoothly moved them into a quieter gear. She still could feel the hand imprinted on her knee. Lowering the window a crack, she breathed a sigh when she pulled into the hotel car park. She applied the brake. The car jerked to a stop and stalled. She groaned. “Fuck, why are cars here so complicated?”

Con laughed as she pulled on the handbrake. “We appreciated the ride, anyway. Didn’t we, Jacky?”

Jacky was already out of the car, his bag over his shoulder. He ducked back. “Thanks, Shiv. I’ll order the drinks in.”

“Just lemonade for me,” she called after him, knowing she’d end up with an unsolicited pint waiting for her, which Jacky would then helpfully offer to drink on her behalf.

She turned to Con. “Why are we suddenly unable to get a moment alone?”

“Please, never tell Tierney how much I don’t want to do karaoke tonight.” Con’s voice was almost a groan. “I want to kiss you so badly, but I don’t know how I’ll force myself to get out of this car, and in there, if I do.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” Shiv tore her gaze from Con’s and shook herself. “Let’s get this evening over and talk back at the cottage later.”

She flung open the door and got out. The driving rain provided an incentive to turn her back on Con and run indoors. Con followed, and they pushed their way into the shelter of the Waterside’s foyer together, Con breathing a little heavily.

“That’s the fastest I’ve moved in a while.” She loosened her coat and pulled the scarf from around her neck.

Shiv took them from her and hung them on the coat rack alongside her own jacket. Music and the sound of someone singing amid a hum of conversation spilled out from the closed doors to the restaurant.

“Before we go in, I’ve got something for you.” Con turned to the unoccupied reception desk and reached behind it. “Tierney stored it here for me.”

She pulled out a plump package wrapped in brown paper and tied with red string. “I’m sorry it’s a little late. I was bringing it to you before… the lifeboat thing.”

“Ah. I made you something, but it’s still up at the cabin, sorry.” Shiv took the large parcel. It was light and squishy. She ripped open the end and pulled out a gray bundle. She shook it loose to find a beautiful gray coat.

“It’s the one you tried on when we went shopping. It’s filled with down, so it’ll be super cozy without being too bulky.” Con’s eyes were wide. “And it’s waterproof, of course.”

Shiv unzipped it and pulled it on. It fitted her snugly, and it was soft and hard-wearing at the same time. She’d never owned anything like it. She pulled up the deep hood and pulled Con close. “It’s wonderful. I’ll never be cold again. Thank you, Con.”

Con’s smile was sweet. “I’m glad you like it.”

The doors swung open, bringing a wave of sound.

“Are you two going in?” Kasia held a sleepy Pegeen on her hip. “I’m just going to change her and get her ready for bed. I’m hoping she’ll fall asleep in her buggy watching her momma making a spectacle of herself.”

She ran up the stairs and Con turned toward the door. “Let’s get this over with.”

Shiv had the odd desire to take Con’s hand as they entered the noisy room, but she resisted and settled for holding the door for her.

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