Born in Shame Read online

Page 11


  "I don't believe in that sort of thing."

  "You've too much Irish in you not to." Very gently he drew her through the arch of stone and into the center of the dance.

  Determined to be practical, she folded her arms over her chest and moved away from him. "I'd like to paint it, if you'd let me."

  "It doesn't belong to me. The land around it's mine, but it belongs to itself. You paint it if it pleases you."

  "It would." Relaxing again, she wandered the inner circle. "I know people back home who'd pay for a chance to stand here. The same ones who go to Sedonna looking for vortexes and worry about their chakras."

  Murphy grinned as he scratched his chin. "I've read of that. Interesting. Don't you think there are some places and some things that hold old memories in them? And the power that comes from them?"

  She could, nearly could, standing there. If she let herself. "I certainly don't think hanging some pretty rock around my neck is going to improve my sex life." Amused, she looked back at him. "And I don't think a farmer believes it, either."

  "Well, I don't know about wearing a necklace to make things more interesting in bed. I'd rather depend on myself for that."

  "I bet you do" Shannon murmured and turned away to stroke one of the stones. "Still, they're so ancient, and they've stood here for longer than anyone really knows. That's magic in itself. I wonder-" She broke off, holding her breath and listening hard. "Did you hear that?"

  He was only a pace away now, and waited, and watched. "What did you hear, Shannon?"

  Her throat was dry; she cleared it. "Must have been a bird. It sounded like someone crying for a second."

  Murphy laid a hand on her hair, let it run through as he had before. "I've heard her. So have some others. Your sisters. Don't stiffen up," he murmured, turning her to face him. "Blood's blood, and it's useless to ignore it. She weeps here because she lost her lover. So the story goes."

  "It was a bird," Shannon insisted.

  "They were doomed, you see," he continued as if she hadn't spoken. "He was only a poor farmer, and she was the daughter of the landlord. But they met here, and loved here, and conceived a child here. So it's said."

  She was cold again and, fighting back a shiver, spoke lightly. "A legend, Murphy? I'd expect there'd be plenty about a spot like this."

  "So there are. This one's sad, as many are. He left her here to wait for him, so they could run off together. But they caught him, and killed him. And when her father found her the next day, she was as dead as her love, with tears still on her cheeks."

  "And now, of course, she haunts it."

  He smiled then, not at all insulted by the cynicism. "She loved him. She can only wait." Murphy took her hands to warm them in his. "Gray thought of doing a murder here, but changed his mind. He told me it wasn't a place for blood. So instead of being in his book, it'll be on your canvas. It's more fitting."

  "If I get to it." She should have tugged her hands away, but it felt so good to have his around them. "I need more supplies if I decide to do any serious painting while I'm here. I should get back. I'm keeping you from your work, and Brianna's probably holding breakfast for me."

  But he only looked at her, enjoying the way her hands felt in his, the way the air blushed color in her cheeks. Enjoyed as well the unsteady pulse he felt at her wrists, and the quick confusion in her eyes.

  "I'm glad I found you sitting on my wall, Shannon Bodine. It'll give me something to picture the rest of my day."

  Annoyed with the way her knees were melting, she stiffened them and cocked her head. "Murphy, are you flirting with me?"

  "It seems I am."

  "That's flattering, but I don't really have time for it. And you've still got my hands."

  "So I do." With his eyes on hers, he lifted them, pressed his lips to her knuckles. His smile was quick and disarming when he let her go. "Come walking with me again, Shannon."

  She stood a moment when he turned and stepped out of the dance. Then, because she couldn't resist, she darted to one of the arches and watched him walk, with a whistle for the dog, over his field.

  Not a man to underestimate, she mused. And she watched until he'd disappeared behind a rise, unconsciously rubbing her warmed knuckles against her cheek.

  Chapter Seven

  Shannon didn't know how to approach her first visit to an Irish pub. It wasn't that she didn't look forward to it. She always enjoyed new things, new places, new people. And even if she'd been resistant, Brianna's obvious pleasure at the idea of an evening out would have pushed her into going.

  Yet she couldn't quite resolve herself to the idea of taking a baby to a bar.

  "Oh, you're ready." Brianna glanced up when Shannon started down the stairs. "I'm sorry, I'm running behind. The baby was hungry, then needed changing." She swayed as she spoke, Kayla resting in the crook of one arm, a tray with two cups of tea balanced in the other.

  "Then the sisters complained about itchy throats and asked for some hot toddies."

  "The sisters?"

  "The Freemonts, in the blue room? Oh, you probably missed them. They just came in today. Seems they got caught in the rain and took a chill." Brianna rolled her eyes. "They're regulars, are the Freemonts, so I try not to mind their fussing. But they spend the three days a year they have here doing little else. Gray says it's because they've lived with each other all their lives and neither ever had a decent tumble with a man."

  She stopped herself, flushed, then managed a weak smile when Shannon laughed.

  "I shouldn't be talking that way about guests. But the point is, I'm a little behind things, so if you wouldn't mind waiting?"

  "Of course not. Can I-"

  "Oh, and there's the phone. Blast it, let it ring."

  "Where's Gray?"

  "Oh, he's investigating a crime scene, or killing someone else. He snarled when I poked into his studio, so he'll be no help at the moment."

  "I see. Well, can I do something?"

  "I'd be grateful if you could take the baby for a few minutes, just while I run this tray upstairs and pamper the sisters a bit." Brianna's eyes gleamed. "It won't take long; I used a free hand with the whiskey."

  "Sure, I'll take her." Warily Shannon shifted Kayla into her arms. The baby felt so terrifyingly small there, and fragile. "I haven't had a lot of practice. Most of the women I know are concentrating on their career and putting off having children."

  "A pity, isn't it, that it's still so much easier for men to do both. If you'd just walk her a bit. She's restless-as anxious I think to get out and have some music and company as I am."

  With an enviable grace, Brianna darted up the steps with her tray and doctored tea.

  "Restless, Kayla?" Shannon strolled down the hall and into the parlor. "I know the feeling." Charmed, she skimmed a finger down the baby's cheek and felt that quick jolt of pleasure when a tiny fist gripped it. "Strong, aren't you? You're no pushover. I don't think your mother's one, either."

  Indulging herself, she snuck a kiss, then another, delighted when Kayla bubbled at her.

  "Pretty great, isn't she?"

  Still starry-eyed, Shannon looked up and smiled as Gray strode into the room. "She's just beautiful. You don't realize how tiny they are until you're holding one."

  "She's grown." He bent down, grinned at his daughter. "She looked like an indignant fairy when she was born. I'll never forget it."

  "She looks like her mother now. Speaking of which, Brianna's upstairs drugging the Freemont sisters."

  "Good." Gray seemed to find that no surprise, and nodded. "I hope she does a good job of it; otherwise they'll keep her busting her ass for three days."

  "She seems to do that pretty well on her own."

  "That's Brie. Want a drink before we go, or would you rather wait for a pint at the pub?"

  "I'll wait, thanks. You're going with us? I thought you were killing someone."

  "Not tonight. They're already dead." Gray considered a whiskey, opted against. He was more in the m
ood for a Guinness. "Brie said you wanted to do some painting while you're here."

  "I think I do. I brought some things with me, enough to get started anyway." Unconsciously she was mimicking Brianna's movements by swaying the baby. "She said I could use the car and try Ennis for more supplies."

  "You'd do better in Galway, but you might find what you need there."

  "I don't like to use her car," Shannon blurted out.

  "Worried about driving on the left?"

  "There is that-but it just doesn't feel right to borrow it."

  Considering, Gray eased down on the arm of the sofa. "Want some advice from a fellow Yank?"

  "Maybe."

  "The people around here are a world unto themselves. Offering to give, to lend, to share everything, themselves included, is second nature. When Brie hands you the keys to her car, she isn't thinking-is she insured, does she have a driving record-she's just thinking someone needs the car. And that's all there is to it."

  "It isn't as easy from my end. I didn't come here to be part of a big, generous family."

  "Why did you come?"

  "Because I don't know who I am." Furious that it had come out, that it had been there to come out, she handed him the baby. "I don't like having an identity crisis."

  "Can't blame you," Gray said easily. "I've been there myself." He caught the sound of his wife's voice, patient, soothing. "Why don't you give yourself a little time, pal? Enjoy the scenery, gain a few pounds on Brianna's cooking. In my experience, the answers usually come when you least expect them."

  "Professionally or personally?" He rose, gave her a friendly pat on cheek. "Both. Hey, Brie, are we going or not?"

  "I just have to get my bag." She hurried in, smoothing her hair. "Oh, Gray, are you going then?"

  "Do you think I'd miss an evening out with you?" With his free hand he circled her waist and swept her into a quick waltz.

  Her face was already glowing. "I thought you were going to work."

  "I can always work." Even as her lips curved, he was lowering his to them.

  Shannon waited a beat, then another before clearing her throat. "Maybe I should wait outside, in the car. With my eyes closed."

  "Stop it, Grayson, you're embarrassing Shannon."

  "No, I'm not. She's just jealous." And he winked at the woman he already considered his sister-in-law. "Come on, pal, we'll find a guy for you."

  "No, thanks, I just got rid of one."

  "Yeah?" Always interested, Gray handed the baby to his wife so that he could circle Shannon's waist. "Tell us all about it. We live for gossip around here."

  "Leave her be," Brianna said with an exasperated laugh. "Don't tell him anything you don't want to find in a book."

  "This wouldn't make very interesting reading," Shannon decided and stepped outside into the damp air. It had rained, and was raining still, just as predicted.

  "I can make anything interesting." Gray opened the car door for his wife with some gallantry, then grinned. "So, why'd you dump him?"

  "I didn't dump him." It was all just absurd enough to brighten her mood. Shannon slid into the backseat and shook back her hair. "We parted on mutually amenable terms."

  "Yeah, yeah, she dumped him." Gray tapped his fingers on the back of the seat as he eased into the road. "Women always talk prissy when they break a guy's heart."

  "Okay, I'll make it up." Shannon flashed Gray a smile in the rearview mirror. "He crawled, he begged, he pleaded. I believe he even wept. But I was unmoved and crushed his still-bleeding heart under my heel. Now he's shaved his head, given away all his worldly goods, and joined a small religious cult in Mozambique."

  "Not too shabby."

  "More entertaining than the truth. Which was we didn't really share any more than a taste for Thai food and office space, but you're welcome to use either version in a book."

 

    A Little Magic Read onlineA Little MagicVision in White Read onlineVision in WhiteTrue Betrayals Read onlineTrue BetrayalsThe Next Always Read onlineThe Next AlwaysA Man for Amanda Read onlineA Man for AmandaBorn in Fire Read onlineBorn in FireTribute Read onlineTributeNight Moves Read onlineNight MovesDance Upon the Air Read onlineDance Upon the AirThe Name of the Game Read onlineThe Name of the GameJewels of the Sun Read onlineJewels of the SunRiver's End Read onlineRiver's EndPublic Secrets Read onlinePublic SecretsHomeport Read onlineHomeportPrivate Scandals Read onlinePrivate ScandalsThe Witness Read onlineThe WitnessBlithe Images Read onlineBlithe ImagesHidden Riches Read onlineHidden RichesKey of Light Read onlineKey of LightDivine Evil Read onlineDivine EvilHigh Noon Read onlineHigh NoonBlue Dahlia Read onlineBlue DahliaSea Swept Read onlineSea SweptThis Magic Moment Read onlineThis Magic MomentYear One Read onlineYear OneA Little Fate Read onlineA Little FateHonest Illusions Read onlineHonest IllusionsThe Reef Read onlineThe ReefShelter in Place Read onlineShelter in PlaceThe Hollow Read onlineThe HollowHolding the Dream Read onlineHolding the DreamThe Pagan Stone Read onlineThe Pagan StoneSavour the Moment Read onlineSavour the MomentThe Perfect Hope Read onlineThe Perfect HopeIsland of Glass Read onlineIsland of GlassHappy Ever After Read onlineHappy Ever AfterBed of Roses Read onlineBed of RosesStars of Fortune Read onlineStars of FortuneDark Witch Read onlineDark WitchThe Return of Rafe MacKade Read onlineThe Return of Rafe MacKadeChesapeake Blue Read onlineChesapeake BlueThe Perfect Neighbor Read onlineThe Perfect NeighborThe Collector Read onlineThe CollectorCome Sundown Read onlineCome SundownRebellion Read onlineRebellionAffaire Royale Read onlineAffaire RoyaleDaring to Dream Read onlineDaring to DreamBay of Sighs Read onlineBay of SighsBlood Magick Read onlineBlood MagickAngels Fall Read onlineAngels FallCaptivated Read onlineCaptivatedThe Last Boyfriend Read onlineThe Last BoyfriendIrish Thoroughbred Read onlineIrish ThoroughbredInner Harbor Read onlineInner HarborThe Right Path Read onlineThe Right PathNight Shadow Read onlineNight ShadowThe Heart of Devin MacKade Read onlineThe Heart of Devin MacKadeShadow Spell Read onlineShadow SpellThe Playboy Prince Read onlineThe Playboy PrinceThe Fall of Shane MacKade Read onlineThe Fall of Shane MacKadeRising Tides Read onlineRising TidesCommand Performance Read onlineCommand PerformanceHidden Star Read onlineHidden StarCordina's Crown Jewel Read onlineCordina's Crown JewelThe MacGregor Brides Read onlineThe MacGregor BridesThe Pride of Jared MacKade Read onlineThe Pride of Jared MacKadeBorn in Ice Read onlineBorn in IceWhiskey Beach Read onlineWhiskey BeachThe Last Honest Woman Read onlineThe Last Honest WomanNight Shield Read onlineNight ShieldBorn in Shame Read onlineBorn in ShameSecret Star Read onlineSecret StarTempting Fate Read onlineTempting FateNightshade Read onlineNightshadeThe Obsession Read onlineThe ObsessionNight Shift Read onlineNight ShiftPlaying The Odds Read onlinePlaying The OddsTears of the Moon Read onlineTears of the MoonOne Man's Art Read onlineOne Man's ArtThe MacGregor Groom Read onlineThe MacGregor GroomIrish Rebel Read onlineIrish RebelMorrigan's Cross Read onlineMorrigan's CrossIn From The Cold Read onlineIn From The ColdNight Smoke Read onlineNight SmokeFinding the Dream Read onlineFinding the DreamRed Lily Read onlineRed LilyThe Liar Read onlineThe LiarMontana Sky Read onlineMontana SkyHeart of the Sea Read onlineHeart of the SeaAll The Possibilities Read onlineAll The PossibilitiesCarolina Moon Read onlineCarolina MoonOpposites Attract Read onlineOpposites AttractCaptive Star Read onlineCaptive StarThe Winning Hand Read onlineThe Winning HandKey of Valor Read onlineKey of ValorCourting Catherine Read onlineCourting CatherineHeaven and Earth Read onlineHeaven and EarthFace the Fire Read onlineFace the FireUntamed Read onlineUntamedSkin Deep Read onlineSkin DeepEnchanted Read onlineEnchantedSong of the West Read onlineSong of the WestSuzanna's Surrender Read onlineSuzanna's SurrenderEntranced Read onlineEntrancedDance of the Gods Read onlineDance of the GodsKey of Knowledge Read onlineKey of KnowledgeCharmed Read onlineCharmedFor Now, Forever Read onlineFor Now, ForeverBlood Brothers Read onlineBlood BrothersSweet Revenge Read onlineSweet RevengeThree Fates Read onlineThree FatesMind Over Matter Read onlineMind Over MatterMegan's Mate Read onlineMegan's MateValley of Silence Read onlineValley of SilenceWithout A Trace Read onlineWithout A TraceThe Law is a Lady Read onlineThe Law is a LadyTemptation Read onlineTemptationDance to the Piper Read onlineDance to the PiperBlue Smoke Read onlineBlue SmokeBlack Hills Read onlineBlack HillsThe Heart's Victory Read onlineThe Heart's VictorySullivan's Woman Read onlineSullivan's WomanGenuine Lies Read onlineGenuine LiesFor the Love of Lilah Read onlineFor the Love of LilahGabriel's Angel Read onlineGabriel's AngelIrish Rose Read onlineIrish RoseHot Ice Read onlineHot IceDual Image Read onlineDual ImageLawless Read onlineLawlessCatch My Heart Read onlineCatch My HeartBirthright Read onlineBirthrightFirst Impressions Read onlineFirst ImpressionsChasing Fire Read onlineChasing FireCarnal Innocence Read onlineCarnal InnocenceBest Laid Plans Read onlineBest Laid PlansThe Villa Read onlineThe VillaNorthern Lights Read onlineNorthern LightsLocal Hero Read onlineLocal HeroThe Search Read onlineThe SearchIsland of Flowers Read onlineIsland of FlowersThe Welcoming Read onlineThe WelcomingAll I Want for Christmas Read onlineAll I Want for ChristmasBlack Rose Read onlineBlack RoseHot Rocks Read onlineHot RocksMidnight Bayou Read onlineMidnight BayouThe Art of Deception Read onlineThe Art of DeceptionFrom This Day Read onlineFrom This DayLess of a Stranger Read onlineLess of a StrangerPartners Read onlinePartnersStorm Warning Read onlineStorm WarningOnce More With Feeling Read onlineOnce More With FeelingHer Mother's Keeper Read onlineHer Mother's KeeperSacred Sins Read onlineSacred SinsRules of the Game Read onlineRules of the GameSanctuary Read onlineSanctuaryUnfinished Business Read onlineUnfinished BusinessCordina's Royal Family Collection Read onlineCordina's Royal Family CollectionDangerous Embrace Read onlineDangerous EmbraceOne Summer Read onlineOne SummerThe Best Mistake Read onlineThe Best MistakeBoundary Lines Read onlineBoundary LinesUnder Currents Read onlineUnder CurrentsThe Stanislaski Series Collection, Volume 1 Read onlineThe Stanislaski Series Collection, Volume 1The Rise of Magicks Read onlineThe Rise of MagicksThe Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One) Read onlineThe Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One)The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1 Read onlineThe Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1Dance of Dreams Read onlineDance of DreamsSkin Deep: The O'Hurleys Read onlineSkin Deep: The O'HurleysThe Quinn Legacy: Inner Harbor ; Chesapeake Blue Read onlineThe Quinn Legacy: Inner Harbor ; Chesapeake Blue[Chronicles of the One 03.0] The Rise of Magicks Read online[Chronicles of the One 03.0] The Rise of MagicksTimes Change Read onlineTimes ChangeDance to the Piper: The O'Hurleys Read onlineDance to the Piper: The O'HurleysChristmas In the Snow: Taming Natasha / Considering Kate Read onlineChristmas In the Snow: Taming Natasha / Considering KateWaiting for Nick Read onlineWaiting for NickSummer Desserts Read onlineSummer DessertsDream 2 - Holding the Dream Read onlineDream 2 - Holding the DreamThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 2 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 2In the Garden Trilogy Read onlineIn the Garden TrilogyEight Classic Nora Roberts Romantic Suspense Novels Read onlineEight Classic Nora Roberts Romantic Suspense NovelsBest Laid Plans jh-2 Read onlineBest Laid Plans jh-2From the Heart Read onlineFrom the HeartHoliday Wishes Read onlineHoliday WishesDream 1 - Daring to Dream Read onlineDream 1 - Daring to DreamSecond Nature Read onlineSecond NatureSummer Pleasures Read onlineSummer PleasuresOnce Upon a Castle Read onlineOnce Upon a CastleStars of Mithra Box Set: Captive StarHidden StarSecret Star Read onlineStars of Mithra Box Set: Captive StarHidden StarSecret StarImpulse Read onlineImpulseThe Irish Trilogy by Nora Roberts Read onlineThe Irish Trilogy by Nora RobertsThe Pride Of Jared Mackade tmb-2 Read onlineThe Pride Of Jared Mackade tmb-2Lawless jh-3 Read onlineLawless jh-3Taming Natasha Read onlineTaming NatashaEndless Summer Read onlineEndless SummerBride Quartet Collection Read onlineBride Quartet CollectionHappy Ever After tbq-4 Read onlineHappy Ever After tbq-4Heart Of The Sea goa-3 Read onlineHeart Of The Sea goa-3Search for Love Read onlineSearch for LoveOnce upon a Dream Read onlineOnce upon a DreamOnce Upon a Star Read onlineOnce Upon a StarDream Trilogy Read onlineDream TrilogyRisky Business Read onlineRisky BusinessThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 3 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 3Dream 3 - Finding the Dream Read onlineDream 3 - Finding the DreamPromises in Death id-34 Read onlinePromises in Death id-34The Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 4 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 4The Perfect Hope ib-3 Read onlineThe Perfect Hope ib-3Less than a Stranger Read onlineLess than a StrangerSavour the Moment: Now the Big Day Has Finally Arrived, It's Time To... Read onlineSavour the Moment: Now the Big Day Has Finally Arrived, It's Time To...Convincing Alex Read onlineConvincing AlexBed of Roses tbq-2 Read onlineBed of Roses tbq-2Savour the Moment tbq-3 Read onlineSavour the Moment tbq-3Lessons Learned Read onlineLessons LearnedKey Of Valor k-3 Read onlineKey Of Valor k-3Red lily gt-3 Read onlineRed lily gt-3Savor the Moment Read onlineSavor the MomentThe Return Of Rafe Mackade tmb-1 Read onlineThe Return Of Rafe Mackade tmb-1For The Love Of Lilah tcw-3 Read onlineFor The Love Of Lilah tcw-3Black Rose gt-2 Read onlineBlack Rose gt-2Novels: The Law is a Lady Read onlineNovels: The Law is a LadyChesapeake Bay Saga 1-4 Read onlineChesapeake Bay Saga 1-4Considering Kate Read onlineConsidering KateMoon Shadows Read onlineMoon ShadowsKey of Knowledge k-2 Read onlineKey of Knowledge k-2The Sign of Seven Trilogy Read onlineThe Sign of Seven TrilogyOnce Upon a Kiss Read onlineOnce Upon a KissThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 5 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 5Suzanna's Surrender tcw-4 Read onlineSuzanna's Surrender tcw-4The Quinn Brothers Read onlineThe Quinn BrothersFalling for Rachel Read onlineFalling for RachelBrazen Virtue Read onlineBrazen VirtueTime Was Read onlineTime WasThe Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy Read onlineThe Gallaghers of Ardmore TrilogyMegan's Mate tcw-5 Read onlineMegan's Mate tcw-5Loving Jack jh-1 Read onlineLoving Jack jh-1Rebellion & In From The Cold Read onlineRebellion & In From The ColdBlue Dahlia gt-1 Read onlineBlue Dahlia gt-1The MacGregor Grooms Read onlineThe MacGregor GroomsThe Next Always tibt-1 Read onlineThe Next Always tibt-1The Heart Of Devin Mackade tmb-3 Read onlineThe Heart Of Devin Mackade tmb-3The Novels of Nora Roberts Volume 1 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts Volume 1Treasures Lost, Treasures Found Read onlineTreasures Lost, Treasures FoundNora Roberts's Circle Trilogy Read onlineNora Roberts's Circle TrilogyThe Key Trilogy Read onlineThe Key TrilogyThe Fall Of Shane Mackade tmb-4 Read onlineThe Fall Of Shane Mackade tmb-4A Will And A Way Read onlineA Will And A WayJewels of the Sun goa-1 Read onlineJewels of the Sun goa-1Luring a Lady Read onlineLuring a Lady