The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy

break her heart over him, to make a fool of herself. He was looking for something entirely different, and had made no pretenses about it. He wanted sex and pleasure, fun and excitement. Companionship, too, she imagined. But he didn’t want some moony-eyed woman in love with him, particularly one who’d already failed at the only serious relationship she’d allowed herself.
    He wanted a love affair, which was a world away from love. And if she wanted to succeed here, with him, to give herself the pleasure of a relationship with him, she would have to learn to separate the two.
    She would not complicate this. She would not overanalyze this. She would not ruin this.
    So when he rose and turned, she smiled at him. “It’s lovely having a fire on a rainy night. Thanks.”
    “Then come closer to it.” He held out a hand.
    She was walking into the fire all right, she thought. And she wouldn’t give a damn if she got burned. She crossed to him, kept her eyes on his. Slowly, she brought her hand from behind her back, spread her fingers. The diamond nestled in the center of her palm, shooting light and glory.
    “Sacred heart of Jesus.” Aiden stared at it, blinked. “Is that what I think it is?”
    “He poured them like candy out of his bag. Jewels so bright they hurt my eyes. And I watched as they bloomed into flowers over Maude’s grave. Except for this one that stayed as it was. I shouldn’t believe it,” she murmured, thinking as much of love as of the stone in her hand. “But here it is.”
    He took it from her hand to hold it in the light of the fire. It seemed to pulse, then lay quiet. “It holds every color of the rainbow. There’s magic here, Jude Frances.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “What will you do with it?”
    “I don’t know. I was going to take it to a jeweler, have it analyzed, the same way I was going to have myself analyzed. But I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want it tested and studied and documented and appraised. It’s enough just to have it, don’t you think? Just to know it is. I haven’t taken enough on faith in my life. I want to change that.”
    “That’s wise. And brave. And perhaps the very reason it was given into your keeping.” He took her hand, turned the palm up. After laying the stone on her palm, he curled her fingers around it. “It’s for you, and whatever magic it holds. I’m glad you showed it to me.”
    “I needed to share it.” She held the stone firmly, and though she knew it was foolish, thought she gathered courage from it. “You’ve been so understanding, and very patient with me. My outrageous behavior, then the way I dumped all my neuroses on you. I don’t know how to repay you.”
    “I’m not keeping a balance sheet.”
    “I know. You wouldn’t. You’re the kindest man I know.”
    He managed not to wince. “Kind, is it?”
    “Yes, very.”
    “And understanding and patient as well.”
    Her lips curved. “Yes.”
    “Like a brother might be.”
    She managed to keep the smile in place. “Well, I . . . hmmm.”
    “And are you in the habit of throwing yourself into the arms of men you think of like a brother?”
    “I have to apologize for that, for embarrassing you.”
    “Haven’t I told you that you apologize too often? Just answer the question.”
    “Um, well . . . Actually I’ve never thrown myself into anyone’s arms but yours.”
    “Is that the truth then? Well, it’s flattered I am, though you were in some distress at the time.”
    “Yes. Yes, I was.” The stone felt like a lead weight in her hand now. She turned, grateful to have her back to him for a moment, and laid it on the mantel.
    “Are you in distress at the moment?”
    “No. No, thank you, I’m fine.”
    “Then let’s try it again.” He spun her around, and as her lips parted in surprise, captured them. Her body jerked, that instant of shock he always found so arousing. “Are you thinking I’m kind and patient now?” he muttered and bit lightly at the curve of her neck.
    “I can’t think at all.”
    “Good.” If there was anything more potent than a woman stumbling over her own passion, he’d yet to come across it. “I like you better that way.”
    “I thought you’d be angry, or—”
    “You’re thinking again.” He nibbled his way up to her temple. “I’ll have to ask you to stop that.”
    “All right. Okay.”
    Her breathy agreement made him yearn. “ Mavourneen dheelish . Let me have you tonight.” His mouth came back to