The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy

“Nothing awkward about that, or the rest of you, as far as I’ve seen.”
    Satisfied, he went back to the table and his wine.
    Jude recovered in time to keep the soup from boiling over.
    He stayed through the night so that she could curl warm against him. At sunrise, when the light glided through the window to shimmer on the air, he reached for her again, making lazy love to her that left her steeped in dreams.
    When next she woke, he was sitting on the bed beside her, holding a cup of coffee and stroking her hair.
    “Oh. What time is it?”
    “Past ten, and I’ve ruined your reputation.”
    “Ten?” She sat up quickly, surprised and grateful when he handed her the coffee. “My reputation?”
    “Beyond redemption now. I meant to leave at dawn so my car wouldn’t be in your street. But I was distracted.”
    She sighed deeply. “I remember.”
    “There’ll be talk now, about that Gallagher lad cozying up to the Yank.”
    Her eyes glittered. “Will there, really? How wonderful.”
    He laughed, tugged on her hair. “I thought somehow you might enjoy that.”
    “I’d like it better if I ruined your reputation. I’ve never ruined anyone’s reputation before.” She touched his face, delighted that she could, and trailed her finger down over the narrow cleft in his chin. “I could be that loose American woman who’s stolen the owner of Gallagher’s from under the noses of all the local ladies.”
    “Well, now, if you’ve decided to be a loose woman, I’ll be back tonight after closing, and you can take unfair advantage of me.”
    “I’d be glad to.”
    “Keep a light burning for me, darling.” He leaned forward to kiss her, then lingered over it long enough to make himself uncomfortable. “Bloody paperwork,” he muttered. “I have to go deal with it. Miss me, will you, Jude?”
    “All right.”
    She settled back against the pillows when he left, listened to the sound of the door closing behind him, then of his car starting.
    For an hour she did nothing but sit in bed and hum.

THIRTEEN
    I ’ M HAVING A love affair.
    Jude Frances Murray is having a passionate affair with a gorgeous, charming, sexy Irishman.
    I just love writing that.
    I can barely resist behaving like a schoolgirl and writing his name over and over again in a notebook.
    Aidan Gallagher. What a marvelous name.
    He’s so handsome. I know it’s completely shallow to dwell on someone’s physical appearance, but . . . Well, if I can’t be shallow in the pages of my own journal, where can I be?
    His hair is a deep, rich chestnut, and the sunlight teases out the red in it. He has wonderful eyes, a dark and brilliant blue, and when he turns them on me, just looks at me as he often does, everything inside me goes hot and soft. His is a strong face. Good bones, as Granny would say. His mouth smiles slow and easy, and there’s just the slightest of clefts in his chin.
    His body . . . I can hardly believe I’ve had it over mine, under mine. It’s so hard and firm, with muscles like iron. Powerful, I suppose is the word.
    My lover has a very powerful build.
    I suppose that’s enough wallowing in the superficial.
    All right . . . done.
    His other qualities are just as impressive. He’s very kind and has a lively sense of humor. He listens. That’s a skill in danger of being lost, and Aidan’s is well honed.
    His family ties are deep and strong, his work ethic admirable. I find his mind fascinating, and his skill in storytelling entertaining. The truth is, I could listen to him for hours.
    He’s traveled extensively, seen places I’ve only dreamed of seeing. Now that his parents have settled in Boston, he’s taken over the family business and slipped into the role of head of the family with a calm and rather casual authority.
    I know I shouldn’t be in love. What Aidan and I have is a satisfying physical relationship, and a lovely and affectionate friendship. Both are precious, and should be more than enough for anyone.
    But I can’t help being in love with him.
    I’ve come to realize that everything ever written about falling in love is absolutely true. The air’s sweeter, the sun brighter. I don’t think my feet have touched the ground in days.
    It’s terrifying. And it’s wonderful.
    Nothing I’ve ever experienced is like this. I had no idea I had such feelings inside me. Passionate and giddy and absolutely foolish feelings.
    I know I’m the same person. I can look in the mirror and it’s still me