She took a sip of her beer. But if it doesnt exist, then why do people keep coming?
If you had a chance at eternal love, wouldnt you go after it? He laughed softly. That was a rhetorical question.
So no one really knows where it is?
Oh, Im sure some might think theyve found it. But Ive never seen proof that any of the water on this island does more than quench a mans thirst.
He smiled and Claire felt her stomach flutter. This island was already working its magic upon her. She felt alive and uninhibited, as if anything were possible. She wanted to jump out of her chair and kiss Will Donovan again. Her fingers ached to touch his rumpled hair and her body craved his warmth. There was just too much about him that she found attractive.
Hows the sandwich? he asked.
Its very good, she said. Everything here is good. And Claire had a very distinct feeling that it would get even better before the night was over.
2
SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. Perhaps the most beautiful woman hed ever met. Will watched her as she took a sip of her wine, then snuggled back into the pillows on the opposite end of the sofa.
After dinner, theyd moved to the front parlor where Will had opened a bottle of cabernet and stoked the fire in the hearth. Though business had slowed down once the warmer days of summer had ended, for once, Will was grateful not to have other guests to tend to. Right now, he wanted to focus all of his attention on Claire.
She was different than any woman hed ever met. Since all the publicity that followed his appointment as one of Irelands most eligible, it had been difficult to meet women who were really interested in him and not his money. In fact, all the energy spent trying to discern a womans true motives had made dating a chore.
He had managed one serious relationship, with a beautiful woman whom he thought he might marry. But the moment she found out Will was planning to sell his business and move back to Trall, she tossed him over for a hard-partying football player.
To Claire, he was just a guy who ran an innand he liked that. How long do you plan to stay? he asked.
She took another sip of her wine and sighed sleepily. A day or two. I want to see something of the island.
Youll be comfortable here.
She met his gaze. Yes, I think I will. Covering her mouth, Claire stifled a yawn then sent him an apologetic smile. Im sorry. I cant seem to keep my eyes open. I have no idea what time it is back home, but I know Ive been awake for too long. I should get some sleep.
Will wasnt anxious for their evening to end, but he was curious to see how it would end. Would they indulge in another kiss? He stood and held out his hand. Come on, then. Ill help you move your things into another room.
She placed her fingers in his hand and he pulled her to her feet. She swayed slightly, from exhaustion or the wine, he wasnt sure. Will reached out to steady her and she leaned against him, her face pressed into his chest. Youre warm, she murmured. Maybe I ought to put you in my room for the night and forget about a fire.
I am warm, he replied. And growing warmer by the second. This physical contact between them was enough to stir his desire as evidenced by the blood racing to his groin.
Will wrapped his arms around her and gently rubbed her back. Her breathing grew soft and slow and he realized she was falling asleep in his arms. When her knees finally gave way, he reached down and scooped her off her feet.
Her eyes flew open and she cried out in surprise. What are you doing?
Im taking you up to your room, Will said, starting for the stairs. Youre nearly asleep and Im not sure you can make it under your own power.
With a sigh, she settled into his grasp. I think the service in this hotel is really wonderful, Claire said, resting her head against his shoulder. Im going to recommend it to all my friends.
Will took her to a room on the opposite end of the hall, kicking open the door with his foot. Hed placed a small space heater in the corner and had lit a fire in the fireplace and when they walked inside, the room was cozy. He hoped she wouldnt notice and that shed repeat her invitation for him to stay and keep her warm.
He set her down next to the bed, her arms still wrapped around his neck. And when she turned her face up to his, he did what hed wanted to do all evening. Will covered her mouth with his, savoring the taste of her. She responded without hesitation, her tongue meeting his, silently offering more than just a kiss.
The attraction between them was undeniable and intense, yet Will wasnt quite sure how to handle it. With any other woman, he wouldnt have hesitated to crawl into her bed and make love to her all night long. But Claire OConnor was a guest! And then there was Sorchas little love spell. If that had anything to do with this attraction, then Will wasnt about to let it affect his judgment.
Still, he couldnt resist enjoying just a few more moments with her. His hands skimmed over her body, slipping beneath the silk shirt to touch bare skin. She leaned closer, inviting further exploration, and there didnt seem to be anything standing in his way.
Will slowly worked at the buttons of her shirt, opening them one by one and bending to kiss each inch of exposed skin. When he reached the soft tops of her breasts, he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her into the space between his legs.
His lips found her belly, so smooth and warm, and he spanned her waist with his hands as he kissed her there. Claire ran her fingers through his hair, guiding his head until he reached the lacy fabric of her bra. Will nuzzled at the soft flesh, then reached up to tug the lace down to reveal her nipple.
Claire tipped her head back the instant his lips teased at the hard peak and a heartbeat later, they tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. All good sense seemed to vanish and Will focused on pleasure, the wonderful act of exploring her body with his lips and his fingers, inhaling her scent and listening to the tiny sounds that escaped from her throat with each tantalizing caress.
He twisted his fingers around hers and gently drew her arms above her head, gazing down into her face. Are you sure you want this?
She didnt open her eyes, but merely smiled. Yes.
Look at me, he said.
Claire opened her eyes and he stared down at her. Would you like to go to sleep? he asked.
Yes, she replied.
Will rolled to his side, then stood next to the bed. If he was going to spend his pent-up passion on Claire OConnor, then it was going to be a night both of them remembered, a night that went on far longer than the next hour or two. He reached down and drew the covers back.
Youre going to thank me for this tomorrow morning, he muttered as he took off her shoes. Dont get me wrong. I enjoy a good roll in the sack, but I can control my impulses. Not that it isnt killing me to walk out of this room. Will carefully rebuttoned her shirt. I sure wont be getting any sleep tonight.
He pulled the bedcovers up over her and tucked them under her chin, then bent down and brushed a kiss onto her lips. Well take this up another time, he said.
Another time, she whispered, a tiny smile curling her lips.
He walked out of the room, closing the door behind him, then made his way through the quiet hallway to the stairs. On his way through the parlor, he grabbed the wineglasses and empty bottle before heading back to the kitchen.
Though it was late, he wasnt tired. In truth, he was so wound up, he wondered if hed sleep at all. Or if hed spend the entire night thinking about the beautiful woman in room three, knowing she was just upstairs, knowing that if he really wanted to, he could walk into her room and crawl into her bed. Hed been invited.
Was she wild for you?
Will spun around to see Sorcha standing in the doorway. She was dressed in a long white robe with a jeweled belt cinched at the waist and a wreath of holly leaves on her head. Jaysus, what the hell are you doing here?
I was curious, she said, crossing the room to stand in front of him. I wanted to see if my spell worked.
No, he lied. Did you really expect that it would?
She frowned, staring into his face as if she could read his mind. Why dont you believe in my powers, Will? Theyre real, you know.
Sorcha, its late and I need to get some sleep. Go home.
I cant. I have to go out to the stone circle and do an incantation. Maggie Foley wants grandchildren and shes paying me for a weekly fertility ritual on behalf of her three daughters.
But youd rather come here and bother me?
If you dont believe in the magic, it wont work. She reached into her bag and withdrew an old bottle, stopped with a cork. Here, you might as well have this. You need all the help you can find.
What is it?
Water from the Druid spring. Use it. If you dont have a woman soon, I think youre going to go right round the bend. Its not good for a man to have all that unreleased sexual energy. Its not healthy.
I blame that on you and every other person who lives on Trall. You were the eedjits who put my name up for that bachelor story. Thought it might bring more publicity to Trall. Well, it didnt. But it ruined my social life.
The water could change all that, Sorcha said.
There is no Druid spring, Will countered. You probably drew this water right from the tap at your flat. He pulled out the stopper and dumped the water into the sink, then handed her the empty bottle.
She shrugged. All right. Suit yourself. Sorcha turned for the door.
Are you going to remove the spell? Will called.
She slowly faced him again, a satisfied grin curling her lips. You do believe, you just cant admit it. My work here is done. The rest is up to you.
With that, she spun around, her robes billowing out as she left the room. Will chuckled to himself. So maybe there was something to Sorchas spell. Hed give Claire tonight to sleep off her jet lag and the wine theyd drunk. But tomorrow, hed get down to the bottom of this crazy attraction between them. And then hed know for sure if Sorchas Druid powers had any effect on him at all.
CLAIRE SLOWLY came awake, opening her eyes to the soft sunlight in the room. At first, she wasnt sure where she was. She closed her eyes again, certain she was dreaming, but then realized she wasnt asleep. Pushing up on her elbow, she looked around the unfamiliar room. It wasnt her bedroombut then, she was in Ireland, wasnt she? But this wasnt the room shed been put in, either. Her luggage wasnt anywhere to be seen. Slowly, the events of the previous night came back to her.
Oh, no, she murmured. Was this his room? Had they spent the night together in his bed? Wincing, she sat up and peeked under the covers. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She was still dressed, though her blouse wasnt buttoned right. I didnt do anything stupid. Claire frowned. Why didnt I do anything stupid?
A soft knock sounded on the door and Claire crawled out of bed. She smoothed the wrinkles in her shirt and ran a hand through her hair before she opened the door. Will stood on the other side with a tray. I made you some coffee, he said. I thought you might need it.
Claire rubbed her temple, suddenly aware of the ache there. What time is it?
Noon, he said. Which is about six a.m. Chicago time. I can bring the coffee back later, if you like. Your bags are out here in the hall.
Claire stepped away from the door and motioned him inside. She sat down on the edge of the bed and he placed the tray on a small table and set it in front of her. Then he poured her a mug of coffee. Theres milk and sugar, he said, pointing to the tray.
Black is fine. She took a sip, watching him over the rim of the mug. What happened last night?
You dont remember?
Parts of it are a little hazy. I didnt have that much to drink. Just a few glasses of wine.
He walked out the door and returned with her luggage, setting the bags at the foot of the bed. I think you were more tired than drunk, Will said. You got sleepy and I brought you up here and
And?
And put you to bed.
Thats all? Claire asked.
Yes, he said. Well, not entirely. We did mess around a bit before you fell asleep.
Define messing around, Claire said. I dont want to mistranslate here.
Will reached out and took her hand, toying with her fingers as he spoke. We kissed and touched and that was about the end of it. And you invited me to spend the night, but I didnt want to take advantage.
That was noble of you, she said.
Not that noble. Believe me, I considered taking you up on your offer. I spent most of last night kicking my own arse because I hadnt. I live on a damned island. Beautiful women dont come along every day.
Im sorry, Claire said.
For what?
Leading you on. II really didnt come here forWell, even though I find you very Claire quickly took another sip of her coffee. Why was she having such a difficult time telling him she didnt want him? Claire groaned inwardly. Maybe because she wanted Will Donovan more than shed ever wanted a man before?
You came here for a vacation, Will said. He slowly stood. If youd like, Ill take you out today and show you some of the sights.
Thank you. But I thought Id walk into town and do a little shopping.
Well, be sure to put on something warm. Theres a chill in the air.
Claire watched as he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. She let out a tightly held breath, then flopped back on the bed. In truth, she would have been perfectly happy to spend the entire day with Will, curled up in front of a blazing fire, sipping wine, getting to know each othermore intimately. But shed come to Trall specifically to find the Druid spring. And if she hoped to accomplish her goal, then shed have to do some investigative work. And the first person shed go to see was that Druid priestess that Captain Billy mentioned. If anyone knew about the Druid spring, she would.
When shed finished her coffee, Claire unpacked. She followed Wills advice and picked out a warm wool sweater and a pair of corduroy pants. Then she brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her hair, deciding to forgo makeup. There was no use attracting unwarranted attention from the innkeeper.
She found Will sitting at the dining room table, a pile of papers spread out in front of him. She watched him, unseen, from the doorway, admiring the handsome features of his face, the strong set of his jaw and the sensuous mouth.
His hair was thick, an indistinct color somewhere between brown and black, and long enough to brush against his collar. Her fingers twitched as she recalled the feel of it. His profile was almost aristocratic, a perfectly straight nose, a high forehead, a strong chin. Shed always thought Eric the most handsome man shed ever met, but he seemed rather ordinary compared to Will.