Free Irish Secrets by Paula Martin

caused Kara's breath to hitch, but she shrugged. "I might think about it one day, but for now, I'm enjoying being here in Ireland and doing something completely different from analysing blood and gore. This is a beautiful island, Mom. The scenery is stunning and the people are so friendly. I love it."
    "Well, as long as you're happy, I guess that's the important thing. How are Guy and Jenna? The baby's due in a couple of months, isn't it?"
    They chatted for another five minutes, and as Kara clicked off her phone, she saw the voicemail icon blinking.
    Her heart skipped a beat, and she jabbed the screen and listened.
    "Kara, it's Ryan. Call me when you have a spare moment, will you?"
    She hit the reply key and his phone rang only once before he said, "Hi, Kara."
    "Hi. I'm sorry I missed you earlier. I was talking to my mom."
    He chuckled. "And if she's anything like mine, she wanted a detailed report about everything you've been doing."
    "Something like that, yes." She needed time to process what her mother had said before she told Ryan about it.
    "I called to tell you Declan says the certificates have arrived."
    "Have you seen them?"
    "Not yet, but Dec said he'll scan them and email them to me after he finishes work tonight. I could send them to you, but – well, I wondered if you'd like to meet up tomorrow? For lunch?"
    Her heart did a quick flip, but she kept her voice casual. "Sounds good to me."
    "Will I pick you up at Mist Na Mara?"
    "Oh! Erm – yes, please." After all, going for lunch with a friend wasn't something she needed to hide from everyone.
    "Do you like seafood?"
    "Love it."
    "Then I know a good place for us. Is twelve-thirty okay for you?"
    "Perfect. Look forward to it."
    After she clicked off her phone, she hugged herself in delight, and her grin felt like it stretched from ear to ear. He could easily have emailed the certificates to her, but he wanted to take her out for lunch. Okay, maybe as friends but… Tingles scampered through her at the memory of their kiss, but her uncertainty returned. Tomorrow she would ask him what he meant by the wrong time for him.
    And now she needed to think about what her mother had said.
    * * * * * *
    Next morning, she declined Guy's offer to take her on the shopping trip to Galway, and at twelve-fifteen stood by the large bay window in the lounge. Even the heavy rain, blown almost sideways by the gusting wind from the Atlantic, couldn't dampen her eager anticipation.
    She turned when the door opened and Liz came into the lounge. She'd been slightly in awe of the tall, blonde girl when she first arrived at Mist Na Mara, but although Liz gave the impression of being glamorous and sophisticated, she was as friendly as the rest of the staff.
    "Hey, Kara, you all on your own? Want to come to the cinema with us this afternoon?"
    "Thanks, but no." Kara decided to be honest with her. "Actually I have a lunch date, and I thought I'd wait here until I saw his car, so I can run out, and save him from getting soaked."
    Liz laughed. "Yeah, when it rains in Ireland, it pours. And you have a lunch date? Am I allowed to ask who 'he' is?"
    Aware of her burning cheeks, Kara nodded. "Ryan Brady." When Liz narrowed her eyes, obviously not recognising the name, she went on, "He's the taxi driver who's taken us into Clifden a few times."
    "Oh, yes, I remember. Blue eyes, dark hair, beard, rather good-looking, too." Liz gave her a mischievous grin. "How do you know him well enough to go for lunch with him?"
    "He – erm – he drove me back from Galway a couple of weeks ago."
    "You paid the taxi fare from Galway?"
    "No, I met him by chance, and he offered me a lift home. He wouldn't even accept anything for the petrol."
    "Good for him. Sounds like he's keen if he invites you for lunch."
    Kara's cheeks burned even hotter. "We're just friends."
    "Okay, if you say so." Liz glanced through the window. "A blue car has turned in at the gate. My boyfriend has a white van, so this one could be