When she looked at the trio before her, Catriona worried she’d see amusement or judgment on their faces, but she only saw acceptance and compassion, so she continued. “I’ve always believed in destiny and clarity, and until I came to Chicago, there was no doubt in my mind on what my next step should be. I’ve never felt a true connection with men before, apart from friendship. I’ve never felt desire or attraction before. I know the first thing I should’ve done was to remove myself from the situation, but it wasn’t possible. Not now at least. And maybe I have to learn from this. Discover why I delayed taken my final vows for so long.” With a smile, she shook her head. “Maybe it was a warning not to succumb as we’ve been interrupted twice.”
“You’re in a jam, that’s all I can say.” Deva smiled. “Twice.”
“And what if it happened? I’d look like a fool.”
“Whoa, where’s that coming from? Liam makes you look like one?” Zoe perked up, wanting to defend her.
“No, no.” As she was opening up, she should go all the way. “I’ve never done the deed. I’m still a virgin. I’m everything opposite to what Liam probably wants.”
“Experience isn’t everything, Isabel can tell you loads about that.” Deva’s words were a hint that was impossible to ignore.
Isabel rolled her eyes. “Come on! Why would you bring up my past right now?”
Catriona couldn’t help but be curious as her eyes met Isabel’s. “Isabel?”
The blond woman sighed. “I didn’t want to say anything, not that I’m ashamed of it, I stand by my decisions in life. I can tell you that men don’t necessarily like women with experience. I was in porn for a long time before switching careers, and that drove a lot of men away. Experience is not what pulls people together. True attraction isn’t just about sex. It’s a connection. If I may give you some advice, from a woman who took a less-traveled path, follow your gut. Follow the truth of what you want so that you don’t have regrets.”
Catriona swallowed hard. “You regretted your... career?”
The blond woman smiled. “Not one bit. All the decisions, all the sacrifices, were made because they were the only ones I could make at the time. I wish the same for you, Catriona. If your truth, right here and now, is to be with Liam, you know what to do. Just don’t regret your choices.”
Wise words. She wasn’t opening a door, nor closing one. Instead, following a similar path of thought she’d adhered to for as long as she could remember. Being true to herself, to what she believed in and having no regrets—God forbid. Last time they were separated, she’d asked for a sign, an acknowledgment that she was taking the right path. If she wasn’t mistaken, this was one.
“I shouldn’t even be wondering about that. I have to focus on the task at hand. We’re in immediate danger. I need to take care of Cary and Ted. And we are on Christmas eve.”
Thinking about all she needed to do, Catriona almost wanted to start pacing again.
Zoe got to her knees. “About that, I wanted to let you know Archer is having trees and decorations brought in for Christmas. He tried to have them shipped quicker, but it’s been complicated, especially for safety reasons. We’re planning to start decorating as soon as everything arrives. The men aren’t into the festivities, but it’s the first time we’re all together, that they’re all together. We want to make the most of it. Even if Lazarus is still unconscious. You can’t do anything about the festivities until tomorrow. Good thing that Lucas has Ted and Cary ensnared in his video game for a while.”
Deva clapped her hands. “If it’s what you want, work all day on catching their evil father, and you can have all night with Liam.”
