Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 90919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“Your hair’s fine,” he said calmly, carrying me down the steps. “And you’ll have plenty of time to fix it on the ride over.”
“I have to drive.”
“I’m drivin’.”
“It’s my car!”
“I’m drivin’ your car,” he repeated, setting me on my feet next to the passenger side. “Unless you wanna put a raincoat and helmet on and take the bike.”
“Car,” I said instantly.
“Thought so.”
After pulling out my keys, he handed my purse over.
“You could be a little more understanding,” I complained as he opened my door.
“I understand plenty,” he replied, closing me inside.
I glared through the windshield as he rounded the hood and carefully sat in the driver’s seat, pushing it all the way back before swinging his legs in.
“What do you think you understand?”
“That you’re a lunatic,” he replied, turning the car on. He reached for the heater and turned it up before leaning across the seat and tangling his fingers in my hair.
“You’re messing it up worse,” I said as he pulled me toward him.
“Don’t give a fuck. You’re always gorgeous,” he murmured before laying one on me. “And you’re freakin’ out for no reason.”
“You don’t get it,” I huffed as he let me go.
“I get it,” he argued, putting his hand behind my seat. I lost my train of thought as he looked over his shoulder and backed out of the driveway. Yum.
“It’s Mam and the kids,” he said a few minutes later. “And Aunt Ashley. You know all of ’em.”
“But we weren’t together before.”
“Why the fuck would that matter?”
“Because it does.”
“They liked you before,” he said firmly, his hand playing absentmindedly with the hair at the nape of my neck. “They like you now.”
“Until Aoife asks what my intentions are and I blurt out that I’m just using you for orgasms and she beats the shit out of me in your aunt’s kitchen.”
Cian burst out laughing and glanced at me. “Oh, is that what you’re doin’?”
“No, but I’m nervous! I can’t control what comes out of my mouth.”
“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you nervous before.”
“Yes, you have.”
“Not this nervous.”
“I was very nervous for my last college finals,” I replied primly.
“Oh, is that what you call it?” Cian mused. “I remember you drinkin’ until you passed out the night before and then going to your classes in your pajamas.”
“I slept through my alarm! I was very nervous.”
“Yeah, all right, baby.” He smiled at the windshield. “Maybe keep the drinkin’ to a minimum tonight? Since it’s a family thing. Seanie’s there.”
“I’m not going to get wasted at your aunt’s house.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“That was not my fault,” I gasped. “Ashley was making the drinks, and you know she did it on purpose!”
“Sure,” he replied mockingly.
“She was! She said they were her signature cocktail, and she just kept handing me new ones before the old ones were gone.”
“Would you look at that?” he said, nodding to the prospect hanging out at the end of the long driveway. “We’re here.”
“Why is he here?” I asked, looking at the prospect as we drove by him.
“Just keepin’ an eye on things when I’m not around.”
“Do you think you need that?”
“Better to be safe,” he said as he parked.
“I know what you did,” I said, smoothing my hair.
“What’s that?”
“You argued with me all the way here so I would stop freaking out.”
“Did I?”
“You know you did.”
Cian shrugged.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“You’re welcome.”
I smiled as we climbed out of the car. Ashley’s property was like an oasis surrounded by trees. There were fairy lights strung along the porch railings, artfully arranged potted plants, a little seating area that had throw pillows and plush cushions in the summer, window boxes full of flowers—the place was gorgeous.
“We’re here,” Cian announced, holding me by the hand as he led me into the house.
“Oh, look everyone, Cian’s here!” Aisling said sarcastically from her spot at the end of the couch. “Sersh, did you see Cian was here?”
“Shut it,” Cian said, kicking off his boots.
I let go of him to take off my own boots, thankful for a moment that I’d put on cute socks.
I needed to get a grip. Nobody gave a shit about my socks.
“Uncle!” Sean called as he came racing around the kitchen island.
“Seanie!” Cian called back, catching Sean as he leaped. “How’s my guy?”
“I good. I had a boogie.”
“We’ve been hearing about the boogie all day,” Aunt Ashley said from her seat at the counter. “Apparently it was impressive.”
“So big,” Sean said with relish. “Mam got it.”
“Highlight of my day,” Aoife said dryly. “Hey, Myla.”
“Hey,” I said, moving around Cian and Sean. “Thanks for having me.”
“Thanks for coming,” Aoife replied. “Cute sweater.”
“Told you,” Cian said, looking up from Sean.
“Zip it,” I said, shooting him a glare. I looked back at Aoife. “Can I help with anything?”
“I’ve got it all covered,” she said easily. “You’re a guest.” She paused. “But only this time. Next time I’ll take the help.”