Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79139 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79139 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
He was better looking up close. Of course he was. He was also wearing that half smile that could be interpreted as a knowing smirk, which reminded Seamus how much he’d started to dislike the interloper. He didn’t offer to shake his hand, nodding sharply. “I’ve seen you at the bar.” Every day since I got here.
“I’m sure,” Bellamy said dryly, pulling his Gillian in for a warm hug. “I’ve been chatting this siren’s ear off since I found her place. If she didn’t have such brilliant business sense, I’d suggest she work in the tourism industry. She’s already sent me on a few unforgettable Galway adventures.”
Gill blushed. “Ever the flatterer, this one. But now I should have introduced you two sooner. You’re both staying at the same hotel, I think, though Seamus isn’t enjoying the amenities as much as he should. Do you know he’s never been on vacation before, Bellamy? Can you imagine? Now he’s here and the poor man has spent the last four days listening to me talk about my brewing process, barely poking his handsome head outside to smell the air. Lunch is the only time I can get him to relax without twisting his arm.”
Seamus forced a smile for her. “You could get me to do anything, and you know it. Even eat poor Bess out of business in one sitting.”
“Not a chance,” she denied lightly. “But I do think you two could find a lot to talk about. Bellamy might be the most well traveled man you’ve ever met. Sure and he can afford it, but still, I think you should take your vacation advice from a master. He knows how to make every moment count and he’s always on the hunt for a new adventure. The riskier the better.”
I bet he’s a master at all kinds of things.
Bellamy was studying him as if he were reading his traitorous thoughts and seeing his darkest fantasies. There was no way he could know how Seamus had spent the last few nights in his hotel suite. How many times he’d gotten himself off to that single scorching look in the lobby from a man he didn’t know.
Didn’t want to know.
“I’d be happy to help you in any way I can. If you like to hike there’s a beautiful spot I found this morning. Stunning view, very private.” He glanced back at Gillian. “Is this the same Seamus who owns his own little pub back in the states? The single dad who wants to start micro brewing?”
“The very same,” Gill confirmed with a wink at Seamus. “He bought the place from his Dad and he’s been making changes for more than a year now, working like a fiend to bring in a bigger, younger crowd.”
“Smart,” Bellamy offered in a voice that made Seamus grit his teeth. “Not all family businesses can make the generational transition necessary for growth without backing.”
He didn’t like the way the guy talked, Seamus suddenly decided. It wasn’t the slight French tilt of his accent making everything he said sound pompous and obnoxiously sexy, it was his phrasing. It made it sound as if what Seamus was trying to do with his little pub was cute but unimportant. Complimenting him as though he were surprised he could string two sentences together, let alone make the generational transition.
He didn’t like him at all.
Keep lying to yourself, Seamus. That always works.
“I should go before Bess brings another plate over,” he said quietly to Gill, rudely ignoring Bellamy’s words and gaze. “I need to get back to the hotel to wait for Owen anyway.”
“Owen?” Bellamy’s green eyes narrowed. “Gill said you were here alone.”
Gill chuckled at the misunderstanding, not noticing how stiffly Seamus was standing or that his hands had curled into tight fists. “Owen and Seamus aren’t together, Bellamy. Owen’s husband wouldn’t approve. Not to mention his mom. Seamus is—”
“Not interested in talking about his personal life with strangers,” Seamus said with a scowl. When Gill’s eyes widened in surprise, he wanted to smack himself. God, he was being a jackass. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day and I think I might need to rest before I join you at the bar.”
“You’re still coming though?” Now she wasn’t sure. Shit, how could he convince her to date him when all he could think about was getting the hell away from her new friend?
“I wouldn’t miss it. Your brother’s been talking about his band for days. If even half of what he says is true we’ll be in for a treat, I’m sure.”
Gill smirked. “Nearly half of it is.”
“Tonight?” Bellamy mused silkily. “I’d had other plans, but I’ll change them for that kind of entertainment. I’ve been hearing about Gary’s band myself.”
Shit. Now he’d be spending the entire evening trying to entertain Owen and Jeremy while wooing Gillian Murphy and trying to keep all of them away from Bellamy Demir.