Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“Don’t ya think we’ve waited long enough? It was only supposed to be two weeks. Two weeks turned into eleven years.”
“What?”
“Yer da had planned to bring ya to New York as a surprise. When I left, I thought I would see ya in two weeks. I planned to tell ya how I felt when ya arrived, but ya never made it.”
She takes a step back, shaking her head as if to clear it. I watch her closely as she reaches to touch her lips. I tilt my head to the side and fold my arms across my chest.
“If we were going to New York, why didn’t I know about it?”
“It was a surprise birthday gift from Angus. Ireland wasn’t safe for yer family anymore, so he had planned to stay once ye all came over. What happened to yer mum?
“Where is she? She can confirm what I’m telling ya,” I say.
“Ya should go,” she bites out as the shutters come down. Her facial expression goes completely blank.
“DJ,” I call as she storms away.
“I can’t do this, Cole. Just leave. If ya care anything for me, go.”
This time, I allow her to go. I can tell I’ve said something that has struck a chord. This isn’t going to be as easy as I thought it would be.
CHAPTER 13
Still Here
Deja
I’m lying in bed staring up at the ceiling. Normally, I would be getting ready for my shift at the pub in the village. The uncles own Pints. I’ve been working there since I was nineteen.
I practically run the place. Everyone knows my uncles own it and wouldn’t dare step out of line. Anyone who doesn’t know learns pretty fast—there isn’t anyone in the village who would allow anyone to disrespect me.
However, I still keep a baseball bat behind the bar with me at all times. Guys still flirt, and when alcohol is involved, things tend to get out of hand. I can’t help wondering if Cole is gone.
I bet if he were around all the time, I wouldn’t need Patrick at all. Yes, I named my bat, and it’s named after the man I haven’t been able to get my mind off of.
Cole Patrick O’Brien has been on my mind all night long. I’ve spent the entire night thinking about that kiss. I’ve never kissed anyone before.
I didn’t know a single kiss could awaken my entire body. Cole kissed me like I belonged to him, but isn’t that what he said I am? His. I groan and pinch my eyes closed.
“Stop it, Deja. Ya’re going to get yerself hurt,” I mutter.
I sigh and sit up. For the millionth time, I think of taking the night off. Bevie will be here to spend the night with Gran soon.
If I’m going to take the night off, I should let her know before she makes the trip here. I glance at the clock. I have no real reason for not showing up at work.
None other than the fact that I can’t stop thinking about Cole and that kiss. The way he grabbed my bum with his big hands … I bite my lip and moan. I knew one day my vow to a life of celibacy was going to catch up with me.
Cole is so fucking fit. I can only imagine what it would be like to have him … okay, no more of that. I squeeze my thighs together before getting my arse up to get dressed.
I’ll be better off at work than sitting here staring at these walls thinking about something that will never happen. I don’t know if I can trust Cole, so it’s best that I keep my distance.
I mean, why doesn’t he know anything about what happened? Does Uncle Finlay not trust him? If his uncle doesn’t trust him, how can I?
“Get it together, D. He’s just another guy. Before yer eighteenth birthday, ya didn’t see him as anything but a brother. Let’s go back to that, yeah?” I chide myself.
Still muttering to myself, I get dressed for work. With a cheeky grin on my face, I dress for a big-tip night. Donavon did mention a few parties coming in this evening.
Maybe it’s time I find myself a fuck buddy. I’m not getting any younger. If a kiss can do all that … yup, I might be needing me a toy. The backless catsuit it is. I know just the shoes to pair with it.
***
I wipe my hands on a towel and count the drinks on my tray. We’re down a waitress, so I’ve been working tables and the bar. Gordon, Donovan’s little brother, has been helping out, but he’s terrible with carrying drinks.
Nodding to myself, I lift the tray and start for the two tables I have orders for. I drop off two pints to the couple who look to be tourists. I then move to a table of regulars.