Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“So what? It’s fun crap. My treat.”
He sprinted into the deluge, dashing into the tourist shop while I stared after him. What was he doing? Now he’d be wet and stuck with a tatty tourist umbrella that would undoubtedly flip inside out at the first gust of wind.
A crack of thunder spurred me into action. I borrowed a sturdy umbrella from Ives and Harris with the promise to return it as soon as possible, then walked down the street to find Raine.
I shouldn’t have been surprised that he’d managed to make a friend in under five minutes. He stood in front of a wall stuffed with tartan throws, holding two compact umbrellas and chatting up a salesman. It took a bit of persuading to convince him he didn’t need the blanket—however, I couldn’t talk him out of purchasing two Union Jack umbrellas. I warned him that they were poorly made, but he didn’t care.
We squabbled all the way to the pub, argued over what to order, who was paying, and where to sit before finally settling into a table for two at the window. I frowned when he beamed a sunshine smile my way.
“Stop being so happy,” I teased, cradling my glass. “It’s miserable out there.”
“But it’s warm and yummy in here,” he countered, sliding his calf along mine under the table. “And you’re cute when you’re cranky.”
“I am neither cute nor cranky. I’m—okay, never mind, I am cranky. If we’d come straight here, we could have avoided the queue and had that corner booth.” I pointed at the booth currently inhabited by a gaggle of noisy businessmen. “Do you ever listen to reason?”
“Have you met me?” He leaned in, his eyes dancing with humor. “You know what your problem is?”
I raised a single brow. “I met you and lost a few crucial marbles?”
“No, worse. You’re a snob.”
“I am no such thing.”
“Yeah, you are. You have to wear the nicest clothes, sit at the best table, carry the poshest umbrella.” Raine snickered gleefully. “Or…maybe you’re just a control freak. Unless you were always particular about the quality of your umbrellas…even as a kid.”
I sipped my pint and rolled my eyes. “I never carried an umbrella or wore a coat when I was young.”
His face fell. “Shit, that was insensitive. I’m sorry. Lots of people go without basic necessities, and it’s so wrong and—”
“No, no. That’s not it.” I shook my head. “I’m sure there were brollies and cast-off coats in the cupboard, but boys in my neighborhood have the thickest of skins. We don’t feel cold, and the rain doesn’t bother us none.”
“Ah, so you’ve gone soft in your old age,” he taunted.
I clandestinely held up my middle finger against my glass, biting the inside of my cheek when he cackled like a loon. “I think you really do want that trip over my knee.”
Raine choked on his wine. “Oh, my God. Don’t do that to me. I have a semi already.”
“Really? I didn’t think you liked daddy games,” I singsonged.
“I don’t. I just—okay, maybe I do.” He kicked my shin and scowled adorably. “Tell me about your day. Who made you so mad you had to go spend a fortune on a suit you don’t need?”
“That wasn’t retail therapy. I’ve had that appointment with Lawrence for ages and I’m not angry.” I blew out a breath and continued in my native accent, “Though, mind, it was a shite day.”
“God, I love the way you talk,” Raine gushed, leaning across the table to muss my hair and tug at my collar. “Lose the jacket and tie, roll up your sleeves, and tell me who pissed in your Cheerios, G.”
I was too charmed to feign irritation. I liked this man far too much. I liked his energy, his passion, and his tireless capacity to find silver linings. Even at his age, I’d never been quite so…optimistic. I’d honed my focus like a weapon over the years. Only fools dropped their guard, and I was no fool.
But I had to admit, I was bloody exhausted. The idea of shedding a layer of artifice and letting go with a lover who was beginning to feel like a friend was enticing.
So I did as he suggested. I shimmied off my coat, loosened my tie, rolled up my sleeves, and shared the day’s frustrations over a plate of chips and a second pint.
“There are hoondreds of moving pieces in an acquisition. Doesn’t matter how prepared you are, little details snag the machinery. Sometimes it’s deliberate, and it’s usually a last grasp for more money. Understandable, aye?”
“So the mint and chip guy is a greedy dickwad?”
I nodded. “Strong emphasis on dickwad.”
“Why does he want the house?”
“He doesn’t. Blower wants to fuck wi’ me. Bastard,” I spat, slugging down half the contents of my glass.
“You must really hate that dude. Your consonants are blending,” Raine teased with a cheeky smile.