Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Only your cousins? Don’t forget about your sister, Calamity.
As if she would let him.
He supposed that was why it wasn’t his interest in a man that shocked him as much as the intensity of it. He experienced arousal and desire like anyone else, but he’d never confused it with necessity or, God forbid, love. He never believed a basic, physical reaction was more important than food, or air, or the old movies he enjoyed in his spare time.
He was a rotten cock to admit to it, but he’d forgotten the names and faces of most of the people he’d slept with since he’d arrived in the states. What was worse, before they’d gotten together, he’d known that he would.
True love and passion were for people like William. Or his parents, may they rest in peace. They were the emotional, impulsive creatures that wore their hearts on their sleeves. Sometimes to the detriment of the people around them.
Matthew had long ago decided to avoid that trap, and nothing life had thrown his way had changed his mind.
Until now.
Was that why he hadn’t done anything about Legs yet? Because he felt something more than basic compulsion for the first time in his life? Because he couldn’t dismiss him from his mind, even when he tried?
Was he that much of a coward?
The idea that he might be had made a hash of his peace of mind, which could explain why he’d brought along reinforcements in the form of Rory Finn. Cousin Rory was always good for a laugh, always there for his family and Matthew genuinely admired his style.
Most importantly, he always managed to swipe the largest share of leftovers from the monthly family dinners. It was a trick he’d love to learn and as good an excuse as any to invite him along.
“I don’t have a thing for vampires, if that’s what you’re hinting at,” Rory finally muttered. “And those shorts are practically a thong. You did ask for a story.”
“Not a story,” Robert interrupted with a smirk. “Legs McGee’s story.”
Matthew sent Robert a speaking look. “Unlike you, I can’t find out his actual name with the stroke of a keyboard, Nora.”
“He shoots, he scores,” crowed Rory. “Seriously, not to change the subject, but I love your mother.”
Robert frowned. “You might feel differently if you were the only child—out of seven—named after a romance author instead of a famous literary icon.”
Rory pinged a small, cold potato at his chest. “She is an icon, and one of the most well-known authors in the world. Ask my Aunt Ellen. Maybe if you read a few of your namesake’s books, you’d have more luck with the ladies.”
Robert flipped him off before leaning back on his stool and typing something into the laptop he’d set aside in order to eat. “His name is Garcia. Oliver H. If you want more than that you can ask him yourself. The last thing we need is an invasion of privacy lawsuit before we officially open.”
Oliver.
“His name fits my story if anyone’s interested. Although the vampire is now a sad orphan stripper with no one to love him.” Rory shoved the used paper plates back into the plastic bag he’d brought their dinner in. “Now that your belly is full and you’ve gotten the info you were angling for, why don’t you tell us what’s actually going on in that extra Irish head of yours, Matthew?”
His name is Oliver.
Matthew shrugged. “I was curious, that’s all. Like you said, he doesn’t seem like he belongs here.”
“You think you’re being smooth, don’t you?” Rory’s blue eyes, so like his own, saw right through him. “You told me you thought your brother was nervous about the grand opening and we should support him with a friendly visit and my leftovers. But we’ve been here for an hour and he’s still nowhere in sight.”
“Of course not. He and Bronte are at their third trimester dance class.” Robert’s mirth was evident as his gaze flicked between Matthew and Rory. “Then they’ll stop by my parents’ house for at least an hour, longer if William and the old man get to talking. It happens the same time every week. I’m surprised Matthew didn’t tell you.”
Matthew knew there was no point in looking innocent, so he didn’t try.
“I’m going to want more information on that dance class, Robert. For blackmail purposes.” Rory crossed his arms and stared Matthew down. “Lying to a blood relative? The shame must burn. Meanwhile, Robert and I are trying to share a meal and swap sex stories, and you’ve hardly taken your eyes off the other side of the gym. You’re just curious? If I hadn’t heard all the gossip about what you’ve been up to at Owen’s old club, I’d think you were—”
“Okay, he’s interesting,” Matthew admitted. “A mystery.”
I can’t stop thinking about him. I feel like I’m losing my mind.