Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
He nuzzled her cleavage and growled. “Not remotely. But there’s nothing we can do about it until I let Old Pat and the others get to know you better.”
She slid one hand around his neck, absently caressing his hair in a way that made him want to purr. “I heard you’ve been talking about me. I’m not sure why, but I hope I live up to the hype.”
“They knew as soon as they saw you that I didn’t do you justice.”
“Keep saying things like that and round two is definitely happening.”
Oh, it was happening. And soon, or he might not survive the night.
A few hours later, William was wondering if a man really could die from prolonged arousal. He’d given her space at the bar, talking to a few regulars who were lingering out of pure curiosity, or in order to give him a hard time. Probably a little of both.
Every time he heard her laugh he wanted to toss her over his shoulder. Each smile she aimed in his direction had him ready and willing to drop to his knees. He wanted her to be his in every way.
His family was a strange bunch, but no one could say they didn’t go after what they wanted. “All in” was their battle cry, and for them it was more than big talk. If they loved a man or two, or a man and a woman, it was all the same to the Finns. And as the patriarch, Uncle Shawn accepted them all without judgment, though his own twin had never been able to do the same for his sons.
William only wanted one woman, and she was complicated enough. She also seemed to finally be ready to give in to the fire that burned between them. But getting her to believe his feelings were true, getting her to trust in their future together, would be a challenge.
You could start by telling her the truth. All of it.
He couldn’t do it tonight. She looked too beautiful and she was enjoying herself so much.
William watched her knock back what looked like a shot of whiskey. Maybe she was enjoying herself too much. Another one of those and his plans for tonight might have to be put on hold.
He walked over to where she was huddled with Bubbles and Old Pat. The smile on his face was wider than he’d ever seen it. Riley’s son, Finn, was leaning his elbows on the bar beside them, both men thoroughly enjoying whatever it was the women were talking about.
“Is this a private party?”
Bronte spun around guiltily at the sound of his voice. “William. No, I was just—Bubbles was telling me all about Aaron and Riley’s wedding and…things.”
“Things?” That sounded intriguing.
Bubbles sent him a wink. “Stories of younger men and stamina.”
God love her.
William sent a speaking look towards his wife. “Younger men, Nightingale? Did you forget our earlier discussion?”
The expression on her face told him she hadn’t. “I said I’d try to stop,” she emphasized. “And I wasn’t the one who brought it up.”
Finn Young shrugged. “She’s right. Though I didn’t know one teasing comment would lead to such an educational conversation.”
“I didn’t know we’d be hearing so much about your family and their complicated love lives,” Pat added impishly. “It’s been fascinating.”
William smirked. “I’m sure.”
“Is it true you flooded the police chief’s house then stole his car while he was in the hospital?”
He crossed his arms at that, eyes back on Bronte. “A misunderstanding. And at the time he was between jobs. I see Mrs. Finn still gets chatty when she drinks.”
Bronte covered her face with her hands.
“Bronte, love?”
“Yes, William?” He swallowed a laugh at her muffled response.
“Are you done for the night? If you have any more problems with me or embarrassing stories you’d like to share, this is the right place. Here in front of the owners. Where I work.”
He was sure he heard her whimper. “I’m good.”
William couldn’t resist twisting the screws. “You sure about that, darlin’? Nothing else you need to get off your chest? Or should we sing some karaoke? I’d love to have witnesses this time.”
She lowered her hands, somehow managing to glare and grin at the same time. “Other than you being a punk ass-leprechaun-pain in my ass? No, that’s all I feel like sharing.”
Pat, who’d just taken a sip of his beer, choked at her reply. Bubbles hopped off her stool and went over to him, patting his back.
“I’m fine,” he hacked. “I’m not going to die from one pint.” He eyed Bronte as they all relaxed and took a step back. “I think the two of you fit together better than you know, Mrs. Finn. And now that I’ve met you, I think it’s time for me to go home.”
Bubbles was ready with her purse and a quick hug for Bronte. “Nice to meet you, girl. If you ever want to have lunch with me and Riley, we’ll make it happen.”