Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“Oh my goodness. No,” I was quick to reply. “Jonathan was very drunk, so I let him sleep on my couch. My father, um, I’m not sure if you know, but he had a drinking problem when I was young, so I kind of can’t leave people alone when they’re like that. I have to make sure they’re okay. So many times, Dad had bad turns in his sleep. I even had to call an ambulance once because he’d given himself alcohol poisoning.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Maggie said, looking guilty.
When I glanced at Jonathan, he was frowning, his eyebrows—a few shades darker than his hair—were drawn together in consternation. “Where the hell was your mother when he was like that? Why were you the one taking care of him?”
“Hey,” I said, placing a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to be mad on my behalf. It was a long time ago, and as you know, Dad and I put all that to rest. He wasn’t the same man he was when he was young.”
“It’s still fucked up. And I’m sorry I made you feel you had to worry about me last night. I don’t normally drink so heavily.”
“I already told you, it’s fine. You’re letting me rent your amazing apartment. The least I can do is make sure you don’t die in your sleep after a wild night.” I tried adding some humour to my voice, but it fell flat. I was glad when Maggie filled what might’ve been a very awkward silence.
“You know, I think the setup you two have here is going to be a good thing. It’s nice to have a neighbour to look out for you. I’d be lost without Siobhan and Bob. I’ve been living next to them for years. Oh, and before I forget,” she said, grabbing her handbag and pulling out a small envelope before handing it to Jonathan. “Charli asked me to give you that. It’s a wedding invite.”
Jonathan’s eyebrows rose. “Why didn’t Rhys just give it to me last night?”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “I think it was a point of contention. Rhys still holds it against you that you might’ve been set up with Charli before they got together.”
“That’s hardly my fault. You were the one who tried setting us up. Surely, you’re the one to blame.” I suppressed a smile because Maggie clearly wasn’t lying when she mentioned she’d been trying to play matchmaker for Jonathan for a while. And why the hell did I feel a pinch of jealousy thinking of him being set up with this Charli person who I’d never even met?
Maggie chuckled. “Right, well, logic doesn’t always apply when it comes to fiercely possessive men and their women. Anyway, it’s a December wedding, and it’s being held at the new Balfe Hotel down in Cork. Shay and I are going to book a room, make a weekend of it. You should do the same.”
“Not sure I fancy being the third wheel,” Jonathan commented as he slid the invite to the side.
“Why not bring a friend?” Maggie suggested, and I didn’t fail to notice her gaze flick meaningfully in my direction. Oh hell. Why did the idea of being Jonathan’s date to his friends’ wedding fill my stomach with butterflies?
Deciding I’d overstayed my welcome and not wanting to stick around for whatever suggestion his sister might make next, I glanced at my watch and knocked back the last of my coffee.
“Well, I should go, but thank you both for having me.” I stood, and Maggie did, too, coming around to give me a friendly hug. It seemed I’d managed to pass muster, and I was relieved she didn’t suspect me of using her brother for my own benefit. At least, I didn’t think she’d hug me so warmly if she did.
“It was great to finally meet properly,” she said as she withdrew. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Jonathan said, rising and coming to join me as I made for the door. The back of my neck tingled as he escorted me down the short hallway. When I reached the door, I turned back to him, feeling the need to apologise again for intruding. “I’m sorry for gatecrashing your breakfast and kind of putting a downer on the mood earlier. I just didn’t want to leave you without your phone.”
“What are you apologizing for? Maggie and I both wanted you to join us.”
“I know. I’m being weird. It’s just that last night …” I trailed off, a shiver trickling over me as I met his gaze, not knowing what to say.
Jonathan stepped closer then, close enough I could smell his clean skin and the fresh scent of his shower gel. He tilted his head, eyes tracing my features as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.