This Love (Cowboys & Angels 6)

“Maebh, sweetheart. You look stunning!”

“Thank you, Melanie.”

She smiled big. “I love that precious little accent of yours.” She looked behind me. “Now, did you bring a date?”

“A date? No. I didn’t bring a date. No time for that with all of the grand opening details.”

An evil smile played across her face. And when I say evil, I mean a smile that made you know she was planning something. Something that would be giving me a headache no doubt.

The air in the restaurant changed, and I knew Cord was here. It would be the first time I’d seen him since the kiss.

The kiss.

Lord, I made it sound like it was a crime. In a way, it was. Cord Parker had gotten me so worked up, if he had asked to take me on that porch I would have let him. And that wasn’t like me…at all.

My eyes traveled the room until I saw him…with another woman. The girl from his bar. I think her name was Tammy. She had been peeking in the window a few weeks back, and I had given her a tour. I had no idea she was dating Cord. I gasped and turned, quickly walking into the kitchen and making my way to Eric’s office. I shut the door and leaned against it, taking in a long deep breath.

He was here with a woman. My eyes squeezed shut.

“You’re so stupid, Maebh. Stupid to think a lad like him would ever like you.”

“What are you going on about?”

Me eyes snapped open to see Jimmy, one of the waiters, sitting in a chair in the corner. He’d worked for me da before coming here to help start up the Aisling.

The heat in my cheeks inflamed. “Nothing.”

He dropped his book and raised a brow. “Ms. O’Sullivan, pardon me for speaking out of turn but you’re a beautiful woman. You shouldn’t be hiding in here. If you want the lad, go out there and pretend like you don’t care he’s with the girl.”

Nodding, I dabbed at the corner of me eye. I went to open the office door when he cleared his throat once more.

“And, miss?”

Glancing over my shoulder at him, I asked, “Yes?”

“When the bastard least expects it, give him a wink. It throws men off when a beautiful woman winks at them.”

I frowned. “Why?”

He shrugged. “Beats the hell out of me, but it works every single time.”

Fifteen minutes earlier

“You’re not going to the grand opening of Aisling?”

I shot Tammy a look. “Why do you think I’m not going?”

“Because you’re sitting here reading the newspaper. Who reads a newspaper anymore? It’s a beautiful place. Maebh gave me a sneak peek at it.”

“First off, lots of people read actual newspapers, and are you friends with Maebh now?”

Tammy, who was third in command of my bar, smirked. “If I said yes, would that bother you?”

I shrugged. “Why would I care?”

Tammy sighed. “For fuck’s sake, Cord. The bar is closed tonight. Don’t act like you didn’t do it because you knew it was her big opening. Which, by the way, was a nice thing to do.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. Make yourself look like an asshole when you don’t show up.”

“I’m going! Fuck. Stop nagging.”

A triumphant smile spread over her face. “Then come with me. I don’t want to walk in alone.”

I was already wearing dress pants and a button-down shirt. I’d claimed earlier that I’d been dressed for a meeting, but secretly I had planned on making a quick appearance at the grand opening of Maebh’s new restaurant.

“Fine,” I mumbled, grabbing my suit jacket and slipping it on.

Ten minutes later, Tammy and I were walking into Aisling. I’d been in here a few short days ago when Jonathon gave me a tour. Maebh had gone into Austin, to look for a dress her father said, so I knew I wouldn’t run the risk of seeing her. I’d talked with her father some. Nice guy. Hard as fuck to understand, even harder than Maebh, but really nice.

My eyes scanned the place. It was packed, and I could hear people making comments about how elegant it was and how this was just what Oak Springs needed. The twitch in the corner of my mouth made Tammy elbow me in the ribs.

“You think it’s pretty amazing, don’t you? I see the smile tugging at your mouth.”

I nodded. “I won’t deny the place is beautiful. I think she’s going to do really well.”

Maebh was going to do better than really well. The place was packed.

“I love the books! Look at the books, Cord!” Tammy said, grabbing my hand and dragging me through the sea of people. It was more of a reception this evening. It wasn’t a “sit down and enjoy the food” type of event but more of a get to know the staff, sample some of the menu, and drink. The rumors about the Irish were true; they certainly like to drink. I’d figured that out the other day when Aedin had asked me three times if I wanted more whiskey