Page 24 of Bumping into You

“No worries,” says Niall.

“I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, and I was dealing with a situation. . . .” I trail off as his warm hands move over mine.

“It’s okay, I think you got it all,” says Niall huskily.

I stop short as I look at my hand covered under his, pressed against his hard abs. I can feel redness flood my face.

His shirt is slung over his perfectly broad shoulders. Shoulders that are glistening slightly, just as his chest and abs were probably glistening before I spilled my drink.

Heaven help me, he’s just come from a workout, and I have been standing here dumbstruck, running my hands all over his chest. I will not be attracted to this man. Even if I do refer to him as McHottie in my head.You do not have time for this, Gwen.

“Good morning, Gwendolyn,” he says, clearly amused by the situation.

A shiver runs through me at his use of my first name. “Morning,” I say, trying to keep my composure but failing miserably. My cheeks feel like they’re on fire.

The smile on his face crinkles his eyes as he watches me intently. “I just came from a run and didn’t expect to have . . . What is this? A smoothie? Spilled on me by a lovely lass.”

My stomach flips at his comment. No, bad stomach. Bad.

“Again with the comments on my looks? Can’t a girl just . . . be, without being objectified?” I stand one hand on my hip as my eyes shoot daggers at him.

I mean, yes, I was ogling him first, but I’m not going totell himthat he’s hot. He just makes me feel confused. I don’t want to be attracted to him. I don’t have time for this. I have a wedding to pull off.

Niall looks dumbstruck, like I’ve completely stunned him. His eyes widen at my words, and all traces of the smile vanish from his face. “I never meant to offend you, Gwendolyn.”

Maybe I’ve gone too far this time. And now that I know Niall a little, I really wasn’t that offended.

Words fail me as I see the only thing that could make this moment worse—Bradley and Tammy coming toward us.

“No, no, no, not again,” I whisper, frustrated at my dumb luck. I should have just stayed on my balcony this morning and done yoga in solitude. Then I’d only chance bumping into Niall, not Niall, Bradley, and practically-perfect-in-every-way, my-hand-is-too-heavy-from-the-diamond-in-my-engagement-ring Tammy.

My sudden change in demeanor has to be giving Niall whiplash because he’s suddenly on high alert. “What, what is it?”

I move slightly so he is blocking me from view. “I know I just practically yelled at you, and I spilled my drink all over you, but I would be forever in your debt if you’d just play along . . . again,” I say, peering up at him, my eyes wide as I silently plead with him for the second time in less than twenty-four hours,Pretend to be my boyfriend.

“Oh em gee,” Tammy squeals, “Bradley Boo, look who it is!”

It takes Niall practically one point two seconds before he becomes all charm and smoothness. It oozes off him in waves, not unlike the green smoothie that was dripping off him a few moments ago. “Why, look who it is,mo ghrá. Fancy bumping into you two here.”

Thank you, Niall!

“Hi,” I say forcefully. Seeing Bradley and Tammy together cuts.I’m a strong, independent, intelligent woman. What Bradley thinks of me doesn’t matter anymore. I am better off without him.I try to regain my confidence. Bradley still looks great.

But not as good as Mr. McHottie, whose body I now know much more about.Wait, what? I shake myself from my internal dialog to focus back on the conversation happening around me.

“. . . planned for later this afternoon,” says Niall. “It should be a grand start to the activities on the cruise.”

I’d clearly zoned out and missed part of the conversation.

“Oh, how fun,” Tammy exclaims. “I’m not a fan of sports, but Bradley Boo was so excited when he’d found out this ship had it, he insisted we sign up. Maybe we’ll see you both there!”

“Sounds great,” I choke out, not registering what I’m responding to. I lean in close to Niall, slipping my arm through his and wrapping it around his back.

“We should compare times,” says Bradley. “Make it a competition.”

“May the best couple win,” offers Niall cheerily as he places his arm over my shoulders. “Anyhow, we best be off. Got to get washed up. I’m afraid I’m a bit too sweaty to take this one to a proper lunch.”

Tammy’s eyes roam slowly over Niall, his shirt still hanging over his shoulder. I have to fight the urge to gouge her eyes out. I place my other hand on his chest and lean up to give him a quick peck on the cheek.

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