Page 29 of Until Ireland

“Giiiirl...” Kayan said. “You must carry a beating stick with you everywhere you go. Because I know women be dropping their panties all the time for this bunch.”

Jackson turned a bright shade of red, which was easy considering our skin tone, while Landon and Hunter chuckled.

“They can handle their own.” Kayan wasn’t far off though. Women did throw themselves at my brothers. Kind of gross to even think about. “Jackson used to be bait to help Hunter and Landon.” I don’t know why I said anything, but it was fun to watch them squirm instead of the other way around.

“Because he’s adorable,” Harmony said.

“I’m out,” Jackson said, starting to walk away.

The women quickly chattered at him to stay while giggling like a bunch of teenage girls. The husbands looked none too pleased, but there was laughter in their eyes as each of their wives tried to soothe Jackson’s embarrassment.

“Jackson just started as a sous chef in my kitchen,” Mack said, drawing their attention from my brother. “He’s actually very talented.”

Everyone took notice then. While they asked their questions, the side door opened, and Waverly stepped outside with Macey. The minute Jackson’s gaze landed on Waverly, I knew we were in trouble. Once again, Mack made the introductions of my brothers to his sisters. The look on Jackson’s face was priceless. I had to get a picture. He was struck dumb while Waverly had stars in her eyes.

It was sweet. Kind of shy and simple. Waverly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she held her hand out to Jackson. He took it, licking his bottom lip. Ah, to be that young again. I glanced at Mack who watched their interaction. Younger sisters weren’t the same as younger brothers. Sure, I’d kick the ass of any woman who hurt my brothers, but my brothers would tear the balls off of any man who disrespected me.

Jackson’s soft, “Happy birthday,” drew my attention back to Waverly and him.

The group of wives sighed wistfully and aww’ed at the young pair. “To be so innocent,” one of the ladies said.

“Without a care in the world,” December added.

Little did they know we were still struggling with the loss of our parents. I turned to Mack and grinned. “Looks like someone has a new puppy.”

Mack chuckled. “Yes, she does.”

Waverly pointed to the horses then motioned for Jackson to follow, leaving Hunter and Landon to stare after them in disbelief. My brothers looked to me for help, and I shrugged my shoulders. Not my circus. Not my animals. Of all three of us, Jackson needed a little downtime. He’d been super focused on school and work, and he didn’t have as much fun as our brothers did. If Waverly changed that, well, so be it.

“Ladies, if you know any single women who might be interested in two burly men, have I got a deal for you.” I grinned at Hunter and Landon over the rim of my wine glass. “It’s about time our little family settled down, after all.”

Chapter Six

Mack

After seeingmy family and friends out to their cars, I made a quick stop to the kitchen, grabbing another beer for myself and a glass of wine for Ireland. I noticed she’d stopped drinking after the first glass of wine my mom had given her when she had arrived. Flame housed my wine cellar, and I’d made sure to get some of the bottles she liked and stocked up both at the apartment and here at the house. If we ever ran out, I’d have my staff bring a couple of bottles to have on hand for her.

I found Ireland tucked into the reading nook near the fireplace, a spot I liked to sit in when I got stuck on a problem which needed a quick solution. The space was quiet and comfortable, allowing anyone who sat there to relax. I almost didn’t want to bother her. She appeared quite smitten. Almost as though she’d come home. My heart gave a heavy thump in my chest at the idea of her living here with me.

I cleared my throat, pushing the thought aside. We were still too new in our relationship—and we were in one—to be asking her to move in. The type of woman Ireland had been raised to be didn’t jump the gun. I liked her cautious mindset. If she was too agreeable, I’d worry maybe she only saw me for my money.

“Hey,” I said. When she glanced up at me, her eyes were a bit glassy from being caught up in whatever book she’d been reading. I handed her the glass of wine. “I thought you might like this.”

“I really shouldn’t.” She eyed the glass warily.

“We kind of went a little overboard, huh?” The fine hairs at the nape of my neck stood on end at the memory of the night in my apartment. I’d spent more time than not remembering the sounds of her sighs and moans, and the way she arched to me when she climaxed. I yearned for her to touch me again, to stroke my cock to release. Fuck, I wanted her so bad.

She sighed a laugh and nodded, taking the glass from me. “I think so. I’m just as much to blame.”

“No, it was my fault,” I answered a little too fast for my liking. God, what was it about this woman that could tear me into raw bits?

“Thank you for tonight.” She took a sip of the win and grinned. “I had fun meeting your family and friends.”

“They like you too.” I held my hand out to her. “Would you like a quick tour of my home? I’d have done it sooner, but stuff and people.”

This time, she laughed. “I’d love a proper tour now that we’re alone.” She stood taking my hand. The warmth from her palm spread up my arm and into my chest. Having her so close to me without being able to show her how much I missed her was pure torture. Now that I had her to myself, I wasn’t letting go. “Lead the way.”

I’d watched as her facial expressions changed while we moved from room to room. Her emotions had been locked down tight, but her eyes, those beautiful emerald green eyes, had shone brilliantly while she took in every inch of my home. For me, I could picture Ireland living here, raising our kids together as a family each time we entered another area of the house. I knew the hardest part of that scenario would be convincing her.

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