Page 31 of Until Ireland

“I only meant because your garage is working on my Aston. Will they have an issue with our relationship while we’re doing business together?”

“Oh,” she said now appearing slightly repentant for her outburst.

Even though I was amused by all the indignation leaving her body at my explanation, I had no intention of dampening Ireland’s spark. I highly enjoyed this model.

“It’s not the first time one of us has dated customers,” she admitted.

I grunted in displeasure, not wanting to think about my Ireland dating a man other than me, let alone her possibly fucking any man but me.

As if sensing my discomfort, she added, “My brothers have done it in the past. A couple of times it didn’t end in the best of circumstances, so they’ve stopped. But we don’t have a rule about it if that’s what you mean.” She shrugged. “I’ve only had a couple of boyfriends, Mack, and none of them have been customers.”

Shifting in my seat, I fought to keep the annoyance coursing through me out of my features. “Yeah, about that, babe, I’m not exactly a fan of knowing about past boyfriends or lovers. Some guys are curious about it, but I’m not. Might not have been your first, cupcake, but sure as shit, I’ll be your last. Same goes for me with you.”

She smiled at me. “Aww, Mackinley, that was actually kind of sweet.”

I shrugged. If being a caveman was what she thought was cute, I was all for it. “If you say so.” Ireland yawned, and I tucked her head back onto my shoulder, enjoying the feeling of her lush body pressed against mine again. “I’ve got workers coming in the morning to finish the clean-up, but I gotta finish putting shit away. Stay out here and enjoy all the stars. I’ll come get you when I’m done. Okay?”

“I can help,” she mumbled into my chest.

“You could, but you’re a guest in my house, which means I do the work, not you.”

Her help would’ve been appreciated, but I knew I’d laid down my intentions pretty heavy with her, and I wanted her to be able to think about it without me hanging around. I figured when I came back out to get her, if she backed out of staying tonight, I’d have to pump the brakes and slow down even more with her.

“Kind of antiquated thinking on your part, don’t you believe?”

“Maybe, but that’s how I was raised, so blame my mom,” I replied. “Tell you what though, if you find your sweet ass at my house every weekend or I give you a key, then we’ll have a conversation about changingmyrules.”

She tipped back her head, her gaze catching mine. She didn’t look pissed off, which I took as a good sign. “Bossy.”

“Yup. In bed too,” I stated before standing and gently placing her back on the chair and tucking the blanket around her. I placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Drink some of your wine and relax for me, baby.”

“‘Kay.”

Thanks to the double French doors leading out back, I was able to keep an eye on her while I did what I had to do. The only time she was out of my line of sight was when I went to my bedroom on the second floor and grabbed a pair of new boxers, a t-shirt, and a new toothbrush for her. I left it all for her on the counter of second floor bathroom, figuring she’d balk at using the master bathroom while I occupied it with her.

Surprisingly, I found her awake when I returned to the fire pit shortly thereafter. Ireland was still cuddled under the blanket, and the fire was low enough I could spread the remaining coals out and leave it for the night.

“Ready for bed?”

She nodded. “It gets a bit nippy out here.”

I grinned. “I set up everything you’ll need in the hallway bathroom upstairs. If I missed something, check out the drawers. My sisters keep their shit here for when they spend the night and are too lazy to pack.”

I held out my hand to assist her, ignoring the bolt of desire I felt when she placed her palm in mine. Without waiting for her approval, I scooped Ireland into my arms before making my way back inside.

“Wait…” she peeked over my shoulder. “My wine glass and your bottle of beer.”

I cocked a brow. “Plan on drinking anymore tonight?”

“No.”

“Then leave it.”

Ireland remained in my arms as I walked through the first floor and up the stairs. Letting her curvy little body slip down mine was a mistake. My dick was throbbing in need. We both thankfully ignored it, although I didn’t miss the flare of desire I saw in her gaze.

“I’m not a fan of smelling like smoke from the pit all night, so I’ll be taking a shower. Feel free to do whatever you want. My room is there.” I gestured toward the double doors at the end of the hallway, in case she forgot. “I’ll leave the doors open. Come on in if you’re done before me.”

“Alright,” she said, too docile for my tastes.

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