Page 9 of Until Ireland

“A girllikeme?” I snarled coldly. “What exactly are you implying, Oscar?”

He smirked. “You know,” he said, his eyes dropping to my chest, which only showed a hint of cleavage thanks to the cut of my dress. It was sexy, not slutty like his smirk implied. “A pretty looking girl is always looking for a man to take home for the night.”

If he thought I’d be flattered, he was wrong. I was about to call him out too when a dark, rough voice I dreamt about most of last night and today growled, “She’s more than just a pretty girl, Oscar. And you’re being insulting to a guest. Again.”

Mack pushed between the stools, his big body encased in yet another expensive suit. He leaned over the bar, getting into Oscar’s face.

“Is there a problem, boss?” Oscar asked, oblivious to the building tension in the air.

“Yeah,” Mack snarled between clenched teeth. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up with a cracked molar or two. “You’ve been warned—”

Oscar appeared shocked. “You’re overreacting, Mack. We were just having a conversation and some harmless flirting.” Oscar was either very ballsy or very stupid. I’d have personally gone with stupid. He confirmed my impression of him when he hedged with, “What’s your problem?”

“Bullshit. I heard what you implied. It’s insulting. Apologize, and then get your shit and get the hell out of my establishment. You’re fired, Oscar.”

Oh hell. This got ugly quick.

Placing my hand on Mack’s arm, I prepared to plead Oscar’s case. Yes, his words were uncalled for, callous and hurtful, but it didn’t mean he should lose his job though. Right? Especially not because of me.

“Mack—”

Mack’s head whipped around, eyes blazing and the vein in his forehead ticking. “It isn’t the first time, Ireland. It’s a pattern. He’s been warned about it, and now I’m done. I take great pride in providing a safe place for both men and women to come, have a drink or two, and mingle. I don’t put up with this type of shit from anyone who works for me.”

“Alrighty then,” I conceded, removing my hand from his arm and hoping we hadn’t gained the attention of everyone in the restaurant. Though secretly, I suspected we had. It was bad enough the bartenders around the bar were watching the altercation.

Mack snapped his fingers, which garnered the attention of another man. He hurried through the blocked off area of the bar, then stopped in front of Mack. “Cut Oscar a check and get him off my property in five. Otherwise, I’ll be calling the cops to have him arrested for trespassing on private property.”

“Come on, Mack,” Oscar pleaded. “You know it’s not like that, I—”

Mack’s furious gaze snapped to Oscar’s, and the man withered. So, this was angry Mack. I’d have to tuck that information away for another time. The commanding presence he exuded was a turn on. He didn’t take shit from anyone, especially misbegotten fools who harassed women during working hours.

“Got it, Mack,” the other man stated, drawing Mack’s attention before he made his way behind the bar to promptly escort Oscar from the area.

Mack grunted and looked back to me, his jaw no longer clenched in fury. “Sorry you had to wait for me. There was a supply issue that required my immediate attention.” He rolled those massive shoulders, releasing some of the tension he’d been holding there.

Giving him an understanding smile, I gently reminded him, “As a fellow business owner, I understand when issues pop up that have to be immediately addressed, Mack.”

“Doesn’t make it right.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “It is what it is.” I bit at the fleshy part of my lower lip. “If you’d like to cancel—”

“Not fucking happening, Ireland. I’ve been looking forward to this all damn day.”

His candor was attractive, causing my lower belly to wobble with need, and my brain finally admitted what my body has known all along—I desired the big man standing in front of me. Mack Redman was dangerous to my single status.

Plastering a smile on my face, I mentally pushed my issues aside and said, “Then let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

Mack cocked his head. He studied me with his gray eyes for a long moment before he offered me his arm and led me to a table tucked in the back, which allowed him to see everything going on but still afforded a level of privacy. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but you look beautiful.” His voice was husky and heavy with lust.

This man. As infuriating as he’d been yesterday, he was chivalrous and attentive now. Smooth too. He knew exactly what to say to calm my jangled nerves.

“I clean up well.” I teased him as I sat in the chair he pulled out for me. All the while, I chose to ignore his hungry stare, even though I felt it in my soul.

He chuckled, taking a seat across from me. “I don’t know. You looked pretty damn good in your work clothes yesterday.”

Warmth filled my cheeks at his praise. Not knowing how to reply, I quickly changed topics. “So, what’s good here?”

“Everything,” he answered, before handing me one of the menus that had been waiting for us.

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