Page 18 of Wild Irish

“No,” I bite out.

“Owen won’t be there, if that’s what’s worrying ye.”

I grunt.

“Ye know it’d mean the world to Emer if ye came.”

“I’ll think about it,” I lie.

He exhales a heavy breath as if he can read my thoughts.

“Wild Irish,” Delaney says, glancing down at Aiden’s shirt. I didn’t even notice he was wearing it. “That’s the band from the radio. What was the song called? The one they’re playing on every station here?”

Aiden gives me a funny look, then says, “Meet Me In Sligo.”

“Right. That one.”

“Yer a fan?” Aiden asks her, glancing at me quickly, and I can see he’s wondering what game I’m playing at.

No game. It just hadn’t come up. Not without sounding arrogant.

“I’ve never heard of them until yesterday,” Delaney says. “But, yeah, from what I’ve heard, they’re pretty good.”

“They’re from around here, ye know.” Aiden walks past me, then says over his shoulder, “If ye come tonight, ye might even get to hear them play.”

“Really?” Her eyes brighten.

“No.” My voice comes out sounding more like a growl, and it has Delaney turning to me with a frown.

“I’d better go,” Aiden says, chuckling.

“That’s a good idea.”

“See ye tonight, Delaney. It was a pleasure meetin’ ye.”

I slam the door behind him, making sure to lock the deadbolt.

“He seems nice,” she offers.

I ignore the comment and head to the kitchen.

“Have you heard anything from your friend who towed my car?”

“I haven’t checked my messages.” I grab my phone, but the damn thing is dead. Plugging it into the charger, I turn and lean against the counter.

She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, and fidgets nervously. “Thank you again for letting me stay here last night. Hopefully I can get everything settled with the rental company today and be out of your hair.”

My phone turns on just as I’m about to tell her she can stay another night if she needs to, but the beeping lets me know there’s a new text.

It’s from Tommy.

I read it quickly, then curse under my breath, “Shit.”

“What?”

This is bad. Really bad.

I rake my hands through my hair and read the message a second time.

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