Page 106 of Tempting Irish

I lean against the car, trying to catch my breath as I scroll through my contacts needing to talk to someone. I shouldn’t call Emer. She just had a baby, not to mention major surgery. She doesn’t need this drama. I don’t even think she’d be back from the hospital yet. And I’m sure Agnus is withher.

I dial the only other person I knowhere.

“Bree?” Delaney says when sheanswers.

“Hi.” My voice is shaky.Stupid emotions. “I’m sorry to callyou…”

“You sound upset. Are youokay?”

“I was just hoping that offer about staying with you was stillopen.”

“Of course, it is. When do you plan oncoming?”

“Tonight.”

“You’rehere.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I’m at Owen’s. But he’s…nothere.”

“I know.” There’s a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “I’ll have Cillian come getyou.”

“It’s okay. Owen showed me where you live. I’m going to spend a few minutes down by the lough, and then I’ll comeover.”

“You’re sure you’re allright?”

“Not really. But I’m home. So, I will be.” I end the call, then start to walk down the path towards thelough.

When I get to the old oak, I glance up at its twisted, thick branches, my fingers itching to climb. Instead, I sit down with my back against the trunk and close myeyes.

I must have fallen asleep, because when I open them again, I’m jolted by my name echoing down the hill, and the sun is low in thesky.

“Bree?” A deep voice calls out behind me, and for a fraction of a second hope soars inside mychest.

Owen.

But when I glance around the tree, it’s Cillian who walks down the hill towards me, frustration drawing his dark browsdown.

“What the hell are ye doing down here? Delaney’s worried sick aboutye.”

“Sorry.” I stand, my legs trembling from being jolted awake. “I must have dozedoff.”

He keeps frowning at me. “Ye cameback.”

Inod.

“For howlong?”

“I was hoping forgood.”

His lips tug up slightly. “Ye came back forOwen.”

“I came back for myself.”Liar.

“So, my brother had nothing to do with yerdecision?”

I shrug. “Doesn’t matter. It’s too late. He’s already off with some othergirl.”

“Who told ye that?” Hefrowns.

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