Page 31 of His Addiction
“I think it means more than you’re letting on. So tell me this, are you ready for round two? My brother and I are hosting a bash this Saturday evening at The Fitz. Kicks off at eight thirty. I’d like you to come along as my date for some free booze, party food, and, most importantly, my undivided attention.”
She could hear the sexual invitation in his voice, the playful rasp that only stoked the fire she’d already indulged in.
A rush of possibilities flooded through her veins.
Why not jump into bed with him for a night? It wasn’t like she had anything to lose…except his timing was all wrong.
Pressing the phone to her ear, she swallowed back the bitter taste of disappointment.
“I’m really sorry, Jamie, I can’t. This Saturday doesn’t work for me. I have other plans.”
The line stayed quiet for a beat.
Then came his deep voice, sure, and steady. “That’s a pity. You’ll regret it the moment I hang up.”
Click.
She stared at the screen, her pulse hammering in her ears.
Damn. It. All. To. Hell.
9
Shannon
“Hey, girl.”
Shannon patted Trixie’s neck, letting the horse nuzzle her jacket and pinch the fabric between its large lips.
“Looks like I got here before that shithead took you out.”
Footsteps thudded up behind her. “Where the hell have you been?”
Without turning to face the accusatory voice, she continued stroking Trixie’s rounded cheekbone.
“You’re slacking off, Shan?” Niall crowded her from behind. “The farrier finished half an hour ago, and the stables still need fresh bedding. The other hands are actually doing their job and exercising the horses.”
Shannon turned to meet his furious glare. “Back up, Niall. I can hear you without needing to be this close.”
He’d tucked his white polo into pale jeans, and tawnyhair flopped over his forehead. The guy had a sporty physique, one earned from years of working in the yard, though these days, he rarely lifted a finger.
Niall’s cold grey eyes drilled into hers, his lips twitching when he backed up.
“You’re paid to work, not to show up when the mood suits you.”
“Yeah, I get paid to work here and at the Coffee Kicks,” she shot back. “Do you get paid to be a dick?”
“Fuck you, Shannon,” he bit out. “Get your share of the stables sorted. I’m taking Trix into the paddock now.”
A shadow of malice darkened his features.
Rage burned up her neck, spreading across her cheeks.
“I’m riding her. You can ride Merlot. They haven’t exercised him in a few days,” Shannon gritted, struggling to keep her cool.
Niall stepped closer, his nostrils flaring. “I’ll ride whatever fucking horse I want, Shannon. My staff don’t call the shots. Got it?”
Before she could respond, a familiar voice called from across the yard.
