Page 72 of One Night Only
“Aseniorproject architect.” Declan looks impressed. “You’re not the guy who took her job are you?”
My mouth drops open as Matthias’s eyes go wide.
“He didn’t take my job,” I splutter.
Declan is the picture of confusion. “I thought that’s what you said?”
“No, I said he got my promotion.Apromotion,” I correct myself.
“That you were going for.”
“That he got fair and square,” I say loudly as Matthias shifts awkwardly on the stool.
“My mistake.”
“Excuse me,” a woman next to me cuts in. “Your accent is amazing. Are you from Ireland?”
“I am.” Declan smiles, giving her his full attention as I try to interrupt again. “Have you seen our whiskey menu?” He brandishes the little brochure with a flourish. “I import some local ones close to my home village. Guaranteed Irish.”
Matthias clears his throat. “Maybe we should—”
“Just a second,” I say as Declan finishes taking the woman’s order. There is no way he can get away with this. Not after everything he’s pulled. Ignoring me at the ceremony and running off without a word. He can’t just stand there, looking like that, talking about orgasms and promotions andoh, by the way I own a freaking bar.
Who the hell does he think he is?
“Could you see if we could get a table by the window?” I ask Matthias.
Declan glances up as Matthias leaves, an almost satisfied look on his face. “Was it something I said?”
“What exactly is your game here?”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s been radio silence for weeks and then the other night you just happen to drop by the one time I’m not in to—”
“The one time?” he interrupts. “Have you been staying in waiting for me?”
“You could have texted me. Given me a heads-up.”
The smug look on his face slips slightly. “I could have,” he says. “I didn’t think you’d respond.”
“Why wouldn’t I—”
“Where’d your boyfriend go?”
“He’s not my boyfriend!” I twist around, scanning the restaurant area behind me. “And he’s…” Gone. I straighten, trying to find him. I can’t see him anywhere.
“What did you do?” I demand, turning back to Declan.
“Oh me? I just pulled my secret lever under the bar here. The old trap door trick.”
“He—”
“Walked straight out the front door,” Declan finishes as I spin on my stool again. “After he tried to get your attention. You ignored him.”
I’m too embarrassed to respond. Did Matthias try to get my attention? How could I have been so rude?
“He left you with the check as well,” Declan continues. “Bit of a dick move if you ask me.”
