Page 5 of Just Say Yes
‘It’s fine. As you say, it’s dry at least.’
‘Do you want me to hang the shirt somewhere?’
‘No, but thanks. I’ll sort it when I get home. You’ve done more than enough.’
‘It’s no trouble.’
He smiled down at where Bod was now snuggled into the blanket, his eyes closing as I drifted my hand over his soft fur.
‘You’re very kind, although if you have a bag or something I could put it in so it doesn’t drip everywhere over your floor?’
‘Give it here. I’ll put it in the airing cupboard. It will hopefully dry off enough in there by the time we’re done today.’
‘Thanks again. You sure it’s OK to bring him in? I hated leaving him out there.’ His brow creased and I could see the decision hadn’t been taken lightly.
‘Yes, I can see that now. I’m sorry I told you off.’
‘I know it was only out of concern for the dog.’
‘I’m surprised you listened to your friend, though.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ There was a look of interest mixed with amusement on his lips.
‘It’s just that… well, you seem like a man who knows his own mind.’
‘That’s a tactful way of saying you think I can likely be a stubborn arse, isn’t it?’
‘Not at all.’
Maybe.
He gave me a disbelieving look.
‘There was an unfortunate incident recently and Patrick got a bit uppity about it all. I’ve known Paddy since we were both tiny and he’s not usually so tense but I think this wedding lark and the fact his fiancée’s an heiress have made him feel a bit under pressure. As his best man, I’m supposed to make his life easier.’ He gave a shrug.
‘I think you’re allowed to make your own decisions about your dog and his welfare. Anything else to do with the wedding, feel free to run by me.’ I gave him a serious look that showed I was not to be messed with but all it did was make him smile.
‘You look cute when you’re trying to be serious.’
‘I am nottryingto be serious. Iamserious.’
He gave that killer grin again. ‘Then you look cute when you do that too.’
‘Look. I’m happy to have your dog in here as he is clearly well behaved. If you’re to stay, you need to be the same.’
Lorcan looked down at his dog, drifting off to sleep in his blanket nest. His eyelids were heavy but the odd rumble was still making itself known in the distance and he seemed reluctant to give in entirely.
‘I’m more than happy to snuggle down there with him if you really want.’
‘Oh, goodness. I can see I’m going to have to keep my eye on you.’
‘Looks like there’s going to be an upside in being involved in the planning of this wedding after all,’ he replied, grinning.
‘No,’ I said, firmly. ‘No upside.’
He gave a small head tilt.
I replayed the sentence back in my head. ‘I mean, of course there is. It’s all up. You get to be involved in helping your best friend plan the most beautiful day to begin his married life. But that’s it. The sole upside.’
