“Ooh! Hello, Teagan. ¿Eres irlandés?”
“Uh…” Teagan starts, looking to me for help.
God, he’s adorable.
I smirk at him. “She asked if you’re Irish.” I glance back at Maria, the grin on my face widening. “Yes, Maria. Teagan is Irish. He’s a student at UNCW as well.”
Maria’s grin widens as her gaze bounces between the two of us. “I didn’t realize they were so handsome in Ireland.”
Teagan beams at her. “They’re not. It’s just me.”
Laughter spills from Maria’s lips. “Oh, chica, he’s smooth.”
I scowl at both of them.Of course, he’d have Maria wrapped around his finger too.
“What can I get for you two? Are you staying or getting it to go?”
“To go, please. We’re on our way to Airlie Gardens,” I reply.
Maria nods her head knowingly. “Es un lugar hermoso.”
Teagan looks to me again, and I say, “She said it’s a beautiful place.”
“Ah,” he says, “I really need to learn Spanish.”
We visit with Maria for a few minutes while she fills our order. I pay for our drinks, ignoring Teagan’s protests, and then Maria hands us a bag of free pastries with a wink.
Chapter Twelve
Teagan
I really need to learn Spanish.
I should ask Rowan to teach me, but I don’t trust the wanker to teach me the correct translations. I’d probably end up telling Layla she looks like a gargoyle rather than how beautiful she is. Ro would think that’s the funniest gag ever.
After we leave the cafe, Layla drives us to Airlie Gardens, teasing me the entire time about my lack of Spanish language skills. I love every second of it. Her bashful side is endearing, but when her feisty side comes out to play, I can’t get enough of it. My goal for the day is to see just how much fire she has.
We exit the car, and I cross my arms over my chest, glaringplayfully at her. “Remind me to give you absolute hell for not being able to speak Irish when we go to Ireland.”
“Who said I’m going to Ireland with you?” Layla quips, giving me a sardonic look over the top of her car.
“I did. Just now. You’re not a very good listener.”
We meet at the front bumper and walk side by side through the garden entrance. I’ve never been to Airlie Gardens, but I’m excited to explore with Layla today.
“I don’t remember you asking if Iwantedto go with you, O’Brien. What if I’d rather go with Ro?” She raises an eyebrow.
I know she’s just slagging me, but the thought of her going to Ireland with anyone other than me has me feeling like a caveman.Woman mine.
“Pffft. The last person you’d want to go to Ireland with is Rowan Gallagher. He’s from Galway.”
“What’s wrong with Galway?” Layla asks.
I shake my head dramatically. “Oh, it’s beautiful, to be sure, but it’s full of nothing but sexually devious culchies too busy smoking cannabis and drinking Buckfast. If you don’t get out while you’re young, you’re there for the rest of your life.” I shrug. “A mate told me, it’s where ambition goes to die.”
“Ouch, that was a little harsh, don’t you think?”
“Nah, you should hear what they say about Kilkenny,” I tell her. “Actually, now that I think about it, Rowan should be from Kilkenny with his red hair and affinity for alcohol.”
