“She’s got spunk, she does,” Paddy says not so quietly. “Keep her around, O’Brien.”
“Aye. That’s the plan.”
A rush of delight floods me at the thought of Teagan making plans to keep me. This isn’t just a fling, but it’s entirely too soon to label it as love. Isn’t it? Norah knew with Eamon, and look where they are now. Is that my future with Teagan? Am I ready for that level of commitment? I’d like to think I am, butmarriage?
“Layla!” Norah’s voice breaks through the cycle of thoughts in my head.
“Hey, chica!” I stoop to hug her before giving the other two Irishmen a little wave.
“I’m so glad you came out. I know you’re usually tapped out after work.”
She’s not wrong. On the nights that I close, I’m too tired and cranky to venture out into the crowds, completely content just to stay home and unwind. But since dating Teagan, he’s been slowly pulling me out of my shell. He has this innate ability to tell when I need a distraction from myself…and when I need to decompress alone. Well, not completely alone. There hasn’t been a time when I haven’t wanted him with me.
“True, but I wouldn’t miss celebrating with you two!”
“Too right, lass.” Rowan raises his glass in my direction. “Better them than me!”
Eamon tosses a coaster at the redhead. “Wanker. Yer just jealous.”
Ro makes a disbelieving noise. “Of being weighed down with a ball and chain? No offense, Norah love.”
Following her fiance’s lead, she tosses her coaster at him too, which has us all laughing. I love seeing how Norah has come out of her shell since being with Eamon. The fear in her eyes has been replaced by confidenceand trust. It looks good on her.
“Who’s up for a little competition?” Rowan asks, rapping his knuckles on the table as I slide into the booth beside Norah and Eamon. I don’t know him that well, but the guy has seemed a little off lately. We all know he has a thing for Alicia, so it’s not surprising to catch his eyes following her around the pub, but his usually jovial persona seems forced tonight.
“Depends on what you have in mind,” Teagan says as he places a beer in front of me, sliding onto the bench beside me.
“Ah, nothing big. Just a little drinking contest. For old times’ sake.” Ro winks at Norah, who just rolls her eyes. “I’m thinking ‘Never Have I Ever’.”
To everyone’s surprise, Norah agrees. “Yes, let’s do it! This seems safer than a one-on-one challenge.”
“Acushla,” Eamon warns. “With Rowan coming up with the questions, do you really think this is a good idea? Knowing him, he’ll ask something like, ‘Never have I ever taken a piss standing up.’”
“Oi!” Rowan yells. “Fuck off. I’ll make it even-steven. I swear on the Blessed Virgin.”
“I’m game,” I chime in with a shrug. “I don’t have to work until tomorrow afternoon and it’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this.”
Teagan turns his head in my direction, face speculative as he searches my eyes for any hint that I’m bullshitting him. “You sure about this, Lovely?”
Lifting the glass to my mouth, I hold his eyes as I down the entire beer. Once I’ve swallowed, I hand the empty glass to him.“I’m going to need another drink.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Teagan
“Fucking hell, Norah. Of course I’ve never done that! You’re as bad as Gallagher!”
Eamon’s girl has been giving me a run for my money with this “Never Have I Ever”game. Somehow, we’re the only two still going. Layla held on as long as she could, but after four drinks she was done. It was cute how she thought she could outdrink me though. Her friend, however, must have some sort of superpower that absorbs alcohol.
“Answer it, Teagan!” Norah demands. “Never have I ever gotten my skirt tucked into my underwear after using the bathroom.”
The fire sprite raises a brow, wiggling the pint in her hand. I roll my eyes and chug the last of my beer.
“Happy now?” I ask, glaring at her. She laughs before chugging her own drink. “What the hell? You’ve never done that either? I was ready to bow out and declare you the winner!”
“Alright, O’Brien,” she slurs, pointing a finger at me. “I challenge you to a tequila shot contest.”
“Ach, tequila?” I grouse. “I fucking hate tequila.”
