“Sure.”
She casts a quick glance at Teagan, who is pretending not to listen. The rise of his cheeks as he tries not to smile is a dead giveaway that he’s hearing every word.
“Mr. Teagan called meloveonce.”
Biting back a laugh, I ask, “He did? Should I tell him to stop?”
“Nah, it’s okay. As long as you don’t mind.”
I do chuckle at that. “No, I don’t mind. Do you want to know what my sisters call Mr. Teagan?”
She nods excitedly.
Leaning in, I whisper in her ear, “Vaquerito guapo.”
“Handsome cowboy?” she gasps out in English before dissolving into a fit of giggles.
“Oi! You’re not talking about me, are ya?” Teagan fakes outrage as he crosses his arms over his chest. “I’ll be makin’ ya run laps if ya keep it up, lasses.”
I join Gabriela in her laughing fit because she and Iboth know he won’t.
“Miss Layla, you’re fun. I’m glad you and Mr. Teagan are in love.” She loops her arms around my neck, squeezing me tightly before running off to join the other kids.
Teagan extends a hand to help me rise from the floor, but instead of releasing me, he drags me into his embrace, kissing the top of my head. “Make a friend, did you?”
“Seems like it. I was worried there for a minute. Not sure I could take on a jealous six-year-old and feel good about it.”
A chuckle rumbles through him. “What did you two talk about anyway?”
“Just girl stuff.” I shrug, then kiss him at the edge of his jaw. “Get back to work, Mr. Teagan. The kids are waiting.”
* * *
“You ready to go, Lovely? The Uber will be here in just a few.”
“Coming!” I call from the bedroom, where I’m frantically ensuring I have everything we’ll need for our trip to Ireland.
“Without me, Cailín? I’d like to at least watch.”
I roll my eyes and snort. “You’re cute.”
“I know. That’s why you keep me around, yeah?”
His voice sounds from the doorway, and I look up from my suitcase to find him leaning against the door frame, hands stuffed in his jean pockets. He really is cute in his Seahawks hoodie and ball cap. It’s one of my favorite outfits of his.
“One of the many reasons, actually,” I tell him truthfully. “Okay, I’m ready. I think.”
Teagan pushes off the frame and enters the room. I’m fidgety with nerves and we haven’t even left yet. Wringing my hands, I shift from foot to foot until his warm fingers pry mine apart.
“Hey,” he says, waiting until I meet his gaze. “What’s making you the most nervous? The travel or my family?”
I laugh nervously. “Both?”
“Ach, love, it’ll be grand. The travel bit is long, but it’s fun. And hey,” heputs me at arm’s length and wags his eyebrows. “Maybe we’ll finally be able to join the Mile High Club.”
“Oh my god, stop!” I lightly slap a hand to his chest, but he catches it, bringing my knuckles to his lips.
“And as for my family? Da and Tarrah can come across as cold, but don’t take it personally. My mum and brother will absolutely love you though. Honestly, I couldn’t give a single fuck if they don’t. I love my family, but I don’t plan to spend the rest of my life building a future with them like I do with you.”
