Page 7 of Tender Temptation

“Aye, lad. Will you grab the colcannon? It’s on the counter.” Ma’s brogue is still as thick as though she lives in Northern Ireland. I find myself speaking like her from time to time.

All of us do, I reckon.

Sitting around the dining table, we pass thick slices of fresh brown soda bread to go with the lamb stew and butterymashed potatoes with kale. Amidst vivid tales of my brothers’ success, which eclipses mine by a mile—three famous rockstars, Seamus’s surgical miracles, and Brennan’s tech innovations, I find myself longing to chill with two fingers of Midleton.

There’s no alcohol in this house anymore, for obvious reasons. Most of my brothers don’t partake, but it’s never been a problem for me. Besides, I’d never put my father’s sobriety at risk by bringing my own bottle, though.

Hmmm. After dinner, I think I’ll head over to Kells, a local Irish pub at Pike Place Market. It’s only a few blocks away from my loft and has a great selection of Irish whiskey. I love that it’s in a tourist area—makes it easy to hook up with an out-of-towner who’s down for a quick fuck without any commitment. My ideal situation, always.

I’m too busy for anything more.

Yeah. I’m definitely in the mood to get laid. Shit, it’s been a couple of months. Catching a nice little buzz and sinking my cock into a beautiful woman’s sweet heat will definitely take the edge off.

As the evening begins to wind down, I’m ready to execute my plan, but Brennan catches me by the elbow, guiding me away from the others into the quiet of the living room. His voice is low and serious. “Cillian, hang back a sec. Da interrupted us before— Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, of course.” I hesitate, the concern in his eyes seems to come from nowhere. “Why do you keep asking me?”

“You didn’t speak much at dinner. It looked and felt like you’d rather have been anywhere but here.” He crosses his arms.

I’m taken aback. “Where’s this coming from? With everyone here tonight, it’s hard to get a word in edgewise.”

“I guess, um… Look, you’re expanding the business fast.” He grips my shoulder. “You and I hardly hang out anymore and I want to make sure you’re holding up okay. We saw how things got with Dad. Be mindful, alright?”

His words piss me off because, unlike Da, I’ve never done anything to jeopardize McGloughlin Construction. Who is he to judge? I’m not about to pick a fight with my brother, though. “Thanks, Bren. I’ll keep your concerns in mind.”

Now, Ireallyneed a drink. I hate rehashing our family history.

Brennan claps my shoulder then squeezes it reassuringly. “All I’m saying is we’re all here for you, not just for the good times. Don’t shoulder it all alone.”

Jesus.Whatever.

Rejoining the family in the living room, we land in the middle of Seamus recounting a run-in with his new boss. The laughter and stories continue but Brennan’s words linger,reminding me of the delicate balance I must maintain keeping my family and personal life separate.

It’s time for me to go.

“Everyone, I’m gonna head out.” I scoot to the foyer.

“What’s the rush, Kill? Got a hot date or something?” Connor raises an eyebrow with a knowing grin.

Seamus, snickers. “He’s always sneaking off—probably leading a double life we know nothing about!”

“Oh, let the boy have his secrets; everyone needs a bit of mystery.” Ma joins in with a playful twinkle in her eye.

Liam nudges Padraig. “Yeah, Kill’s the mysterious one.”

Their laughter and lighthearted slags fill the room, and while I know everyone’s being playful by trying to pry a bit of information out of me, I’m annoyed.

Though he’s amused by the family’s banter, Da gets me. He catches my eye and nods toward the door, releasing me.

I step outside into the cool air and feel an immediate sense of relief.

A hour later, I’m sitting alone at the bar in Kells as three shots warm my system. I nurse a glass of Red Breast, relishing how the smooth liquid coaxes the tension from my shoulders. I find such peace in a buzz from the alcohol. For the first time today, my mind settles and I can simplyexist.

Only one thing could improve my evening. It’s time to find my fuck-buddy—a woman who won’t expect more than a few orgasms, which I’m more than happy to provide.

Looking around, no one catches my eye. I’m patient, though.

I’ve got all night.

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