I rake my hands through my hair, pulling it over my shoulder. "Yes, actually. I took a summer course a couple of years ago."
"What happened?"
"Life." I shrug. It was a pipe dream, and I knew it.
"Do you still want to do it?"
I carefully unpack the old dream of starting a business from scratch–something I can call my own. I picture taking my creations to competitions and seeing how it stacks up against my colleagues, building a legacy for myself.
"Well, I'd say that's a yes," Dylan chuckles, reading my emotions.
"I'm sure it would be hard as hell, but having something of my own has always been appealing."
"Do you have somewhere to do it? We could help you get set up."
"Back when I was seriously considering it, Jack offered me the empty side of the barn."
"I think we should all sit down and talk when we get back,” he says, absently tracing my hand with his fingertip.
"Who's we?"
"Charlie's guys and your guys."
"My guys?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
An alarm goes off, and Dylan glances at his phone. "Time to get to the next pub."
"You set an alarm?" I can’t keep the smile off my lips.
"Multiple. How else will we stay on track and get back to the ferry on time?"
"God, I love you." He freezes, and I gulp down the last of my beerin absolute mortification. I push back from the table without looking at him and walk to the bar, pulling my card out of my back pocket.
He traps me against the bar, his chest warm against my back. "Don't you dare. You're here as a favor for us, you're not spending a single penny."
I can't help the shiver that slides down my spine, anticipation racing through my veins.
"Was that shiver for me?" The rasp of his voice stirs something low in my belly. His hand brushes my hip as he leans forward to hand the bartender his card, those long, elegant fingers resting on my waist. It takes everything in me not to turn around in his arms.
I need to get a grip. Take this slowly. He's the last hurdle before I launch myself headlong into a relationship with all three of them. I need to be one hundred percent sure that's what I want before I take this last step.
His other hand loosely circles the base of my throat, his thumb brushing my pulse. Oh god. My heart rate jumps, adrenaline surging. I twist and duck under his arm, murmuring something about meeting him outside. I slam through the door, pressing my back against the outside of the building, forcing myself to take deep breaths.
Dylan bursts through the door. "What's wrong?" He scans me from head to toe, his gaze settling back on my face when he's satisfied I'm not hurt.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" I ask, searching his gaze, desperate for the truth.
"What is 'this,’ Isla?"
"Being stuck in a relationship with your brothers when it tore you apart last time. Being with someone not willing to choose between the three of you. How is it fair to any of you?"
He pulls my hands away from my face and links his fingers with mine. "First, I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Second, the reason I know this will work isbecauseyou're not willing to choose between us." He presses a kiss to my forehead, the intimacy bringing tears to my eyes. "Third, I don't want anyone other than you,Isla. I've been dreaming of this moment since that day in the pub a year ago."
"This moment?" I ask, my lower lip trembling.
He hums his affirmation, bringing my hand up to hook around his neck and then cupping my face, his thumb sweeping over my bottom lip.
"Why this moment?" I ask, leaning into his touch.