Page 53 of Dublin Brute

“If you’re there, I’m sure I will. You’re like a snuggly radiant heater.”

He grins. “I have been known to throw off a few BTUs.”

A knock at the door makes me jump and Brendan holds up his finger. “Our dinner has arrived.”

Dinner? How long was I asleep?

Rushing to the door, he keys in a few digits and presses his thumb on the scanner. The whines and clicks of lockdown release. When he opens the door, he swings the thing wide and lets in three women.

The first is an elegant woman in her thirties with mahogany brown hair. The second is a girl, much younger, with long, jet black hair. The third is an older woman in her sixties with silver hair and kind eyes. And they are each carrying a serving tray.

“Thank you, ladies.” Brendan closes the door after them and waves for me to join him. “Ladies, this is Nora. Nora, these are the other women in my life. Laine and Piper are my sisters-in-law, and that is Cora, queen of our household and the best cook in all of Ireland, hands down.”

The older woman waves her fingers at him and makes a tsking sound, but it’s obvious she adores him. “And you are a flatterer and a scoundrel.”

“Guilty on both counts.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Nora.” Laine sets down the tray she is carrying and comes over to offer me her hand. “I’m Tag’s wife.”

“And soon-to-be baby mama,” Brendan adds.

Laine grins and runs a hand over the gentle swell of her belly. “Quinn, the next generation is in progress.”

“Congratulations.”

She beams. “Thank you. We’re all very excited.”

“Damn straight, we are.” Brendan’s grin has grown even wider. “That baby is going to have the four best uncles any child has ever had.”

“Without a doubt.” Piper comes over to join us, but instead of shaking my hand, she pulls me into a hug. “It’s good to meet you, Nora.”

“You, too.”

When Piper steps back, she looks me up and down and bites her bottom lip. “You look smashing, by the way. Brendan? Was I right about the sweater or was I right?”

Brendan bows his head. “You were right. I don’t know why I even questioned the queen of fashion acquisition.”

Piper gives him a teasing smile. “It’s enough that you recognize your mistake.”

“And thank you for going to the trouble,” I add.

Piper laughs. “Shopping is never any trouble. I’m a professional.”

Cora finishes fussing around the table and brushes off her hands as she arrives to our group. “It’s lovely to meet you, lass. And, I’ll have you know, young Mr. Brendan has never had me make a special meal for a lady before. You must’ve truly turned the lad’s head for him to ask.”

Heat warms my cheeks as Brendan winks at me. “Cora, you’re spilling my secrets. There goes my plan of coming off like a disinterested player.”

Cora rolls her eyes. “You’re a terrible tease.”

He steps forward and gives the old girl a hug. “Thanks again for helping me.”

She tips her head way back to meet Brendan’s gaze and cups his square, stubbled jaw. “Och, my wee lad. It’s what I live for. You know that. But on that note, I must get back to my kitchen. I’ve got a loin that needs tending to.”

Piper snorts. “My loins need tending, too. Sean’s coming home early.”

Brendan groans as the ladies burst into a round of giggles. Laine smiles over at me as she corrals the others. “And on that note, we’re off.”

Brendan walks them out, closes the door behind them, and stops with his hand on the security screen. “If I don’t lock you down, do you promise not to race out of here the first chance you get?”

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