Page 19 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

“I need another wine.” I turn to the bar, dodging their questions. “And we need a booth. I’m tired. I need to sit down.”

After I buy a bottle of wine, I make my way through the crowded bar, with the bottle held high in the air. I find Amelia and Violet chatting to two guys. Violet shimmies into the booth,Amelia sits opposite her, and the two guys sit on either side of my friends.

When I get there, I take a seat next to one guy, Cooper, and listen to him talking about a football game they’d been watching in the sports bar next door.

Violet doesn’t look impressed.

But I’m sure Cooper is far too young for her tastes.

Just then, the tallest man in the world claims the seat next to me.

“Brad,” he says, holding out his hand to me. His fair hair falls in careful waves across his forehead, and his smile comes easy and I return it with one of my own.

Chad or something equally preppy—the guy opposite me and sitting next to Amelia—grabs a drink Brad placed on the table. “So, what brings you ladies out tonight?” He angles toward Amelia, cologne wafting between us.

“Girls’ night.” I shift back slightly.

“And we’ve crashed it.” Chad winks at Amelia.

We exchange glances and shrug. It’s fine.

Brad’s knee brushes mine under the table. “You have the most incredible eyes.” His hand settles on my thigh as he whispers, “I want to see them on me as I fuck you.”

I turn to him, narrow my eyes and study him—objectively attractive, probably great on paper. And despite being upfront and honest about what he wants, he lacks the raw magnetism that draws me to men. That dangerous edge that makes my pulse race–like Ronan.

“Sorry, I’m actually traveling for work for the next few weeks.” The lie slides off my tongue like an airplane glides off the tarmac.

“Here, take my number.” He scrawls it on a napkin. “Call me when you’re back in town?”

I tuck it in my purse, knowing I won’t use it. The next month belongs to Ronan—whether or not he wants it. I signed a dealand I won’t be the one who fucks up. I’ll leave that for Ronan to do.

I pour another glass of wine. My space has been invaded, so I’m careful not to spill any of it. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the night?” I ask.

Amelia’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen. “Sorry, I have to get this. It’s my dad.” Chad slides out, letting her escape the booth.

My phone vibrates in my purse. My heart races as I dig it out, but deflates when I see my dad’s name flash across the screen.

The message reads:Nadia had the baby. A girl. Named her Callie. Family gathering on Sunday at our place. You’re expected.

Amelia gets a call. I got an order.

Figures.

I type back:Okay.

Amelia bounces back to the table. Her face lit up. “Guess what? I’m an aunt! Nadia had her baby!”

“I just got the text, too.” I hold up my phone and show her the text.

I turn to Brad…Cooper…I can’t remember his name already. “My sister married her brother.”

“Ah!” he says. He gives his friends a look. “We’re off to the next bar.”

I laugh when I watch them walk away. “Easiest way to get rid of guys is to coo about babies.”

Violet chuckles. “They did turn a bit green.”

“Are you going to your parents on Sunday?” Amelia asks. “Dad mentioned everybody is going.”

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