Page 21 of Jilted

“Business withBridemagazine?”

He smiled. “No, definitely not. I’m in talks to add an expansion team to the USRL.”

“The USRL?”

“US Rugby League.”

“Really? That’s a thing here?”

He chuckled. “It is, indeed.”

“I guess you’re into rugby then?”

“You could say that. How about you?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never watched a game before. But I’ve seen snippets of it because my dad watches. I know it’s a tough-guy sport.”

“It’s a physical game, yes.”

“Did you ever play?”

He smiled again. “Once or twice.”

I slipped my laptop into my bag. “Where’s your sidekick?”

“Lucas? He’s having dinner with our mum’s sister.”

“Ah, you’re brothers. I knew you had to be related. You have the exact same eyes.”

“They’re from our mother. Lucas and I have different fathers.”

“He seems like a whip.”

“He’s a pain in the ass. Thinks he’s twenty when he’s only just turned fifteen.”

I smiled. “I might have a friend for him. My niece is way smarter than her father and me. Just ask her.” I tilted my head. “Look at us, having a civil conversation.”

Wilder’s eyes dropped to my lips. “Maybe we should argue? I like where that got us better.”

I laughed. “I think that was more due to the alcohol and my appreciation for cupcakes.”

“Have dinner with me tonight? I’ll stop by a bakery and ply you with martinis to increase the odds of a good night kiss.”

“Can’t. I have to work. In fact, I need to get out of here, or I’m never going to make it.”

“Moonlighting?”

“I think you technically have to getpaidfor it to be considered moonlighting. I’m covering for my brother at our family’s bar.”

“Your brother doesn’t pay you?”

“He can barely pay rent half the time. But the pub has been in our family for four generations. It’s the third-oldest bar in Manhattan.”

“What’s it called?”

“Carrick’s.”

“Your last name.”

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