Page 58 of Once upon a Summer Night

Ellie sighed. “That’s what one of the women at the mixer asked.”

Colin hurriedly tucked his phone into his pocket, annoyance flashing across his features. “Let’s go over what the ground rules are.”

“We’ve already done that twice,” Ellie said.

“Well, we’re going to do it again!” he barked, then pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d matched many people over the years. He could tell when people were going to hit it off, when the date was destined for disaster, and when twopeople were so perfectly matched for one another that he wouldn’t be able to hold them to the rules even if he hog-tied them both and locked them in separate buildings.

And, after the mixer and multiple phone calls, Colin had a distinct, terrible, horrible feeling that the new-and-improved Reginald and Ellie were suited in more ways than he cared to admit. The number of boxes that each person checked off for the other was mind blowing.

And heart wrenching.

“No more than two drinks in the course of the date,” he intoned. “No discussing money, religion, politics, or exes. Focus on getting to know each other’s likes and dislikes—”

Ellie groaned loudly. “Colin. I get it. Your rules are emblazoned on my brain.”

He swallowed hard. “Good.”

“I wonder what he has planned,” Gwen wondered, her voice excited. “You have to admit this is a little fun, Eleanor! The mystery of it all…it’s so romantic. He took a private plane all the way from…where was he?”

“After the mixer he had business in Italy,” Colin muttered. Because ofcoursethe man couldn’t have come from somewhere just a little less romantic. “He flew in from Rome.”

“Rome to Dublin! It’s all so exciting!” Gwen bubbled.

Ellie, for her part, didn’t say a word. She seemed to be focusing on her breathing.

“You’re going to have a good time.” He nudged Ellie with his knee. “You two will discuss something nerdy, like green lights and existentialism, and the time will fly by. Rainbows will sprout wherever you walk, and unicorns will prance under them in joy.”

Ellie shot a death glare at him. “I hate dating.”

He forced a chuckle. “I know. But you did agree to try it, so here we are.”

When the car pulled up to a curb off Grafton Street indowntown Dublin, Colin immediately saw Reginald standing in front of a tiny pub, looking nervous.

That was a first. Normally the man exuded annoyance more than anything else.

“Oh, my,” Gwen murmured, fanning herself a little. “He. Is. Beautiful. Remember to text me if you need a save…” She trailed off, sliding another look at the handsome man, then bussed Ellie’s cheek with her own. “Or to let me know that you won’t be coming home.”

A sick feeling settled in the pit of Colin’s stomach. Every fiber of his being was fighting him as he said, “Come on, I’ll do the reintroductions.”

As Ellie exited the car, he took in her outfit. The wrap dress perfectly outlined her figure. Ankle boots, some bohemian jewelry, and long, loose waves in her hair completed the eclectic, yet perfectly Ellie, look.

Gwen winked at him, and he knew it was all her doing.

Colin swallowed past the unwelcome tide of jealousy and took her elbow. “This way.”Take her back to the car, Colin.

He could feel her trembling, and when he caught sight of Reginald’s appreciative look, he resisted the overwhelming urge to plant his fist in his face.

Take her home.

Let her go.

Don’t be an ass.

Don’t be selfish.

And, though it was the hardest thing he’d ever done, he put on a smile and led her over to her date.

Ellie strolled alongside Reginald,impressed and a little awed by the man. Their private walking tour of Dublin’s literary sights finished that evening by seven, and they ate a delicious dinner before taking a walk along the River Liffey.

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