Page 17 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
Go to sleep the moment they boarded the plane. That was the only way he would survive. He wasn’t the least bit tired but he could fake it. Besides, surely, on a flight this long she would fall asleep.
The hands he had shoved into his pockets to keep from yanking out his hair now came out and laid at his sides. This would be a piece of cake.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“I just remembered some business I needed to take care of.”
“I hope it worked out.”
“Thank you.” He rubbed his palms up and down his thighs. Be cool.
Breathe in, breathe out.
In.
Out.
All this Zen breathing crap wasn’t working!
“Can I get you another?”
Beth thought they would have a quick drink and then he would bolt but he was easy to talk to and - once he wasn’t angry with her - he was nice. “All right, thank you.”
“Extra foam?”
“That’s right, and a little sweet.”
Sweet. Just like her.
He should have walked away.
So much for that quick, casual drink.
Aidan returned with two whiskey sours and handed Beth hers before sitting down with his own.
“Sláinte.” He caught himself before actually clinking his glass with hers. He didn’t need to invite another accident and he didn’t have another change of clothes.
“That’s how the Irish say cheers, right?”
“Yes.”
“I read that in a book.” She drank again from her glass that was nearly empty. “That bartender makes a great whiskey sour. I don’t usually drink like this but it’s so good.”
“I had to taste this extraordinary drink for myself.” He sipped and nodded with approval. “I think our bartender has a crush on you.”
“Why?”
“Because he thought we were a couple and when I told him otherwise, he looked a little too eager.”
Beth smiled. “Isn’t funny how people can be so presumptuous?”
Yes, they could. Anyway … “So will this be your first time going to Ireland?”
“Yes.”
“You said you’re going for pleasure but you don’t look very excited.”
“I know. I should be as excited as a puppy with two tails, right? But I’m scared I might have screwed the pooch this time.”
