Page 68 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
The regal, white, long-haired Prince told her all about how good he was, and more, while she put away the groceries. Being deaf, his voice was louder than most cats and had quite the range but since he purred all throughout his commentary, she figured that whatever he was telling her was nothing but good things.
She opened a can of cat food and served it to him in a saucer on his mat then stood, looking out to the garden through the glass door. What a pretty day it was.
Beth stepped out into the sunlight and turned when a knock sounded at her front door.
“I’m back here!” she called out. She opened the gate as Roan rounded the corner. “I thought it would be you,” she said with a bright smile.
From behind his back, he pulled a fresh bouquet of wild flowers. “I thought I should check on you. After last night and all.”
Beth held the flowers to her nose, taking in the scent. Roan was very thoughtful. “I’m better now and you’ll be happy to hear that I decided to stay a little longer.”
She led him into the kitchen so she could put the flowers in one of the many colorful vases around the kitchen.
Roan had hoped she would stay. “In that case, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow?”
“I would but I can’t. Aidan is taking me on a drive.”
Aidan had wasted no time. Roan’s suspicions of Beth and Aidan were heightened. “Is it a date?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. Aidan’s just showing me the places from his book.”
There was no question to how much she was looking forward to the tour, and he believed her when she said it wasn’t a date—but that inkling he’d had at the wedding, when he didn’t know if they hated each other or were madly in love—moved forward in his mind. If that inkling was true, then he had competition.
Being an easygoing guy, Roan decided to take it day by day. After all, she may be gone in a week.
But there was no reason not to make the most of that time.
He stared at Beth as he placed his elbows on the countertop. She didn’t seem like the lying type. If she said there was nothing between Aidan and her he could believe her. But he still couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was going on between them. He’d noticed how she looked at Aidan. Moreover, he’d noticed how Aidan looked at her.
It was now Roan decided there was only one way to find out: date Bethany Spinner.
Oh, dear, what a shame. It would be a sacrifice, of course, but a sacrifice he was willing to make.
“I have good news.”
“Tell me.”
“Your grandmother’s cat is here.”
“Mr. Jameson? How did you catch him?”
“I didn’t catch him. He came to me, trotted inside, and has been living the life of Riley ever since.”
Roan chuckled. It figured that cat would simply waltz up to Beth when it avoided everyone else.
“Roan, would you mind if I used some of your grandmother’s painting supplies?”
“You paint?”
“No, I thought I might try.”
“I’ll say yes on one condition.” Arms crossed, he eased close, placing his shoulder beside hers. “Let me see what you paint no matter what you think of it.”
“Deal.”
“And, have dinner with me Wednesday night?”
Beth’s pulse jumped and she turned her face to his, his warm breath whispered by her mouth. “Okay.”
