Page 72 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
“No, I was out for a walk and saw your light on so I thought I’d stop by. How was your drive today?”
“It was so amazing! We went to Valentia Island.”
“That’s a beautiful spot.”
“It started raining though so we had to cut the day short. He’s taking me out again tomorrow.”
“That’s nice.” He wasn’t sure if that was sarcastic or not but the ring was unmistakable. “Would you like some help getting that paintbrush out of your hair?”
“Yes, please.”
Roan guided her over the kitchen sink where she flipped her hair under the faucet. As he washed, ran soap and water over the handful of hair stuck around the brush he said, “Listen, about dinner on Wednesday. Some neighbors were talking about having a poker night. I thought you might enjoy that. We could go if you like? Then have dinner together Friday?”
From underneath her red mane she called back to him. “I would but I’m not a very good card player.”
“That’s flying low and spreading it wide Bethany Anne! Don’t be fooled by her innocent face. She’s the most competitive person I know!”
Beth hit her head against Roan’s soapy hand as she stood and turned with a gasp. “Lauren? Lauren! You’re here!”
Roan covered his ears to muffle the squealing friends. There was no sense in trying to get the paintbrush out now. Those two were going to be hugging and crying for a while yet.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Beth stood back but held on to Lauren’s shoulders.
“Why, so you could pick me up at the airport? I’d like to actually see Ireland before I take my life in my hands.”
Roan laughed in his throat. Yes, this was definitely the terrifying Lauren he’d met on the phone.
Lauren looked over Beth’s shoulder at the handsome man with a killer smile who was drying his hands, and practically shoved Beth away. “You must be Aidan! It’s nice to meet you! My bestie didn’t do you justice.”
Roan pursed his lips and placed the kitchen towel beside the sink. No, this wasn’t awkward at all! “Ah, no. I’m Roan.” He held out his hand in hello.
Beth gulped. Cripes! “Lauren, you got the name mixed up.”
“Ope, I did? I’m sorry!” Lauren shook hands with Roan and sized him up. So far, so good. “I would forget my own name if it wasn’t on my driver’s license. Ask my kids! They pretty much answer to ‘hey kid.’” Before her tongue slipped down her throat any further Lauren excused herself. “Beth, I need the bathroom.”
Beth pointed toward the hallway. “It’s down the hall, first door on the left.”
“It was nice meeting you Lauren,” Roan said as she turned to leave the room.
“You too, Roan.”
Being an expert navigator of awkward situations Beth kept things moving. “How about I give you a rain check on dinner?”
“I have a better idea. How about you come and bring Lauren too?”
“We’d love to!” Lauren shouted from around the corner. Like she wasactuallygoing to leave? As if!
Beth rolled her eyes with a huff. “We’d love to.”
“Good. Right, then I’ll leave you two ladies. Good night, Lauren.” Roan said as he passed Lauren leaning against the wall in the living room. He turned back when he reached the door and looked at Beth. “Are you really that competitive?”
“Maybe.” She said playfully.
“I look forward to seeing that.” With a grin, he left, closing the door behind him and it was only a moment later the girlish screams started all over again. Roan shook his head with a chuckle and headed for home.
* * *
After crying, laughing, eating and then repeating it all over again, Beth and Lauren laid in bed, head to foot, with Beth on her stomach and His Royal Highness, Mr. Jameson, laying up her backside with all four legs in the air.
