Page 75 of Destined Lovers

After our little Bill Murray fiasco, I’m not sure I’ll ever get drunk again. It was the most embarrassing night of my life.

I stretch out and relax at our table, watching Nora dance like she’s been doing for the last hour. Of course, I offered to join, but she said she wanted to put on a show for me, so who am I to complain?

I look over at the clock again. Ten more minutes to toast, and then I take my girl back to the room because watching her move in that tight little dress is doing things to me, and I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to restrain myself. Watching her sexy hips move around…

I take a slow sip of my pint, and a man across the dance floor catches my eyes. He looks vaguely familiar, and he’s staring at Nora, tracking her every move.

What the feck?

“Hey, Pip. Come here,” I yell and wave her over.

She barrels over at full speed and plops onto my lap.

“Yes, Dec?” she says while trying to grab my face to make out with me. “Did you know my parents said I love you in this very pub? And then got engaged?”

Oh Jesus, how drunk is this girl? Of course, I know this. It’s the whole reason we’ve come here.

She tries to kiss me again, and I push her shoulders slightly. “As much as I want to kiss you, I need to ask if you know that man across the dance floor. He’s wearing black slacks and a black button-down. Dark hair, expensive watch.”

She looks over her shoulder toward the dance floor, and recognition instantly covers her face.

“Oh my god, it’s Killian! What is he doing here?” she yells and is up, running toward him before I get a second to breathe.

I stalk after her. Who the hell is Killian?

Nora flings her arms around this bloke’s neck for a hug and starts a giggling fit.

“Killian! What are you doing here?” she yells in excitement.

I clear my throat, breaking up this cute little party they have going on. She looks between us, then makes the smart decision to come to my side. She puts her hand in mine, squeezing gently with a huge smile on her face.

“Care to introduce me?” I raise my eyebrows, then turn my attention to the guy in front of me.

I haven’t said one word to him, but something is off with him, and whatever it is, I don’t like it.

“Killian lives near town. He’s a regular at the pub I work at.”

“Aye, Riley and I are quite close. Never heard of you… didn’t catch your name, mate.”

“Not your mate, and the name is Declan.”

“Declan,” Nora hisses, but I ignore her. I know people, and I know that he is bad news.

“If you live near Ballyclare, what are you doing in Galway?”

“Could ask you the same question?” he says, his eyes never leaving mine.

We stare at one another for another beat until he finally breaks out of our staring contest to look down at Nora.

“I thought you said you were painting all week. You never mentioned a trip away. Did you tell Bennett?”

Nora freezes and nervously looks between the two of us.

“Who the hell is Bennett?” I growl.

“He’s just a friend. I promise,” she spits, looking like a deer in headlights, biting her lip so hard that I can see the blood rushing to it.

She’s nervous.

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