Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Oh well, we shall see.
***
The drive here has taken some time. Cole won’t tell me where he’s taking me, no matter how many times I ask. Now that he’s parking, I’m totally confused.
We’re in a nice-looking neighborhood, from what I can tell, but there are mostly shops lining the lane. However, I don’t see a restaurant other than Chinese, but it looks more like a takeout place, not someplace to sit down for a date.
“Come on, get your ass out of the car,” he says with a smile on his lips as he opens my door.
I roll my eyes at him, but take his hand and step out. That’s when I see the awning. My mouth falls open, and tears burn my eyes.
Walsh’s.
“I couldn’t decide on a name at first. I thought of calling it DJ’s, but it’s an Irish pub. O’Brien’s would have brought too much attention, so I went with Walsh’s,” Cole says as he wraps his arm around my waist and leads me to the front door.
“What have ya done?” I choke out.
“It’s yours. You like working in pubs. I thought this would be a place that would make you feel at home.”
“Have I told ya how much I love ya?” I say as I leap into his arms.
“You’re adorable when you’re happy. This is nothing. Come on, I want you to see inside.”
He pecks my lips and gives me a squeeze. When we step inside, I’m in awe. The place is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It immediately has a homey feel.
I might give him some slack on his accent because he nailed the Irish pub vibe with this place. I couldn’t have designed it better myself.
My heart fills as I realize Cole never fails to show me how much he loves me. I feel bad for not trusting him. I learned a lot about a loving, trusting relationship from being around Uri and Val.
I look behind the bar and smile when I see the bat he gifted me mounted to the wall. As I see it, I realize how long I’ve had that type of relationship.
“I love it. Thank you so much, Cole.”
“Anything for you, love.”
Brooklyn
I’m happy to give this place to DJ. The smile on her face made it worth it. Although it broke my heart when she saw the framed picture of her and her parents.
She broke down and sobbed in my arms. I wish I knew more about what happened all those years ago. I’ve had to swallow down that need to know because I’m not going to ask her.
I see how much pain it causes her. If I’m meant to know, the answers will come to me without me having to add to her hurt. All I want is to make her happy.
“That was delicious,” she sings as she finishes the meal the chef I brought in prepared.
I’m leaving the decision to open a kitchen here to her. Pubs with kitchens in this area do better. However, of the pubs I’ve seen her manage, they didn’t have one.
“We should christen the place,” I say with a grin.
“Ach, really? I just ate. Can I digest my food first?”
“I’m not talking about sex, butthead. Is that all you want me for?”
She laughs. “I think I would be a dickhead if you’re going to call me names and I do want you for more than sex. You’re my favorite dance partner.
“Queue the music. I think christening the place is a grand idea,” she says with a sly smile then sticks her tongue out at me.
Smart-ass, I should have known she knew what I meant. I go over to the stereo system behind the bar and find something for us to dance to. I smile when I find just the right song.
“I Know What You Want” by Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey begins to play. I dance my way back to DJ and pull her up from her seat. I spin her around then bring her back to me by her waist, sticking my thigh between her legs as I hold her close.
I flex my fingers against the soft skin of her back as I dip to press my forehead to hers. She cups the sides of my face as a smile comes to her lips. Tilting my head to the side, I take her lips in a firm kiss.
Breaking the kiss, I pull back and allow her to turn her back to me. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tightly, still keeping the two-step sway in play. Splaying my hand over her belly, I lean in to kiss her shoulder.
At six-three, I tower over her, but she fits me perfectly. There has never been a woman who has fit me better. Closing my eyes, I press my nose into the back of her hair and inhale.