Hugh looked ready to kill. Ciaran still had an arm wrapped around her sister’s waist. River had already taken a seat by Josh, Raven next to him, still shoveling chips in her mouth at an impressive rate. The last spot available was in the partial bench next to Hugh. Rowan would have to sit by Hugh eventually, which River knew she really wanted to do, but she also really didn’t like being treated like Hugh’s young daughter. She and her sisters certainly didn’t make it easy for themselves.
Bran, the ass kisser, said he’d take a Shirley Temple, to which Raven rewarded him with a kiss. God, those two.
Hugh didn’t answer the Murphy brother. He stared at Rowan, jaw locked until she relented to his silent demand and extricated herself from Ciaran to sit next to Hugh.
“The water is fine,” he gestured toward the glasses already on the table, “and a double shot of Teeling Small Batch, neat.” He never smiled. He never said thank you. He just stared at the man who dared touch Rowan. Ciaran left without another word. Great.
River saw Rowan frown at Hugh, raising her brows like,what the hellwas that? Hugh looked away, taking a sip of his water.
Save them from O’Faolains.
Thirty minutes later, Raven rolled out her proposal to Josh in more detail.
“So, basically, Raven, you’re saying that you would have me consult directly with your clients? I would see the space, andIwould decide what piece to create?”
“Exactly.” Raven smiled as she leaned heavily against Bran. She was exhausted. Bran knew it, too, and was fighting against the need to force her to leave.
Josh grinned at River, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She saw Hugh and Bran stiffen, assumably not liking a man who wasn’t Patrick touching her. Raven side-eyed Bran. Rowan did something under the table to Hugh that she didn’t evenwantto know about, but it did divert his gaze from Josh momentarily.
“What do you think, River?”
River lightly thumped his forehead with her knuckle. “I think you’d be a fool not to accept. It’s your chance to create one-of-a-kind pieces for one-of-a-kind spaces. An artist’s dream.” She smiled softly at Josh before adding, “It’s a challenge I think you need Josh.” This type of new venture would help him not dwell on his mother’s passing as much.
Josh leaned his forehead against the top of River’s head. “She would have been so proud.”
River touched his cheek until he looked at her. “Sheisproud, Josh and your father will be too when you go home tonight, drunk and bellowing at the top of your lungs about the deal you just struck,” she teased, hoping to ease Josh’s melancholy.
“You’re right. They’ll both be proud.” Turning to Raven, he said, “I accept Mrs. O’Faolain, and I thank you for the chance.”
Raven whooped in excitement, grinning ear to ear before turning to Bran. She admitted, “I’m tired. Will you take me home?”
“Of course. Dad, will you get Row and River home?” Hugh dipped his head in affirmation. River and Josh stood, allowing Raven to scoot out, followed by Bran, who stuck his hand out to shake Josh’s hand. “Welcome to the team, Josh.”
Josh grasped his hand, smiling. “Thank you. I’m totally stoked. Seriously.”
Once everyone was settled after Bran and Raven took their leave, Rowan lightly elbowed Hugh in the ribs. “We won’t get served another drink if you keep scowling at Ciaran.”
“Are you two dating?” Hugh gritted out.
“No, we aren’t,” Rowan snapped, looking at River for help.
“Then why did you allow a man you aren’t dating to touch you like that? Do you let every male acquaintance hold you?”
“Hugh, enough,” River admonished. Hugh stared at her sister for several more uncomfortable moments before turning his gaze to the bank of windows.
Trying to rally, Rowan told Josh how excited she was for him. “The wolf sculpture is stunning. Isn’t it Hugh?” she nudged Mr. Belligerence.
“It was exactly what I wanted,” Hugh relented. Having Josh in his sights, the eldest O’Faolain asked, “You do realize, Mr. Ryan, that River loves my youngest son, and he loves her?”
Shock and Awe. Shock and fucking awe. The absolute bullshit nerve of this man! Before Josh could summon a reply, Rowan said, “I’m ready to go home, Hugh.”
River saw Rowan blinking away furious tears and interjected. “Row. Do not be upset. I’m fine. Josh is fine.”
Hugh’s startled expression landed on River and then settled on Rowan. Hugh’s hands fisted on the table. “Damn it,” he sighed. “I’d like to apologize to you, Josh, and especially Rowan and River for my behavior.” He paused, rubbing his temples. “The meeting today has put me on edge. The threat that shadows our family is because of me.” He looked at Rowan then. “Will you let me take you home?”
Rowan sighed, dabbing her eyes. “Yes, but Hugh, this isn’t your fault.” Her sister took Hugh’s hand between her own.
Geez, what a day. She’d told Josh about the stalker, so at least he wasn’t completely in the dark. “I’m tired too, Josh. Sorry for the short night, Hugh. Would you take us both home?”
