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“It’s okay! We love you and enjoy the rest of your birthday.”
My father reached a hand out, shook mine, then pulled me in for a quick hug.
“Have a good night, son. Behave.”
I laughed. “There’s no fun in that, Dad.”
When I turned around, Maebh was looking at me with pinched brows. I knew she’d taken my words the wrong way, but I didn’t have time to explain. I needed to get to the bar.
“How was the birthday dinner?” me father asked as I made me way over to him. He was sitting in the lounge with a glass of whiskey in hand.
“Nice. The Parker family is incredible. Makes me wish you and ma had more kids.”
Me da laughed. “Lord, we could hardly handle you!”
The heat in me cheeks made me press me hands to them.
“Get a drink and join me, Maebh. It’s your day off. You shouldn’t even be here.”
I kissed his forehead before walking over to the bar and stepping behind it. Jeffery was working this evening, and he moved to the side and let me pour my own drink. I paused when I overheard a conversation between two patrons at the bar.
“Seriously, you think Cord and Tammy are hooking up?”
My eyes shot up, and I looked at the two women sitting at the bar. I’d recognized them right away and instantly knew they were waitresses at Cord’s Place.
“I mean, she calls him back to the bar with some lame excuse that the draft beer is clogged up and when he gets there nothing is wrong. Then they went back to his office to do what? Talk about the bar? Don’t be stupid.”
The other girl frowned, and I tried to act busy as I listened to them.
“I don’t know, June. Cord doesn’t even flirt with any of us. None of his employees. I find it hard to believe he’d be screwing the manager of the place.”
“Tell me you don’t see the way Tammy stares at Cord. What about the night we all went out, and she got drunk, said her life’s mission was to ride Cord Parker’s…”
Her voice lowered and I leaned in enough to hear her say, “Cock.”
I jerked back like I’d been slapped across the face.
Spinning on my heels, I headed over to my father. I sat down and drank the shot of whiskey.
“Well, okay. So much for taking a moment to enjoy it.”
“I needed it more than I thought.”
“Get out of here, half pint. Everything is fine. Enjoy your evening.”
Forcing a smile, I nodded. “You’re right. A nice hot bath will make me feel better.”
He nodded. “Go, now.”
“Night, da.”
“Night, half pint.”
I walked back to the bar. The two girls were still there, but now they were joined by two men. They were all dressed up, and I overheard one mention dinner reservations.
“Jeffery, do you need anything?”
He glanced at me and shook his head. “I’ve got it covered, Ms. O’Sullivan.”
“Maebh. Please call me Maebh.”
“Maebh,” he replied, his smile grew bigger. He quickly swept his eyes over me body before turning back to what he was doing.
Ignoring it, I made me way to me place and started me bath. A long hot soak would do me wonders.
As I laid in the lavender-scented water, I couldn’t shake what the two waitresses were talking about. Tammy had been with Cord at the dinner and then they came to the opening of the restaurant together.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
He kissed me, though. But maybe he also kissed her a time or two.
Laughing, I shook my head. Why in the world would it surprise me that a man like Cord would kiss me, but still have a causal relationship on the side?
I dropped into the bath and went underwater for a few seconds before coming back up.
When me head popped out of the water, me phone went off.
Reaching for it, I nearly dropped it when I saw his name.
Cord: Amelia said you went home. Are you in for the night?
Me heart raced. Why was he asking me if I was in for the night? Did he want me to come to the bar?
Trying not to shake too much, I decided I would tell him I was in for the night. After all, I’d just dunked me entire head under water and wasn’t in the mood to primp myself up.
Me: Why? Did you have something in mind?
I groaned. Me reply had completely negated what I’d just told meself. This man was me weakness.
It didn’t take him long to reply.
Cord: I’m on my rooftop, and I’ve discovered a path directly to your rooftop.
There was no way I could hide me smile. What in the world did he mean he found a path? I wasn’t going to bite though. The conversation I had overheard earlier was still bothering me.
Me: I’m at the bar, with me father… Sorry.
