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It was seven o’clock on a Thursday night and things were a little quieter than he was expecting. There had been plenty of parking and there was a handful of people walking along the sidewalks, but overall, he had to wonder if maybe he’d come out too early.
With a shrug, he walked into Donovan’s Pub and glanced around.
“Excuse me, but are you Jackson Coleman?”
Turning, he saw a guy around his age walking toward him and there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he was one of Liam’s brothers. Smiling, he held out his hand. “That’s me!”
“Good to finally meet you!” They shook hands. “I’m Jamie. Liam’s brother.” Pausing, he chuckled. “Well, one of Liam’s brothers.”
“The youngest, right?”
Nodding, Jamie said, “And his favorite.”
That had him laughing. “We have that in common. I’m the youngest of three brothers too and I tell everyone how I’m the favorite.”
“Hey, we youngest kids need to stick together!”
“Wait…I thought Liam said your sister is the youngest.”
Jamie nodded again. “Ariana is technically the baby of the family, but I’m the youngest son and that’s all that counts.”
There was no way Jackson was going to argue with that logic. Looking around, he noted all the dark paneled walls and sports memorabilia. There was an old-fashioned jukebox that was currently playing some classic rock music, there was a stage for live music, and in the corner were a couple of dartboards on the wall. Everything about this place screamed nostalgia. Liam had mentioned how the pub had been in the family for four generations, and he appreciated how they’d kept it from looking too modern.
“So, what can I get you? A drink? Are you here for something to eat, or…?”
“Yes, to both!” he replied as they walked over to the bar.
“You’re more than welcome to eat at the bar, but my uncle will probably talk your ear off,” Jamie said with a laugh. “In about an hour, he’ll be surrounded by the entire Laurel Bay softball league. If you want my opinion, let me put you in a booth. Save yourself.”
Jackson noticed that there were several open booths, but one in particular caught his eye.
Not because of the location, but because of the girl sitting in it staring at her phone.
“Jamie! Order’s up!” someone called out.
“Let Uncle Ronan get you started with a beer and then take a seat wherever you want. Menus are on the table and I’ll be over to get your order in a few,” Jamie told him before walking away.
So Jackson did as he suggested and talked with Ronan, even as his attention kept straying back to the girl in the booth.
Right now, she was smiling at something she was reading, and it looked like she was sort of dancing in her seat to the song playing on the jukebox. Her hair was long and wavy and the color of caramel. Her shoulders were bare except for some tiny strap and from where he was standing, it looked like she was wearing a dress. She was beautiful and so obviously full of joy that it made him wonder how she could possibly be here by herself. Did the men in this town not have eyes?
“It’s a shame you’re not the brave sort,” Ronan said, and that instantly got his attention.
“Um…what?”
Nodding in the girl's direction, Ronan said, “You’ve been watching her for a solid five minutes. Why don’t you go over and introduce yourself?”
That had been his plan.
Sort of.
Jamie walked over and put a plate down in front of her and Jackson watched as her smile grew as she thanked him. From where he was standing, it looked like she’d ordered something fried that came with a dipping sauce. Then he chuckled as he watched her dip it and take a bite.
And as if he were right there with her, he could practically hear her moan of pleasure, and he was completely mesmerized.
“Excuse me,” he murmured to Ronan before making his way across the pub.
He knew the instant she realized he was heading over to her and by the time he reached the booth, the most expressive brown eyes he’d ever seen were staring back at him.
