There was a buzzing sensation in his ears. “That was why he was at the pub?”
“No, isn’t that crazy? It was fate. He said he had a meeting about a fundraiser with the owner of the hotel you were staying in, and that he just happened into Murphy’s. A billionaire wandering in from the street to save the day. It almost makes me believe in fairies.”
Seamus shook his head, wanting to be happy for her but wondering at Bellamy’s decision. Whether Gill knew it or not, he’d taken over, made demands in exchange for giving her the help she’d desperately needed. “Are you sure your father is okay with signing over the title?”
Gill was still beaming. “Are you kidding? He’s been crying for joy on anyone who will stop long enough to listen. Of course, he was sure Bellamy was trying to buy my affections until I told him about the two of you. Now he couldn’t be happier. He doesn’t have to worry anymore. Murphy’s is going to be around for a few more generations yet.”
“That’s great, Gill.”
He must not have sounded enthusiastic, because she reached out to rub his arm affectionately. “Maybe he was too busy planning your next sexy adventure to tell you. He did say that, along with my smarts, he was in my debt for kissing you and proving him right.” She chuckled. “Men that rich are usually eccentric, Seamus. Connor says it all the time. Strange ducks, every one. The only reason we have to take them seriously is because at any moment they could impulsively save a floundering business with the change in their pockets. Or feed a village for a year after hearing a particularly moving song.”
Seamus couldn’t begin to relate to that kind of money. He’d thought Declan’s house and the television that took up the entire wall was overkill. Saving a family brewpub on a whim during a vacation was…
Bellamy. It was something Bellamy did without mentioning it at all to the man he’d been sleeping with. The man who was close friends with his new business partner.
He was in my debt for kissing you and proving him right.
“What’s wrong, Seamus?” Gillian’s cheerful expression had faded. “Has it gotten serious between you? You said it was just—”
“It is,” he assured her, pushing his plate away. “A strange duck like that? We’d never work out in the real world, Gill.”
She looked so disappointed. “This is the real world, Seamus. And you looked so happy a few minutes ago.”
He forced a smile. “Great sex will do that, I’m told. You should try it with Connor.”
Gillian’s face turned a shade of scarlet he’d never seen and his laugh was genuine, if still strained. “You should take your own advice and have an adventure, Murphy. I’d be willing to bet he wouldn’t say no.”
She whacked him on the arm as his door opened and Bellamy strode through. He took in the mountain of food, Gillian’s blush and their close proximity, and frowned. “I didn’t realize you had company.”
Seamus lifted his chin. “You had a business call that lasted most of the day. I wanted to see Gillian before I left for the airport.”
Gillian jumped up like she was spring-loaded. “I should get back to the bar. Give us a hug and promise you’ll call or send me an email as soon as you get home.”
Was she leaving so fast because of the money? Or was it because of the look on Bellamy’s too-handsome face?
Seamus stood and pulled her into his arms, lifting her off her feet. “I’m going to miss you.”
She kissed his cheek and wiggled until he set her down again. “I won’t give you a chance, Seamus Finn. Be safe.”
As soon as she left, Bellamy’s shoulders relaxed and Seamus frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me about your new partnership.”
He flinched and Seamus knew he hadn’t wanted Gill to tell him. “I invest in companies all the time. In Spain, Turkey, France. I’m known for leaving places better than I found them.”
“Must be nice.”
Bellamy sent him a speaking look. “Gillian seems to think so. She was almost your fiancé, remember? I thought you’d be happy about it.”
“Which is why you told me.”
Bellamy swore and reached for Seamus, pulling him close and burying his bearded face in his neck. “Don’t be mad. It was going to be a surprise, that’s all. One of many I have in store.”
“There’s more?” Seamus asked distractedly, leaning his head to the side to give Bellamy better access, his body responding as if they hadn’t seen each other in months. “Did you buy Bess up too?”
“I’ll tell you after.”
“After what, Bell?”
Bellamy tongued the pulse at his neck. “After you say yes.”
Seamus stepped back and shook his head, trying to clear the haze of arousal being that close to Bellamy always caused. “What am I saying yes to?”