“Ye’ know,” she said. “A cup of tea with loads of sugar?”
Too much sugar was gross, but if it was the way she liked it, then that was that. I got a cup, popped a teabag inside it, and turned the kettle on. I turned and leaned my ass back against the counter and folded my arms across my chest. My eyes found Keela’s, and she appeared not to know what to do with herself.
She shifted her stance a few times, and though she was looking at me, she looked everywhere on my body except at my eyes. I knew I made her nervous, which was the whole reason I was making her a cup of tea. I watched as her eyes moved to my mouth, and I felt my lips quirk upwards into a grin when she licked her lower lip as she stared at me.
“I’m just goin’ to sit down.”
She moved to the kitchen table and made a huge deal of looking at her surroundings as she sat down just so she wouldn’t have to look at me.
“So,” she began, clasping her hands in front of her. “What details do we have to go over in order for ye’ to escort me to me cousin’s weddin’?”
She was looking out to the backyard as she spoke, and it gave me a moment to look at her. She was an enigma to me. Last night, she was hard as nails, and right now, she seemed as fragile as a feather. I wasn’t sure how to approach her, and that was new for me, because I normally knew how to approach everyone.
“In order for me to escort you to your cousin’s wedding, I need to draw up a contract—”
“Hold up, buddy. A contract? Is this conversation about to get Fifty Shades of Grey?”
I raised a brow. “That kinky porn book women love?”
When she nodded, I laughed. I had heard of that book, everyone had heard of it, and the fact that she associated it to our current situation amused me. I turned to the kettle when it made a beeping noise, letting me know the water was boiling, and began making her tea.
“This conversation isn’t about to get fifty shades of anything, Keela. Contracts with my clients are routine.”
“Alec, I’m not your client. What I am askin’ of you is a favour, not a business deal.”
That was true.
“Why don’t you tell me what you want from this favour, so I get a better understanding of things because this is clearly going to be something I’m not used to either.”
“Well”—she cleared her throat—”much wouldn’t be required of ye’. I just want ye’ to pretend to be me boyfriend ... that’s it.”
With her tea made, I turned and carried it over the table. I placed it on top of the coaster in front of Keela, then I took a seat across from her. Her eyes focused on my forearms, then they locked on my tattoo. Her eyes rolled over me, and a shivered raced up my spine as if I could feel their touch.
“Can ye’ put some clothes on?”
And deny her eye fuck? Not a chance.
“Does my being shirtless make you uncomfortable?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Tough shit. It’s hot out, so I’m skins for the day.”
Keela frowned. “I don’t even know what that means.”
I teasingly clicked my tongue. “Irish people.”
“American people.”
“So.” I snorted. “You just want me to be your boyfriend?”
She played with her fingers. “Yes, ye’ just have to make it believable that we are a real couple.”
I settled back into the chair. “How would you like me to make it believable?”
She shifted. “Please stop tryin’ to embarrass me.”
“I’m asking a legit question.”
“Just act like a lovin’ boyfriend; hold me hand, kiss me cheek—”
“Open a door for you, then smack your ass when you walk by me?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m bein’ serious.”
“So am I. Deadass serious.”
“I just want me family to think we’re a real, happy couple. That’s it.”
And I thought this job might be somewhat hard.
I chortled. “Trust me, kitten, this will be the easiest job I’ve ever done.”
“It will?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
“So ... so does that mean ye’ll escort me to the weddin’?”
She looked like she would scream in delight if I said yes.
“If you abide by my conditions, then yes, I will.”
Uncertainty washed over her face. “What are your conditions?”
I held up my index finger. “Number one, absolutely no falling in love with me.”
When she laughed, it caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure what she found funny. If she knew how many people had gotten attached to me in the past, she wouldn’t utter a sound.
“I’m being serious, Keela,” I said. “No falling in love with me.”
The little witch laughed harder. “I know. That’s why ... I’m laughin’ ... oh God. Your face!”
I didn’t find her funny.
“Okay,” she said, forcing herself to calm down. “So I’m not to fall in love with you. Got it. What’s number two?”