“You made this place a home. Not only to our family, but also for so many others. I’m proud of you for all that you’ve done for Lucky, and I am thankful you’re giving me the opportunity to take over.”
He stopped before he broke down. The tears were pricking behind his eyes. He kissed his dad on his cheek as they hugged it out.
Someone had turned on the music again, and he went back to his station behind the bar. After serving two orders, the DJ turned the music off mid songand Brennan looked up with narrowed brows.
What was wrong with the guy? Why was he silencing the crowd? He observed the customers and sure enough, their attention was once more focused on the pool table.
“Hi everyone! I wanted to take this opportunity to wish Sean Jr. a happy retirement and to congratulate Brennan. I know you’ll do exceptional things with Lucky and it will be a huge success.”
What the fuck?
Was that Errin on top of the pool table? She was standing in a sexy dark green halter dress that hugged her small waistline. She’d braided her warm blonde hairto the side, and loose strands framed her high cheekbones. She seemed flustered with a cute red blush that started on her throat to her cheeks.
She looked over and stared directly into his eyes from the other side of the pub, and he walked from behind the bar to get to her. She was here, and he was sure to get as close to her as possible.
“Now, I’m aware most people expect me to throw in a joke here or there. And who am I to disappoint, so let’s go!” she said.
Ronan placed his hands to his mouth and shouted from the crowd, “Fuck no. Don’t do this.”
She flipped him the bird and Brennan laughed at her feisty attitude. She just took no shit from no one. As he walked through the crowd, several encouraging slaps fell to his back. He held still next to his brothers, in front of the makeshift stage.
“Did you ever hear the joke about the bunny that went to Jersey to dance? Turned out she could only hip-hop,” Errin said with a smile in her voice.
People laughed, but Ronan shouted, “That’s all you got?” Brennan jabbed him in the ribs, making Ro laugh.
Errin searched the crowd and when their eyes connected again she said,“Okay, not my strongest joke. I agree. Damn, you’re a tough crowd tonight. Here is another one. It will be my last, so stop scowling, Brennan Mills.”
He wasn’t even aware he was scowling, and after blinking once, he gave her a smile.
“I have one especially for you, okay? So bear with me,” she said.
She was really here.
Back in Austin.
Back in Lucky.
Was she here to stay? Or was she going to torture him by coming over for a day or two before walking out of his life again?
“What does a girl say after she goes cross-country to pursue a dancing career?” she started and paused before adding, “Well? Do you have any idea?”
He moved from his brothers to a stop in front of the pool table. Their eyes connected once more and his ears drummed. So close. He just had to stretch his arms and then he could finally have her in his arms again. Where she belonged.
“I’ll tell you. She would say she’d made a mistake. And that she’d been an absolute fool to run away from her feelings for the most sexy and caring man alive.”
He climbed on top of the pool table and took her in his arms. She let out a squeak and her minty breath tickled his neck as she giggled.
She seemed smaller than the last time he held her in his arms. Emmy would have to make a lot of barmbrack to give his girl her delicious curves back.
He looked down into her eyes as she whispered, “I’ve been a total idiot. I’ve missed you like crazy and—”
His heart jumped out of his chest as he leaned in and kissed her. Finally. She moaned against his lips and he held on to her narrow hips.
The bar erupted in one enormous cheer. Beer coasters and even splashes of beer and other thrown drinks made them all sticky and wet.
She giggled against his wet shirt. “I love you, Brennan Mills. I absolutely fucking love you.”
“I love you too, Lips. God, how I’ve missed you.”