The Dating Series

by L. P. Dover

  “That’s insane,” I say, “who would’ve thought you and your sister would be with enemies?”

  Hannah shrugs. “It sucks, but I can’t help it. I love Andy, just like Hallie loves Stewart. However, our family get togethers have been quite interesting. My parents get a kick out of watching Andy and Stewart disagree on things.”

  It’s my turn to scoff. “It’s better than coming into town just to hear your mother gripe about how old she’s getting without grandbabies. I swear, she’s getting on my nerves. She’s already threatened to have one of her friend’s sons be my date to Hallie’s wedding.”

  Hannah rolls her eyes. “That sounds like Aunt Jane.”

  “Girls, let’s go,” Hallie shouts. Hannah and I both look her way and she waves for us to follow the group. Kellan turns his crystal blue eyes my way and smiles at me again and I can’t help but smile back. Damn Hallie for making me take all those shots. All my senses seem to have left me. The girls and I follow the guys to the closest Irish pub which is jam-packed with people. Luckily, Kellan walks up to the bar and shakes hands with the guy standing behind it. He has the same dark, auburn hair as Kellan, but nowhere near as good looking.

  It’s so loud with all the music that Hannah has to basically scream in my ear. “That’s Declan, the owner. He’s Kellan’s cousin. We’re supposed to get a private room in the back.” And just then, Kellan waves for all of us to follow him. We bypass all the people to a back hallway and up a set of stairs into a separate room that has a pool table, jukebox, and a large screen TV over a private bar. There’s even a young guy behind the bar, probably in his early twenties, dressed in all green, including his hair.

  The guys all flock the bar, but Kellan stays back and walks over to me and Hannah. “So, what do you think?” he asks, waving a hand about the room. “Not too shabby, is it?”

  Hannah lets me go. “Not at all, Kell. I’m impressed.”

  Kellan steps closer to me. “How about a drink?”

  Lifting my brows, I glance over at Hannah. “Shots on me?”

  Hannah winks. “Maybe in a few. I have to find Andy. He doesn’t know to look for us back here.” She grins at me and Kellan before disappearing out the door to the craziness in the other room. Thankfully, the music isn’t as loud in our private room.

  Kellan nods toward the bar. “Ready?” He holds out his arm and it’s as if my body moves of its own accord. I take it and he leads me to the bar. “Let me guess, green beer?”

  “Please,” I scoff, waving him off, “it’s St. Patrick’s Day. I want a true Irish-inspired drink.”

  The bartender walks over to us. “What’ll it be you two?”

  Kellan looks to me. “Ladies first.”

  “I’ll take an Irish Eyes,” I say. The bartender nods and smiles and then turns to Kellan.

  Kellan laughs at me. “Irish whiskey, huh? I think I’ll do the same.” The bartender pours the whiskey in a glass and mixes it with a little cream and green crème de menthe. Kellan holds up his glass and looks in my eyes. “It actually matches your eyes. But you’re not Irish.”

  I shake my head. “Nope. Got a lot of German in me though.”

  Kellan takes a sip of his drink. “Don’t know why this is called Irish Eyes. The most common eye color among Irish is blue.”

  Holding up my glass, I clank it against his. “Just like yours.”

  His blue eyes twinkle and I avert my gaze to my drink. The way he looks at me makes things stir inside of me and I really don’t need my insides to be stirred right now, or even think of it for that matter. I should probably stop drinking.

  “So, tell me,” Kellan calls out, “how long are you in town for?”

  I take a sip of my drink, it’s loaded with Irish whiskey. “Only till the wedding,” I respond, meeting his gaze again. “After that, I have to get back.”

  His lips pull back slightly in that sexy grin of his. “So, not long then. Hate to hear it.” I’m starting to hate it too. Shaking my head, I try to drive all indecent thoughts out of my mind, but all I can think about is hearing his voice in the dark, whispering in my ear as he touches me. I push the drink aside and Kellan laughs. “Too much for you?”

  I rub a hand over my face. The room feels hot, but that’s probably because I’m tipsy and he’s making me want things I shouldn’t. “Actually, I was a little drunk to begin with. I think I need some air.”

  Kellan takes my hand. “Come on. There’s a private area out back we can sit. I’ll grab you a bottle of water and we can go out there.”

  He asks the bartender for a water and hands it to me. We walk out of the private room into the hallway and I guzzle the water as we head toward the door. When Kellan opens it, it leads out onto a balcony that overlooks the river. There are people everywhere and I can hear their chattering, but the cool air feels good on my skin.

  “Better?” Kellan asks.

  I nod. “Much. I just needed some fresh air.” There are two wrought iron chairs and he guides me into one.

  “How much have you had to drink today?”

  Groaning, I close my eyes. “Well … I was forced into taking Jell-O shots in the limo. To be honest, I’m not a huge drinker. Doesn’t take much to get me drunk.” Kellan laughs and it makes me smile. That’s one of the things I never forgot about him … the way he laughs.

  “What are you smiling about?” he asks, laughing again.

  I turn to face him. “Your laugh. I remember it from a long time ago. You were always so fun to be around. I always thought you’d end up with Hannah one day.”

  Smiling, he shakes his head. “No. I always had my eye on someone else. Didn’t work out though.”

  “You mean Bridget?” I ask.

  “Fuck no,” he blurts out. “That was over a long time ago.”

  His smile fades and I can see a flash of pain in those blue eyes of his. “What happened?”

  Sighing, he looks off into the distance. “She did me wrong. Never thought I’d get hurt, but I did. After she left me for someone else, I just didn’t give a shit anymore.”

  “Is that when you started growing a beard? In the pictures Hannah and Hallie sent over the years, I thought you were a homeless man.” That’s not exactly true. He’s always been good looking, but I really did hate the long, scraggly beard. Now, he looks sexy with just the stubble.

  Kellan chuckles hard. “You thought I looked homeless? That’s messed up, Hope.”

  I shrug. “Hey, you don’t look it now.” I glance down at his green get up. “Right now, you look like a leprechaun.”

  He peers down at my green tutu. “And you look like a silly fairy.” But then he looks up at me and winks. “A cute one, by the way.” We watch the people walk by on the street and they’re all having such a grand ole time. It’s easy to get lost in the appeal. Feels like it’s been forever since I’ve let loose and had fun.

  Kellan leans back in his chair. “So, tell me about yourself. What’s changed since the last time I saw you?”

  I shrug. “Not much. Got older and left town.”

  His brows lift curiously. “Dating anyone?”

  “No,” I reply, shaking my head. “I was seeing someone a few months ago, but it didn’t work out. We really didn’t have anything in common. He was all into trail riding on his bike and I just couldn’t get into it. I tried once and broke my wrist.”

  Kellan snorts. “And did he wear that girly looking spandex shit?”

  The thought makes me smile. “Yep, but he wasn’t very masculine to begin with. Maybe that’s why I really wasn’t attracted to him. Not that I need a man to protect me, but it’d be nice to have someone who could defend my honor if need be.” I roll my eyes. “Okay, I must really be drunk to say crap like that.”

  He smirks. “I get it. A woman should feel protected when she’s with her man.”

  The door opens and Stewart steps out. “There you both are,” he says, looking concerned.

  Kellan stands and I do the same. “Is everything okay?”
>
  Stewart sighs. “I think Hallie’s had too much to drink. She’s sick so we’re going to head back to the house. The limo should be here in five minutes.”

  I nod. “We’ll be there.”

  Usually, I’d want the night to end, but I don’t want it to now. Plus, I don’t want to go home. My mother will still be awake and all too ready to finish her conversation about how I need to get busy with my life and find a husband. And if I don’t, she’ll handle it for me. My goal was to not go home until I knew she was asleep.

  “What’s wrong?” Kellan asks.

  With a heavy sigh, I meet his gaze. “I don’t want to go home just yet.”

  He shrugs. “Then don’t. You can come with me and I’ll take you home later.”

  The thought tempts me, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not. I trust Kellan not to do anything stupid, but the problem is me. I’m the one I need to worry about.

  “Are you sure?” I ask, second guessing myself, but then he opens his lips and talks to me in that sexy Irish brogue.

  “Come on, lassie. It’ll be fine.”

  How can I say no to that?

  As luck would have it, everyone is dropped off, leaving me and Kellan for last. It, at least, saves me from having to explain to everyone why I’m getting out with Kellan. The last thing I want is Hannah and Hallie knowing and saying something around my mother. I’ll never hear the end of it, and neither would Kellan. She’ll be all over him like a leprechaun with gold coins.

  The limo stops at his apartment complex and we both get out. Gaze narrowed, I look around at the area. It’s nowhere near the ritzy part of New York City, but it’s also not the worst. Kellan didn’t grow up with a bunch of money. I look at him and he holds his hands in the air. “I know, I know, it’s not the fanciest place on the block, but …”

  I smile. “But you’re not the type to show off your money.” Because even though he didn’t have money growing up, I know he has it now.

  His lips tilt slightly. “What can I say? I’m not the type to want more than I need.”

  And that’s what made him different from the rest. He’s not like Stewart, even though they’re best friends. Stewart is a nice guy, but he still has that pretentious way about him just like Hallie and Hannah, and the rest of my family, especially my mother. Kellan is different and that’s what makes him special. We needed someone in the group like him. The group. I say it as if I’m still a part of it, but I haven’t been in a long time. Seeing everyone today made me realize how much I missed being a part of something. Don’t get me wrong, I have friends in Arizona, but there’s something missing.

  Kellan gently cups my elbow. “You okay?”

  I shake my head, but end up swaying on my feet. “Yeah, just a little caught up in my thoughts. Alcohol does that to me sometimes.”

  Still holding onto my arm, he guides me toward the stairs. “You have two choices. I can either throw you over my shoulder and carry you up or you can walk?”

  The thought of him tossing me over his shoulder makes a certain part of me tighten. I’d love to feel his arms around me, but I laugh it off. “I’m perfectly fine to walk up the stairs on my own.” I look up at the building and sigh. “How far up?”

  Kellan chuckles. “Third floor.”

  I shrug. “That’s not too bad.”

  Still holding onto me, we take to the stairs and I may have pretended to wobble a little, so he’d have to hold me closer. When we get to the door, he unlocks it and lets me go in first. His studio apartment isn’t big, but it’s nice. He has a small kitchen and table in one corner, a couch and loveseat in the other with a TV, and then the other half of his apartment is his bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed and two dressers.

  Kellan guides me over to the couch and I sit down. “Want some water?”

  I nod. “That’d be great. Thank you.” He walks over to the refrigerator and pulls out two water bottles. “I’m surprised you didn’t get drunk tonight to celebrate with the guys.”

  He comes back over and sits down. “Someone had to be the responsible one. It was Stewart’s night, so I wanted to look out for him.” He hands me a water and I take a sip. I know I should drink more so I’m not hungover in the morning.

  Strangely, that doesn’t surprise me. “How did you two become such good friends?” I ask. “I don’t think anyone ever told me. All I remember is all of us just hanging out together before I left New York.”

  Kellan stretches his arms out and his muscles tense. God, he has some sexy arms. Focus Hope! He leans back against the couch with his arms behind his head. “We went to the same schools. My parents might not have had money, but they made sure I got a good education.” His blue eyes meet mine and he winks. “Everyone wanted to be friends with the Irish kid. Guess it’s the accent.”

  I roll my eyes. “I know the girls loved it. I remember seeing women fawn all over you that summer before I left.”

  He shrugs. “Couldn’t charm all of them.” Closing my eyes, I lean my head against the couch. The room isn’t spinning anymore. “Why didn’t you want to go home yet?” Kellan asks.

  Scoffing, I open my eyes and face him. “Because my mother will be awake, and I don’t want to listen to her gripe about me being single. She’s been on my ass ever since I got into town.”

  He nods. “Join the club. My ma does the same damn thing. Pisses me off. All she wants is for me to find a good woman that’ll give her grandbabies.”

  Gasping, I sit up. “That’s exactly what my mom wants. Well, except for the part about finding a good woman. I don’t exactly swing that way.” Who would’ve thought we’d have that in common? I throw my hands in the air. “Why are they like that? It’s not like we’re forty-years-old.” We’re both twenty-eight as a matter of fact. That’s still young.

  Kellan shrugs. “Who knows? They’ll just have to wait until we’re damn well ready.”

  That makes me smile. “Exactly.” I lean back against the couch, making sure to move closer to him in the process. Our arms brush against each other and goosebumps fan out across my skin. “It’s been good seeing you again, Kellan. I hate we never kept in touch.”

  “Same,” he replies, his voice low and sexy.

  I swear, I could listen to him talk all day. I look up at him and he looks down at me. When our eyes connect, it’s as if something shifts inside of me. My body moves of its own accord and the next thing I know I’m on his lap and my lips are on his. A deep growl rumbles in his chest and he holds my face, deepening the kiss. My body is on fire and I’m loving every minute of it until he pulls away.

  “We can’t do this, Hope. I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow and say it was all a mistake.” I can see the sincerity on his face.

  “I’m not drunk, Kellan. I may have been a little tipsy earlier, but I know what I’m doing.”

  His eyes darken with need. “What are you doing?”

  I bite my lip. “I just want one night of letting go. No strings, no commitments, just you and me.” I run a hand over his stubbly cheeks, and he closes a hand over mine. The look in his eyes makes me tremble. Not to mention, I can feel that he’s thinking the same thing by the bulge in his pants. “Maybe I’m being foolish for suggesting it.”

  I start to slide off his lap, but he grips my hips, keeping me in place. “You’re fucking killing me right now. I know I should say no, but I can’t. You’re too hard to resist.”

  “Then don’t.”

  There’s conflict behind those blue eyes of his. If he only knew how much I wanted him. I can’t let myself feel that way, but I have to give in a little. After the wedding, I’m sure I’ll never see him again. All I want is a little happiness, even if it’s just for a small amount of time.

  “What time do you want to go home?” he asks, his eyes more heated than before.

  I glance down at his lips. “Just whenever we get done.”

  Kellan grips the back of my thighs and stands. “That’s all I needed to know.” I grab onto his should
ers and hold on tight as he carries me over to his bed. When he sets me down, I run a hand over the soft, navy blue bedspread. He lays right beside me and places a gentle kiss on my neck. “Are you sure this is what you want?” He kisses his way up to my ear and nips my lobe.

  “Yes,” I breathe. “I promise no regrets. This is what I want.”

  I kick off my shoes and move further up his bed. His pillows smell just like him and I love it. Kellan props up on his elbow and stares down at me. He traces the hem of my shirt with his finger, lightly grazing my skin underneath. Chill bumps fan out over my flesh, making him smile. “I never knew my touch could do that to you.”

  “Trust me,” I moan, “it does a lot more than that. A lot more.”

  Groaning, he rolls over on top of me and parts my legs with his knee. “I never thought you’d want someone like me.”

  “Why is that?” I ask.

  He shrugs. “Didn’t think I was your type.”

  “If I remember correctly, you were the one with the girlfriend that summer.”

  His eyes narrow. “Are you saying I could’ve had you then if I was single?”

  That brings a smile to my face. “Guess you’ll never know.”

  His lips brush mine, softly at first, but then turns demanding as our tongues twist together. “Fuck I wish I would’ve known. You have no idea how bad I wanted you back then. How much I want you right now.”

  “Then take me,” I say, desperate to feel him inside me. I didn’t have to repeat it. Kellan lifts my T-shirt over my head and snaps my bra off in just a matter of seconds, exposing my bare skin. His hands are all over me, massaging and kneading to the point I can barely catch my breath. I want more. He squeezes my breasts and lowers his lips to my nipple, sucking it greedily. By now, I’m dying to get out of my tights and tutu. I try to push them down and Kellan chuckles deep in his chest as he helps me and tosses it all to the floor. “It’s your turn,” I say, nodding down at his leprechaun clothes.

  Keeping his eyes one mine, he takes off his clothes and tosses them on the floor. “Happy now?”