Chapter 22
THE PUB
I cross the street, drawn towards the lit-up windows of The Tap House bar.
The hum of conversation and music fills the air, and a warm, inviting atmosphere hangs over the place.
But it’s only when we step inside that I truly appreciate its magnificence.
The walls are lined with paintings of all sizes and styles, each one radiating its own unique charm.
In the centre of the floor moves a throng of people, laughing and swaying to the music blaring from the stage.
Everywhere I look, there are smiles on people’s faces; it’s clear everyone here has come for one thing and one thing only – to have fun.
My eyes immediately find Kayla in the crowd, wearing a peach chiffon outfit that makes her look just like the old Peaches otherwise we would have been spending the night in A our fingers brush against each other and I feel a shock of electricity.
I accept the napkin from him, pressing it to my chest, trying to appear nonchalant even though my heart is pounding in my throat.
He runs a hand through his hair. ‘I apologise – you’re completely soaked, and it was my fault…’ His Irish accent is a comforting embrace, its velvety tones ever-so-soft and soothing.
Kayla staggers in behind me, her chest heaving and her face slick with sweat. ‘Oh God! I need something to cool me down!’ she blurts out, before she notices the beer staining my clothes. Her gaze steadies on me, and her eyes grow wide. ‘What happened to you?’
James flashes a sheepish grin and lifts his hands in a small gesture of surrender. ‘My apologies, ladies. A round on me. What can I get you?’ He gazes at us with a twinkle in his kind sapphire eyes.
I shake my head in disagreement. ‘No way! It was my fault. Let me buy you a new one!’
He guffaws. ‘Big Sean would have my head if he heard that I let Rose Clarke’s daughter buy drinks here in Innisfree.’ James lifts a finger to the bartender. ‘Make sure these two get what they want,’ he says, winking.
Kayla pulls out her hand. ‘Thank you! I’m Kayla.’
James takes her hand and they shake. ‘I’m James. It’s a pleasure to meet you,’ he says warmly, his gaze shifting towards me for a moment. ‘Enjoy your night. I’ll see you tomorrow morning in the office, Daisy – I’m looking forward to it.’ He makes his way to a corner booth.
‘Me too!’ I blurt out, my voice too loud in the busy bar.
Kayla gives me an elbow nudge, and once he’s out of earshot, she turns her gaze on me with narrowed eyes. ‘Is that the lawyer?’
‘Yup,’ I mutter. ‘That’s him.’
Kayla starts shaking her head. ‘Oh my word! How are you going to be able to keep yourself in check with him?’ She giggles and waggles her brows. ‘Ash better watch out and start treating you the way you deserve because that man is—’
‘Kayla! Enough. You’ve got your beer goggles on – it’s time to go.’
I link my arm in hers and we hurriedly weave our way through the crowd and out into the chilly night. Although the air around me has cooled, my cheeks remain hot to the touch.