Irish Dreams Read Online Free Page B

designer suit and graced with a decent–if not slim–build. Ethan had come across his type one too many times before. Of course, Rick rubbed him the wrong way. Perhaps it was the air of arrogance he wore along with his diamond encrusted cufflinks. Or maybe his curt tone explained the sudden desire to drive his fist into the man’s smug expression.
    “Maggie, did you hear me?”
    A deep crease formed between her brows. This spineless tool intimidated her. Ethan clenched his fists, wedging himself between them. “Doesn’t seem she wants to talk with you.”
    “Oh Christ, Maggie,” Rick snapped. “Are we going to make a scene over this? I flew several thousand miles. Least you can do is hear me out.”
    “Ethan.” Brushing her hand down his arm, Maggie tugged him back. “It’s okay. Give me some time with him. I’ll only be a minute.”
    Ethan didn’t like it, but he claimed nothing over her. “Okay. I’ll be here if you need anything.”
    They disappeared through the crowd. Bryan came up beside him and thrust a drink toward him. “Whiskey. Don’t tell me you’re already losing to competition.”
    “Losing what?” He took the drink. “Unfortunately, I’m still a married man,” Ethan said.
    “Hardly. Maybe you’re right though. Dating mightn’t be the wisest choice right now.”
    “Miriam and I have been separated nearly two years now. I think that’s break enough.”
    “I meant long-term relationships, not sex.”
    “Aye, I hear you there.” Far too much time had passed since he’d been intimate with a woman, and being near Maggie didn’t help any. He sipped some whiskey as she led the man called Rick out onto the terrace.
    “Who the hell was he anyway?”
    Ethan shrugged. “Not sure. Some Yank named Rick. I don’t think Maggie was too keen on speaking with him either.”
    “Ah, damn it.” Bryan downed his drink. “Let me find Elsie.”
    What did his friend know that he wasn’t telling him? “Wait.” Ethan reached out and grasped Bryan’s arm. “What aren’t you saying? Why go looking for Elsie now?”
    Bryan bowed his head and hooked one hand around the back of his neck. “You’re now getting your freedom. I don’t want you in the middle of another mess.”
    What mess, and how would he end up in the middle? “Why don’t we start with who this Rick is?”
    Taking a deep breath, Bryan said, “Rick Paxton is Maggie’s ex-fiance.”
    Maggie. Engaged. Not a surprise, yet the possessiveness wrenching his gut bothered him. She was a beautiful, interesting woman. “Why ex-fiance?”
    “Not completely sure. Elsie detests him. My guess is the bastard did something stupid. Either way the idiot won’t get away with anything further in my home.”
    “Hey.” Elsie came up and kissed Bryan’s cheek. “This is supposed to be a party. You guys look beyond serious.” She glanced around. “Where’s Maggie?”
    “Talking to some guy named Rick,” Ethan said.
    “What?” She took a step back, then gave Bryan a gentle shove mid-chest. “You know better. Where is she?”
    “Why is he her ex-fiance, Elsie?” The sudden need for an answer burned in Ethan’s chest.
    “Because Rick is an ass who cheated on her with a co-worker and never treated her right.” She met Bryan’s gaze then faced him again. “Reason enough? Now where is Maggie?”
    “I’ll get her.” Ethan headed to the terrace, pushing past people with inexplicable urgency. The large ballroom suffocated with guests. Reaching the terrace doors, he pushed one open only to have the air sucked from his lungs.
    Rick grasped Maggie’s shoulders as his mouth melded with hers. Her dark lashes fanned out against her pale skin. The kiss seemed to last an eternity. As he pulled away, Maggie’s eyes remained closed. “I’ll meet you tomorrow, okay?” Rick asked.
    She nodded, standing motionless as he kissed her cheek. “I love you,” he said, then met Ethan’s stare and winked. “Take care of her for me.”
    Rick left