Page 2 of Taken With You

The kid had game, even though I didn’t think he was dating anyone. At least, not right now. But he knew how to romance women—even if it was all in jest. After all, I was pretty sure he had had a hand in helping each of his older brothers get and keep their women.

When and if I ever decided to enter a relationship, I’d either have to go to Dillon for help if I wanted to keep it. Or stay far away. The latter, especially if I knew that maintaining distance between myself and whomever I might be interested in would be the best thing for everyone.

After the wedding party had left, I followed the rest of the guests, nodding at a few as they smiled at me. I was the Connolly bartender. Meaning I knew a lot of people’s names, even more faces, and their favorite drinks. I knew a few secrets, too, because everybody always talked to their favorite bartender. But most people didn’t know me. And I was just fine with that.

I slid my hand over my clean-shaven face and frowned. I’d had a beard for as long as I could remember, but had shaved for the wedding. It was something my mother would have wanted me to do—not that I had seen or heard from her in decades. I didn’t feel like myself anymore without the hair, though. It was weird to look at the man in the mirror and realize that…hey, that’s me, the man under the beard. I wasn’t sure I really liked it.

But it would grow back. Hopefully as fast as it had last time.

I’d already decided that I probably wouldn’t shave for the rest of the weddings. All of the Connollys were getting married. Except for Dillon. That kid had a ways to go.

At least, I figured he did. I hoped he wouldn’t get hitched at nineteen or whatever the hell age he was.

Brendon and Harmony were doing a buffet-style meal at the reception. That way, nobody had to sit down unless they wanted to. And that was just fine with me. I hated formal events where I had to play nice and act like I knew what I was doing.

Harmony’s family came from money. And as I looked around the tent that we were under with all the waiters in black tie, and every little detail perfect, I realized it was evident if you looked hard enough.

I remembered Brendon and Harmony complaining at the bar one night that her parents wanted to go all out for the event, even though this was her second wedding, and she wanted to do something small.

Apparently, they’d compromised. The wedding wasn’t huge or insane, but it was nice.

I looked over at the food. The piles of it looked amazing, hot, and were probably tasty, and I figured that I could handle this kind of nice.

Anything for my stomach was a good idea.

“Hey, you’re late,” Dillon said as he came up to my side, holding a small plate with something on a skewer that looked really fucking good. “They announced over the speakers that everybody could start eating. That way, nobody has to mill around. I think it’s only appetizers for now. Not quite sure. Never been to one of these things.” Dillon shrugged before taking a bite. The kid’s eyes rolled back, and he moaned.

“Good stuff?” I asked, sliding my hands into my suit pants’ pockets.

“The best. Just don’t tell Aiden, because he didn’t actually cook this.”

I laughed and then shook my head. “But one of his friends did, right?”

“Yeah, one of the chefs that worked with him at his old place. He ended up leaving after Aiden did. The whole place is a mess now because of the owner’s son or whoever ended up being the head chef. Not quite sure what the whole story is, but Aiden’s friend opened up a catering business, and I think the Connollys are going to hire them. I don’t mind. There’s some good stuff here.” Dillon took another bite and moaned again. “Seriously good stuff.”

“I’ll have to get some, then.”

“So why were you late?” Dillon asked, taking another bite.

My mouth was watering at this point, but I figured I could talk for a bit. “I was just walking around before I came in here. I was like thirty seconds behind you, seriously.” I rolled my eyes and then gestured for the kid to walk over to the buffet area with me. They had stations everywhere so, thankfully, there wasn’t a huge line. I got a little plate of skewers, some cheese, and figured I’d save room for the rest of the dinner. I hadn’t been hungry before, but smelling all the food? Now, I was downright famished. I looked up and met Meadow’s gaze across the aisle.

Great, now I was starving for something else. The kick in my gut that always came when I saw her did its thing. I ignored it and gave her a smile, then winked and turned away. I didn’t want to see her reaction.

I honest to God didn’t know if she even remembered me from before. Previous to the first time she’d walked into the bar to meet with Violet. I really hoped she didn’t. I didn’t want that part of my past out in the world. And, from the way she acted, I had a feeling no one knew her past either.

It was better for both of us if we ignored it.

And that’s what I would keep telling myself.

It wasn’t as if she and I had truly talked before that first bar meeting. I’d only seen her from afar, and we’d never actually met.

“So you ready to move out?” I asked before taking a bite. “Hold that thought. Dear God, this is amazing.”

Aiden looked over Sienna’s head and glared at me.

I flipped him the bird before eating some more.

The other man just rolled his eyes, a laugh twitching his mouth before he moved his attention back to his woman. Good. That was where it was supposed to be. Not on me and the amazing skewers I was about to come over.