Page 15 of Irish Betrayal

She’d been told it was wrong to feel that way for him, but how could that be? He was never anything but gentle and kind. Blair grew up surrounded by a lot of wonderful, intelligent men, her father number one on that list, so she would know.

Blair had agonized for hours since she got back from visiting her family over Christmas before telling Peter, her mentor, friend, and at times more, that against his wishes, she was going to meet Daniel and tell him how she felt. If Peter cared for her like he claimed, he would understand.

She and Peter just weren’t meant to be. They would always be friends, but that was all she wanted from him. It sounded ungrateful, but Blair had outgrown the infatuation with her teacher.

She’d gotten the shock of her life when Peter had instantly messaged her back. “I understand.”

Her heart had thrummed so hard that her chest ached and her stomach cramped. She could hardly believe her eyes.

Finally. Finally. Finally.

Peter finally recognized that she was all grown up and ready to make her own decisions. She was well versed in human emotions despite her deafness and was ready, capable, and willing to make personal decisions for herself.

Peter had helped her through some difficult years, and they would always be close friends, but their relationship, or whatever one wished to call it, needed to end.

Besides, Blair was almost positive that he was in love with one of the new science teachers. Peter was unaware that she’d seen them a few times around campus.

The woman was in her mid-twenties and lovely, and she followed Peter around the campus like a lost puppy. Her eyes would light up when he showed her any attention.

Sadly, the woman’s reaction had reminded her a little too much of herself a few years ago. That, more than Peter’s obtrusiveness, was the catalyst to break free.

Blair felt ready to give Daniel what he needed. What she needed. She needed to leave her past behind.

She had to leave it.

Because she was ahead with all her college work, Blair had been able to spend almost an entire month at home over the holidays. Her parents were excited about her move to America, especially since they were acquainted with the Stantons, whom she would be living with part of the time, and the O’Faolains, and Josephine was from the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area. Still, they insisted on spending as much time with her while they could, and Blair was all for it.

Daniel hadn’t stopped texting her while she’d been in Scotland—not since that night, actually.

Daniel: Can I come see you in Scotland? I have a present for you.

Blair: No. I promise to call when I’m home. I have something for you too.

Daniel: Does the present start with S and end in X? I’ve been dreaming about your naked body.

Blair: STOP! I’m playing chess with Laith. He so much as sees the word naked on my phone screen, and it’ll be your funeral.

Daniel: Stop avoiding me, and I won’t have to resort to sexting. The time for running from me is over. You going to Oklahoma for four months doesn’t mean anything to me. That’s what private planes are for.

Blair: Such a snobby brat.

Daniel: You ran from me that night. I want you to understand that I won’t let you go again. You’re hiding something from me. You’re my best friend besides Jonathan and Ciar.

Blair: And Bébhinn, Gray, and Mags.

Daniel: Yeah, but I don’t want to put their boobs in my mouth or stick my dick in them. Not the same.

Blair: You are out of control, Dan. You’re worse than Mags. I’ll tell your mama about your dirty mouth if you keep this up.

Daniel: You like my mouth. I want you to trust me.

Blair: I’ve always trusted you, Dan. It’s me I question.

Daniel: I doubt you’ve ever done anything questionable.

Blair: I wish that were true.

Daniel: Does this have anything to do with you kicking me out of your garden—after you came all over my fingers and me all over my stomach? I still can’t believe I did that.