Page 78 of The Sweetest Mistake

“She’s a pretty lady just like her sister,” Will said. Everyone stilled for a moment, and Connor noticed Finn’s hand tighten around his beer glass. Everyone at the table knew that Harper had dated Will for a short time before she’d gotten together with Finn. That was months ago, but Finn obviously still felt jealous over it.

To his credit, Finn replied, “Harper’s the most beautiful woman there is to me.”

Liam had been sitting there quietly until Connor nudged him. “So, what’s it going to be, bro? Are you going to grow a set and ask her out?”

“I have asked, okay? She turned me down.”

Pretending like he hadn’t already known this, Connor said, “So, the O’Brien brothers’ charm isn’t working, huh?”

Liam shrugged. “Not yet, but I’ll keep trying.”

“That’s the spirit,” Will said. And then, holding up his water glass, he said, “How about a toast to the beautiful women we love and who love us back?”

Love? Really? Just the thought of it made Connor’s heart race. The word had slipped off Will’s tongue smooth as silk, but he was getting married soon, so it made sense. Finn and Harper had recently moved in together, and Connor suspected that they’d be next. That left him and Liam. But Liam had lowered his head and appeared to be busy choosing the best-looking mozzarella stick from the appetizer tray.

“C’mon, Connor. Raise your glass,” Finn demanded.

Feeling ill at ease, Connor obeyed, and the three of them clinked glasses before taking a drink.

“Why the hesitation, man?” Finn asked once they’d set their drinks down.

Connor shrugged. “Julia and I haven’t said that to each other yet.” Maybe it was the beer that was making him talk, or maybe he just really needed some input from the guys, but he continued. “Things haven’t exactly been smooth and easy for us.”

Finn and Will laughed. “Love isn’t supposed to be easy,” Finn said.

“If it’s too easy, it’s probably friendship, not love,” Will added.

Finn eyed him for a second as if he knew Will was referring to Harper.

“Hold on. Is this guys’ night or ladies’ night?” Liam asked. “Because right now, it sounds an awful lot like ladies talking.”

“Don’t be jealous, Lee,” Finn said, giving him a little shove.

“Why would I be? I’m the only guy here who can go out with whoever he wants.”

Connor laughed. “There’s only one woman you really want, and she’s sitting right across the room.”

“Speak for yourself, brother,” Liam said and then finished off his beer.

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Your…um…ladies wanted me to tell you that they left.” This came from the waiter their women had been ogling.

“Did they seem okay to drive?” Will asked, showing concern.

“You must be Will,” the waiter said.

“Yes.”

“Okay, then. Megan said to tell you that she’s perfectly fine and she’ll meet you at her place later.”

“Any message for me?” Finn asked.

“Which one are you?” the waiter said.

Poor guy. Their women had obviously used him to impart information on their way out. Connor smiled at the thought of it.

“I’m Finn, the best and the brightest O’Brien brother,” he said.

Connor and Liam shook their heads, and Will let out a laugh.