Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
“Jesus, Rory,” Matthew swore, laughing despite the knots in his stomach. “You’re not helping.”
“Yes, I am. Just go say hello.” Rory put his hand on Matthew’s back and pushed lightly. “Report back after this assignment for further instructions and a cookie.”
Matthew hesitated, before walking slowly in Oliver’s direction. Was he really going to do this? Just go up and introduce himself to the man who’d thrown him so off balance he no longer knew which end was up?
Getting this impromptu dinner together had been the best idea he could come up with, and he wasn’t feeling all that confident about it at the moment.
But then again, his current plan of waiting for Oliver to make eye contact or initiate their meeting himself was a giant fail, so at this point Robert was right. Other than being rejected in a way that might scar him for life, what did he have to lose?
You are a sad excuse for a Finn.
He wasn’t sure where his confidence had gone. He’d hooked up with women he barely knew with less grief than this more times than he could remember. Holding back wasn’t his style, and to be honest, that could be a contributing factor to his nerves.
Maybe he’d blown the situation all out of proportion, and this awkward introduction was just what he needed to break the spell. Oliver H. Garcia might not be as mysterious or intriguing on closer inspection.
Stranger things had happened.
The man in question turned his head, as if suddenly sensing Matthew’s presence beside him. “Can I help you?”
God, he hoped so, because he had the sneaking suspicion he’d forgotten how to breathe and the ground was falling away beneath his feet.
“Hey.”
Chapter Two
Hey?
Weren’t all Irishmen, Finns more than most, blessed with the gift of gab? His brother had used his charm to talk his way into a secret wedding for fuck’s sake.
Hey.
Maybe Matthew could be forgiven, since up close, Oliver was the first man he’d ever been able to describe as truly beautiful. Not merely pretty or handsome, but looking-at-you-makes-me-tongue-tied gorgeous.
He tried to take in the details with a single greedy glance. Golden brown skin that glistened—fucking glistened—with sweat. Perfectly toned muscles that could only have been sculpted with a lifetime of focus. Not two weeks in a gym.
Stop staring and say something. He’s looking at you like you’re crazy.
“It’s Oliver, right?”
That sounded casual enough. Short, but unassuming. Friendly, even. So why had there been a momentary spark of wariness in those warm brown eyes?
Damp curls clung to Oliver’s temple as he pulled out his ear buds. Without responding, he looked around Matthew’s shoulder towards the only other people in the building.
“They’re staring, aren’t they?” You bastards.
“Hey there, guy whose name I don’t know. Yes. They are definitely staring. Wait.” He paused, pursing his lips. “They were staring. Now they’re pretending to look at something behind us. This is a fun game.”
Matthew put his hands behind his back and made a rude gesture only they would see. “Sorry about that. Nosy family members. Still getting used to them.”
Oliver’s perfectly arched eyebrows rose slowly as he spoke. “You must be the owner’s brother. I don’t see any freckles, and you aren’t as built, but that accent is hard to miss and he’s mentioned you before. Mark?”
Matthew couldn’t decide what to react to first. The melodic sound of Oliver’s voice, his no-nonsense way of speaking, or the unflattering description.
Mark? Ouch.
“My name is Matthew. Matthew Finn. And yes, apparently I’m William’s less-built younger brother.”
Oliver set his free weights down, not quite hiding the flush that tinged his cheeks. “That was rude, wasn’t it? I tend to lose track of things when I’m in the zone. The time, my manners, maybe a few brain cells...” He stuck out his hand. “Oliver Garcia.”
Matthew took it, trying not to appear too eager. He wasn’t sure if it was his palm or Oliver’s that was damp, but the man’s grip was as strong and steady as his gaze. A tingle spread up Matthew’s arm and he had to force himself to let go before things got awkward.
Way too late.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your workout, Oliver.”
“Why did you?”
“What?”
“Why did you leave the nosy family you’re still getting used to just to introduce yourself to me?” He glanced around, as if just noticing the empty gym. “So far I’ve only seen a few guys around when I come here, other than the handsome suit at the front desk. He’s always around. Do you work here, too?”
Matthew’s smile slipped and he rocked back on his heels. He could have gone forever without hearing Oliver call Robert handsome.
“No, I’m just here for moral support. You managed to get in the door early so you might not know this, but the grand opening is coming up next week. The place should fill up fast if the guy at the front desk—a breast man, to hear him tell it—is any good at his job.”