“To be fair,” I said around a mouthful, “it’s a damn good fry.”
“It better be, if it’s outperforming my best friend.”
“Well,” I shrugged, “not on one of his good days.”
He chuckled, but his amusement flickered away as his gaze shifted over my shoulder. I followed his line of sight to the bar, where a blond, handsome guy had settled onto a stool. Recognition hit instantly—he was the guy I’d seen portaling in with James and Maurice’s body.
"Who’s he?" Jackson murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
I stole another glance, pretending not to notice the sudden rigidity in his posture. "I think he’s an Offensive from Crown." I turned back to Jackson, studying his face. Something was…off. "Want to go over and introduce ourselves?"
Jackson swallowed hard, nodding once. Which was interesting, because Jackson never swallowed hard. He wasn’t the swallowing hard type.
We both stood, making our way toward the stranger. The guy looked up, pleasantly surprised at our approach, and stood to greet us. Up close, he was even more striking—tall and broad-shouldered, with the kind of effortless confidence that made it clear he was used to being noticed.
His tousled blond hair was long enough to be perpetually messy in that annoyingly perfect way, and his sharp blue orbs carried a glint of mischief, even as he studied us with quietcuriosity. A hint of stubble shadowed his jaw, adding to the rugged, charmingly unbothered look, screaming Irish rogue.
Jackson extended his hand. "Hi, I’m Jackson Lau," he said firmly and measured.
Before I could introduce myself, the new guy’s voice cut through with an unmistakable Irish lilt. "Sean McGrath. Third cycler. Nice to meet ye. Lau ye say? Yer James’s friend, the first cycle Orator?"
Jackson cocked his head, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face. "Yes, I’m a first cycler. Is that a problem?"
Sean frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Why would that be a problem, eh?"
Jackson’s tone grew colder. "It shouldn’t be, but you asked as if it were."
"Well, it’s not," Sean shot back, looking slightly irritated now.
"Glad to hear," Jackson replied curtly, his posture straight and rigid.
I glanced between the two, some kind of charge in the air like a live wire. They were staring each other down, neither backing off. I stepped in, trying to cut through the awkwardness. "Okay…" I ventured hesitantly, "That seemed unnecessarily hostile."
Sean shook his head once, then turned to face me, as if noticing me for the first time. A charming grin slowly spread across his face. “Ah, beautiful, smart, and witty—ye must be Emma.”
I blinked, slightly taken aback. “Those are a lot of compliments, coming from someone who’s never met me.”
Sean’s grin widened. “James’s words, love. He wouldn’t stop goin’ on about ye. Glad to finally put a face to the woman who’s managed to put a smile on me broodiest friend.”
I couldn’t help but grin back. It was impossible not to like this guy—though Jackson’s glowering suggested it wasn’t entirely impossible.
"Yes, well, my Mister Dark ‘n Stormy certainly has his broody days," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Sean let out a laugh, bright and infectious. "Ye named him after a cocktail? A woman after me own heart." With a wink, he hopped off his stool, then smoothly linked his arm with mine as he steered me away from an even moodier Jackson.
"What’s his deal?" Sean whispered, nodding toward Jackson as we made our way to the other side of the bar where the bartender stood waiting.
I shrugged, a ridiculous spark of excitement surging at how easy it was to connect with Sean. "Never known him to be like this. You must bring it out of him."
“Just my luck,” he muttered under his breath, clearly amused.
I smirked, deciding to tease him a bit. “So, this accent of yours… Any chance you’re from Ireland?”
Sean let out a hearty laugh, filled with warmth and a chiming charm. “What gave it away? Was it me rollin' ‘R’?”
“That, plus I’m from Boston,” I said with a wink. “I’m used to hearing it. Makes me feel at home.”
Sean’s smirk deepened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Explains your presence at this wonderful pub. Glad you’re that comfortable with me. Though I don’t know how yer boyfriend’s going to feel about it.”
