“Yeah,” I say, nodding toward Gabe at the signing table. “He worked hard to get this place ready. Gabe is Aiden’s brother.”
Before Theo can reply, Ciarán appears like he’s been summoned, eyes bright and dangerous. He looks Theo up and down. “And who is this fine specimen?”
Theo barks out a laugh and takes Ciarán’s offered hand, brings it to his lips, and presses a kiss to it.
“Ciarán, this is Theo,” I say through a chuckle. “He owns Needle & Vein.”
Ciarán’s grin is instant. “Finally. Someone in this town who doesn’t look like they wandered out of a farmers’ market.”
Theo’s mouth curves. “And you must be the trouble every small town has.”
Ciarán tilts his head, clearly amused. “Flattered. Usually, I have to work harder for people to realize my talents.”
Theo nods, humor glimmering in his eyes. “You give off big‘I’m a total fucking brat’energy.”
Abbie strolls over, catching that comment, and grins. “Oh, he definitely does. Don’t encourage him.”
“No, I give off‘try tame me and regret it’energy,” Ciarán shoots back, a wicked glint in his eyes. His eyes shoot toward Aiden momentarily.
Theo licks his lips as he looks Ciarán over appreciatively. “Sounds like we’d get on well.”
“Is that so?” Ciarán flirts, obviously enjoying the way Theo is eye-fucking him. The rest of us may as well not be here.
Aiden steps in just in time to catch that last line. Rose balanced on his hip, little snores escaping her. His eyes narrow between them. “I see you two have met.” His tone is dry as bone, making it clear he’s not entirely thrilled about that.
“Yeah. Thinking of getting my nipples pierced by Theo. What do you think?” Ciarán asks, brushing his hands over his chest, all faux innocence and fluttering lashes.
My friend closes his eyes, sighing. “Do you ever stop misbehaving?”
“You could always try make me?” Ciarán says teasingly.
“Fucking hell,” Aiden mutters, shifting Rose and heading back toward the chairs.
Ciarán calls after him, “Bye, Daddy!”
I choke on a laugh. Aiden’s going to murder him one of these days, but Gabe and Rose adore the man, so that might save his life.
Abbie rolls her eyes so hard, I’m worried they’ll get stuck. “You’re impossible.”
Theo smirks and says fondly at the same time, “You’re a little shit.”
“I try,” Ciarán replies, pleased with himself.
Abbie leans her hip against the counter, smirking. “Finally,” she says. “Someone who might actually keep up with him.”
I worry for Willowrun if these two team up.
Ciarán preens. “Iamvery high-energy.”
“Couldn’t tell,” I deadpan, causing Ciarán to grin at me.
I glance at Gabe. He’s standing by Abbie now, half behind her, hands tucked in his pockets. There’s the faintest curve to his mouth, and I realize he’s enjoying this. Enjoying them. Thenerves are still there, but I see the hopeful glimmer in his eyes, like he wants to be part of this.
“Gabe, Abbie,” I say, catching their attention, “this is Theo, by the way.”
Theo straightens, an easy smile on his face as he takes Abbie’s hand. Then he offers a hand to Gabe. “Nice to finally meet you. Aiden and Noah have told me all about you.”
Great, thanks for that, Theo. Sure, let Gabe know I apparently spend all my free time talking about him.
