Page 52 of Falling for Raine

I raised a single brow. “I met you and lost a few crucial marbles?”

“No, worse. You’re a snob.”

“I am no such thing.”

“Yeah, you are. You have to wear the nicest clothes, sit at the best table, carry the poshest umbrella.” Raine snickered gleefully. “Or…maybe you’re just a control freak. Unless you were always particular about the quality of your umbrellas…even as a kid.”

I sipped my pint and rolled my eyes. “I never carried an umbrella or wore a coat when I was young.”

His face fell. “Shit, that was insensitive. I’m sorry. Lots of people go without basic necessities, and it’s so wrong and?—”

“No, no. That’s not it.” I shook my head. “I’m sure there were brollies and cast-off coats in the cupboard, but boys in my neighborhood have the thickest of skins. We don’t feel cold, and the rain doesn’t bother us none.”

“Ah, so you’ve gone soft in your old age,” he taunted.

I clandestinely held up my middle finger against my glass, biting the inside of my cheek when he cackled like a loon. “I think you really do want that trip over my knee.”

Raine choked on his wine. “Oh, my God. Don’t do that to me. I have a semi already.”

“Really? I didn’t think you liked daddy games,” I singsonged.

“I don’t. I just—okay, maybe I do.” He kicked my shin and scowled adorably. “Tell me about your day. Who made you so mad you had to go spend a fortune on a suit you don’t need?”

“That wasn’t retail therapy. I’ve had that appointment with Lawrence for ages and I’m not angry.” I blew out a breath and continued in my native accent, “Though, mind, it was a shite day.”

“God, I love the way you talk,” Raine gushed, leaning across the table to muss my hair and tug at my collar. “Lose the jacket and tie, roll up your sleeves, and tell me who pissed in your Cheerios, G.”

I was too charmed to feign irritation. I liked this man far too much. I liked his energy, his passion, and his tireless capacity to find silver linings. Even at his age, I’d never been quite so…optimistic. I’d honed my focus like a weapon over the years. Only fools dropped their guard, and I was no fool.

But I had to admit, I was bloody exhausted. The idea of shedding a layer of artifice and letting go with a lover who was beginning to feel like a friend was enticing.

So I did as he suggested. I shimmied off my coat, loosened my tie, rolled up my sleeves, and shared the day’s frustrations over a plate of chips and a second pint.

“There are hoondreds of moving pieces in an acquisition. Doesn’t matter how prepared you are, little details snag the machinery. Sometimes it’s deliberate, and it’s usually a last grasp for more money. Understandable, aye?”

“So the mint and chip guy is a greedy dickwad?”

I nodded. “Strong emphasis on dickwad.”

“Why does he want the house?”

“He doesn’t. Blower wants to fuck wi’ me. Bastard,” I spat, slugging down half the contents of my glass.

“You must really hate that dude. Your consonants are blending,” Raine teased with a cheeky smile.

I chuckled in spite of the dark mood I’d brought with me.

“I lied when I said this acquisition wasn’t personal,” I admitted. “It’s very personal.”

“Believe it or not, I caught that. Your eyes get scary when you mention that guy. He must have been the worst boss ever.”

I sipped my beer and sat taller in my chair. “There’s more to it than that. When I worked for Blower twenty-five years ago, I was a fresh-faced, idealistic young man…a mite rough around the edges, but a hard worker. I was smart, too. I knew it was best to keep my private life private.”

“You weren’t out at work?”

“No way. No one anywhere needed to know I was…”

“Gay?” he suggested.