“Thank you again for lunch and the company,” I say, looking up at his handsome face.
“It was my absolute pleasure. Thank you for letting me interrupt your busy day. I feel properly educated on how to assemble a ball gown now,” he teases me.
“Careful,” I tell him, “or I’ll make you stay and sew tiny beads on the bodice. It’s the worst part of creating these pieces. Always worth it in the end though.”
“As much as I would love to spend the rest of the day with you, I’m confident that I’d ruin it all and you’d never speak to me again.”
The thought of spending the rest of the day with him is oh-so-tempting.
“You’re probably right,” I concede. “However, I happen to enjoy talking to you and am innately selfish. So off you go, Kennedy.”
I move towards the door, expecting him to move aside, but he stays still. I freeze as I brush up against his rock-solid body. Knowing he’s in decent shape from playing soccer is different than actually feeling those muscles. My heart is racing as I trail my eyes up his torso and over his broad chest and shoulders. I suck in a breath when our eyes meet. His ignited gaze flickers to my mouth, and he inhales a deep breath. Squeezing his eyes shut, he takes a half step back.
“Right.” Eamon clears his throat. “I better leave you to it, then.” He turns toward the door, taking a step onto the small porch. “I’ll see you Monday. Unless…”
“Unless what?” I ask, curiously.
“We have a match tomorrow on home turf. I know you’re swamped with costumes, but if you think you might want a break, I’ll leave your name atthe booth for a couple of VIP seats. Bring a friend if you’d like.”
Grinning like an idiot, I nod my head. “I’d love that, thank you. I probably won’t bring Myra though. I’m not sure I could sit through the game listening to her talk about all the things she’d like to do with Mac.”
Eamon laughs loudly. “Can’t say that I blame you, lass. Plus, I’d rather your attention not be on that tosser.”
“Oh, I can assure you that I won’t be watching Mac.”
Realizing what I just admitted, I slap a hand over my mouth, face going up in flames. Eamon’s smile transforms from his signature smirk to a full-on grin—with dimples!Of coursehe has dimples. Why not? Everything else about him is perfect.
“I better not botch the game, then.” He winks at me, which sends heat straight to my core. “Game’s at four. See you tomorrow, Norah.”
I stand there, gaping like a fish, as he gets in his car and drives away. Turning to go back inside, I tell myself to focus and finish as much on the costumes as possible so that I can make it to the game tomorrow.
Eamon
Back at my flat, I’m on the couch, laptop balancing on my knees. I’m determined to find the arsehole that attacked Norah, but I need more information. I remember his name and the town she lived in, but I doubt that will get me too far. Like any good detective, I start by stalking her social media account. Her profile picture is of her and who I assume is her mother. They have the same deep blue eyes and smile. Clicking theAboutsection, I scroll down to past education. There. Pine Hills High School. Switching to her friends list, I figure someone has to be a mutual friend between the two of them. Before I get too far into my investigation, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Fishing it out of my pocket, I see it’s Ro.
“Hiya, Ro,” I say absently.
“He actually answered! Figured you’d be busy with your new mot if ya catch my meaning.”
“Fuck off,” I mutter. Of course, that’s where Ro’s mind wanders too.
“Ah, c’mon you narky hole. I’m only slagging you. Where are you anyway?”
“My flat. Doing a bit of research on…well, never mind that. What’s up?”
I shut the laptop and place it on the coffee table, knowing I’ll never be able to focus with Ro gabbing at me. The wanker can talk the hind legs off a donkey.
“Heading to O’ Nelly’s tonight? Mac’s after getting hammered.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose between my thumb and index finger, letting out a groan. “Is he mental? We’ve a match tomorrow. You’re not seriously thinking about going, are you, Ro?”
“Yeah, I might. Have one pint with me. Come on, Kennedy. Don’t make me deal with Mac on my own,” Ro whines.
“You know I don’t drink before a match, you eejit. Why doesn’t he wait until tomorrow night?”
I knew Mac was stupid, but this is a whole new level.
“He wants to impress that new girl that’s been hanging on. She’s friends with your Norah. What’s her name, again?”
