I take a shuddering breath. “I…I want that too, Eamon.”
Bringing his hand back to cup my face gently, he slowly presses his lips to mine in a chaste kiss.
“Good,” he says then leans back. “Now, what are we going to do for the rest of the evening?”
I hum as an idea forms. “We could watch Beauty and the Beast. I know we said we’d watch it tomorrow, but maybe we can find something else to do.”
I don’t care what we do just as long as we’re together, and I should probably be ashamed to feel like a teenager in the throes of first love, but I’m not. I didn’t date in high school, and after the attack, I didn’t even consider dating as a possibility. Eamon just does something to me, and I like it.
“Aye, we could. What did you have in mind for tomorrow?” he asks.
“I don’t have anything in mind, really, but we could figure that out then. I feel like being spontaneous.”
He looks at me dubiously. “I’m intrigued now. You don’t strike me as a spontaneous person. No offense.”
I huff a laugh. “I’m usually not, but apparently, all things Irish bring out a different side of me. Like a drinking contest.”
My mind wanders back to my time in Ireland. I was a different person on that trip; exploring everywhere, trying everything, and talking to everyone. Then I discovered O’Nelly’s, which led me to Eamon, who has a way of drawing me out of my comfort zone.
Eamon looks at me in mock outrage. “I see how it is. Blame it all on the Irish bloke! Never mind the fact that I tried to talk you out of said drinking contest.”
Laughing loudly, I turn to poke him in the chest, but he catches my hand, bringing my fingers to his lips and kissing them. “I’m really glad you didn’t listen.”
“Me too,” I sigh, resting my head on his chest.
Chapter Twenty
Eamon
It’s well past midnight when I wake up to find that, at some point, Norah and I shifted positions. My legs are outstretched with my head resting on the arm of the sofa. Norah is wedged between my body and the back cushions, her slender arm draped over my stomach and her head on my chest. One of my arms is wrapped around her while the other is tucked behind my head. I don’t remember how or when we got here, but I’m not upset about it. I watch her for a few minutes, slowly running my fingers over her hair. I’m always aware of how beautiful she is, but seeing her asleep on my chest takes my breath away. Her delicate features soften while she sleeps, the tension melting away and making her appear angelic and peaceful. I shift carefully out from under her so that Idon’t wake her.
“Eamon?” she murmurs, just as I start scribbling her a note. I turn to see her sitting up, covering a yawn with the back of her hand.
“Right here, love. I was hoping I wouldn’t wake you,” I reply, stepping back to the couch to sit beside her.
“What time is it? How long have I been out?” she asks, her voice husky with sleep.
“It’s just after midnight, and I’m not sure, honestly. I fell asleep as well. The last thing I remember is the Beast showing Belle the library.”
“Oh, that’s my favorite part! And right before the ballroom scene. I’m sorry we missed it.” She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d offer to go back, but it’s so late. I really should go to bed.”
Standing, I pull her up to her feet. “Aye. You’ve a busy day tomorrow, don’t you?”
She nods as I wrap my arms around her, gently hugging her to me. I brush a kiss to the top of her head before walking to the door.
“Lock up behind me so I know you’re safe,” I order before stepping onto the porch.
“Yes, boss.” She playfully rolls her eyes.
“Good girl.” I grin, ducking to kiss her gently. “Goodnight, Norah. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
* * *
A loud, blaring noise startles me from my sleep. Groaning,I reach for the alarm, desperately wanting to hit the snooze button, but I have too much to accomplish today. Homework is stacking up, I have a few odd jobs to do at Paddy’s, and then there’s practice before spending another evening with Norah. The thought of seeing her again perks me up significantly. Stretching, I head for the shower. I have about three hours to devote to homework before going to Paddy’s. He wasn’t intentionally doing anything to upset me, but I’m not happy with how we left things the other night. I just wasn’t prepared for the conversation that would undoubtedly follow. It worked out well enough though, so there’s no sense in holdinga grudge.
After getting ready, I grab my bag and head to Margie’s. Not just because I’m addicted to her scones, but because it’s my favorite place to study. It’s too easy to be lazy at home, and the library on campus is too quiet. Margie’s is perfect because it’s busy enough to have a white noise effect, but not so busy that it’s chaos. I find my usual spot by the window and set my bag down so no one will snatch it while I order coffee.
I’m just finishing up a paper for one of my education classes when I feel a hand clap down on my shoulder, nearly scaring the life out of me.
