I swallow thickly. Not wanting a repeat of our almost kisses to be outside of a bathroom, I place a hand on his chest and push him gently back. Smiling broadly at him, I shrug before turning to walk away but pause to glance over my shoulder.
“Maybe, guapo.”
Chapter Eleven
Layla
I’m at Paddy O’Nelly’s with Norah, Eamon, and Charlie.While the girls and I chat, Teagan and Rowan saunter into the pub. My eyes roam over Teagan from the weathered royal blue ball cap on his head to the Converse on his feet, appreciating the way his green UNCW hoodie and dark-wash jeans cling to his muscular body. He makes casual look better than good. He greets the pub owner, Paddy, with a hug before swinging his gaze around the space. Once he spots me, he grins, putting those dimples on display, before making his way over to me.
“Evenin’. You’re looking lovely, Layla,” he says as he takes the seat next to me, throwing his arm over the back of my chair.
“Thanks,” I mutter, my face heating.
As the night progresses, more drinks are consumed and our group chats, laughing for what seems like hours. Occasionally, I feel Teagan’s fingers playing with myhair or grazing my shoulder. He never removes his arm from the back of my chair, and the more I imbibe, the closer I lean into him. We are like magnets, drawn together, unable and unwilling to resist the pull. His subtle touches sear me to my bones, stoking my fire from a simmer to a blaze. I am on the verge of suggesting we leave and go to my house when a commotion at the door has us all freezing mid-sentence. Mac, a fellow Seahawks teammate, stumbles in completely blitzed out of his mind, due to learning a few hours ago that Myra is pregnant with his baby, completely unplanned. While it is a complete shock to the rest of us, Norah and Eamon apparently already knew and, thankfully, are able to calm him down before sending him home safely.
“Mac as a father. Now that’s something I can’t believe,” Rowan exclaims. “That wanker can’t even take care of himself!”
Teagan barks out a laugh. “True enough. I hope Myra is prepared to raise the kid without him.”
“You never know,” I say, turning to him with a shrug, “maybe he’ll wake up tomorrow a new man.”
“Also true, love.” Teagan winks and brushes my hair off of my shoulder. “I’ll swing by and check in on him in the morning.”
I smile at him, completely smitten with this act of kindness. “Text me after. I was thinking about going to Airlie Gardens. I might want some company.”
Then, without giving him a chance to respond, I rise from my seat, hug Norah and Charlie goodbye, and leave.
* * *
I’m dancing around my living room, trying to expel the nervous energy coursing through me while I wait to hear from Teagan. He said he would check on Mac last night and I’m anxious not just for an update, but also to know if he plans on joining me. The sound of my phone chiming, has me tripping over myself as I rush to it.
Teagan:Morning, love. Still want company today?
Layla:Good morning. I wouldn’t turn it down if you’re free.
Teagan:For you? I’m always available.
Layla:If only you could see how hard I’m rolling my eyes right now. Want me to pick you up? You’re on the way to Airlie Gardens.
Teagan:You’re not rolling your eyes. You’re probably blushing. But yes, if it’s not too much trouble.
Layla:I’m choosing to ignore that first part. I’ll be there in twenty.
Twenty minutes later, I’m pulling up to the apartment complex. It isn’t fancy by any means, but it’s nicer than what most college students live in. I spent the entire drive trying to regulate my breathing and calm my nerves. I park the car and sit there trying to decide if I should just text him to let him know I’m here or knock on the door. The decision is made for me when my phone buzzes in the console.
Teagan:Want to come in? You don’t have to wait in your car. I’m a little behind schedule. Door’s open.
I inhale deeply. Eamon had gone back to Norah’s place with her after leaving Paddy’s, so I’ll be alone with Teagan in the apartment. No big deal, right?
Layla:Okay. Be right up.
Stepping out of the car, I tuck my hair behind my ears, suck in another deep breath, and climb the stairs to the second-story apartment. He said the door is open, but I’m hesitant to just barge right in, so I knock a couple of times before slowly opening the door. “Knock knock,” I call out quietly, then freeze.
Teagan is leaning against the breakfast bar that separates the open floor plan with his phone to his ear, ball cap on backwards. And shirtless. He’s holding the phone with one hand, while the other is resting on top of the hat, and the muscles in his arms flex in the most distracting way. I knew he had tattoos but never realized that the band around his bicep is actually an intricate rope of Celtic designs. The North Carolina sun has left his skin golden, and I let my gaze drift over his torso, appreciating every defined line on his chest and stomach. When my eyes drop lower, I realize the top button of his jeans is open, showcasing the V leading down below the waistband.
Holy shit.
“Ma, no, it’s fine. Really.” His deep, lilting accent floats through the room. “I know you are, but it’s grand. That’s what public transportation and good friends are for.”
