“That sounds like literal hell,” I say in disgust. “Why do they subject themselves to this kind of torture?”
“I’m not complaining. God, look at him. It should be illegal to look that good. He makes me have very inappropriate thoughts.” Norah sighs.
I throw my head back with a laugh. “Who are you, and what have you done with Norah Grady? I don’t think I’ve ever even heard you talk about a man’s body before!”
Norah sighs again. “I can’t describe it, but Eamon makes me feel alive in ways I didn’t know I could feel. He’s not just the sexiest man alive, but he’s kind and thoughtful. He hasn’t even tried to pressure me into sleeping with him. Listen to me. I sound like a crazy person. We just met, and I already sound like…”
“You’re in love!” The pang of jealousy I feel is quickly squashed by the joy I feel for my friend. Norah was raped in high school and, understandably, has been terrified of getting anywhere near men since. Meeting Eamon was one of the best things that could have happened to her.
Norah’s cheeks flame, and she shakes her head. “No, that’s not possible. People don’t fall in love that fast in real life. I’m in lust, that’s for sure, but every time things start to get heavy, my body locks up in fear. I’m not sure if we’ll even be able to have a physical relationship.”
“Hey,” I say softly, squeezing her arm. “You’re not always going to feel so scared. This is the first guy you’ve talked to in years, and if he’s half as amazing as you say he is, then I’m sure he understands your hesitations. And if he doesn’t, then he can take it up with me and the rest of the girls. You know we’ve always got your back.”
Norah leans in to hug me tightly. “Thanks, Lay. I have the best of friends. Well maybe not Myra at the moment, but the rest of you are the best.”
Any kind of conflict involving Myra is bound to be full of drama. Norah tells me how Myra barged into her house and accused Eamon of beating up her boyfriend, Mac. In the course of that story, she said some truly awful things to Norah, who is too sweet for her own good. She’d forgive and forget everything just to keep the friendship going. Norah is themomof the group, always taking care of everyone and trying to keep the peace. Normally, I’m right there with her, but sometimes I wonder if some of the girls take advantage of that.
Chapter Three
Teagan
After the week I’ve had, I’m bound and determined to make the best of practice, so I’m laser focused on guarding the net. I can’t control what’s happening with my flat, but Icancontrol what’s coming into my net. Or rather what’snotcoming into the net. I haven’t let a single ball past me for the entire practice. Ro keeps cursing me every time I block one of his shots, and Eamon is equal parts proud of and pissed at me.
When Coach finally blows the whistle ending practice, I’m relieved. I just want to go home and sleep. I make my way over to the bench where Eamon is downing a bottle of water and reach to grab my own when I feel a tap to my arm.
“Hey, mate, we have cheerleaders today,” Eamon whispers.
My head snaps up, and I scan the bleachers. My eyes immediately land onLayla Diaz, and I’m grinning ear to ear. Remembering how flustered she was at the game, I wink at her and am rewarded with that blush fanning her cheeks. Fuck, she’s stunning. Norah is giggling next to her, then says something that causes Layla to whip her eyes to her friend in astonishment. She rolls her eyes before looking my way and wiggling her fingers at me.
“Hey, Norah and I are going to grab something to eat. Want to join?” Eamon asks after we enter the locker room.
“As your third wheel? No thanks, mate,” I laugh as I pull a hoodie over my head.
“I think Layla is coming…”
“Well,” I start, smiling broadly, “why didn’t you stay that to begin with? Count me in.”
“Not even going to play coy, are you?” Eamon chuckles, tossing his practice kit in his bag.
“Nah. You’d see right through that shite.”
“Too right, I would,” he jokes. “Come on. They’re waiting by the exit.”
As we exit the building, Ro comesskippingpast us singing Galway Girl at the top of his lungs. He makes a beeline to where Layla and Norah are waiting.
“Fecking eejit,” Eamon mutters when Ro grabs Norah’s hand and twirls her. “Gallagher! If you place your lips anywhere near her, I will personally rip your bollocks from your body and shove them down your throat!”
I’m chuckling at his possessiveness until I watch Rowan move towards Layla.
“And is this the lovely Layla I’ve heard so much about?” he questions. “O’Brien said you were—”
“Oy Rowan!” I yell at him. “Shut yer bleedin’ hole, you gobshite. I swear to God, you are more trouble than you’re worth.”
Shaking my head, I shove Ro playfully before stopping in front of Layla. “Sorry about the riff-raff, lass. He was dropped on his head as a wee baby, and he hasn’t been right since. We only keep him around because we feel sorry for him.”
“Oh, fuck off!” Ro yells from across the way.
Layla grins at me, and I just about drop to my knees. She’s beautiful anyway, but her smile is radiant. I want nothing more than to coax that smile out of her every hour of every day.
