I turn, raising an eyebrow. “You don’t think that sounds fun, lass?”
Her head whips towards me and that blush creeps across her cheeks. “No, I do! I just— I…” Norah giggles, which earns her a vicious glare from Layla. She turns back to me and says, “Sorry. Yes, I think that sounds fun. I’m more exasperated with Norah’s poor attempt at subtlety.”
“And what exactly is shenotbeing subtle about? It sounds like she just wants four friends to spend more time together,” I tease. I can’t help it. The more I tease her, the more she blushes. This might have just become my new favorite hobby.
“No manches!You’re all the worst.” She’s glaring, but laughs along with us.
The four of us spend the next couple of hours laughing and talking about everything from current majors to childhood stories to the state of the world. As attracted as I am to Layla, I think I’d be content just to have her as a friend. She’s funny, kind, and full of so much life.
Layla
“I hate to end the fun, but I have a full day of classes tomorrow, starting bright and early,” Norah announces, covering a yawn with the back of her hand.
Teagan nods and pushes away from the table. “Aye, we have practice before the sun is even awake, so we probably better head back too.” He’s stretching his arms over his head when suddenly he says, “Oh, shite. My car’s still at the field.”
“Do you need a ride?” I ask, attempting to hide the fact that I’m checking out the patch of his stomach that was bared while he was stretching. I had driven Norah originally, while Teagan rode with Eamon.
“You wouldn’t mind?” he asks, raising his brows.
“It’s on my way, and I’m guessing these two want somealonetime,” I nodtowards Eamon and Norah.
Eamon quickly interjects, “You’re right. We would. Teag, you have your key?”
“Aye”—he winks—“I won’t wait up.” He gestures for me to lead the way, grinning flirtatiously as he asks, “Shall we, Lovely?”
I love that he calls meLovelyall the time. I donotlove that I blush every time he even looks at me.
“Text me when you get home, okay?” Norah says, hugging me goodbye. “Have fun!”
“Stop. I’m just dropping him off and heading back home,” I say, rolling my eyes.
I watch Norah and Eamon stroll off hand in hand, thinking about how perfect they are together. Lost in thought, I don’t notice that Teagan has sidled up next to me until he lightly touches my elbow. I glance over at him.
“Everything okay?” he asks.
“Yeah, sorry. Ready to go?”
“Aye,” he says simply.
We amble down the sidewalk towards my car in companionable silence. As nervous as he makes me, he’s also easy to be around. He doesn’t seem to have any expectations other than to just enjoy the moment we’re in. I could get used to that.
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable at all tonight,” he says suddenly.
Lifting a brow, I look at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Just all the teasing. I hope I didn’t make you feel—”
“No!” I laugh, stopping Teagan from finishing that thought. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable. I’m used to being teased; I just can’t help but get flustered. And I have zero control of my blushing. I still blush over things Iusedto be embarrassed about as a kid that don’t bother me at all anymore.”
Teagan chuckles. “Now that’s unfortunate. But I’m glad I didn’t bother you.”
“I have two older brothers who have made it their goal in life to tease me at all times. It will take a lot more than that to really upset me.”
Settling into my car, I hand him my phone. “Here, put the address in theGPS for me.”
“I can just direct you there,” he offers.
“I don’t like interrupting conversations with ‘turn here’ or ‘at the next light turn left,’” I tell him.
