Page 28 of The Companion Love Trap

“To start, yes.” I smiled, liking how easy he was to talk to when he wasn’t jumping or avoiding looking at me. His eagerness to please and accept guidance was also kind of hot. “Tell me something real about you.”

“What do you want to know?” he asked, his voice seductive in a way that was causing me problems this close. “I’m not good at just saying things.”

“Hmm, I know what Jace has told me. You’re from Ireland and attended MIT. You like music and to snorkel. Snorkeling is a pretty interesting hobby and, I’ll admit, unexpected. What got you into it?”

Kieran glanced at my eyes before dropping them back to our hands. His fingers engulfed mine, but I liked how they looked together. He swept his thumb back and forth as he spoke.

“Snorkeling relaxes me. I didn’t grow up by the ocean, but the boarding school I attended was close to the beach, and we would go on school trips there. I’d never felt as calm as I did there. Under the water, everything made sense. The whole ecosystem amazed me, and I became obsessed with learning more. I really want to try deep sea diving next; once I have some free time.”

Kieran’s face lit up as he spoke of the ocean, transforming the dour man right before my eyes. His eyes sparkled, and he forgot to drop my hold as his cheeks pinked from excitement. His words came out faster and his accent thicker as he spoke of his hobby. It made me want to curl up in his lap like a cat and listen to him talk all day.

“I’ve never been, but it sounds fun. Jace said we might get the opportunity?” I asked, wanting him to keep talking.

“I hope so. The water’s so clear in the Caribbean, so the views will be breathtaking.”

“I can’t wait then.” I smiled, and he gulped, his eyes moving down to my lips before dropping back to our hands and then his tablet. It was like he didn’t know where to stare. Gah, why was that so cute? It was like he was an innocent giant that I wanted to protect at all costs.

“What’s our cover story?” I asked, needing his attention back on me. The way he looked at me when he let himself have that moment of bravery was addicting.

“Cover story?” Kieran’s nose scrunched up in the cutest way at my question. Man, he was like an adorable Rottweiler. All bark and no bite. And now I just wanted to pet him and dress him up in cute clothes.

Focus. Don’t freak the man out too soon!

“Yeah. How did we meet? How long have we been dating? That kind of stuff.”

“Oh.” He licked his lips as he thought. “I don’t know. What,” he cleared his throat,“what do you think would be best?” His cheeks pinked more, and I had to restrain myself from crawling into his lap.

Geez. I never knew this type of man was my thing, but I’m here for it.

“Hmm. Well, I don’t date, so this isn’t my forte. But maybe we could say we met on an app? People do that.”

“App?” He looked horrified, and I bit my lip to stop from laughing.

“Yeah. They have dating ones. You can scroll through people’s pictures, and if you both like one another's profile, you match.”

Kieran’s face paled, and he shook his head vehemently. “No. I wouldn’t do that. Maybe through a friend?” His shoulders drooped as he grimaced. “This is harder than I expected.” He dropped his eyes, biting his lip as he thought.

“Hey, it doesn’t have to be. Keep it simple. Let’s stick as close to the truth as possible, so there’s not as much to remember.”

“Okay. So, what do you suggest? What’s the truth?”

I smiled, becoming more endeared toward this giant man by the second; his prickly exterior was only a front to his sweetness, like a pineapple.

“We could say we met through Jace or a club. I frequent Howlers a lot. Have you ever been?”

Kieran’s eyes flew up to mine like a scared deer before dropping back down.

“Yes.” He cleared his throat, making me curious. It was all he said, but it didn’t feel like the entire answer.

“Perfect. So, we met at Howlers through Jace. I came onto you, and you couldn’t resist my charm. We’ve been dating for two months, and you couldn’t stand the thought of being without me for a week. How does that sound so far?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I can remember that.”

“Perfect. Now, what should my job be?” I tapped my lips in thought.

“What do you do… you know, in real life? Or are you a professional dater?” he asked, cringing slightly.

“I wish. It’s probably the job I’m best suited for.” I sighed. “I’ve had many jobs, but they never last long. The only one I’ve managed to keep past the two-month mark is the coffee shop. But I might sound like a gold digger if you tell people your new girlfriend is a barista.”

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