Page 108 of Myla: The Hawthornes

“They liked you before,” he said firmly, his hand playing absentmindedly with the hair at the nape of my neck. “They like you now.”

“Until Aoife asks what my intentions are and I blurt out that I’m just using you for orgasms and she beats the shit out of me in your aunt’s kitchen.”

Cian burst out laughing and glanced at me. “Oh, is that what you’re doin’?”

“No, but I’m nervous! I can’t control what comes out of my mouth.”

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you nervous before.”

“Yes, you have.”

“Not this nervous.”

“I was very nervous for my last college finals,” I replied primly.

“Oh, is that what you call it?” Cian mused. “I remember you drinkin’ until you passed out the night before and then going to your classes in your pajamas.”

“I slept through my alarm! I wasverynervous.”

“Yeah, all right, baby.” He smiled at the windshield. “Maybe keep the drinkin’ to a minimum tonight? Since it’s a family thing. Seanie’s there.”

“I’m not going to get wasted at your aunt’s house.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“That was not my fault,” I gasped. “Ashley was making the drinks, and you know she did it on purpose!”

“Sure,” he replied mockingly.

“She was! She said they were her signature cocktail, and she just kept handing me new ones before the old ones were gone.”

“Would you look at that?” he said, nodding to the prospect hanging out at the end of the long driveway. “We’re here.”

“Why is he here?” I asked, looking at the prospect as we drove by him.

“Just keepin’ an eye on things when I’m not around.”

“Do you think you need that?”

“Better to be safe,” he said as he parked.

“I know what you did,” I said, smoothing my hair.

“What’s that?”

“You argued with me all the way here so I would stop freaking out.”

“Did I?”

“You know you did.”

Cian shrugged.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“You’re welcome.”

I smiled as we climbed out of the car. Ashley’s property was like an oasis surrounded by trees. There were fairy lights strung along the porch railings, artfully arranged potted plants, a little seating area that had throw pillows and plush cushions in the summer, window boxes full of flowers—the place was gorgeous.

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