Page 16 of Ruck Me

Where the fuck did that come from? I thought as I grabbed hold of her hand. “Come on, let’s go,” I said, tugging her along behindme.

Outside, Aoife shivered and wrapped her arms around her slender middle. “How can you be out here in just a t-shirt? It’s freezing.”

“Because if you move your goddamn feet, in about 20 seconds we’ll be inside my very warm car with my very awesome seat heaters.”

That was all the motivation she needed. Before I could reach the driver’s side door, Aoife was standing by the car blowing into her hands. “The weatherman said it wasn’t supposed to get this cold until the weekend.”

I clicked the lock and we slid in at the same time. Setting the heat to high, we waited for the cabin to get nice and toasty. “Are we really going to talk about the weather?” I asked, casting her a quick glance.

Her eyes dropped and she folded her hands in her lap, twisting her fingers in a worried grip. “No, sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s just that it’s fucking ridiculous you’re suddenly afraid to talk to me. We’ve known each other our whole lives. If you can’t talk to me, who canyou?”

“I know,” she sighed. “But it’s weirdtoo.”

“How so?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road as I navigated through traffic.

“Well, we kissed.”

“We did,” I agreed with a satisfied grin. “And you likedit.”

She stuck her tongue out at me and I laughed. That was more likeit.

“It’s just …” she trailedoff.

As far as I was concerned, there was nothing wrong with what we’d just done. She’d liked it, I’d liked it, and if I had any say in the matter, it was going to keep on happening. Because one taste of Aoife O’Shaughnessy was simply not enough.

“Spit it out,” I encouraged as I turned onto the road toward Ballycurra.

“I’ve never kissed one of my friends before. I’ve kissed guys I just met at a party or something and knew I’d never see again or guys I was dating … but never someone who was just my friend.”

“That’s not true,” I reminded her. “You kissed Claire and you’re friends withher.”

“That was different.”

“Only because it was probably much hotter to watch,” I laughed, turning to face her for a quick second, my eyebrows wagging.

“You’re such a pig.” She snorted and rolled hereyes.

I shrugged. “Maybe,” I agreed. “But how is that any different?”

“Well,” she began, “With Claire it was just a quick, fun kiss. It happened and then it was over. No harm done since I didn’t have to worry about it the next day.” She blew out a breath. “Nothing was going to come ofit.”

With a tug of the steering wheel, I guided us to the side of the road. Twisting in my seat so my back was against the door, I studied Aoife, trying to read between the lines. I had a theory, but …

“What’s this really about?” I asked, my voice calm. I didn’t want to spook her. Not when she was about to say what I thought shewas.

“It’s nothing. Forget I mentionedit.”

“Not happening.”

“Have you always been so stubborn?”

“You know I have,” I answered, crossing my arms over my chest. “What’s wrong, Aoife?”

“It’s just … You’re my friend, Eoin.”

“You’ve saidthat.”

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