Page 17 of Verses Of Us

Itwasnearingthreein the morning. Alexis had called her mom earlier to tell her she was hanging out at a coffee shop with Julie, but she knew Louise would be waiting by the door. Lingering in the back of her mind was the trouble she’d be in, but sitting in the backseat of Ciarán’s chauffeured black Lincoln Navigator, his fingers brushing hers with gentle strokes, she was ready to brave whatever awaited her at home.

As expected, the minute they parked in front of the house on the quiet suburban street, Louise stormed out in a pale blue floral bathrobe and matching slippers. The driver opened the door and Alexis stepped out, followed by Ciarán and Julie.

“What on God’s green earth is going on?” Louise’s face contorted with confusion. Ciarán flashed his trademark grin, popping those dimples. Louise’s mouth dropped with recognition, but her irritation did not. “What the… hell?”

“Hello, Mrs. Stanek,” he said, his voice low. “I’m Ciarán Jones. I wanted to apologize for bringing Alexis and Julie home so late. We were hanging out, and well, the ladies were such delightful company, we couldn’t dare part with them.”

Louise’s hands slammed onto her hips, her glare piercing the darkness. “You thought it was appropriate to keep two young girls out all night because they weredelightful company?”

She stepped closer, stabbing a finger into his chest, forcing him to move back. Even though she was just over five feet, Louise Lam was fierce on a good day. People often underestimated her strength, especially the disorderly patients who tried to argue with her on her late-night shifts at the hospital.

“Mom, seriously.” Embarrassed, Alexis reached for her mother’s arm, but Louise ignored her daughter’s plea.

“You listen here, Ciarán.” She spat his name like venom. “You may be a big shot singer, but it’s not OK to take advantage of these girls.”

The colour drained from his face, and he raised his hands up, defensively. “No, ma’am, t’was nothin’ like that.”

Alexis snorted a laugh, hiding it behind her hand. Apparently, Ciarán’s thick accent depended on who he was speaking to. With her, she’d hardly noticed it, but when a tiny woman like her mother was yelling at him, it came on strong.

“The hell it wasn’t.” Louise threw a dubious glare at both girls, who responded by vehemently shaking their heads.

“Mom, I swear, nothing happened. We only hung out. Half the people there were women, anyway.”

With eyes slitted, Louise crossed her arms, gauging the truth in her daughter’s words.

“Seriously, Mrs. S,” Julie chimed in. “I swear on my life. Nothing happened.”

Louise’s glower wandered over the three of them, analysing. After a few blinks, she released a breath and nodded.

“Well, if that’s the case, thank you Ciarán for bringing them home safely, but it’s past their bedtime.” She turned on her heel. “Say goodnight, girls.”

Mortified, Alexis cringed, but Ciarán smiled, amused either by Louise’s comment or from being freed from the inquisition. Julie followed Louise indoors, but stopped along the walkway and glanced back. Alexis and Ciarán stood only a foot apart, their arms pasted to their sides, but Alexis longed to reach out to him.

“Thank you again for tonight,” he whispered, keeping his gaze on her lips.

“Why are you thanking me? It should be the other way around.”

His eyes lifted, darting over her shoulder toward Louise, who’s hawk-like glare hadn’t lost its intensity.

He licked his lips and dropped his voice. “Lex, I need to see you again.”

Her breath hitched. “Aren’t you leaving?”

“In two days, but I’d like to spend more time with you until then.”

Excited by the possibility that maybe her dream wouldn’t be over so soon after all, Alexis beamed. “I would love that.”

“Great.” Ciarán parted his lips, releasing a soft sigh and took a cautious step forward. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” He glanced at his watch. “Make that later today.”

She scrunched her face up. “I have to work.”

“Oh.” His head fell back, and he stared up at the dark sky. A smile warmed his face when he looked back at her. “What time do you finish?”

She laughed, a breathy giggle. “Three.”

“Alright. Tell me where to pick you up.”

Positive she didn’t want Ciarán picking her up at the corner store where she worked part time, she pursed her lips. “Why don’t I meet you?”

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