Page 38 of Verses Of Us

Ciarán’s shoulders rose high with his deep inhale before falling down hard. She froze, her hand hanging in mid-air as he stepped closer.

“Lex,” he began with a pleasant sigh. “The pleasure is alwaysmine.”

He shook her hand, his eyes searing her insides, but all she could think was,why did he have to use her nickname?The electricity that surged through their joined palms was enough to set the whole damn place on fire.

“Meet me for dinner,” he asked with a slight urgency in his request.

Her gaze shifted to Clark, whose icy glare and puckered lips screamed irritation. Still, he didn’t seem surprised. She assumed he saw this all the time—Ciarán flirting, inviting women to dinner… or more. Her stomach soured at the thought and when she glanced back at Ciarán, the hurt she had inside didn’t lessen.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

Ciarán’s free hand came to rest over hers, securely holding her in his grasp. “Are you kidding? It’s a great idea. Let’s catch up.”

Under Ciarán’s insistent stare, her resolve—not to mention her professionalism—vanished. The decision was made. Try as she may, she knew she wouldn’t refuse.

NON-DATE

Alexis

“I’mheadingout.”

Alexis slipped into her shirt, buttoning it as she walked out of her bedroom into the living room.

Julie tilted her head back over the sofa, one of her red eyebrows shooting up. “You look kind of sexy for a night at the library.”

Alexis blushed, but turned toward the mirror to prevent her friend from noticing. “I’m not going to the library.”

“Let me guess… work?”

Roommates since their second year of college, Julie was no stranger to how much time Alexis put into her studies and at the newspaper. But she also knew how little time Alexis invested in her social life, spending most of her evenings at home or out studying.

“Kind of, yeah.” She ran her fingers through her freshly styled hair.

With her interest officially piqued, Julie’s eyes widened. “Are you going out with Ciarán?”

Alexis smiled. “Don’t get carried away. We’re only catching up over dinner.”

“I guess the interview went well, then?”

Alexis ignored her friend’s suggestive tone. “It went alright, yeah.”

“Just alright?” Julie walked up behind her. “You need to tell me more. Nope, make that everything.”

With a shake of her head, Alexis gave Julie a peck on the cheek. “Have a good night, Jules. I’ll see you later.”

“Howlateris later?” Julie probed.

“Goodnight.” She laughed, pulling her coat out of the front closet.

“Oh, come on, Lexi. You can’t leave me hanging here. I need details.”

Alexis tucked her lips, pretending to search for something in her purse.

“Oh, wow, you’re blushing!” Julie teased, holding open the door. “Well, have fun. I’m heading to Eric’s anyway, so you’ll have the place all to yourself… Unless you go to his hotel and—”

“Night, Jules,” Alexis interrupted with a crooked smile.

The thought of bringing Ciarán back to her apartment brought a warm flush to her cheeks, but luckily, she had her back to Julie by then.

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