Page 40 of Verses Of Us

She turned to face Ciarán. “Does he stay in the car while you eat?”

“Yes. Do you want him to come with us?” Amused, Ciarán’s eyes squinted with his lop-sided grin.

“Well, not exactly. But isn’t that rude?”

Ciarán laughed and waved at Robert, who did nothing but nod and drive away.

“That’s his job, Lex. He’s paid to wait for me. I don’t think he takes offence.” His hand dropped to her lower back again, his fingers splaying against her spine, sending tiny sparks of dangerous feelings through her blood. “Shall we?”

DINNER AND A DATE

Ciarán

Inside,ablondmanwith sharp blue eyes and a crisp white shirt welcomed them and escorted them to their table. Ciarán walked behind Alexis, trying his best not to stare at the luscious curve of her ass.

The restaurant was cozy with walls painted in shades of dark brown and gold, and covered in various wooden and metallic accents. A large, circular fireplace at the centre added to the calming vibe of the space.

They walked past an open kitchen where several chefs scurried around, cooking and prepping, shouting out orders. They stepped out onto a lovely terrace that faced a small, peaceful garden. Tucked furthest away from the others, their awaiting table offered an unobstructed view of the sky above. Clark had done well, and judging by Alexis’ delighted expression, she thought so, too.

Once seated, a pretty young server arrived with the drink menu. Ciarán didn’t even glance at it, ordering a glass of their finest single malt Irish whiskey, whereas Alexis ordered some chardonnay. He watched as she skimmed the menu, keeping her eyes steady on the page, but felt a constant force pulling at him.

“What is it?” she asked without lifting her gaze.

“What do you mean?” He took a sip of water.

“You’re watching me. I can feel it.”

“You can?” He shifted in his chair. “Interesting.”

The waitress reappeared with their drinks and to take their order. Alexis chose the grilled rib-eye steak with a loaded baked potato, and he smiled, pleased to be out with a girl who had a healthy appetite. The way she didn’t hide who she was, simply because of whohewas, was refreshing and reminded him of when they’d first met.

Once they were alone, Ciarán leaned in, studying her as he’d done years ago. He couldn’t help it, even when he noticed it was making her uncomfortable. She tucked her chin, her cheeks turning a beautiful shade of pink.

“You’re doing it again.”

The deep, throaty chuckle that fell from his mouth surprised him, but he kept admiring her. “Yes, I am.”

“Well, stop it.” She smiled, looking up from under her thick lashes.

“I can’t help it. I forgot how mesmerising you are.”

She wrinkled her cute nose. “Take it easy.”

“I mean it.”

A pout spread across her face, transforming her from relaxed to upset before his eyes. “I’m not the same. I’ve changed a lot since…” Her words faded as she reached for her wine.

“Since then,” he answered, completing her sentence. The time they’d shared felt fresh, as if it had just happened. But he wasn’t about to speak of it or the wound his actions had left and how it still ached inside even years later. “You’ve changed in a million ways, I’m sure. I only meant…” His brow furrowed. “Forget it.”

His eyes remained anchored to his drink. Alexis did the same, fixating on the swirling, pale yellow liquid in her glass, the silence between them growing. An older couple sat down at the nearest table and smiled at him.

“Tell me, Ciarán,” she said. “Are you planning on sitting there all night and not say a word?”

The distant yet easily recalled memory of their first meeting returned and he laughed. He’d said those exact words to her. Her lips lifted into a knowing smile that made him think he was making this harder than necessary and maybe all hope wasn’t lost. Hope for what, he wasn’t sure. But now that they were older, both in different places in life, and especially because of how they’d reconnected, he wondered if there was a chance…

Don’t go there, he reminded himself, before replying, “I could ask the same of you.”

“You could…” She smirked into her wine.

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