Page 5 of Verses Of Us

The tension amplified between them, floating in the air. “I’m sorry if that came across as rude.” She paused. “No, itwasrude. I didn’t mean it like—”

He raised his hands. “No, no, I think you meant every single word.” The space between his brows pinched, but the hints of a grin remained on his lips. “But don’t worry, I’m not upset. You’re absolutely right; I’ve been an arse. I’m the one who should apologize.”

“I get it.” She shrugged, trying to seem unphased. “You’re having a bad day. It happens.”

“Actually, my day has been grand. It’s only the last couple of days have been nothing but questions about the fucking band.” He threaded his fingers through his hair, pushing it back. “But that’s no excuse to act like a complete git. Especially not with someone like you.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “Can you ever forgive me?”

He held his hands together, pleading and teasing too, but it made her blush all the same. “I guess you’re forgiven.”

“Good. Should we start over?”

“Sure, why not?”

Anthony snuck up and whispered something in Ciarán’s ear, the latter’s expression brooding. Then he turned to her and tapped his watch. “Time’s almost up.”

The succinct warning stirred the small amount of food she had eaten. “You’d think I was visiting an inmate in jail,” she joked, watching Anthony walk away.

Ciarán’s warm-hearted chuckle caused her heart to flutter, but his laughter soon faded, his eyes growing distant. “It feels that way sometimes.”

“What, jail?”

He nodded. “Like I’m stuck and don’t know when I’ll be let go.”

“But don’t you want this?” she asked, gesturing around them.

He shrugged and pinched his lips. “I’m not sure about it all…” His words drifted.

“You’re not happy?”

“I love the music, I love entertaining.” His eyes moved up to meet hers, a small smile hinting at his mouth. “Meeting my fans is pretty fun, too.” Her cheeks heated, and she tore her gaze away. He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I’m not sure why I’m telling you this. I never confide in people.”

“Especially strangers.”

“No,anyone.”

She met his eyes and struggled to ignore the pull from his side of the table. This wasn’t real. This was her fantasy playing tricks on her.

“Well, I wouldn’t tell anyone, anyway.”

He dropped his head, thinking about it. “You want to know what’s odd? I believe you. Something tells me I can trust you.”

The way he stared at her, his eyes focused as if trying to read her innermost thoughts, made her shift in her seat.

He waved a hand. “But, let’s move on. I’m sure this isn’t what you came here for.”

“I don’t mind. You’re human. Whining is normal.”

“You think I’m whining?” He offered her a crooked smile, which she returned.

She glanced up, then back at him. “Only a little.”

“She’s honest,” he said with a laugh. “I suppose you’re right, though.”

Alexis sipped her mochaccino, which had grown cold, and grimaced.

“Do you want another?” he asked.

Anthony stared at them from across the room as if worried they’d slip from his sight.

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