Page 14 of Verses Of Us

“I don’t think we have the same definition of groupie.”

“And what’s yours?”

Ciarán leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair, messing it up some more. “All groupies want is to sleep with us and then brag about it. I’m not sure about your friend over there,” he nodded to Julie, who was now much closer to Gus, talking in his ear, “but I get the impression you’re not one of those people. You’re not here for all…this.” His empty hand gestured around the room.

“What do you think I’m here for, then?”

Ciarán wiped the towel down his face, his penetrating gaze diving into her core, making her struggle to swallow.

“I’m not sure. Why don’t you tell me?”

She watched him throw the towel into a nearby basket and took another sip of water, considering. “I think I’m mostly here because I want to talk about that kiss.”

She couldn’t understand it. She had been nervous on stage with him and even when she’d walked in. But now, face-to-face and alone, her courage returned. If she ignored the fact that he wasCiarán-freaking-Jones, she could almost pretend she was talking to any regular guy.

Still, there was a force between them, one that pulled at her and took over her rational brain. Several factors were to blame for the way she felt, but she ignored them all. She wanted this night to go on forever and wasn’t about to ruin it by overthinking things.

He paused, grinning. “You’re different from the girls we meet, you know that?” She hid her blush behind a long sip of water, letting it douse the fire growing in her belly. “But maybe that kiss was a mistake.”

She forced a smile, but a second too late. As if catching her disappointment, Ciarán frowned. “I’m sorry. I mean…”

“It’s alright. I get it.” She looked down and gave a shrug. “It shouldn’t have happened.”

“No, hang on.” He puffed out his cheeks. “I don’t regret it.”

“You don’t?” Her bubbly tone reflected the hope exploding inside.

“Not one bit.” He dipped his head. “Do you?”

Her heart fluttered. “No.”

“Good. But it was too forward. I put you on the spot and without your permission.” He pursed his lips, his mouth shifting to the side and his guilt-filled eyes met hers, the space between his dark brows bunching as he searched her face. “It was too much, wasn’t it?”

“It was a lot, sure, but it was… nice. A little terrifying, but nice.”

More than nice, she wanted to admit.Mind-blowing.

“I’ll take nice.” He playfully bumped her shoulder with his. “So, you’re not upset about it, then?”

“Not even a little.” She bumped his shoulder back. “Why would it matter if I were? I’m just a fan in a sea of many.”

Again, his face dropped. “Come now, darlin’. You’re more than that.”

The gentle touch of his hand on her arm turned her legs to jelly. She rested her hip against the table, its support the only thing keeping her upright.

“I’ve been thinking of you since this morning,” he continued. “When I saw you out there tonight, I damn near lost my mind. And it feels…”

With a deep inhale, he pressed his eyes together as if his words were not only painful, but wrong. His silence brought out her forceful need to know more.

“How?” she asked.

Like a curtain of heat, his gaze drifted up her body. “Like I’m caught in a web and I don’t want to get out.”

NOT LIKE THE OTHERS

Alexis

Shegrippedthetablefor added support.This wasn’t happening, was it?

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