Chapter Fifteen

Norah

The forecasted weather has arrived. At the first rumble of thunder, we move inside and perch on my couch, listening to the soft drumming of the rain, while we talk about current classes. I still can't believe Eamon is even here, choosing to spend the afternoon with me. We're seated on opposite ends of the sofa, mirroring each other. He has an arm slung over the back of the sofa and an ankle propped on his knee, while my legs are curled underneath me.

"…the next thing I know, I'm covered head to toe in dirty street water."

I throw my head back, laughing at Eamon's recounting of the time he visited London with his family. They had gone on holiday when he was about thirteen, and he wanted to see Big Ben, while his sister, Caity, wanted to see Kensington Gardens. They had each been pulling on the map, and it tore down the middle, causing them both to fall. Caity managed to land on the sidewalk, while Eamon ended up in a puddle.

As I'm walking him to the door a couple of hours later, I realize that I feel lighter than I have in years. Mostly from opening up to Eamon about my past, but also because I could sit and talk with him all day. He's an amazing listener and fascinating storyteller, and I know that he's going to make one hell of a teacher someday.

"Thank you again for lunch and the company," I say, looking up at his handsome face.

"It was my absolute pleasure. Thank you for letting me interrupt your busy day. I feel properly educated on how to assemble a ball gown now," he teases me.

"Careful," I tell him, "or I'll make you stay and sew tiny beads on the bodice. It's the worst part of creating these pieces. Always worth it in the end though."

"As much as I would love to spend the rest of the day with you, I'm confident that I'd ruin it all and you'd never speak to me again."

The thought of spending the rest of the day with him is oh-so-tempting.

"You're probably right," I concede. "However, I happen to enjoy talking to you and am innately selfish. So off you go, Kennedy."

I move towards the door, expecting him to move aside, but he stays still. I freeze as I brush up against his rock-solid body. Knowing he's in decent shape from playing soccer is different than actually feeling those muscles. My heart is racing as I trail my eyes up his torso and over his broad chest and shoulders. I suck in a breath when our eyes meet. His ignited gaze flickers to my mouth, and he inhales a deep breath. Squeezing his eyes shut, he takes a half step back.

"Right." Eamon clears his throat. "I better leave you to it, then." He turns toward the door, taking a step onto the small porch. "I'll see you Monday. Unless…"

"Unless what?" I ask, curiously.

"We have a match tomorrow on home turf. I know you're swamped with costumes, but if you think you might want a break, I'll leave your name at the booth for a couple of VIP seats. Bring a friend if you'd like."

Grinning like an idiot, I nod my head. "I'd love that, thank you. I probably won't bring Myra though. I'm not sure I could sit through the game listening to her talk about all the things she'd like to do with Mac."

Eamon laughs loudly. "Can't say that I blame you, lass. Plus, I'd rather your attention not be on that tosser."

"Oh, I can assure you that I won't be watching Mac."

Realizing what I just admitted, I slap a hand over my mouth, face going up in flames. Eamon's smile transforms from his signature smirk to a full-on grin—with dimples! Of course he has dimples. Why not? Everything else about him is perfect.

"I better not botch the game, then." He winks at me, which sends heat straight to my core. "Game's at four. See you tomorrow, Norah."

I stand there, gaping like a fish, as he gets in his car and drives away. Turning to go back inside, I tell myself to focus and finish as much on the costumes as possible so that I can make it to the game tomorrow.

Eamon

Back at my flat, I'm on the couch, laptop balancing on my knees. I'm determined to find the arsehole that attacked Norah, but I need more information. I remember his name and the town she lived in, but I doubt that will get me too far. Like any good detective, I start by stalking her social media account. Her profile picture is of her and who I assume is her mother. They have the same deep blue eyes and smile. Clicking the About section, I scroll down to past education. There. Pine Hills High School. Switching to her friends list, I figure someone has to be a mutual friend between the two of them. Before I get too far into my investigation, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Fishing it out of my pocket, I see it's Ro.

"Hiya, Ro," I say absently.

"He actually answered! Figured you'd be busy with your new mot if ya catch my meaning. "

"Fuck off," I mutter. Of course, that's where Ro's mind wanders too.

"Ah, c'mon you narky hole. I'm only slagging you. Where are you anyway?"

"My flat. Doing a bit of research on…well, never mind that. What's up?"

I shut the laptop and place it on the coffee table, knowing I'll never be able to focus with Ro gabbing at me. The wanker can talk the hind legs off a donkey.

"Heading to O' Nelly's tonight? Mac's after getting hammered."

I pinch the bridge of my nose between my thumb and index finger, letting out a groan. "Is he mental? We've a match tomorrow. You're not seriously thinking about going, are you, Ro?"

"Yeah, I might. Have one pint with me. Come on, Kennedy. Don't make me deal with Mac on my own," Ro whines.

"You know I don't drink before a match, you eejit. Why doesn't he wait until tomorrow night?"

I knew Mac was stupid, but this is a whole new level.

"He wants to impress that new girl that's been hanging on. She's friends with your Norah. What's her name, again?"

"Myra," I tell him. It's not like Mac to want to impress a girl. Normally he hooks up with them once or twice, then wipes them from his memory. They do seem pretty perfect for each other though from what I can tell.

"That's the one! So are you coming or not?"

"Yeah," I grumble. "I'll make an appearance. I won't stay more than an hour or two though. End of."

"Grand! See you then!" Ro hangs up, and I immediately shoot off a text to Norah.