Those molten metal eyes flicker and smoulder. ‘I’m practicing for this wedding you’re dragging me to. When I commit to something, I like to do it to the best of my ability.’
Great.
Now I’m left wondering what else he does to the best of his ability.
ChapterEight
CILLIAN
Thursday 30th November
I make it my business to finish early on Thursdays when possible. Phoebe has ballet class. She loves it when I watch but it means fending off the desperate housewives of Dublin. Even my meanest scowl isn't enough to deter them from sliding into the seat next to mine, brushing against me ‘accidentally’, and leaving their lingering hands for five seconds too long on my thigh.
It’s common knowledge I don’t date but that doesn’t stop some women trying it on.
Majella, a tall blonde former Miss Ireland, slips into the seat next to me this evening. ‘Darling, it’s so good to see you.’ She paws my arm and I flinch. Apart from the fact she’s more plastic than Barbie, she’s married to a local politician, Stanley Howard. He’s the youngest, slickest MP around. Rumour has it that Majella and he have an open marriage, but that’s one party I do not want to be part of.
I manage a grunt in response.
‘We must get the girls together for a playdate. Cecilia would love it if Phoebe could come to our house. You should come too.’ Her fingers brush over my leg. ‘How about this Sunday? Stanley’s in the States on business. I could cook if you like?’
I swat her hand away. ‘I don’t think so.’
She straightens herself and fluffs her coiffed hair. ‘You know it really is time you got over Teagan. A woman like her is no good for a man like you.’
‘It’s none of your business.’ I grit out, keeping my eyes trained intently on my daughter.
‘I know but you could have it all.’ Majella purrs, leaning into my shoulder.
‘Who says I don’t already have it all?’ Where’s Ava when I want her to waltz in and cause a stir?
At that second my phone buzzes in my pocket.
The name Ava Jackson flashes across the screen. The woman is a telepath. My lips curl upwards as Majella cranes her neck to squint at my phone.
I clear my throat and adopt the most flirtatious tone I can muster. It’s not as difficult as one might imagine, given the woman on the other end of the phone is sex on legs. But after our fake-date yesterday, I realise she’s so much more than just the way she looks. She’s quick and witty, and from the way her eyes filled when I showed her Phoebe’s picture and explained the situation with Teagan, she’s full of compassion too.
She’s everything I need in a pretend girlfriend, and everything I don’t need in a real one – deliriously optimistic, emotionally intelligent, and an advocate for everything I don’t believe in.
Especially ‘happy ever afters’.
‘Hello gorgeous.’ I cradle the phone to my ear. Majella stiffens beside me. ‘I missed you today.’
‘You did, did you?’ Ava’s voice is filled with glee. ‘I’m assuming you have company.’
‘Something like that.’ I chance a sideways glance at Majella who’s staring in wonder. ‘Hoped you’d turn up at the office in those stilettos again.’ It’s not a complete lie. I found myself glancing at my office door more times than is normal, wondering if she’d waltz in unannounced for a second day in a row.
‘I never had you down as having a foot fetish.’ Her laugh tinkles into my ear and I find myself smiling for real this time.
‘What did you have me down as then?’
‘An uptight workaholic in need of a good laugh and a good shag. Not necessarily in that order.’ She chuckles.
‘Are you offering?’ The flirtation is supposed to be for Majella’s benefit, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it.
‘I wouldn't dream of it, seeing as it goes staunchly against your rules. I’ll cut to the chase. I bought tickets to a wine tasting experience at The Conrad Hotel tomorrow night, but my sister cancelled on me. She has a date. I thought it might be a good opportunity to get to know each other. Do you want to come? Seeing as we are you know … dating.’ She emphasises the word ‘dating’ heavily.
‘Do I want to come?’ I repeat every word in a low seductive voice. Majella bristles beside me, crossing her legs.
