‘It was over before it began. For tonight, at least.’ I realise how that sounds and snort. ‘Not like that!’
‘The guy with the BMW jeep?’ Giles cocks his head with interest.
‘Yep.’
‘Wow. Two days in a row. Do I need to tell the Mrs to buy a hat?’ His weathered lips lift into a crooked smile.
‘God no! It’s not like that!’ I swat the air in front of my face. ‘We’re just having a bit of fun.’
‘That’s how it starts.’
‘Not this time, Giles. Not with him, anyway.’
A deep buzz in my back pocket signals an incoming text.
Did you get home ok?
Yes Dad ; )
We’ll see how smart your mouth is on Wednesday.
I look forward to it.
He might be a grumpy, cynical, pessimistic divorce lawyer – but Cillian Callaghan is going to be dynamite in bed. He’s got this repressed, serious, single dad thing going on, like he’s been starved for adult affection for years. I can’t wait to watch him unravel.
ChapterSixteen
CILLIAN
Wednesday 6th December
I pull up outside the double gates of Phoebe’s school, St Jude’s. I didn't enrol her here because it’s a Catholic school, or because it’s an all-girl school, I enrolled her here because it’s one of the best schools in the country. Even if one of the teachers went viral on TikTok for all the wrong reasons last Christmas.
Shit, now I think about it, that teacher then went on to get engaged to a Hollywood movie star. The very same movie star whose sister I’m currently fake-dating.
It’s a small world, and Ireland’s an even smaller country.
‘Can I have a dog for Christmas, Daddy?’ Phoebe asks in her sweetest voice. We’ve had this conversation a million times already.
‘No, princess. We wouldn't be able to spend as much time with it as it needs and then it would bark the house down all day long. It wouldn't be fair on it. Daddy works and you’re at school all day.’
‘I’d mind it. And Matilda. And if Mammy’s around …’ She trails off. Even at six years old she knows the score.
‘Maybe when you’re a bit older and you can walk it, okay?’ I twist my head to watch her unstrap herself in the back seat. ‘Are you all set for school?’
‘Yep.’ She offers me a toothy grin as she grabs her backpack from the seat next to her.
I hop out the car into the crisp morning and help her out. ‘Don’t forget Nanny’s going to collect you today. Daddy has to work late.’ It’s a lie. Daddy has to attend a party with his fake girlfriend. And hopefully a private party after that too.
‘I remember.’ Phoebe rolls her eyes. ‘Don’t work too hard, Daddy.’ Her tiny hand grabs mine and tugs. I crouch to my knees and wrap my arms around her petite frame.
‘I love you, princess.’ I inhale the scent of her bubble-gum shampoo.
‘I love you too.’ A flicker of doubt crosses her silver eyes. ‘You will come back tomorrow?’
It rips my heart out that she even has to ask. But is it any wonder, given Teagan’s erratic behaviour?
‘Of course, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.’
