The second Phoebe’s out of earshot Teagan tears into me. ‘You introducedherto my daughter?’
‘No. I introducedAvatoourdaughter.’ I signal for her to move into the kitchen. Phoebe’s been through enough without listening to this shit as well. ‘It wasn't planned. We happened to be at the Winter Wonderland at the same time. Not that it’s any of your business.’
‘Like I’m meant to believe that.’ Teagan fumes.
‘Look, Teagan, I’ve been exceptionally tolerant of you rocking up like this, but it stops tonight. Do you hear me? For the sake of our daughter, I won’t throw you out right now, but know this, going forward, if you want to see Phoebe, you text and arrange a time in advance where you can take her, because you showing up like this, pretending everything is normal, is confusing for her.’
‘Confusing for her, or for you?’ Teagan slips off her coat, along with her frown and tries a different tack, pressing herself against me.
‘For her.’ Stepping back, I hold out an upturned palm. ‘Give me the fob for the gate or get out. Your choice.’
Teagan tsks, fishing the fob from her coat pocket.
‘And one more thing. I want you out of here before nine. Ava’s coming over.’ If I wasn't planning on inviting her over, I am now.
I tell myself it’s just to make a plan for tomorrow but deep down, I know it’s because I haven't seen her in twenty-four hours, and it feels like twenty-four days.
ChapterTwenty-Three
AVA
Sipping on a chilled glass of Riesling, I sift through my walk-in wardrobe, trailing my fingers over dress after dress, wondering what to pack. The prospect of a night at Huxley Castle is almost as exciting as another night with Cillian.
If things were different, Cillian could be my match made in heaven. Spoken like a true dating agency CEO. My parents love him. My sister Natalie thinks he’s a ride. My brother has finally stopped tormenting me. And Cillian’s daughter is an absolute dote.
If this thing was real, it might look promising.
But it’s not.
So, I fully intend on making the most of the situation as it is, for however long it lasts.
My phone chimes from my bed. The same way I felt it when he walked into the bar, I just know that it’s Cillian.
Help. Teagan’s here, being Teagan. Are you free to come over?
After how well he played Wednesday night, and I’m not just talking about the HeartSync anniversary party, I can hardly say no.
Sure. Give me an hour.
I hop into the shower to freshen up, smothering myself with jasmine scented oil, just in case my presence is required for anything extra. Looks like I am well and truly back in the saddle …
I take a taxi to Sandymount, not just because I had a glass of Riesling, but because I brought another bottle hoping Cillian will be persuaded to open it.
Instead of buzzing the gate, I send a text to say I’m outside. If Phoebe’s asleep, I’d hate to be the one to wake her.
The electric gates slide open, and I amble up the lantern-lit driveway to the front door. The grounds are stunning. So well maintained. A tree house and swing set punctuates the left side of the lawn. Pretty flower beds line the periphery of the property. It really is the perfect family home.
The front door opens, and a dishevelled but distinguished looking Cillian appears. Beneath the moonlight, his chiselled cheekbones could pass for marble. That square jawline oozes masculinity. And those liquid metal eyes were made purely to define the word piercing. The man is a living breathing piece of art.
Or ass.
Or both.
He places his right index finger over his lips in a shh motion and uses his left one to point upstairs.
‘Where’s Teagan?’ I mouth.
Relief flickers in his pupils. ‘Gone, thankfully.’
