I want the timing to be just right.
* * *
We stand in the airport before she goes through security, just staring at each other. Neither of us wants to be the one to say goodbye first. The whole drive over, we barely said a word to each other. The atmosphere was somber. When I asked her if she was okay, she teared up. Every time I go to tell her my news, I freeze, because honestly? I’m nervous as fuck.
What if she can’t wait to get away from me? What if this was all fun for her, and now it’s over?
I’ll be stuck over there, chasing a girl who maybe doesn’t want me. Thinking like that isn’t even giving us a chance. I take a deep breath and block out all negative thoughts, the anxiety killing me. I’m fast running out of time, because if I wait too much longer, she’ll be on the plane home, and maybe I’ll just be a memory. I don’t want to be a memory.
“I guess this is it,” she mumbles as she takes my hands. “No tears, okay?” she adds, frowning at me.
I chuckle. “You’ve already cried enough for the both of us,” I remind her. She glowers at me for a moment, then smiles.
“I’m really going to miss you. I know we’re still getting to know one another, but…” She shakes her head, unable to finish her sentence. I nod, because I know what she’s feeling. “Are you coming over for the wedding?” she asks.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I say, stroking her cheek. “I’m the best man, remember?”
“Oh, right,” she says with a nervous giggle. She glances over at the screen as her flight is called for boarding. “Okay. I guess this is it then. Will you call me?”
“How about I go one better than that?” I say with a grin.
“What do you mean?” she says curiously.
I take her hand in mine and look in her eyes, my heart racing.
“I emailed Rory’s A&R lady, Max, and asked her if she had any work over in Ireland. She got back to me this morning. I’ve got a six-month gig, starting next week.” I lick my lips, my mouth feeling dry. “So…I’m moving to Ireland.”
She stares at me, her mouth dropping open as she processes what I’m saying.
“Are you kidding me?” she whispers, her eyes widening. “You’d better not be. Tell me this isn’t one of your sick, pathetic jokes.”
“No, it’s not,” I say with a laugh. I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. “I wasn’t sure how you’d react,” I admit. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you since we left the house, but I’ve been so nervous—”
“You’ve known all fucking day?” she screams, punching me hard in the chest. “I could so kill you right now. You didn’t think to mention it during one of the five times I’ve balled my eyes out on the way here?”
“Ow! That hurt,” I say, rubbing my chest where her fist had landed. “Um, sorry. It never even occurred to me.”
“You’re such a fucking wanker, Ben,” she grumbles, then a smile lights up her face and she kisses me on the lips. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight, then smooth the hair away from the beautiful Irish eyes smiling back at me.
“Maybe,” I say. “But I’m happy to be your fucking wanker.”
“Glad you know your place, but I’m not finished with you yet over this,” she says, poking me playfully in the chest. “You are so going to make it up to me when you get to Dublin. Make no mistake about that, and don’t think for a minute I’ve forgotten you still owe me a strip and a lap dance. I’ll be collecting on that too,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows.
I smile at her. “You know, I think you look even more beautiful when you’re mad,” I remark. “If that’s even possible.”
“Oh, get away with you. You’re a savage charmer, so you are. I’ll bet you can charm the birds right out of the trees, can’t you?” she replies, slapping me on the arm.
I’ve never heard that expression before, and I’m not sure how to answer her. I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out.
“Cat got your tongue, Ben?” she asks, her eyes twinkling at me. “I may be from a sleepy village in Ireland, but I’m not naïve. I know about you and all your women.”
“All of them?” I reply with a smile.
She ignores my flippant remark and looks down at her hands. “Listen, seeing as you, apparently, like me so much, I’m going to give you something to remind you of me, and our friendship while we’re apart. Promise you’ll bring it back to me when you come over.”
“I promise, Siobhan,” I whisper, and kiss her softly on the lips. I watch as she takes her Claddagh ring from her finger, grabs my right hand and tries to slide it onto one of my own. I look down and chuckle as she starts with the ring finger, realizes it won’t fit, then tries my little finger, but no way is that dainty little thing going to fit even that one. It won’t even go past the first knuckle.
“Shite! It won’t even fit the end of your little pinky, you fat-fingered freak,” she exclaims, making me laugh. “Well, just keep it safe,” she says, turning my hand over and placing it into my palm before picking up her bag.
“I’ll keep it close to my heart,” I say, and she looks at me and smiles.
“I really have to go, or I’ll miss my flight,” and with one final kiss on the lips, and one final squeeze of my hand, she walks toward security, looking over her shoulder and waving. I wave back, mesmerized by her long hair trailing down her back, and her sexy hips swaying with every step until she’s out of sight.
I love everything about her. In one short week, and after years of playing the field, she’s wrecked me for any other woman. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m missing her touch already.
I can’t wait to see her again.
Hey again!
I hope you enjoyed the fun and shenanigans in Irish Love. Despite Rory’s big brother objections, true love won through in the end for Ben and Siobhan! If you want to read more of the friendships, both in this book and Irish Affair, be sure to read Irish Heart next!
If you care to leave a review for the individual book and the box set, that would be awesome! 20 words is all you need and it really helps other readers. Thank you!
Hugs,
Amanda xo
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The Claddagh Trilogy continues in Book 3...
IRISH HEART
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Amanda Heartley
© 2018 Cheeky Books Ltd
Copyright and Disclaimer
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination and have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2018 Cheeky Books Ltd
Copyright © 2018 Amanda Heartley
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Chapter One
Kayla
There’s no place like home.
I walk out of the baggage reclaim area, wheeling my two suitcases behind me. I’m undecided whether I’m glad to be back home, but my heart soars when I spot Siobhan waiting for me. I let out a squeal and wave to her as I drop my bags and race over to her, lifting her into a hug. She laughs as I spin her in circles, then glances around at the people who’ve stopped in their tracks, staring at us disapprovingly.
“Kayla,” Siobhan says with a giggle. “I’m glad you’re happy to see me, but people are looking at us.”
“Oh, let them stare,” I say, putting her down. “And,
excuse me for letting my emotions get the better of me, but since when do you care what other people think, anyway?” I add, narrowing my eyes at her.
She rolls her eyes and throws her arm around my shoulder, leading me back over to where my bags, abandoned in the middle of the walkway, are causing chaos for passengers trying to leave the baggage hall.
“This is so embarrassing,” she says with a grin. “Come on, let’s get out of here. We’ve got some catching up to do.”
We take a bag each and walk together, arm-in-arm, over to the exit. It’s been nearly twelve months since I last saw Siobhan when she was over in the States, but it feels so much longer than that. We talk on the phone nearly every week, but it’s not the same as seeing her in person. I glance at her again, unable to wipe the smile off my face. I can hardly believe I’m actually back in Ireland again, and it feels good to smile after what’s been a hard few weeks.
“What’s the matter with you, Kales?” she says, laughing when she catches me grinning at her again. “Don’t tell me you’ve gone all mushy in your old age,” she says, nudging me.
“Who, me?” I ask. I laugh and shake my head. “Hardly. I’m allowed to miss my friend, aren’t I?”
“I’ve missed you too,” she admits. “Though, I’m dreading what kind of trouble you’re going to try and get me into this time,” she says, eyeing me suspiciously. “I’ve already warned Ben what a bad influence you are on me.”
“Me?” I laugh. “Never. I’m a changed woman, now. I promise.”
“Well, you’re looking good, I’ll give you that,” Siobhan says. “See how blonde your hair is? I guess the California sun must agree with you. Anyway, how does it feel being back home in the good old Emerald Isle?”
“Funny you should ask. I was just thinking about that as I walked out with my bags. Honestly, I can’t decide if I’m happy or disappointed to be back,” I admit with a wry smile.
“Oh, come on. I know you missed being home. Admit it,” she teases.
“I guess I did miss it a little bit,” I say as I look around and smile.
When I left, two years ago, I couldn’t wait to get away. I felt blocked in, like I had no room to spread my wings and be myself. My parents didn’t understand me. Nothing I did was right and when I applied for college in Los Angeles and got accepted, it was the best day of my life. It’s funny how quickly things can change. I’ve only been back on Irish soil a few minutes, but I have to admit, I already appreciate the coziness and familiarity of home. The question is, would I be feeling the same way if my situation was better, back in L.A?
Who knows.
I push the thought from my mind as we reach Siobhan’s car, which is much nicer than I expected.
“Nice wheels,” I say with a low whistle as I climb into her silver Lexus. “I didn’t know they paid veterinary students so well,” I tease.
“It’s Ben’s,” she admits, her cheeks flushing with color at the mention of his name. “I hate driving it, because it’s his baby and I’m terrified of damaging it, but my crappy old Honda is in for a service.”
“And how is your golden boy?” I ask her.
“Oh, he’s wonderful,” she replies, the pink in her cheeks flushing to a deepening red. “Things are…” she shakes her head and laughs. “Actually, nothing I can say would do justice to how great he is.”
“Wow,” I murmur, a pang of jealousy hitting me. The last time I felt that way about a guy was…well, never.
“So, what’s been happening with you?” she asks. “Fill me in on all the trouble you’ve no doubt been getting yourself into.”
I shrug and plaster a smile on my face. Honestly, I haven’t been out in such a long time to be able to get myself into any mischief. Add to that, the girls who used to be my friends no longer wanted to be associated with me…it’s not a fun time to be Kayla Devlin.
As far as everyone here is concerned, I’m only back for the wedding. I haven’t told anyone the truth, not even Siobhan, that my perfect little life back in L.A. isn’t so perfect anymore. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve gone back and forth over the idea so many times over the last few weeks, and it’s starting to drive me crazy. Just when I think I’ve made a decision, I change my mind again. If I do move back home to Ireland, then aren’t I just running from one life I’m not happy with, straight into another? There’s a reason I left Dublin in the first place, and there’s a good chance that’s still going to be an issue. I snap back to attention and shrug again.
“We talk every week,” I remind her. “I can honestly say not much has happened since the last time I spoke to you,” I add. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head, clearly not believing that’s possible.
“Oh, come on, Kales” she scoffs. “You and I both know you’re a magnet for fun…and trouble.”
“Oh, we do, do we?” I say with a grin. “I should put that on a t-shirt. Magnet for Trouble,” I repeat with a laugh.
“It’s true,” she insists. “And while we’re on the topic, you’ve barely said three words to me during our last few chats. What’s up with that?”
“Well, maybe I just couldn’t get a word in edgeways between you going on and on about Ben, and how wonderful he is, and what’s going on with you and your course,” I retort, raising my eyebrows.
“Like that means anything,” she says, narrowing her eyes at me. “You’d interrupt the Queen of England if you felt you had something more important to say than her.”
“Okay, so that might be true,” I admit, begrudgingly. Siobhan nods at me with a smug look on her face, like she’s won that argument. “There’s nothing wrong, I promise. It’s just the last little while, I’ve been lying low, so there hasn’t been much to report,” I say with a shrug.
“That’s fine,” she replies, still studying me with suspicion. “Just don’t lie too low, okay? Don’t lose what makes you the Kayla I know and love.”
“Yes, Mum,” I grumble. “So, how’s your course going, anyway?” I ask.
She shoots me a look, and I’m sure she knows I’m trying to redirect the conversation, but she also can’t resist talking about her course.
“Amazing, I’m loving it so much,” she says. Her voice lights up with every word, until she’s smiling like a five-year-old who’s just discovered bouncy castles for the first time.
“You’re still doing your practical placements, I take it?” I ask.
She nods. “For another six weeks. I helped birth a calf yesterday,” she adds excitedly.
“Ewww! Better you than me,” I crack, screwing up my face. I could think of nothing worse than birthing a calf. “But seriously, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
We drive out of Dublin toward my parents’ house, just outside of Kilcock. Siobhan sings along to the radio while I enjoy the lush green scenery, picking out things I recognize as we drive. I know it hasn’t been that long since I was here last, but it feels like it. While everything still looks the same, underneath, so much has changed for me. I’m not even sure if that makes any sense as I glance over at Siobhan, who smiles back at me.
“Nervous?” she asks.
“About what?” I reply, pretending I don’t know what she’s talking about.
“Oh, I don’t know. Being back home? Seeing your parents?” she says, sympathetically.
I shrug, pretending I hadn’t given it much thought.
“I guess so. I’m not sure.” I frown, trying to work out how I’m feeling. “I keep hoping that this time will be different, but I’m bracing myself for it to be just like it was before.” I hesitate, not sure how to explain how I’m feeling in a way she’ll understand. “I don’t know. It just feels weird coming back. It’s like everyone’s moved on with their life and I’m not sure how I’m going to fit into all that.”
She nods. “You’ll be fine. You’ve got me, and it’s only for a week, right? Then you can go back to your perfect little life in L.A. and forget about little old us, struggling to get through life over here.”
I kn
ow she’s just teasing, but her words hit a sore spot.
What if I don’t fit in anywhere anymore?
“And what if my life isn’t so perfect anymore?” I mutter under my breath
“What do you mean?”
I look over at her, embarrassed that I’d said that louder than I wanted to. I shake my head.
“It’s nothing, I’m just being melodramatic, as usual,” I say, forcing a laugh. “So, tell me about the wedding,” I add, trying to change the subject again.
Thankfully, it works, and Siobhan immediately goes into bridesmaid mode, telling me every tiny detail, most of which I don’t need, or want to know. I sit back, only half-listening to her talk, while I gaze out the window and watch the trees pass by. To be honest, I don’t care too much about the wedding, to the point where it wouldn’t bother me if I went or not. I know that sounds awful, but I hardly know Amelia at all. In fact, I’d almost decided not to fly over so I could focus on my exams, but after the last few weeks, having the chance to get away was just what I needed. I turn back to Siobhan and smile brightly, hoping she hasn’t realized that I’ve missed half of what she’s said.
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask her. “Pre-wedding festivities, and all that,” I add with a grin.
“What do you mean?” she says, frowning at me.
“Um, the best part of anyone getting married?” I tease. “The bachelorette party, for starters,” I say. “Where is it and when?”
“There isn’t one,” Siobhan says with a laugh.
“What do you mean?” I say, glaring at her. “That was part of the reason I came over here in the first place,” I joke—well, half joke. “You can’t get married and not have a bachelorette party. That’s just wrong on so many levels. I’m sure Rory will be going out with the guys, won’t he?” I add.
Siobhan smirks. “They went out last weekend and, yes, it sounded like a…let’s say, colorful night,” she admits with a giggle.
Irish Affair Page 20