Page 15 of An Irish Hope

But as she watched, he collected the microphone from Ethan, then seemed to transform into someone else, his shoulders back, chin up, gaze fixed. She shivered. On her.

“Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back.”

And as he continued to sing, each word note-perfect, she felt the truth of those words in her bones. Something significant had happened today. She was not the same woman as before. And there was no turning back.

* * *

Andy had probably sung this song a dozen times before, which was likely why Grady had nominated him, so he didn’t need to look at the words. He couldn’t, even if he wanted to, with the curvy redhead’s gaze fixed on him like his was on her.

He didn’t know what it was, maybe the fact that Grady had dared him, but he wanted to show he was more than Grady’s stooge. And just like running, this was one arena where he outshone Grady.

“Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down, when they do I’ll be right behind you…”

He continued to sing, each note landing just right, his gaze fixed on her as he sang, only breaking eye contact to look at the floor during the lengthy instrumental break, hand slapping his thigh to keep time.

“I can’t stand this indecision…”

He finished the song, conscious she’d not taken her eyes off him, conscious of her smile, one that buoyed him as he finished to thunderous applause.

“Wow!” The sound dude led the applause. “That was pretty incredible. Let’s give it up for Andy!”

He smiled, and moved to his seat, back-slapped along the way. He glanced at Ash—was that her name?—and caught her smile and mouthed “wow” which drew warmth across his chest, only to be met by the blondes and their squeals and hugs.

“You were awesome!”

“You should go on The Voice.”

“It’s just a song,” he demurred, as the barmaid deposited a drink on his table. “Uh, I didn’t order this.”

“It’s from the group of ladies over there.” She pointed to a table of pink-clad ladies who all cheered when he nodded.

“Uh, okay. Thanks.”

Grady grinned. “See? I knew you should do it.” He nudged him. “Look who’s getting the ladies’ attention.”

He sipped his drink, eyes lowered from the women sitting opposite. So not his intention.

Fortunately, the next performer began, and he pretended interest even as the buzz of conversation continued around him. His position meant those seated at the table in front didn’t require him to avert his eyes, so he noticed the two sisters talking to each other.

He didn’t know what that strange moment was before. But there’d definitely been something in the way that Ash had looked at him, holding him in her gaze, that made him feel strong and secure, like she was willing him to do well. And sure he’d sung that song many times before but it had never been quite like that.

“So you going to give us another one?” Grady asked, when the next singer stopped.

He shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

“Not even if we begged?” The women batted their huge lashes at him.

He didn’t know why but if Ash asked him, he’d say yes in a heartbeat. To sing with her would be fun.

He studied her, gaze sliding to the split in her dress he could see more clearly now, that she’d obviously pinned. He couldn’t believe how much she’d changed towards him after the yelling of earlier.

Her sister nudged her, then she turned, caught his gaze. Smiled.

Maybe it was the unexpectedness of that but words propelled from his mouth. “Want to sing together?”

Her eyes widened, and for an awful moment he thought she’d say no. Then she nodded. “I’d love to.”

“Really?”