Page 40 of An Irish Hope

“Like what happened with his ex.”

“What? No. I can’t ask that.”

“Well, I could take a leaf out of your book and ask for you. That’s what a good sister would do, right?”

“Not a good sister. A bad one.”

Rory laughed. “Oh, I really do think this is kind of fun. What was good for the goose is definitely good for the gander.”

“Now I really don’t want to go play tennis,” Aisling complained.

“Now I really do. So chop chop. Get your tennis clothes on. Or at least your leggings and a t-shirt and sneakers.”

“But—”

“No, don’t give me buts. We’re going to have fun, and you’re going to forget that Andy is anything but a lovely Irish lad who is single, available, and a Christian. So, what do you have to say about that?”

Nothing that her sister wanted to hear, apparently. “Fine. I’ll come.”

A short time later, having changed and breakfasted, she followed her sister down the stairs. Mam was on the registration desk today, and given there weren’t many people checking in or out, the hotel was fairly quiet. Which made today a perfect tennis day.

The winds last night seemed to have blown most of the clouds away, leaving a beautiful blue sky. She followed, her pace slowing as Rory greeted Aidan with a kiss, then gave the man Aidan stood with a smile. This was a terrible idea. But then, if she stayed frozen in her embarrassment, she was letting everyone know that Andy affected her more than she liked or wanted them to know. So the best thing would be to pretend nothing had happened yesterday. Which, she said firmly to herself, it hadn’t.

“Aisling, hey.” Aidan hugged her gently. “How are you feeling today?”

“Much better, thanks.”

“I’m glad.”

Her gaze shifted to the other man. The other man who looked a little embarrassed too. Although why he had anything to be embarrassed about she did not know. “Hi Andy.” Smile harder, like you’re not ashamed. She pushed up her cheek muscles. There.

“It’s good to see you.”

She nodded. No neck twinges today. “You too.” How was that for laidback? “So, do runners make good tennis players?”

He half smiled. “They do when running for the ball.”

“So you’re saying we should not make you run for the ball?”

“I’m happy either way.”

“He’s a sportsman, so I just bet he’s happy to be doing something physically active,” Aidan said.

Andy’s mouth curved. “I might resemble that comment.”

Aidan tossed a tennis ball in the air as Rory led the way to the short path that led to the tennis courts. “So, how are we going to play? Girls against boys?”

Rory glanced at Aisling who shrugged. “If you think you’re up for the challenge.”

“It’s going to be a challenge, is it?” Andy asked.

“A total challenge.” Aisling smirked. “Like a total challenge for you to keep your cool when we annihilate you.”

“Is that right?”

“Completely right,” she teased, enjoying this game and its banter. The game of tennis might not have yet started, but this game had well and truly begun.

She joined Rory on one side of the net. “Are you ready to be annihilated?” she dared.