AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Was he nervous about the others’ speculation? He didn’t seem to be fazed by it earlier but maybe the reality of our relationship was finally hitting home.
Would he change his mind?
An overwhelming sense of dread made my stomach clench so painfully I could barely eat my own meal.
I turned down an after-dinner drink, and then coffee in favor of sparkling water.
How much longer would I have to wait until I could politely excuse myself to go sit at the other end of the table? I needed some excuse, any excuse, but my brain was struggling to find one that wouldn’t set off everyone’s notice.
David was a charming guy and a great conversationalist, but I couldn’t focus on anything he was saying. All I did was nod and pick at my dessert.
Dylan was offering another one of his Hollywood stories, and David was lapping it up, laughing loudly. I glanced at our host, who was somewhere in his late thirties. Nice hair, dark eyes, a wicked smile. And yes, he kept passing me flirty glances and hints, but I ignored them.
Until he leaned over, placed his hand on mine, and lowered his voice. “Do you want to go for a walk on the beach?”
A few months ago, I might have taken him up on his offer but not now. I didn’t want his attention. Or his touch.
I pulled my hand back and shook my head.
“Thanks, but I’m good.”
David nodded, surprised, and then glanced at the other end of the table. “Maybe that sexy Irishman could accompany me instead. Fuck, what a body. What’s his name, again?”
“Kiernan. And he’s seeing someone,” I replied sharply.
David stared at me. “Okay. Well, you can’t blame me for looking.”
No, I couldn’t.
“Alex,” David called out, getting his attention. “Can you switch places with Charlie? I’d like to talk to you about something important.”
My mood improved and I gave David a grateful nod. I got up, walking around the table. I bypassed Alex as we switched places and sat down directly across from Kiernan.
Finally.
“How come you didn’t eat dinner?” I asked.
Kiernan finally looked at me and gave a rueful smile. “When my nerves kick up, I can’t eat.”
Looking around the table, everyone else was busy with their own conversations.
I leaned forward. “What are you nervous about?”
“You.”
“Me?”
He shook his head. “Not here.”
I stood up again. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Kiernan looked at Alex and motioned to the beach. Alex nodded, then glanced at me. He didn’t need to tell me to watch it, I got the message from his raised eyebrow.
We were secure here, there was nothing to be concerned about.
I walked towards the beach, the chatter of the dinner party fading, the sound of the nearby waves intensifying. It was dark now, and the only light around us came from the tiki torches that lined the pathway, the moon and stars above us, and the nearby boats anchored offshore.
I felt Kiernan’s presence behind me and stopped short when I finally reached the edge of the water.
