Page 11

Layla

I’m at Paddy O’Nelly’s with Norah, Eamon, and Charlie. While the girls and I chat, Teagan and Rowan saunter into the pub. My eyes roam over Teagan from the weathered royal blue ball cap on his head to the Converse on his feet, appreciating the way his green UNCW hoodie and dark-wash jeans cling to his muscular body. He makes casual look better than good. He greets the pub owner, Paddy, with a hug before swinging his gaze around the space. Once he spots me, he grins, putting those dimples on display, before making his way over to me.

“Evenin’. You’re looking lovely, Layla,” he says as he takes the seat next to me, throwing his arm over the back of my chair.

“Thanks,” I mutter, my face heating.

As the night progresses, more drinks are consumed and our group chats, laughing for what seems like hours. Occasionally, I feel Teagan’s fingers playing with my hair or grazing my shoulder. He never removes his arm from the back of my chair, and the more I imbibe, the closer I lean into him. We are like magnets, drawn together, unable and unwilling to resist the pull. His subtle touches sear me to my bones, stoking my fire from a simmer to a blaze. I am on the verge of suggesting we leave and go to my house when a commotion at the door has us all freezing mid-sentence. Mac, a fellow Seahawks teammate, stumbles in completely blitzed out of his mind, due to learning a few hours ago that Myra is pregnant with his baby, completely unplanned. While it is a complete shock to the rest of us, Norah and Eamon apparently already knew and, thankfully, are able to calm him down before sending him home safely.

“Mac as a father. Now that’s something I can’t believe,” Rowan exclaims. “That wanker can’t even take care of himself!”

Teagan barks out a laugh. “True enough. I hope Myra is prepared to raise the kid without him.”

“You never know,” I say, turning to him with a shrug, “maybe he’ll wake up tomorrow a new man.”

“Also true, love.” Teagan winks and brushes my hair off of my shoulder. “I’ll swing by and check in on him in the morning.”

I smile at him, completely smitten with this act of kindness. “Text me after. I was thinking about going to Airlie Gardens. I might want some company.”

Then, without giving him a chance to respond, I rise from my seat, hug Norah and Charlie goodbye, and leave.

* * *

I’m dancing around my living room, trying to expel the nervous energy coursing through me while I wait to hear from Teagan. He said he would check on Mac last night and I’m anxious not just for an update, but also to know if he plans on joining me. The sound of my phone chiming, has me tripping over myself as I rush to it.

Teagan: Morning, love. Still want company today?

Layla: Good morning. I wouldn’t turn it down if you’re free.

Teagan: For you? I’m always available .

Layla: If only you could see how hard I’m rolling my eyes right now. Want me to pick you up? You’re on the way to Airlie Gardens.

Teagan: You’re not rolling your eyes. You’re probably blushing. But yes, if it’s not too much trouble.

Layla: I’m choosing to ignore that first part. I’ll be there in twenty.

Twenty minutes later, I’m pulling up to the apartment complex. It isn’t fancy by any means, but it’s nicer than what most college students live in. I spent the entire drive trying to regulate my breathing and calm my nerves. I park the car and sit there trying to decide if I should just text him to let him know I’m here or knock on the door. The decision is made for me when my phone buzzes in the console.

Teagan: Want to come in? You don’t have to wait in your car. I’m a little behind schedule. Door’s open.

I inhale deeply. Eamon had gone back to Norah’s place with her after leaving Paddy’s, so I’ll be alone with Teagan in the apartment. No big deal, right?

Layla: Okay. Be right up.

Stepping out of the car, I tuck my hair behind my ears, suck in another deep breath, and climb the stairs to the second-story apartment. He said the door is open, but I’m hesitant to just barge right in, so I knock a couple of times before slowly opening the door. “Knock knock,” I call out quietly, then freeze.

Teagan is leaning against the breakfast bar that separates the open floor plan with his phone to his ear, ball cap on backwards. And shirtless. He’s holding the phone with one hand, while the other is resting on top of the hat, and the muscles in his arms flex in the most distracting way. I knew he had tattoos but never realized that the band around his bicep is actually an intricate rope of Celtic designs. The North Carolina sun has left his skin golden, and I let my gaze drift over his torso, appreciating every defined line on his chest and stomach. When my eyes drop lower, I realize the top button of his jeans is open, showcasing the V leading down below the waistband.

Holy shit .

“Ma, no, it’s fine. Really.” His deep, lilting accent floats through the room. “I know you are, but it’s grand. That’s what public transportation and good friends are for.”

He lifts his head, catching me staring, and winks at me. I can’t tell if the flush of my skin is from being turned on or being caught ogling.

“Speaking of good friends, one just walked in. I’ll call you later, yeah? Right. I love you too, Ma. Kiss Gran for me. Ta.”

Teagan pushes off the bar and pads toward me on bare feet, a predatory grin spreading across his handsome face. He stops a few inches away and looks down at me. I’m average height for a woman, but he’s certainly taller than the average man.

“Sorry about that. My Ma. She’s been calling me almost weekly, which is unusual.”

“It’s fine,” I squeak out, then clear my throat. “I think it’s sweet. And relatable. I hear from mine just as much.”

“Aye, then you understand why I’m running behind this morning. Mams and their incessant chatter.” He laughs, but it’s obvious how much he loves his mother, and I admire him all the more for it.

“Yes, definitely. Though mine takes at least ten minutes to just say goodbye. And that’s just on the phone. In person, I have to start saying my goodbyes an hour before I’m supposed to leave.”

He chuckles as he turns back towards the kitchen. “I’ll finish getting ready. Make yourself at home. You want coffee or something?”

“I was going to treat you to coffee from my favorite spot, but I can pre-game it,” I say, trailing behind him and trying my hardest to stop staring at his ass.

“I’m more of a tea guy, but if it’s your favorite, I’d better try it.”

I climb onto a stool at the breakfast bar and watch him saunter down the hallway before he steps into one of the rooms. I’m completely transfixed watching the muscles of his back shift. When he comes back out, he’s pulling a navy blue Henley over his head, his pants are fastened, the hat is gone, and his shoes are on. As sad as I am to lose the view of his uncovered body, I can’t deny that he looks just as delicious dressed .

“Well you’re in luck. They have a pretty great tea selection,” I inform him, propping my elbows on the bar.

“Yeah?” he asks, walking in my direction. “I’m not too picky, but you’ve piqued my interest. Back home it’s just plain ol’ black tea.”

“Cream and sugar? Or do you take yours plain?”

He passes behind me, then leans in to whisper against the shell of my ear, “Just sugar. I like it dark and sweet.”

A jolt of lust shoots straight to my core, making me squeeze my thighs together and squirm in my seat. Teagan and his food innuendos might just be the death of me.

“Alright,” he says, interrupting my dirty thoughts, “I’m ready if you are.”

He’s standing on the opposite side of the bar, arms crossed over his chest, and grinning at me like a Cheshire Cat.

Jodón.

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

Teagan jogs to the door and opens it, gesturing me through with an exaggerated bow. “After you, Lovely.”

I roll my eyes at him but can’t stop the smile that creeps over my face.

* * *

We stop at El Cafecito for the coffee and tea I promised. I found the small Mexican cafe after I joined the Hispanic Cultural Center at UNCW and they gave us a list of all the Hispanic-owned businesses and restaurants in the surrounding area. I’ve visited several, but El Cafecito is my favorite. They have the best orejas , and their coffee is spiced with the perfect amount of cinnamon.

When we enter the cafe, Esmerelda, the owner, is rolling out dough on a large workspace. She’s probably in her mid-seventies but doesn’t look it. Her daughter, Maria, is busy filling the pastry case along the adjacent wall. She looks up and smiles.

“Buenos días, Layla,” she greets us. “?Cómo estás?”

“Buenos días, Maria. Estoy bien, ?y usted?”

“Bien! Who is your friend?” she asks, winking at me in a not-so-subtle way.

Naturally, I blush, while Teagan chuckles and extends a hand to her.

“Teagan O’Brien. Pleasure to meet you,” he says amicably.

“Ooh! Hello, Teagan. ?Eres irlandés?”

“Uh…” Teagan starts, looking to me for help.

God, he’s adorable.

I smirk at him. “She asked if you’re Irish.” I glance back at Maria, the grin on my face widening. “Yes, Maria. Teagan is Irish. He’s a student at UNCW as well.”

Maria’s grin widens as her gaze bounces between the two of us. “I didn’t realize they were so handsome in Ireland.”

Teagan beams at her. “They’re not. It’s just me.”

Laughter spills from Maria’s lips. “Oh, chica, he’s smooth.”

I scowl at both of them. Of course, he’d have Maria wrapped around his finger too.

“What can I get for you two? Are you staying or getting it to go?”

“To go, please. We’re on our way to Airlie Gardens,” I reply.

Maria nods her head knowingly. “Es un lugar hermoso.”

Teagan looks to me again, and I say, “She said it’s a beautiful place.”

“Ah,” he says, “I really need to learn Spanish.”

We visit with Maria for a few minutes while she fills our order. I pay for our drinks, ignoring Teagan’s protests, and then Maria hands us a bag of free pastries with a wink.