Page 148 of Should Our Stars Collide

Ash’s heart answers for him, fluttering pathetically.

“Send him away. We’re not expecting anybody,” his father says curtly, already turning back to his plate.

“No, it’s fine. He’s with me,” Ash says quickly, before the waiter leaves. He tried his best, but he can’t push Kieran away any longer.

His father’s head snaps up, eyes narrowing in displeasure. His mother just blinks, as if surprised they’re deviating from the script.

Ash doesn’t offer them an explanation, for once enjoying the tension filling the space between them.

And then, Kieran is there, in all his fiery glory.

He zig-zags between the tables, making his way over with the aura of a man about to declare war. Ash can’t help it—the sight gets him a little hard. It doesn’t help that Kieran’s wearing tight, black jeans and a dark purple dress shirt that clings to him like a second skin, accentuating every curve and line of that gorgeous body.

He comes to a halt, sliding into the chair that’s been placed next to Ash. “Sorry I’m late, traffic was murder,” he says, as if he’s been expected this whole time.

Ash stifles a laugh. Not just because of the delivery, but because they live just a few blocks away.

His father stares at Kieran like he’s an intruder—technically, he’s not wrong.

His mother tilts her head slightly, polite confusion etched onto her face.

Kieran doesn’t pay attention to either, his sole focus on Ash. He scoots his chair closer and flashes a grin. “Miss me?”

You have no idea.“I told you I didn’t want you to see this.” The protest is weak, just for the sake of it.

“Is that why you’re practically vibrating with joy now? I mean, I get it. I’m irresistible.”

A small laugh escapes Ash before he can stop it. As always, he’s powerless to the effect Kieran has on him. How could he not? Kieran’s the exact opposite of everything else in his life. He’s warm where everything else is cold, loud where there is only deafening silence.

He’s the one real thing in his world made of lies and pretense.

Ash never stood a chance.

His father clears his throat. There’s a quiet storm in his gaze, hard to spot unless you know him as well as Ash does. The man doesn’t appreciate being ignored, nor is he used to it.

“I believe introductions are in order.”

Kieran flashes a smile so fake he could star in a reality show. “Indeed. I'm Kieran. Emberton. No need to introduce yourselves. Ash talks about you all the time.”

Ash nearly chokes on his own saliva.

“Oh?” His mother brightens, the sarcasm completely flying over her head. “What does he say?”

Kieran doesn’t miss a beat. “That you’re very…consistent.” He nods, as if this is the highest compliment possible. “He can always count on you to bring up the same topic, over and over.”

Damn. He’s making it up, but he has no idea how spot on he is. Then again, Kieran’s always been a smart cookie. He must’ve put the pieces together.

Ash’s father’s expression flickers at the underhanded jab, a crack in the ice.

Their original waiter reappears with a menu and fills Kieran’s glass with water. “What can I get you, sir?”

“Oh right. Hm…” Kieran scans the contents of the menu too quickly to register any words. “I can see I’m right on time for dessert. What’s the most expensive item on the menu?”

Ash laughs silently, both at the question and the waiter’s wide-eyed look as he points at something, his nervous gaze flickering towards Ash’s father.

“Brilliant, I’ll have that,” Kieran agrees easily, handing back the menu. The waiter nods and scurries away. “What was I saying? Right.Consistency,” Kieran continues cheerfully, “is such an underrated quality, don’t you think? Some people might call it disregard for other people’s feelings and opinions, but I think it’s admirable to stand your ground no matter how many times you’re met with pushback.”

Ash’s mother sips her wine delicately, though her eyes are sharpernow, darting between them.