“Hey, if I wasn’t already a Skye-man, I’d go straight for you.”
Skye elbowed him. Kiera giggled. “Thanks, I think.”
“You’re welcome,” he said with a smile full of fun.
The doorbell rang again.
“It’s him, he’s here!” Kiera uttered nervously.
“Stay there,” Skye told her. “I’ll get the door.”
With the irises in her arms, Skye opened the door. Ash was nervously shuffling his feet, holding a bouquet of purple crocuses.
“Hi,” he smiled uncertainly. They hadn’t talked since that one time he’d apologized to her.
“Hi.” She decided to give him a break and smiled back. “Come on in. Kiera’s ready.”
He stepped inside, saw Cian and nodded at him. Cian nodded back, then tilted his head upwards. Ash automatically looked up.
His breath caught in his throat at the sight of Kiera. Words were not enough to describe her. She looked more than beautiful, so preciously exquisite, love for her overwhelmed him.
Their eyes met and he could only see her. She was his world. How could he have been such a fool to let her go in the first place? His feet moved of their own accord to stop at the foot of the stairs as she descended like a princess. He held out his hand to her.
Kiera felt like a princess. The look in his eyes was humbling. He was staring at her as if she were the most important thing in the world to him. Her heart pounded as she descended the stairs, her fingers clutching her beaded purse in a death grip.
She couldn’t look away from him. He looked so handsome in the elegant black suit, his white dress shirt a striking contrast. And when he held out his hand to her, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to take it.
Skye took one more picture and lowered her phone. She had already taken more than a dozen, from the time Ash looked up at Kiera to the time she came down. She knew this was one moment Kiera would always remember, one which had been too precious not to make mementos of.
Cian watched them with a smile. Oh, they were just right for each other. They fit. Just like him and Skye. He just had to convince her. He snagged her waist and pulled her against him.
Skye shivered at his touch. She could feel his chest at her back, warm and solid. He dropped a kiss on her head. She turned to look up at him and they smiled at each other.
“Don’t you guys have to get going?” Skye asked Kiera and Ash, a twinkle in her eyes.
Kiera and Ash started as if coming out of a dream. They blinked and turned to stare at her. A rosy tint crept up Kiera’s cheeks.
“What?” Ash said, bemused.
“You have a dinner reservation?” Skye supplied helpfully.
A look of annoyance crossed his face. His reaction reminded her of the first time he’d met Kiera. Skye bit back a laugh.
“Right.” Ash cleared his throat. He turned to Kiera and presented her with the bouquet of crocuses. “You look… exquisite. Stunning.”
“Thank you,” Kiera said as she took them, an awed smile on her face. She breathed in the flowers.
Skye gave her a moment, then said, “I could put them into water if you want.”
Kiera smiled at her. “Yes, thanks.” She handed them to her.
“We should get going,” Ash said, taking Kiera’s hand again.
Kiera nodded and turned to Skye and Cian. “See you guys later.”
“Stay in this reality, will you?” Skye teased.
Ash rolled annoyed eyes at her. Skye stepped up to him and with a warning in her eyes, said, “For your sake, I hope there won’t be a repeat of the ordeal you put her through.”
“Skye!” Kiera exclaimed.
But Ash stared straight at Skye, not wavering as he vowed, “Never again.” She nodded.
“Have fun, kids,” Cian said as they walked them to the door.
He and Skye watched as Ash opened the passenger door for Kiera. He rounded the car and was getting in the driver’s seat when Kiera called Cian’s name. Cian jogged up to the car.
“Hey, princess. What’s up?”
“Take care of Skye, will you? She isn’t feeling too well.”
“I know.”
“You know?” She gave him a puzzled look.
“Yeah, she gets mellow towards me when she’s sick.”
Kiera laughed. “That’s mean.”
Cian smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her. You just enjoy your evening.”
She smiled back. “Thanks. And I know you will.”
Turning to Ash, he said, “Take care of her this time.”
Ash gave him a determined look. “I will.”
Cian stepped back and waved as they drove away.
“What did Kiera say?” Skye asked curiously.
“She just told us to have a good time.”
Skye looked at him askance. She had a feeling that wasn’t what Kiera had said but knowing Cian, he wasn’t going to tell her. She shrugged and went inside, straight into the kitchen. He followed her and watched while she put the crocuses and irises into water.
“So dinner then a movie?”
At the mention of ‘dinner’, her stomach dipped. It was that time of the month and she often didn’t have much of an appetite during then. At least this month, her tummy didn’t hurt too bad.
“I really don’t feel like eating.”
Cian gave her a look of mock shock. “You? Miss I’m-always-famished?”
“Har har.”
“C’mon. You can see if what I brought at least tempts you.” Cian pulled out a container from the satchel he’d carried into the kitchen. He got out two bowls and scooped some of the stuff from the container into one of them. Then he put it to heat into the microwave. He tugged her into a chair at the kitchen table.
“Cian, I’m really not hungry.”
The microwave dinged and he pulled out the bowl. A delicious aroma wafted in the air. Her predictable stomach gave a grumble.
“Is that a ‘Yes, Cian, I want to try it’?” He scooped food into the other bowl and put it to heat.
“I shouldn’t,” Skye ventured hesitantly, worried the food wouldn’t agree with her, though it smelled wonderful. “What is it anyway?”
“My mother’s famous chicken soup. It’s the perfect remedy for anything that ails you.”
Her mouth dropped open with shock. “You got your mother to make chicken soup for me?”
“Well, I asked her what to bring you for an upset stomach and she ordered me to come and get the chicken soup she was going to make for you. You know my mother. If she gives an order, you better follow it or the consequences will be dire. And she’s very fond of you.”
“I’m not sick.” Skye was bewildered over the fact that his mother was fond of her and had made her something. Also, a bit embarrassed about being sick.
“Yeah, right.” He gave her an astute look. “You just regularly lose your appetite.”
“I’m fine,” Skye muttered sulkily.
Cian set the two bowls on the table and sat down next to her. “Just have a taste, will you?” He scooped some in a spoon and targeted it at her mouth. When she pressed her lips tightly and just gave him a stubborn look, he grinned at her. “You wouldn’t want me to start making baby noises now, would you?”
“Oh, for cryin’ out loud!” Skye closed her mouth over the spoon. The taste exploded in her mouth—warm and delicious, neither spicy nor insipid, just right. And oh, so tempting! She swallowed. Her stomach didn’t protest. She grabbed the spoon and dug in.
“I take it it’s to your taste?” Amused, Cian spooned some from his own bowl. The flavor brought memories of his childhood when he and his brothers had been sick and his mother had made chicken soup for them. He could feel his mother’s love with every swallow.
“Wow,” Skye mumbled arou
nd a mouthful.
Her reaction ridiculously pleased him. “Want more?”
“What?” She stared at her bowl, startled that she’d already finished. A bashful look came over her face. “Yes, please.”
Cian scooped some more for her and set it to heat. They ate quietly for a while until Skye finally pushed her bowl away, her stomach full.
“Thank you, Cian.” He had gone to so much trouble for her. He’d taken care of her.
Cian looked pleased. “You’re welcome.”
He wouldn’t let her wash the dishes. So she dried while he washed. Afterwards, they sat down on the couch as she riffled through the DVDs he’d brought.
“So what do you want to watch?”
“You’re letting me choose?” he said incredulously.
“What’s so surprising about that?”
“From the woman who never lets me choose.”
“Oh please. You know you enjoy the same movies I do.”
“Ah yes. The common denominator.”
Skye smirked. “So what will it be? Resident Evil Extinction or Underworld Evolution?”
“Two different sexy babes. Hmm… . What a choice.”
“Iron Man 2 it is, then.”
“Hey, that wasn’t even an option!” he protested.
She chuckled. “Too late. You took too long to choose.”
“Is that so?” Cian slid his arms around her, pulling her close.
Skye’s eyes widened as she grasped what he intended. “Cian, the movie—”
“—can wait,” he murmured, dipping his head.
He settled his mouth on hers, kissing her gently, slowly. Skye felt cherished. Her arms wound around his neck all on their own. He pressed her back against the couch, his body hard and firm against hers. Her own quivered in reaction, inciting him to deepen the kiss.
Cian felt like he was drowning in her, steeped in everything that made her who she was. And it was the most glorious feeling in the world.
No, he was never going to take her response to him for granted.
When he finally pulled away, he stared down at her. Her eyes were unfocused, dazed. He loved it that she couldn’t resist him.
Skye’s eyes cleared and she stared up at him. “No wonder you’ve got scores of women after you,” she blurted out. Color fired up her cheeks when she realized what she’d said.
Cian threw back his head and roared with laughter. Oh, she was precious! He squeezed her enthusiastically.
Her cheeks hot, Skye muttered, “I can’t believe I just said that. I must be really sick.”
“You did say it and as I recall, you denied being sick. So there’s no excuse. Just admit you find me irresistible.”
“I do not!” Skye was mortified. When he kissed her, she couldn’t think properly. Damn. She pushed at his shoulder. “I need to get up.”
Cian kept her where she was. “I like you right here.”
“I need to go to the bathroom,” Skye hissed at him. Actually, she didn’t. She just wanted a moment alone to compose herself.
He let her up. Skye had taken a few steps and was thinking she’d gotten off easily until she was sadly disabused of that notion when he called out, “Chicken.”
She turned around and stuck her tongue at him then turned tail and slipped in the bathroom, his laughter ringing in her ears. A smile flitted to her mouth.
No, he never let get away with anything.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Ash’d taken her to one of the poshest restaurants in town—Elegance. The name suited it, Kiera thought. It was absolutely elegant both inside and outside.
The restaurant gave off a quietly sophisticated air. The lights were golden and slightly dim, giving a feeling of being in a pleasant dome. There were flowers on all the tables, cutlery polished to a shine and beautiful landscapes done in pastel colors on the walls.
“Do you like the restaurant?”
Kiera turned from her awed inspection to Ash. “It’s awesome. But… isn’t it expensive?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s worth it. You’re worth it.”
Ash took her hands in his. A shiver went down her spine at his touch, at his words. He’d asked the waiter to give them some time before ordering.
“Ash—”
“Kiera. Please, let me. I have so much to make up for my actions. I am so sorry.”
“I forgive you.”
“I don’t know if you can ever—what?”
Kiera’s lips curved. “You heard me.”
His green eyes filled with wonder. “You forgive me?”
“Yes. We all make mistakes. It’s not our mistakes that define us but what we do to make up for them.” She squeezed his hand. “And I know you’ve suffered too.”
“It’s been hell without you, Kiera. I’ve missed you so much,” Ash admitted, leaving himself open.
Kiera’s heart skipped a beat at his words. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“Will you give me another chance?”
How could she not? “Yes.”
Ash let out his breath in relief. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”
“But I want to take it slow,” Kiera elucidated. “No misunderstandings. If we have any doubt on anything at all, we ask each other truthfully before making assumptions.”
“You are right. I won’t make that mistake again,” Ash said humbly.
“We’ll be okay. I heard about how Skye ripped one into you.”
“Ah, yes, the ‘Wrath of Skye’. She was right to be pissed off at me. I deserved it.”
“Count yourself lucky she didn’t punch you.”
“She tried. Cian held her back.”
Kiera’s eyes widened at that. “She did?”
“Yeah.” Ash could laugh about it now.
“Wow. Count yourself lucky she didn’t dump milkshake on you then.”
“Come again?”
Kiera told her about how Skye dumped milkshake on Rachel.
Ash’s eyes widened with shock and admiration. “Holy cow.”
Kiera giggled as she remembered Rachel’s milkshake-covered face. “She’s a pistol.”
“That she is.”
They grinned at each other conspiratorially. Where Skye was concerned, the few friends she had, knew just how tough she was. And to what heights she could go to protect the people closest to her.
The night was magical. For both of them, it felt like the first date, the first touch. And yet at the same time, it felt like they’d been together forever. The pain and anger were gone. They understood each other even more clearly than before.
The food was great, yet Kiera couldn’t have sworn to relate what she ate. His company was what mattered most to her. She had missed him so much.
Ash for his part, considered himself lucky she had given him another chance, that she was here with him. He could feel the eyes of other men wandering in his date’s direction and he wanted to shout to the whole world that she was his. She didn’t know what a rare and beautiful jewel she was.
There was a small garden behind the restaurant where patrons were encouraged to stroll if they wanted to. After their dinner, he suggested a walk through the garden. There were small lamps strategically placed at intervals to light their way and strands of twinkling lights strewn among the trees and plants. The whole garden was as enchanting as in a fairy tale. They encountered a few couples but were otherwise alone.
He took her hand as they walked. Kiera could sense his nervousness and it made her smile, because of course she was nervous, too. Her hand in his felt right, the simple touch sweet. The silence between them felt comfortable somehow. They found an unoccupied bench and at his questioning glance, she nodded her assent and being careful of her dress, they sat down.
The sky was clear and studded with stars here a
nd there. Kiera was filled with enchantment as she looked skyward.
“What are you thinking?”
Kiera turned to see Ash watching her. “Just what a beautiful night it is. And that I’m happy I’m here with you.”
“Me too.” He leaned closer. “God, you’re so beautiful.”
“You’re prejudiced.” A tingle of anticipation whisked up her spine.
“Nope. My vision’s twenty-twenty.” Their lips were only inches away. Their eyes met and the air seemed to quiver with their feelings. “I love you,” Ash murmured and then he kissed her.
A kaleidoscope of colors exploded behind Kiera’s eyes and tingles spread throughout her whole body. His hand cupped her face, his touch as real as the stars above, igniting a light inside of her just as brilliant. Love for him swelled her heart and overwhelmed her.
Ash twined his fingers in her hair, marvelling over the silky feel. His heart thumped hard against his ribs. He wondered how he could ever express to her the intensity of the feelings she arose in him.
When he pulled away, they smiled into each other’s eyes. Kiera could see his feelings for her evident in his bottle-green eyes. He was letting her see how much she meant to him.
“Kiera—” Ash began.
“Shh,” Kiera broke in, pressing a finger against his lips. “I love you, too.”
A sparkle of wonder shone in his eyes. Ash’d never thought she’d give him this gift, that she’d ever say those words to him, not after the hurt he’d caused her.
“I don’t deserve you.”
Kiera shook her head. “I’m not a prize, Ash. I have my own share of faults and mistakes to contend with.”
“To me, you are priceless, faults and all.” Ash pressed a tender kiss on her lips. “What happened to ‘taking it slow’?” he teased.
Merriment danced in Kiera’s eyes. “It’s taking a backseat to wanting to be with you.”
Ash chuckled. “Go steady with me?”
Her lips curved. “Do you even need to ask?”
“I don’t want to make the same mistakes. I don’t want to ever hurt you again.”
“Let’s agree not to hurt each other.”
“Deal.” Ash smiled at her. “So, what do you say?”
“Yes!” Kiera threw her hands around his neck. “I say yes!”
Holding Out For Skye Page 24
