I tune out as they continue to talk and concentrate on eating my pot roast. I try to pay attention to something—anything—other than Cillian and his excruciatingly sexy presence sitting next to me. I make detailed work of cutting my roast up into perfectly sized bites. I quarter my potatoes and line them up in a circle. I place my carrots side by side and pretend they're an army getting ready to advance on the bread sitting on the edge of my plate. I'm trying for anything to take my mind off him, yet his nearness is still overwhelming.
It doesn’t take long and it always happens when you get the Gannon's together, but an argument of epic proportion breaks out. And one thing I've learned that will cause them to fight like cats in heat is rugby. When Uncle Keefe, Aunt Shannon, and Cady are reaching a fever pitch over whether Connacht will beat Leinster, Cillian uses the opportunity to talk to me.
Leaning slightly over and turning his face to me, he says, "You didn't honestly think you could hide from me, did you?"
I push a carrot around my plate and consider my answer for just a second. When I turn to look at him, I have to steel myself against the blatant sensuality I know will be waiting in his eyes. "I had hoped I could hide, but apparently I can't. Would it make any difference if I told you that it was a huge turn off the way you're stalking me?"
His lips curl up high and his tongue flicks out over his two lips rings. "It wouldn't make a difference to me. Besides, I know you’re lying to me and yourself. There's a part of you... maybe deep down... that's enjoying my attention. Besides, I never give up on going after what I want."
Gah, this guy is so arrogant and full of himself. And he's wrong. There is no part of me that enjoys his presence. I mean, he's gorgeous on a scale that even I can’t measure, and sure, he has the hot, rock-star vibe going, but I am so not interested in that.
It's not my ideal.
Wiping my mouth with my napkin, I look at him with determination. "Seriously Cillian... why me? Why not go pester some other woman with your attention?"
Cillian leans in closer so he's whispering, clearly not wanting the others to hear. "First, I'm not pestering you. I'm trying to make it clear that I want to f**k you into oblivion. Second, there is no other woman that I'm interested in. Clear enough for you?"
Swallowing hard, I merely nod my head. "But I'm not interested."
Leaning back in his chair, Cillian just grins at me. "Oh, you're interested all right. You're just not being honest with yourself about it."
My face flushes red. "Is it possible for you to be any more arrogant?"
I'm hoping the question shames him, but he merely shrugs his shoulders. "Probably not."
I go back to pushing the carrots around on my plate. The Gannons are still going full tilt on their argument and completely ignoring Cillian and me.
It's not long before he cuts into my thoughts again. "Why aren't you interested in me? Have I done something to offend you or make you mad?"
Squaring my shoulders, I tell him, "No, Cillian. You've done nothing to make me mad or offend me. I'm just not interested in someone like you, so you can stop pursuing me. The answer is no and that won't change."
"Someone like me?"
"A musician. I like my boyfriends a little more professionally balanced."
"Ouch. That hurts, love. But who said anything about me being your boyfriend? I'm just after a long, hot shag with you."
Trying to maintain my calm, not because his words anger me, but—God help me—because the thought of no strings, walk-away-when-we're-done sex is suddenly a thrilling prospect. Shoring up my resolve, I say instead, "Sorry... just not that type of girl."
Cillian just snickers but then I hear him say softly, "You could be that type of girl, Renner. If you just let yourself go. And I guarantee you'd enjoy it.”
CHAPTER 4
Cillian
I step into The Hibernian and do a quick look around. I don't see Renner but I know she's working because Keefe casually mentioned it when I called him earlier today to check in.
It's been two days since I've seen her and I can't stand it anymore. I need to step up my game if I'm going to wear her down.
I'm not sure what this obsession is with Renner. Sure...she's beautiful with her red hair and pale skin...like fire and cream. But that's not it because let's face it... there are plenty of red-haired beauties in Ireland. Maybe it's the challenge she presents—particularly because she's trying her damnedest to show she's not interested. Or maybe it's simply unfinished business I feel I have with her. Even after five years, I remember how soft her lips were against mine. I remember how she was too shy to touch me, so she just grabbed a hold of my t-shirt and hung on. And I certainly remember how hard that kiss made me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Renner clearing off a table and make my way toward her. She doesn't see me, which is just fine for now. I slip into a booth and wait patiently for her to notice me.
After she returns from the kitchen and serves an older couple, her eyes make contact with mine and she actually grimaces.
Yup. I definitely need to step up my game. I flash her a smile that she does not return, but she does walk my way.
"What are you doing here, Cillian?"
"I'm just here as a paying customer. I'd like to order some dinner if it's all the same to you."
I just stare at her for a few moments, taking in the way she has her long hair pulled up in ponytail, displaying her slender neck. She's wearing a pair of dark jeans and a Hibernian t-shirt, along with a pair of running shoes that look like they've seen better days.