Page 94 of Fifth Avenue Fling

“Let’s forget last night ever happened for both of us.”

I snort. “If only. I still have to live under the same roof as my mistake.”

We walk on in silence for a bit, reflecting on our mistakes.

“Was yours good, at least?” Orla asks with a sly grin.

“Yeah,” I say with as much flippancy as I can muster, thinking about Killian’s eyes blazing into mine.

My stomach churns as the unease I’ve felt since last night returns. I’m too soft to handle this.

It wasn’t just good. It was the best sex of my life.

And that realization is terrifying.

***

I spend the rest of Sunday hiding in my studio. Killian doesn’t trouble himself to seek me out.

My only reprieve of the day is when my first shipment of wood and tools arrives.

As soon as my beautiful selection of hardwoods was deemed “non-explosive” (I wasn’t kidding when I said Killian had more security protocols than JFK airport), the security team handed them over.

Sam personally delivered them to me. He wanted to hang out, but I fobbed him off by saying I was feeling under the weather. My mood isn’t conducive to talking.

Having no workshop here limits what I can do, but I have saws, clamps, and wood glue to make a decent birthday gift for Teagan. It’s a nice distraction after dicking around all day, mourning something that doesn’t exist and feeling sorry for myself.

It’s time to snap out of it.

I’m just making her a box but sprucing it up with a window for pictures and some custom Celtic designs. God knows what Killian is buying her. Teagan has more electronics and accessories at thirteen than I do at twenty-four.

It’s small, so it won’t take up much space if she doesn’t like it. My mom used to tell me that the beauty of a box is that it can be whatever you want it to be.

Back when I was living in Ireland, I made them out of farmers’ disused pallets and sold them as vintage items. Although I wasn’t exactly rolling in money, there was a sense of gratification in what I’d created.

My ex filled my head full of shit that I could make a business out of it.

The following two hours are spent constructing my design, taking measurements, and carving and sanding the wood. I use grit sandpaper rather than tools to sand the wood since it’s a lightweight, delicate wood that easily marks.

This is as much for my benefit as it is for Teagan’s. Sanding helps me release some of my pent-up tension.

Carving Teagan’s name and the Celtic Knot takes about an hour.

After finishing the job, I send a picture to the Kelly family group chat and smile for the first time today.

Mam messages back.How wonderful! Your American family must love you! X

That’s all it takes for my smile to die.

***

I’m late. Shit. I run through the hallway into the kitchen to see Killian is already back from his run. It’s six o’clock.

I brace myself as he turns, scowling. He’s not happy.

“Morning. I’m so sorry. I slept in.”

I avert my eyes from the distracting sweat glistening on his thick bare biceps. Now I know they feel as good as they look. Lucky for me, he’s wearing a T-shirt. His stubble is thicker than it usually is as if he hasn’t shaved in a few days. It suits him.

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