Gripping a new perfectly poured Guinness, I was enjoying my buzz watching the music when I felt someone watching me. A few feet away, a girl with long, straight black hair and unusual violet eyes swayed to the music while trying to catch my eye. It worked, I nodded to her and she smiled back at me. Shoving my hands in my hoodie pockets, I leaned back on the pillar closest to me and waited to see if she’d come over.
They usually did.
She laughed. She actually threw back her head and laughed, which was absolutely delightful. I was playing games, and she was calling me on it. Shaking my head, I approached her making sure my dimples were on full display. She was beautiful and exotic. Her eyes were heavily lined in black. She wore an off-the-shoulder, long white shirt over black leggings with—black Frye boots.
By the time my inebriated mind caught up with what I was seeing, I was standing right in front of her. My eyes snapped up and locked with hers.
Alex held her arms open. I rushed to her, squeezing her close like a boa constrictor before picking her up off the ground to swing her in a full circle. Carefully setting her back down, I gripped her face with both hands and pressed my lips to her forehead.
“Ohmygod, I’m so happy to see you!” My heart exploded with joy. “Please tell me you didn’t dye your hair black!”
“Nope, I’m in disguise!” Alex posed before bursting into giggles and shaking her dark hair out.
“Were you at the show?”
“Of course! You guys were so great.” Alex’s eyes shined with sincerity. “I hadn’t seen a show since, well, I left the last show early. The second I found out you’d be in Belfast, I made plans to be here.”
“Wait, so you came to Belfast to see us?”
“No, I live here,” Alex grabbed my hand excitedly. “At least for the moment, Ireland is awesome.”
“Didn’t you get married?” I looked around. “Where’s the guy?”
“No, it didn’t work out.”
“I’m sorry.” I hoped my voice sounded somewhat sincere.
I wasn’t sorry.
“Eh. It’s fine.” Alex seemed pretty indifferent, but it was clear she didn’t want to talk about it. “What’s your schedule? I’d love for us to catch up.”
“We’re off for two days, then heading to Scotland.” I looked around for the guys. “We could start now, I’m done here.”
Alex caught my gaze, her intention crystal clear. “Do you want to come back to my place?”
“I’d love to.” My voice nearly broke with anticipation.
“Jace, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Poppy.” I wrapped my arms around her tightly. “But, seriously. Why the costume?”
“Because it’s fun. Barcelona was fun. Being undercover keeps you on your toes.” She winked. “Plus, Ty.”
I laughed, really laughed for the first time in ages.
Alex and I wound through the crowd toward the exit. I made sure to thank the promoters and a couple of the Belfast VIPs on the way. When we passed Ty, who still had his tongue down the ginger girl’s throat, Alex made a gagging gesture with her finger. Zane and Connor were nowhere to be found, but I texted them that I’d be in touch the next day.
Then we were free.
Sinking back into the leather seats of the limo they provided, Alex and I faced each other. Neither of us could stop smiling.
She pressed her long legs outside of mine, our knees touching. A fire raged through my system. I wanted her. I couldn’t believe it had been almost two years. She was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen. With almost no trace of the innocent schoolgirl I’d met at The Mission.
“You get more handsome every time I see you.” She leaned back, looking at me confidently.
“And you get more beautiful,” I countered, keeping her gaze.
It was on. It was so on.
Alex’s studio flat was located on a tree-lined street. Small, but modern, the entire layout consisted of a queen bed, a small desk, a utilitarian bathroom, and a kitchenette. Watching her gracefully navigate around her space, something clicked into place.
Game of Thrones tour be damned, I didn’t plan on leaving Alex until I had to catch my flight to Scotland.
Or maybe ever.
“Beer?” Alex reached down and opened a small fridge.
“Why not?” I accepted it and plopped down on the bed.
Leaning against the wall with a beer in hand, her long legs crossed in front of her, Alex regarded me.
“I’m actually feeling a little nervous,” she admitted.
I took a long pull from my beer. “Why?”
She cast her eyes down. “Last time I saw you, it was weird for me.”
I remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
“Even though I should have done it right after your show, I finally called the engagement off last year. I was too young.” Alex’s voice was measured. “Sam was awesome, but he wasn’t my forever.”
“Well,” I didn’t even try to hide my elation at the turn of events, “I was taken by surprise when you brought him.”
“Yeah.” She kicked the toe of her boot in the ground.
“So, no fiancés in Ireland?”
“Not yet.”
“Boyfriends?”
“Not yet.” She laughed. “You?”
“Me?” I feigned surprise.
“Seems like all of you guys are hooking up with the most famous women in the world.” Alex used finger quotes when she said the word famous.
“Hmmm.” I crossed my arms, considering. “I can’t deny that. It’s meaningless.”
She walked over to the bed and sat next to me. “How are you handling being so famous now?”
“It’s weird. Our lives aren’t really our own anymore. I think we’re all trying to adjust in our own way.” I finished my beer and leaned back on my elbows. “We’re never home anymore, even when we’re there it’s hard to leave the house.”
“Yeah. I get that.” She turned to her side and leaned back on her elbow, resting her head in her hand. “Thank you for protecting Zoey. You didn’t have to do that, but it was the right thing for her.”
“Ty—none of us—had any idea all of this would happen. The songs, this music? They’ve
