Page 27 of Kick Out of It

“Where are you going?” she shouts back.

“Not sure. I can text you!”

We pile into a few cars and drive to a small restaurant down the street from my flat; my hope is that they’ll come by after. I’ve only been seeing Nora for a couple of weeks, but the need to have her close, breathe her in, hear her sweet hum when I pull her to me… It’s overwhelming.

At the restaurant, we’re seated at a rectangular table, the boys on one side, Nora next to me, and Bridget and Lettie on the ends. Nora sides her hand into my thigh, squeezing once, but not taking it back. I cover it with mind, the simple touch bringing me a sense of calm I haven’t felt these past few days. The boys are still in their kits, laughing and joking as if they hadn’t just played an hour of footie against each other.

Nora leans in to whisper, “What do you want to do after we eat?”

The truth tumbles out of me. “I need you home with me.”

“I don’t think I can get away for the day,” she sighs.

“Not just you. I spent two nights without youandLeo. That’s two too many, Nor. What if you stayed over? Leo loves hotels, it’ll be like staying in one. We can get takeaway and pretend it’s room service.”

Wheels are turning as she chews on her lip, finally replying, “Leo will be over the moon and never want to leave.”

I catch myself before saying, “Then don’t.” Clearing my throat, I opt for a toned down version. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”

“You don’t think this is moving too fast?” She glances over at Leo and Gavin who are still distracted. “I’m scared, Ronan.”

Moving my hand to her lower back, I lean in and whisper beside her ear, “When I’m not with you, you’re all I think about. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Nor. I’llneverlet anything hurt you or Leo. If anyone is at risk of a broken heart, it’s me.”

Nora turns her cheek, the sides of our noses brushing. The world around us falls away, but as I’m about to kiss her, a flash of light catches my attention and I pull back. Glancing up, I breathe a sigh of relief that it’s a woman with her granny taking a photo together. My gut twists, wishing with everything in me that I could openly touch Nora, kiss her, take a damn photograph with her. I respect that she wants to maintain her credibility, but the network wouldn’t fire her for being with me.

Fuck it.

I take out my phone and get the boys attention for a quick picture. Gavin wraps his arm around Leo and the boys look like lifelong friends. I take one of Nora with Leo and Lettie, another with Bridget and Gavin, then click the button to reverse the camera to take one with my girl. Nora leans her temple against mine for one, then takes the phone from me and takes a second where she’s kissing my cheek.

They’re all just for me, but my heart swells at the thought that they could be my family one day.

CHAPTER 13

NORA

Iwake up wrapped in Ronan’s strong arms, an alarm blaring incessantly on my nightstand. He pulls me closer, kissing the top of my head, groaning, “Do I have to meet with my trainer?”

When he suggested that we all have a sleepover at his place, it would’ve required me to go back to my flat to gather clothes and toiletries. Being so close to Ronan’s, he grabbed a few items to come to mine instead. We stayed up late with Leo and Lettie, laughing and telling stories. The entire time, Ronan kept me tucked into his side or his hand in mine. No matter how much I try to keep my heart guarded, he’s stealing a piece of it for himself every day I spend with him.

“You don’t have to be there for two hours. Want to have breakfast?” I don’t let him answer and wriggle out of his hold. “I’ll put a kettle on.”

Ronan pulls me back into bed and I topple onto him, his hard cock ready to play. “Not yet, darlin’. Five more minutes.”

“I’m going to check on Leo and Lettie. I’ll be right back.” He reluctantly lets me go and I make my way into the kitchen. There’s a note on the counter from Lettie.

I’m taking Leo for a little footie practise at the park. I’ll be back at nine.

-Lettie

I strip out of my tee, leaving on my knickers, and saunter back to the bedroom. Leaning against the doorframe, I toss my shirt at Ronan. He sits up, peeling it off his face, and his jaw drops. This shock quickly turned into a wicked grin, eyes alight with mischief.

“Stay right there.”

“Where else would I go, dressed like this?” I flirt.

Ronan gets out of bed, prowling towards me. “Good. No one sees you like this but me, understood?” As he reaches me, his eyes don’t leave mine as he makes quick work ridding me of my panties. Standing before him fully naked, my confidence wavers. I work out as often as I can, but I’ll never be as thin or toned as I was in my early twenties when I was with…

Fuck. I’ve never told Ronan about Keith!

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