Page 6 of Johny

I’m sorry that I haven’t seen you in person for so long. Unfortunately, things took longer than I’d like to sort in Ireland. But I’m back now.

Hope you enjoy your breakfast and the dress. I’ll be at yours to pick you up at seven tonight.

And before you say you can’t go, I’ve arranged babysitters for Jackson and Emy. Carly, Bren, and Bella will look after them for us tonight. I’ve also booked you in at the Crow beauty place this afternoon for the works.

Stop frowning.

Instantly I looked up to see if there were cameras watching me because I’d been frowning at his high-handedness.

Not seeing anything, I went back to the note.

You deserve a night out and to be spoilt. I want to bethe one to do that. I’m looking forward to spending time with you.

My number is on a card with your dress. Call me whenever you want. Just NOT to cancel.

I’ll be thinking of you today, mo ghrá. Until tonight.

Johnny

xxx

It seemed that things were about to change. And he’d thrown another Irish word into the mix that I was going to have to look up to see what it meant.

I’d found out thatmilseánmeant sweetheart. Placing the letter down on the desk, I wiped my damp palms on my leggings and let out a deep breath as I reached for the zipper on the garment bag and pulled it down to reveal a dress in midnight blue. Taking it out of the bag, I held it up against me, turning towards the large mirror on the far wall to have a look.

The colour was gorgeous against my lightly tanned skin and made my eyes appear bluer than they normally were. The dress was long with a loose flowing skirt and a slit up the left leg, it was nipped in at the waist and hada crossover bodice, giving way to thick straps, each embellished with tiny sequins and black pearls to match the bodice. With no sleeves, it would leave my arms bare, which would be bliss in the summer heat. It was breathtaking and much sexier than anything I would have chosen for myself.

Biting my lower lip, I wondered if I should take the chance. And it would be a chance because I knew how my heart worked. As much as I’d been determined not to get involved with another man, I knew that if I went there with Johnny, my heart would get involved and I’m not sure I could take it if he broke it. Plus, I had to think of my children, they’d already been through so much.

Jackson was so suspicious of every male he came across and Emy, my poor Emy, was so confused that she called every male she came across daddy. Luckily, the men of the Crows were good men, and they humoured her, knowing she didn’t know what it meant, but it hurt my heart every time she uttered those words.

Sighing, I put the dress away and sat down at the desk, still undecided. Taking my phone from my pocket, I scroll down my contacts until I get to Avy. Out of all the women other than Noni, she’sknown the O’Sheas the longest, and I know if I ask her, she’ll be honest about whether or not I’d be making a mistake by allowing him into our lives.

Putting the phone to my ear, I wait nervously as it rings. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for her to answer.

“Hi Maya.”

“Hi Avy,” I hesitate, finally letting out a deep breath. “Can I ask you something, but it has to stay between us?”

“Of course you can,” she assures me.

“What do you know of Johnny O’Shea?”

There’s no hesitation from Avy, “He’s a good guy, loves his brothers, adored Noni, and he’s never made it a secret that he’s looking for a woman to make his. Why?”

“He wants to take me out tonight.”

Avy lets out a little squeal and I grin. I’ve loved having these women in my life.

“Where are you? I want to know everything.”

“I’m at The Lounge, eating the breakfast he left me.”

“Aww, be still my heart. Go, Johnny!!! I lovethat for you. Stay there. Julia, Cally, and I are coming.”

With that, she abruptly ends the call, leaving me hanging. I still have to clean the clubs but decide that I can take an hour to enjoy the breakfast and wait on the girls so I can spill my guts and see what they have to say.

It only takes them twenty minutes before they are all gathered in the office, looking at me expectantly. I tell them everything from how we met and what I’d done, the breakfasts and notes he’d left me while he’d been away, and then today’s note, which I passed to them to read.

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