Page 60 of Thanks for Coming Along

Their first kiss had been a lightning strike, charged with raw, burning desire. But this kiss? It was something else entirely. It was unhurried, soft, like they were taking their time, savoring the moment. Ronan's devotion to her lips was resolute, each movement deliberate, each touch a testament to his reverence. When the kiss eventually ended, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling, and for a second, he wished he could freeze time and stay like that, just a little longer.

When his eyes slowly blinked open, he met her gaze, and in that instant, he swore he could see something in her eyes that made his heart skip.

"You see me," Eden whispered, her words like a delicate caress, her breath warm against his skin. "You see past everything, and you see me, not the person I show to the world, but who I really am. I don't need to hide around you."

His heart swelled, and he nodded in silent understanding. He closed his eyes briefly before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead as if sealing a promise.

"Please don't ever hide from me," he whispered. A faint shiver passed through Eden at his words. He wrapped his arms around her to shield her from the cool night air. She leaned into his arms and sighed happily, her body relaxing against him. Eden yawned loudly and snuggled closer to him.

"Come on, let's get you to bed," Ronan said, his voice soft. He reached for his camera, realizing it was still recording, and switched it off before stowing it away in his backpack. With the straps slung over his shoulders, he turned his attention back to Eden, extending his hand to help her stand.

Eden grasped his hand firmly, leaning on him as she rose to her feet. Together, they made their way towards the open window. Ronan's hands rested on her hips, guiding her as she climbed inside his room, and he followed suit.

Ronan dropped his backpack on the desk next to the debate team trophies, then walked over to the window, carefully closing it. With a flick of the light switch, the room was bathed in a soft, moonlit glow. When he turned around, he saw Eden curled up in his small twin bed. He smiled, walking over and brushing a kiss to the top of her head.

Just as he was about to pull the covers over her and head for the couch, her hand shot out and grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

"Where are you going? Come lay down with me," Eden mumbled, her voice thick with sleep, tugging gently at his wrist.

He lowered himself onto the mattress and settled onto his back. Eden nestled beside him, her head finding its place on his chest, her arm draped across his torso. Ronan was struck by how perfectly she fit in his arms, the warmth of her body pressing against his. He could feel the slow rise and fall of her chest as she drifted off.

"I love you," he whispered against the soft strands of her hair, words carried on the gentlest of breaths—an unspoken secret that he hoped would find its way into her dreams.

39

Eden

Eden woke to the smell of bacon wafting through the air. She let out a sleepy groan, her stomach instantly chiming in with approval. Stretching out with a satisfied sigh, she reached for Ronan—only to find empty sheets. Blinking herself awake, she frowned. Where had he gone?

Following the scent and her grumbling stomach, she made her way to the kitchen. He was standing at the stove, flipping a pancake. The batter sizzled as it hit the pan, and Eden couldn’t help but admire the way his arms flexed with every move. He was wearing an apron with "Kiss the Chef" embroidered on it. She found herself gaining a newfound appreciation for a man who could cook and looked incredibly good doing it.Damn... she wanted more than a kiss.

"God Eden, please avert your eyes. I can't tolerate you leering at him like he's something to eat. I might hurl the pound of bacon I just ate," Sadie said with a disgusted shiver. She leaned over and grabbed another piece of bacon from the plate on the island.

"Good morning, Sadie. Are you always this pleasant in the morning?" Eden asked, a teasing smile gracing her lips.

"Oh, absolutely. I am extra pleasant in the morning,especiallybefore coffee." Her response elicited a hearty laugh from Eden. Eden knew that she and Sadie were bound to become fast friends.

"Breakfast is served, nerds!" Ronan announced, setting down a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs on the kitchen island.

With a smirk, Sadie muttered under her breath, "Pot calling the kettle black." Meanwhile, Eden whispered, "Says the biggest nerd ever." They both started laughing and they shared a quick high-five.

Ronan's eyes darted between them. "I'm in danger, aren't I?" he asked, a playful grin spreading across his face.

"Obviously," Sadie quipped with a grin as she strolled towards the fridge. As Ronan approached Eden, he leaned in to plant a quick kiss on the top of her head.

"Good morning, gorgeous," he whispered against her hair. His right arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her gently into his arms.

"Last night was the first night without nightmares since the accident," he murmured softly into her hair, his voice filled with warmth, "I dreamt of you instead." His minty breath spread over her head and face. She tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze with shy eyes, her heart fluttering at his words.

A wave of warmth rushed to her cheeks. Ronan's fingers traced gently over her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. His eyes followed the path of his fingers, a smile playing on his lips.

“I love it when you blush for me,” he murmured, his affectionate tone making her heart feel like it might burst.

Ronan, standing there in his apron and showering her with sweet words, had her feeling like she might just melt into the kitchen floor.

So this was why Victorian women fainted dramatically when they were overstimulated. If he kept it up, she might need smelling salts—or maybe a padded room for good measure.

A throat cleared behind her, and Eden turned to find Conor and Erin standing in the doorway, both wearing bright smiles.

---