Page 98 of After Indigo Irish Nights
He’d walked in on her and Ellie researching, and she’d told him all about it. His endearing smile had warmed her heart and she’d cherished his words. “We have to keep you in Ireland, after all, don’t we? I couldn’t do without you.”
Yeah, she was coming to realize she didn’t want to do without him either.
After that, she raced over to Ellie’s. Although they’d told her she didn’t need to knock—no one did in Ireland—she still didn’t feel comfortable just walking in.
Liam answered the door, looking as dashing as ever. “You’re glowing.”
“I’m walking on a cloud,” she said and proceeded to tell him her news.
“Congratulations!” He closed the door after she’d danced inside. “Let’s find Ellie and have a drink.”
When she told her friend how the negotiations went, she screamed and grabbed her in a bear hug.
“It’s even more than we thought! You’re hot shit now, babe.”
Kathleen started laughing. “I feel like hot shit. I mean, whew! That’s a lot of money for an artist. God, it’s crazy. Knowing this is in my hand and yet not having the planning permission yet.”
“We’re going to get it.” Ellie hugged her again. “My dad and Bets and tons of others are doing everything they can to make it happen. Oh, babe, I’m so happy for you. You deserve it!”
She lifted her hand to her forehead. “I’m, like…the happiest I’ve ever been. But maybe we should chill. The ink isn’t dry, so to speak.”
“Having people see your worth and reward you for your vision is always something to celebrate.” Liam handed her and Ellie a whiskey before grabbing his own.
“I agree!” Ellie said. “You have a negotiated offer you could take anywhere now. Not that you’re going anywhere because you’re meant to stay here in Ireland.”
The thought of taking her design somewhere else depressed her. She wanted to stay in Ireland. She was starting to see a life here. Declan included. “All right, then, we’re celebrating the offer.Sláinte.”
“Sláinte,” her friends cried out happily.
The party got going from there. Ellie put on one of their favorite playlists and they danced in the hallway, the kitchen, and then out the back. Liam volunteered to make burgers on the grill to celebrate.
When Declan appeared in the garden, freshly dressed and showered, she jolted in surprise. “You’re here!”
He gave her a rueful look. “Of course I am. I got your text. It went well, I take it.”
Since he was nearly shouting, Ellie darted over and turned the music down. “Tell him!”
Her mouth curved as she walked over to him. He’d left training early. For her. “I got offered a crazy sum of money today for my sculpture. Pending approval by the council.”
“That’s grand, Kathleen.” His mouth tipped up to the right, his dimple appearing. “Congratulations. You deserve it.”
She leaned in to kiss him before pulling back and meeting his eyes. They hadn’t kissed in front of anyone in the house before. He tugged her to him moments later—an answer to her unasked question—stealing her breath. She fell into the kiss and tangled her hands in his damp hair. When he released her mouth, she caressed his still-bruised face.
“Hope that didn’t hurt.” They’d been careful of his bruises.
“Not at all. Mind if I join your party?”
She nodded crisply. “I’m glad you came home, Declan.”
“Me too,mo chroí.”
There was a giant pressure in her chest as Ellie got them drinks for another toast. When they cheered each other, she could feel herself falling into his eyes. Even though he looked dead on his feet, he joined them on the patio set, sitting as close to her as he could. She could smell him, the rich scent of sweat and man. Heady stuff for her happy brain.
When Brady came home from the pub, they were still outside talking, laughing, and dancing. Declan hadn’t moved from her side, even though she’d caught him disguising a yawn or two. Whenever she looked at him, he was smiling at her.
When Brady pulled Ellie against him to “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith, Declan stood and stepped in front of her.
“Will you dance with me?” His blue eyes were bright with love.
