Page 48 of Destined Lovers

“Come on, babe. Our room is this way.” He pulls my hand toward the staircase in front of us to a set of old wooden double doors. Declan pushes them open, and I think my mouth hit the floor.

“Declan,” I whisper. “Oh, this is so so perfect.” I run to the balcony to see the same view I wanted to paint. Am I living in a fairy tale? I feel him step up behind me, so I whirl around and throw my body into this.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can’t believe we’re together on the trip we planned so many years ago. It means the world that we are here right now.”

He leans down, picks me up, and I instinctively wrap my legs around him.

“I need you closer for just a few minutes,” he utters and presses his lips to the side of my head, holding me tight against his body. “I sometimes feel like it’s a dream that you’re back in my life. Having you here in my arms.” He shakes his head. “It’s been so long, and then out of nowhere, there you were, and now here you are.” He squeezes me hard into him, and I squeeze back, needing the exact connection he’s looking for.

After what feels like forever, I finally lift my head from the crook of his neck and peer inside the room since I missed that part when I ran through to get to the balcony, and it’s then I notice it.

One bed.

I shouldn’t be surprised. We’ve been acting like a couple, falling right back into place with each other, so why would I think otherwise? I mean, I packed freaking lingerie.

But seeing the bed and imagining me and Declan sleeping together, wrapped in each other’s arms, is not something I’ve prepared myself for.

He sees me staring. “One bed, huh?” I kid, but his eyes darken, and he lowers his voice.

“If you thought, after waiting more than ten years, I would sleep in a separate bed than you. You’re not as smart as I thought you were, Nora.” He releases me, and I slide down his body.

His large palm cups the back of my neck, holding me tight and exactly where he wants me so he can press his lips against mine.

“This is it, babe. You and me, Pip, no more fecking around.” I bite my lip and nod in agreement because what else am I to do?

Of course, I’m ready for us. I’ve been ready since I was six years old. And in reality,I amright there with him. He’s always been mine.

I’ve never and will never belong to anyone else. So, in theory, there is no “go time” needed because I’m already there.

The problem is, that’s Nora speaking…Not Riley.

Nora

“This looksa lot creepier at night than it did when we walked to dinner.” I squeeze Declan’s hand.

Earlier today, Declan and I walked through the ruins of Carlingford Abbey to get to dinner. It was beautiful as the sun shined down on the fourteenth-century limestone building. Now, walking through this medieval structure in the dark has me just about shitting my pants. There is no way in hell this place isn’t haunted.

“Almost through then one more street and we’re back at the hotel. Don’t worry yourself, Nora. I’ll keep you safe.” He chuckles with a cocky grin.

I can’t help but feel like I’m in the freakingBlair Witch Project.

Despite my inner turmoil about our relationship, I was able to put it behind me… like I promised Agnes and had the best time at dinner. The thing about Declan and me is that we are friends first, and that’s why I think we’ve always gotten along so well. If you’re not best friends with your significant other, you’re doing it all wrong.

We’re hand in hand walking back to the hotel, opting to skip the pub tonight. I’m exhausted, and I can tell Declan is too.

I didn’t have much to contribute to life catch-ups, so he talked most of the dinner. I loved hearing about everything he’s done and accomplished over the last decade. Of course, it was a bittersweet feeling, learning it all after the fact, but I’m so proud of him. He’s done so well for himself and turned out to be the man I always thought he would be. From his years playing rugby to switching to the corporate world, yet never losing himself to it all.

He may spend too much money, but he’s still the Declan I know and love.

“Tell me more about this charity you’re involved in,” I ask, and he smiles brightly, clearly happy to chat about it.

“It’s so nice to be able to give back and support these kids in doing something they love and have so much passion for. It doesn’t hurt that I happen to love rugby too. You know, many of these kids are growing up in rough areas and don’t have the means to pursue what makes them happy. So, to give them this opportunity, to see smiles on their faces, and to give them chances in life they didn’t have before is what life is all about.”

He really is a perfect specimen, or at least to me, he is.

He was built with not one bad bone in his body, and a charity like this was made for Declan to be involved in.

“I’m really proud of the man you turned into, Declan,” I whisper.

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