Page 74 of Destined Lovers

“Your whole life, you did it when you were nervous or embarrassed. Recently you started doing it when you’re turned on. I can’t get it straight, and it’s driving me nuts.”

“Oh god, you’re too much.” She lifts her hands, then pauses half away and makes a face of confusion.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your hair looks amazing slicked back like this. Actually, it looks freaking hot, but how the hell am I supposed to run my fingers through it?”

“Mess it up all you want. I only got dressed up for you tonight, Pip.” I lean down and kiss her again. I can’t help it. I’ve wanted these lips for many years. I’m not leaving them alone now.

“Well, you look pretty snazzy, Declan Buckley. I’ve never seen you dressed so fashion-forward like this.”

She looks between us. “On a scale from one to ten, how overdressed are we?”

“One hundred,” I deadpan.

We look ridiculous going to a pub like this, but she wanted to dress up tonight. And I’ll do anything to keep a smile on her face.

I’m wearing a dark navy suit, a white dress shirt, unbuttoned on the top, no tie, and Prada loafers. It’s something I regularly wear in London. But for a night out in Galway. Not so much.

We haven’t moved, still standing close. Her fingertips are running up and down the lapels of my jacket, looking lost in thought.

“Are you okay, Pip?”

She looks up, and her eyes fill with tears.

My face falls. “What’s the matter?”

“Thank you… you make me…” I rub her neck in encouragement.

She smiles meekly and shakes her head for some strength. “What I’m trying to say, and failing miserably at, is just, thank you. You went over and beyond to make this an unforgettable week, always putting me first and making me feel a type of happiness I haven’t felt for a long time. You let me live free this week, and I can never thank you enough for that. I wouldn’t want to end the year or start a new one any other way than with you.I’ve waited ten years for this, and I can’t imagine it being any better.”

I hold back my own tears as she presses up to kiss me but too quickly pulls back. I press the hair away from her forehead. “Angel,” I whisper.

“I like when you call me that.” She smiles softly.

“You never have to thank me for making you happy. I care for you so much that it is just an unconscious decision to care for you in every way. It always has been, and it will never change. I will always put you first for the rest of our lives.”

“I guess you do owe me for life.” She chuckles.

What is she talking about?

“I saved your life when I was six. Who knows what would have happened if I didn’t beat up those bullies? If they could only see you now.”

“All right, Mohammad Ali, let’s get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner I have you back here naked in this bed.” I slap her arse, and she screeches in delight.

“Or should we just stay here?”

“You, Nora King, are a sex-crazed animal.”

“I learned from the best.” She winks and takes my hand in hers as we leave to celebrate a new year and turning over a new leaf together.

* * *

“Fifteen minutes!” Nora yells over the music in excitement.

“I know, I see the clock.” I widen my eyes.

Nora’s drunk. She’s had countless champagnes. I’ve lost count.

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