Page 169 of Destined Lovers

“Exactly, so now that I’ve shaken off my shock. I want to go inside and return to the three people waiting for us. Also, I need some greasy arse food to cure this hangover.” I turn and stomp away for added theatrics, hearing mumbled ‘spitfire’ from Declan.

I’m just at the cusp of the restaurant when I realize something, and it changes my mood another one-eighty, and I can’t help the sudden bounce to my step when I turn back to the guys.

Jameson’s back is me, so I tap on the shoulder, and he turns his unimpressed glare in my direction. “Yes, Fiona?”

My grin is at wide as it can go. “You called me sweetheart.” I widen my eyes for effect, and he shakes his head, annoyed.

“I did not.”

“Oh yes, you did when you were helping me. My voice might have gone missing momentarily, however, my hearing was still working perfectly.” I do another little jig, and he rolls his eyes.

“See, you love me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t call me sweetheart and let me hug you!”

“Go inside, will you?” he says, but I think I see a slight sparkle in those emerald eyes.

“For now, only because I may pass out from hunger. But this”—I point in his chest—“is not over.” I turn to walk away, but Declan is there.

“Hey.” Declan grabs my hand. “On a serious note, you sure you’re okay?”

Way to burst my bubble.

He knows I’m deflecting. He knows me better than anyone.

“Did it freak me out? Yes. One hundred percent. Honestly, I think having the guys helped ease my anxiety. Thank you for hiring them.”

“I will do anything to protect and keep you safe, Pip. Not just now. For the rest of our lives, you know this, don’t you?”

I gulp down my emotions. “I do.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you, angel. You’re safe with me.” He pulls me in and holds me tight.

I know I am. He’s always been my safe place.

23

Four Months Later

Nora

I give up.

I’m standing in the middle of our kitchen, wondering why I let myself get into this situation. I don’t know how to host a fancy fecking dinner. The canapés look like I massacred them, and the house is still a mess.

Well… that’s an exaggeration.

The house isn’t a mess. It’s perfect.

Only the kitchen looks like a bomb went off because someone let me loose in here. Why I didn’t agree to let our housekeeper stay is still beyond my comprehension.

Cleary… I’m an eejit.

I have two things going for me, though: the food in the oven smells terrific, thanks to Agnes, helping me cook all day, and the house has been turned into a floral wonderland.

Marco and Sadie came over earlier and did the whole place up, including the outdoor patio and garden, since it’s a perfect May evening, and we will be hosting dinner outside. Declan also hired a company to decorate any last little touches, like the beautifully arranged dinner table and bar area.

Of course, we fought that it was excessive just to have our friends over for dinner, and I finally drew the line at a chef and waiter service, something I’m sorely regretting now.

We usually go to Sadie and Wills’s on Sundays for a roast. She has no issues hosting with two small children and, at times, more people than we will have tonight.

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