Page 33 of Destined Lovers

What did he say?

Is he leaving?

“I thought you were staying for another drink?” I spit in panic—all of a sudden desperate for him to stay. Jesus, I’m giving myself whiplash.

He looks at his watch. “I best be going. It’s getting late.” He fakes a smile and walks toward the front door.

“You’re just leaving?” I ask, panicked. I knew we would have to say goodbye, but I’m not ready right this second.

He shrugs his shoulders, defeated. “You’re not giving me much choice, Pip, I’m not going to push you.”

“But, I didn’t ask you to go.”

“You didn’t have to. When you’re ready, you tell me, okay?” He continues walking out the door.

“Ready for what? I don’t understand?” I yell after him.

“Do you remember what I said all those years ago?”

“What?”

“That our life then was just the prelude, and when we met again, that’s when Declan and Nora’s life together would officially start?”

“Of course, I remember that.”

“Well, babe, I’m still waiting for it to start. Only this time, it’s on you to make it happen.”

I run after him. He can’t just leave.

“Wait!” I call after him, shite he can walk fast.“Wait!” I call again, and he stops short, making me crash into his back. I grab hold of him, so I don’t fall, but then I don’t let go. “Don’t go yet,” I plead.

“I’m not going far, Nora. When you’re ready, I’ll be here. Remember…There will only ever be you and I,” he whispers the latter of our promise saying.

I can’t believe he still believes that after all this time, he still believes in that one line that meant the most to me. He might as well have broken me in half because all my resolve is officially gone…for now.

“Come tomorrow, please. I want you to come,” I beg.

He looks down into my eyes, and whatever he sees convinces him to nod his head okay.

“And you’ll bring Maeve?”

He nods his head again.

“You’re sure you’ll come?” I ask, just in case. I don’t know what happened. I’ve done a three-sixty and can’t possibly see him leave quite yet.

Declan chuckles. “I promise, Pip. I’ll be here,” he says and moves some stray hairs off my face. I realize now how close we’re standing.

I look up at him and can feel that spark again, the same one from earlier. Not sure I’m ready to explore that again. So I go to step back, and simultaneously, he pulls me into his body.

He leans down close, and right when I think he may kiss me again; he whispers, “Don’t be afraid of us, Nora. We’re bound to happen.”

He pulls back, kisses my forehead, turns, and leaves.

See you tomorrow, Declan, I whisper to myself long after he’s gone.

Nora

It’s beenthe longest morning of all morning’s history.

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