Page 56 of Destined Lovers

I guess it’s my body’s way of telling me how much he really wants and needs Nora.

She opens the door and peeks her head in. “We’re in luck. Our room is ready.”

If it weren’t, I would have paid ten million pounds to let me into any room at this rate. The gardening shed included.

I get out of the car, grab Nora’s hand and pull her toward the old Victorian house in front of us.

“The bags,” she cries, trying to pull me back toward the car.

“I’ll get them later. Who cares about them now.”

“Me. I would like to freshen up after our hike, Declan.” She says on a huff, and it seems like I have no choice.

I stomp over to the car and grab the bags, carrying as many as I can for now.

“Don’t be such a grump.”

“You know when men say they have blue balls? This is five hundred times worse. I don’t know why the thing won’t go down,” I mutter more to myself.

I look over at Nora to ensure she is following along, and I realize I haven’t been paying much attention to her quietness.

She seems… tense.

“Are you okay, Pip?”

“Yep.”

“Nora?”

She turns and looks. “Yes, Dec?”

“You’re biting your lip. What’s up? I don’t like when you hide stuff from me.”

“It’s nothing. I just want to get to the room and shower,” she says and walks ahead of me toward our suite, not giving me a second to question her more.

“Number nineteen, this is us,” she says and walks through the doorway. “Oh my… Declan.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Wrong?” she cries. “This is beautiful. I feel like I stepped back in time. I can’t fathom how much something like this has cost you.”

I walk over and wrap my arms around her shoulders from behind to take in the view she admires. “It was nothing, Nora. I would do anything to make you happy. You must know this.”

She turns slightly to look up at me. “Same, Dec, but don’t spend your money on me. This seems so excessive. I mean, I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong. This must have cost a fortune.”

I ignore her comment and walk to the other side of the room to open the balcony door and let in some fresh air, hoping that can help me calm down. Also, admittedly to ignore the chat about money after the little car situation yesterday.

I’ve been very blessed in life, but I’ve also worked my arse off to be where I am today. I played rugby for almost ten years, and although that paid decently, I made most of my money in brand endorsements related to sports. Now, where I work atThe Taylored Group, not only am I paid well, I’m a major equity holder, and I’ve invested wisely over the years in other businesses such as clubs, restaurants, and different start-ups. I could retire now and take care of Nora and a family with no issue.

This trip is nothing compared to my life in London. And although I live a lavish life compared to most, I’m a far cry from it when it comes to my friends. I need to talk to Nora about it, but knowing how hard-headed she is sometimes, I’m dreading it.

I go to turn around and inadvertently hit my front into the side of the door, and I buckle in pain.Feck.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Nora asks in concern as she runs over to my side.

I amble over to the bed as best as possible. “No,” I moan. “I just hit my dick in the door.”

I’ve thrown my arm over my eyes in dramatics, so I can’t see Nora. But I can hear her trying to muffle a laugh and start to walk away.

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