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He takes a step back and I’m more than grateful. I almost melt into my seat as I slide into it.

We have hung out a few times since that night he took me to dinner and we made that agreement. I almost spilled my guts the last time. I had talked to my mom that morning and was feeling vulnerable.

However, I didn’t because to tell one of my secrets is to unravel them all. I lose people when they find out the things I’m hiding. I don’t want to lose Kaye and Ronan has been carving this little space I want to keep him in.

I shake my thoughts off and try to focus. This man fries my brain cells by breathing. I’ve never been so attracted to anyone, not since Geno.

“You cook?” I ask when I can finally think straight.

“Aye, me ma give me more than good looks. I’m single, love. I have to know how to take care of myself. I’m too oul to starve because I’m an eejit in the kitchen.”

Indeed, his mother gave him plenty of good looks. From the red hair to the eyes, his sensual lips and his insane body. As he turns to wash his hands, I can’t help looking down at his tight ass.

Phew. Everything about this man saysopen up and come. I’m ready to lay my shit bare just looking at him.

I watch him roll up his sleeves before washing his hands. The way his biceps stretch the fabric of his shirt has my mouth watering. As if knowing I’m ogling him, he turns to look over his shoulder, busting me mid-drool.

“See something ya like?”

“What are you planning on making?”

He rolls his gaze over me and chuckles. The sound brushes my skin like a hand. I take a quick glance at the clock. Kaye and Dae-Dae need to get here soon.

“Fair play, love. Yer a master at changing the subject. If Connie did her oul uncle a favor like she promised, there should be everything I need to make a stew for ya.”

My cheeks heat. Connie did drop off some groceries yesterday. I hadn’t thought it was odd, she or one of the nephews stops by at least once a week to make sure the place is fully stocked. Felix doesn’t play about his woman and her child.

“You planned this?”

“I plan to make ya mine. Do ya think that starts when I learn yer name? I don’t know what kind of fellas yer used to, but I’m a big lad about mine.

“When ya get me, ya get the whole shebang, so it is. Get used to it. I will have yer true identity before ya return to the States.”

“You know I’ll only be here for a year. You’ve already lost about a month and a half.”

He fully turns to me and shrugs his shoulders. Six o’ one, half a dozen of the other.”

“Huh? What does that one mean?”

“It’s the same thing either way. No matter when I figure it out, yer mine. Time means nothing to me. I know what I want.”

“How old are you, Ronan?”

“Forty-three. I’ll be forty-four soon.”

“You’re motherfucking lying,” I gasp.

I swallow hard as I look him over. He doesn’t look anywhere near forty-three. Mid-to-late thirties, maybe, but forty-three. Damn.

“Ach, I hope your mouth is that filthy in me bed. Aye, I’m forty-three. Leave it to me sister, she fibs to everyone and tells them I’m five years younger than I am.”

“Why does she do that?”

“Cass is five years older than me. If she says I’m five years younger than I am she can cheat five years from her age. She’s been doing it for years. Has everyone including family confused as shit about how old I am.”

I burst out laughing. I’ve met Cassie Black. I could totally see her doing something like that. I love that woman.

“Your sister is a trip.”