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“Where’d you learn to cook like that?”

I open my mouth and quickly close it. I’m not ready to share about my past. I keep a tight lid on my thoughts of Sasha.

That’s not a place I’m able to go. I’ve closed the door so tight on my past, it’s probably sealed shut with rust. I don’t want to relive that pain.

Sasha was the one I learned to make that stew from. She taught Cass how to cook the things Joe liked and I watched. I had been there to flirt with the gorgeous vixen, but I picked up a thing or two.

“Tell me about what ya were working on. Those looked like computer designs. Not words in a novel.”

“Noted, cooking isn’t something you want to share about. You know, we’re doomed to fail. I’m not going to tell you anything about me and you seem to have as many secrets as I do.”

“I knew a guy once who refused to talk about his past, but we became good friends nonetheless.”

She gives me a warm smile. “I had an uncle like that. He said you should always deal with the present. Tomorrow isn’t promised and there’s nothing you can do with yesterday.”

“Aye, that’s the way he used to put it. If we live by his rules, you and I will be just fine.”

“There you go hiding your accent.”

“Why are you frowning? Is my American accent trash?”

“I don’t think anything you say could be trash, but I do like your accent better.”

I stand from my seat and round the table to stand beside her. She looks up at me as she bites her lip. I reach to run my finger along her hairline.

Reaching for her hand, I then link our fingers together and pull her up from her seat. I place her hand against my chest and wrap my arms around her, holding her close.

“What else do you like, love?”

“I … I …”

I dip my head to take her lips. I’m a hairbreadth away from pressing my lips to hers when the front door opens and Kaye and Dae-Dae walk in. I must have lost track of time.

“Uncle Ronan,” Dae-Dae sings.

“Aye, my little buddy. Bout ye?”

“Grand,” he says with a broad smile.

“That’s me, boy,” I croon and hold up a hand for him to give me five.

He rushes over and slaps his hand to mine, then looks between me and Dean with a beaming smile. Cute kid.

“Come on, I’ll get you in the tub and ready for bed,” Dean says.

“Aw, I wanted to play with Uncle Ro.” He pouts.

“Next time, lad. We’ll make a day of it.”

“Oh, okay,” he says and begins to mope after Dean, who has rushed off.

“Good to see you, Uncle Ronan,” Kaye says with a smile in her voice.

I turn to narrow my eyes at the lass. She’s a pretty one. I can see why Felix has a glad eye for her.

“Aye, it’s good to see ya too. There are some leftovers for ya and the wee lad.”

“Thanks. It smells good in here.”