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I stand and pull her into my arms, kissing the top of her head. She wraps her arms around me and inhales deeply. I rub her back and tighten my hold.

“Aye, I have some business to handle and my nephew’s wedding is coming up. I would love for you to join me for the wedding.”

I don’t tell her I’m heading to the same meeting she’s heading to. I’m a little shocked she hasn’t mentioned going away. The meeting has been set for a few weeks now.

“Um, I’ll get back to you on that. You know I don’t mind keeping the guys and staying with them.”

“Ach, I miss my friends. I don’t mind taking them at all,” Oisín says.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet ya,” Tadhg says.

“Hi.”

“Tadhg, this is Dean. Dean, this is Tadhg and that one trying to steal our kids is Oisín.”

“I’m going to let you guys talk. I’ll be in the room.”

“Ya don’t have to go. We’re going to have a few beers as Oisín bonds with the crew.”

“Nah, I’m going to go write.”

“Don’t leave on my account, I’m going to walk the gang and then come back for my beer,” Oisín says as he looks up from rubbing Bullet’s belly.

I pull her close and lean into her ear. “Let’s go out. I want to take ya to dinner. If ya leave, leave to get ready for a night out.”

She pulls away and looks up at me with a smile. “That I can do.”

I tap her on the ass and allow her to walk away. I pull out my phone and send off a text to make plans for a date. Tadhg comes over and takes a seat on the couch.

“She’s a pretty one. I get why ya’re always in a good mood lately,” he says.

“Aye, I have to agree,” Oisín adds.

“Shut yer gubs and go walk the dogs.”

Oisín holds his hands up in surrender. I know they’re taking the piss at me so there’s no real bite to my words. Tadhg has a shit-eating grin on his lips as he watches me.

“It’s good to see ya like this,” he says.

“Aye, it’s good to feel it.”

CHAPTER27

Am I Ignoring …

Dean

“Are ya all right, love?”Ronan asks as we return from our date.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Long day. I just have something on my mind.”

We step out of the elevator and into the apartment. Placing my hand on Ronan’s bicep, I start to take off my heels. He places a hand on my waist to steady me.

I chew on my lip, lost in thought. Could I be that naive? Have I been burying my head in the sand on purpose?

I know that guy from somewhere. I know Oisín. Why would he be around Ronan?

My uncle has always told me not to ignore details that jump out at me. I’m starting to admit to myself that I’ve put blinders on when it comes to Ronan.