“And the only thing we argued over is your rose-killing goat.”
“And your sleepy time prose,” she said, wanting to ask him in, but knowing it was for the best that she didn’t.
They stood there, something warm and unspoken wrapping around them.
“You know,” he said, “tradition says I should walk you to the door, kiss your cheek, and pretend I don’t want to come inside.”
Aisling raised an eyebrow and took another step up onto the porch. “You’re already at the door.”
“True. I could come in.”
She grinned, slowly. “Not happening.”
“No?”
“Not unless you want to meet a goat in lingerie. Céilí’s been weird ever since her, uh, romantic awakening. She may try to seduce you.”
Ronan barked out a laugh. “And here I was thinking she only had eyes for my roses or my billy goats.”
“She’s moved on. Now she’s just… emotionally complicated.”
He stepped onto the stair below her, bringing them almost eye to eye. “Fair warning: I don’t usually go this slow.”
“Fair warning,” she said, “I do.”
And then—finally—he kissed her.
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t chaste. His mouth captured hers with purpose, a slow burn that crackled down her spine. His hand found the curve of her waist, steady but gentle, as though he knew just how easily she might bolt.
She kissed him back, parting her lips, tilting into his heat, the weight of everything that had been building between them since the day she arrived.
When they pulled apart, breathless, her hand lingered on his chest. His heart thundered beneath her palm.
“Wow,” she whispered.
“Yeah,” he said, voice rough. “That should be illegal.”
She laughed, stepping back. “Now go home.”
He blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. This isn’t an invitation. It’s a farewell.”
“I could… just come in for a minute. Say hello to Céilí.”
“Nice try.”
“She misses me.”
“She’s hormonal. You’re confusing that with affection.”
Ronan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “You’re going to make me drive home after that kiss?”
“Yup.”
He stared at her like she’d just declared war. “You’re kind of evil.”
“I know,” she said sweetly. “When I tell you about my last breakup, you’ll realize just how truly mean I can be.”
