‘Now, I’m going to lay my cards straight out on the table. I fancy the pants off you, Amy Harrington. I knew from the second I laid eyes on you that you were something special. That we could be something special. I know the risks involved. Your job, your brother, the media. Because of this, despite my growing attraction for you, I decided to let you off. To not pursue you because after all, you’re looking for something “different”. Are you telling me different means serious?’
He holds up his hand before I can even attempt to answer.
‘Hold that thought, we’ll come back to it in thirty seconds. I need to get this off my chest before I chicken out. I came on this date for two reasons. The first one being I am not a man to mess around. I don’t really do casual either. The second reason is I thought a professional dating service might be the only way to get over my attraction to you. I agreed to go on a blind date orchestrated by a company who specialise in finding forevers in the hope of being set up with a woman who is perfect for me. Marriage material even. And here you are. I should have followed my gut instinct a few weeks ago and saved Eddie the fee.’
‘You’re looking for something serious? Mr I’m-so-hot-I’ll-work-you-up-then-call-it-casual.’ My mouth drops in shock.
‘I told you before I think we have some sort of weird deep connection. When that didn’t do it for you, I thought maybe you weren’t looking for that kind of commitment. You are, what, twenty-three?’
‘I’m twenty-four. But the way my brother babies me, you’d think I was still fifteen. I can’t believe he sent you here. You couldn’t actually make it up.’
‘Maybe he’s noticed the way I look at you and wanted to make sure my attention’s focused on someone more appropriate. I want to get to know you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.’ His earnest eyes flick over my body before landing straight back on mine.
Does he normally behave this intensely with the women in his life? I take a sip of water and force away the mental image of Ollie having sex with anyone other than me because the thought sends me crazy with jealousy, an emotion I’ve never struggled with in my life.
He eyes my right hand, clutching my handbag, still internally debating on bolting for the door.
‘Perhaps tonight is a weird type of gift from the gods. I know it’s wrong, but I’ve been desperate to ask you out since the second I laid eyes on you. We didn’t exactly get much time for conversation in the gym the other night.’
I’m torn between what I should do and what I want to do. ‘Is this a great idea, or a terrible one? Because when you’re around I can’t think clearly enough to differentiate.’ My fingers pull at the spirals I’m half-sheltering my face behind. It was one thing kissing him after consuming three cocktails in rapid succession and flirting with him outrageously in the gym. But this romantic candlelit dinner feels like we’re doing something way more intimate.
‘It’s a great one.’ He flashes me a killer smile. He knows the decision’s already been made. ‘Do you think Eddie would be happier if I left his little sister alone in the middle of Dublin on a Saturday night? Or would he prefer I treated her like the lady she is?’
‘Want to send him a selfie with your date?’ I can only imagine my brother’s face when he opens that message.
‘No. I think it’s safe to say he’d be here within three minutes. And to be honest, I’d actually like to have you to myself for the evening.’
A warm glow spreads through my veins, melting away the tension I’d been unwittingly holding since I saw Ollie Quinn, in fact since long before that.
‘Hmm.’ I pretend to muse. ‘Let’s see if we’ve got something “different” then shall we?’
The waiter returns with our drinks and Ollie raises his glass to toast. ‘To something different.’
A shiver of excitement ripples through me at his words. Sod the consequences. I probably would have caved on ‘casual’ given the chemistry. But if he’s serious about his intentions, I’m ready to fling my dusty halo into to the Liffey, permanently.
ChapterSixteen
OLLIE
Matching up a professional sportsman with a physiotherapist is a genius idea; throw in our mutual love of Asian cuisine, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and fast cars and we have plenty to talk about. And that’s without the instant and painful mutual attraction we already hold for each other. Finding Forever did a fantastic job with their matching, though that may not be how Eddie would describe it. I can’t contemplate the consequences tonight. Amy’s dress ensures I can focus on nothing but her.
As midnight approaches, the clock ticks ominously in the increasing silences, both of us seemingly aware the night is closing in, yet neither of us standing to accept it. When the waiter asks for the fourth time if we need anything else, I pass him my credit card.
‘Let me, please.’ She opens her bag and reaches for her purse.
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ My hand captures hers and closes around it before she can grasp her wallet. The sensation of my skin on hers shocks like wildfire, burning, scorching, spreading and igniting everything inside me. From the way her lips pout, then part, I can only assume she feels it too.
‘Come on, I’ll drop you home.’ I rise from the table just as the waiter returns with our coats.
‘Are you ok to drive?’ She checks, eyeing the empty glass on the table.
‘It was one gin and tonic, four hours ago. You’re in safe hands, I promise.’ It’s the second time I’ve made her a promise and yet again, I’m not entirely sure I can deliver on it. She’s in safe hands with my driving, but can I trust myself not to kiss her again? It’s doubtful. I’ve been thinking of it non-stop since our workout. Long before it, in fact. Tonight’s only confirmed what I already suspected. She is pretty much perfect for me.
Outside, she eyes the Tesla with an appreciative glance. ‘Is it fast?’
‘Yep.’ I open the passenger door for her and she slips in.
‘I love it.’ She gazes round the dashboard, her hands brushing over the leather seats.
