A quick glance behind me shows the twins temporarily engrossed in their magazines. ‘Oh, honey, I’ve got all the moves.’ I pump my hips subtly against hers.
‘Ronan, I…’ She grabs my arm. ‘I really appreciate you helping me out tonight. I never thought I’d hear these words coming out of my mouth, but you’re a good friend.’
A good friend.
Who knew three little wordscould be so damning?
My face must betray me because she grabs my arm again. ‘You’re teaching me to swim, but truthfully, you’re the only person who can sink me.’
I get what she means.
I do.
Her entire image.
Her branding.
Would it be any better if I hadn’t been papped with so many women over the last couple of years?
Maybe.
I don’t know.
I’m probably everything her followers wouldn’t want for her.
Our eyes lock and something powerful passes between us. A fire flickers in the silver flames rimming her irises.
If I could only get her to trust me, it could just be the beginning of something beautiful.
If I could find a way to persuade her to let me in behind her carefully curated wall, then she’d understand how I feel about her. She’d understand I’ve been obsessed with her for years.
Now I know she’s not as repulsed by me as she pretends to be, there’s no way I’m giving up.
Single celebrity status or not.
I’ll be her friend.
I’ll be anything she needs me to be.
There’s only one thing that I won’t be – deterred.
Chapter Fifteen
SAVANNAH
I stride into Azure, the most exclusive restaurant in Dublin, with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. It’s impossible to get a table here. I’ve been once before with my best friend, Holly. Holly can demand a table anywhere, anytime, because she’s married to a Hollywood movie star, the same guy whose poster she had pinned to her bedroom wall for years. True story, seriously. There’s an entire book in it. One where they live happily ever after.
My mind wanders to Ronan for the millionth time.
Is he okay with the girls?
A shred of guilt rips through me, but I force it away. I know technically I’m here for work, but I don’t get called to many meetings in a restaurant like Azure. It feels like an indulgence I don’t deserve.
How many times have I longed for a night out somewhere like this? A night where I can wear something other than my pyjamas and have a real adult conversation?
So why is every cell inside me screaming I should be at home with the girls?
Or more specifically, Ronan and the girls.
