We.
How can one tiny, two-letter word sound so incredible rolling from his tongue?
‘I’ll take care of the girls. I’ll get a taxi there in an hour. I don’t want to bomb out on Holly’s big night any earlier than necessary,’ Ashley offers. ‘Matt won’t even notice if I don’t come home. I’ll stay at your place.’
‘Sorted.’ Ronan’s tone is almost gloating as he eyes Lucas like he’s won some sort of silent battle. ‘Looks like we’re going on a road trip.’ His deep velvety voice echoes the thrills shivering down my spine.
It’s a perfect excuse to spend another Saturday night with the man who I can no longer even pretend to hate.
Chapter Twenty
RONAN
We step out of the gallery into the evening sun, scanning the street for pesky paps. Pulling the only woman no one has in years would do wonders for my reputation, but even I can appreciate it wouldn’t be good for Savannah’s.
‘Ronan, are you sure about this?’ Savannah shoots me a sidewards glance as we stride along the pavement, three feet apart.
Am I sure about spending some alone time with the woman I’ve been obsessed with for two years and three months and about three days in one of the quietest villages in the country?
I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.
‘Yes. I haven’t even had a drink. Let’s swing by your house, get what you need, and we’ll be on the road in less than an hour. I have my gym bag in the boot with spare clothes, so that’ll save me having to go home.’
She twists her head and offers me a playful smile. ‘Sure you don’t want to hang around here and see if you give the paps something to snap?’
‘What part of “I’m obsessed with you” did you notunderstand?’ I brush my hand against hers in an apparent innocent gesture, but there’s nothing innocent about the memories of those hands touching herself for my viewing pleasure. ‘I thought I made my desire for you pretty clear.’ I glance over my shoulder to glare at the art gallery. ‘Though if I’d known I had competition, I might have made it even clearer…’
She snorts and waves her hand dismissively. ‘Lucas? Don’t be silly, it’s business. What did you think of the exhibition?’
‘Oh, Savannah,’ I sigh. Is she really that clueless? ‘The only reason I went was because I knew you’d be there.’
She slows to almost a stop and sweeps her gorgeous glossy hair back from her face before turning to me. ‘Why?’
‘Because I’ve been thinking about you all damn week. Reliving Saturday night over in my head, and in my shower every damn day, multiple times.’ I grab her elbow gently and steer her down a side street towards where my car is parked, before I really do give the paps something to snap. ‘I picked up the phone a million times to call you this week.’
‘Then why didn’t you?’
‘Because you’re Single Sav and you’ve made it clear you don’t want to date me.’And because I’ve been biding my time for an opportunity like this.‘What did you expect?’ We reach my car and I place my hand on the base of her spine, guiding her to the passenger side, and open the door for her.
She shrugs, slipping in and sinking into the black plush leather. ‘I’ve learnt not to expect anything from anyone.’
I think that might be the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.
But it doesn’t surprise me.
Someone hurt her enough to deter her from dating men for over half a decade.
We drive to her house in silence.
By the time I crush up her driveway, the sun’s set, painting the sky a vivid shade of pink. I hop out of the car and stride to the passenger side to open the door for her.
‘Do you want me to come in?’ I offer her a hand, helping her out. A charge of electricity scorches the skin where our fingers meet.
She hisses, like she feels the burn as sharply as I do. ‘No, just give me ten minutes to check the girls and throw a few things into a bag.’
‘Are you packing your favourite toy?’ It’s out before I can stop myself.
‘Do you want me to?’ Startling blue eyes fall to my lips.
