A news presenter?
A footballer?
‘It makes you human. Even if you look like a goddess.’ I take her hand and bring it to my lips and kiss it.
‘Flattery will get you everywhere, Ronan Rivers.’ The seriousness evaporates and we’re back to the playful banter in seconds.
‘In that case, I’ll find somewhere to pull in.’ I’m not entirely joking.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
SAVANNAH
Spending time with Ronan has been a total eyeopener. I don’t know how I ever thought the man was arrogant. He’s like a human golden retriever.
Thanks to the tidal pool shenanigans, we left Ballybowen later than planned. By the time we reach the outskirts of Dublin, it’s almost five o’clock. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
I blink hard, forcing back the wetness forming in my eyes. What a baby.
My phone rings from my handbag on the floor.
It’s Ashley.
I answer it, putting my finger over my lips to silence Ronan. Ashley might know that’s who I’m with, but I don’t want the girls overhearing and getting confused.
I’m still trying to wrap my own head around the last twenty-four hours, let alone try to explain it to a couple of six-year-olds.
‘I’m so sorry, Ash. We’re on our way. I’ll be home in less than thirty minutes.’ I glance at the clock on the dashboard.
‘That’s why I’m calling.’ Ashley’s voice is a hushed whisper. ‘Don’t come home.’
‘What?’ Alarm spikes in my stomach. ‘Is everything okay?’
‘It’s more than okay. Matt called. He finally noticed my absence. I told him I was minding the twins and convinced him to come over and help me. Seriously, it’s good for him. It might encourage him to get a move on, you know.’ Hope hangs on Ashley’s every word.
‘Well, that’s great news, I guess…’ Ashley would love her own babies. If playing house with mine helps, then I can work with that.
‘It is. Can you stay out a bit longer? Just give us this time. Maybe he’ll get a taste for family life. Your girls are so gorgeous. So adorable. Spending time with them might finally make him see we’d make great parents ourselves one day.’ There’s a pleading in her tone.
Who am I to take this opportunity away from her?
‘How long do you need?’ My eyes shoot to Ronan. Has he got any plans for the next few hours?
‘A couple of hours would be fab,’ Ashley says.
‘Are the girls behaving? Are they okay?’ Isla can be a handful.
‘They’re perfect. No problems at all. We’re just going to take them for a walk on the beach and an ice-cream.’ My friend sounds thrilled at the prospect.
‘You’re a star, Ash. Thanks for everything.’ I mean it. I’m truly humbled to have such great friends.
‘You’re the star, Savannah.’ Ashley giggles. ‘But tell me, are you still single?’
Ronan remains looking ahead as he concentrates on the road, but his lips twitch. I push the button on the side of my mobile, lowering the volume. I can’t be sure he can’t hear Ashley’s every word already.
‘I don’t know what I am,’ I admit. My gaze falls to my lapwhere Ronan’s thumb is still caressing my inner thigh with a tenderness I wouldn’t have expected from the man who lives to tease me. From the second I said he could touch me, he hasn’t stopped.
And I love it.
