‘I’ll take the girls for the afternoon.’ I lower my chest to bob beside her.
Her head whips up. ‘I wasn’t saying it for that reason. It wasn’t a hint. I know you go to your mam’s for dinner on Sundays.’
‘I’ll bring them to Mam’s, if that’s okay with you?’ I reach out and stroke her spine. ‘They’ll have a blast playing with Joseph and John. And I’m sure Rachel will let them give Mark his bottle. Mam will be only too delighted to have more females in the house.’
‘Are you sure? I hate putting you out.’ She glances up from under thick lustrous lashes.
‘You’re not putting me out. I love the girls.’ It’s the truth, but judging by the shock on Savannah’s face, she had no idea. ‘I’d do anything for the three of you.’
She wets her lips, her eyes homing in on mine. I pull her towards me, inching down to kiss the shock straight from her lips, but she pushes me back, a firm hand on my chest.
‘Thank you, Ronan. You’re a good man.’ She swallows thickly.
‘Let me help you, Savannah. Let me shoulder some of the responsibilities.’
‘You’ve already done so much, but we need to tread carefully. I don’t want to confuse them.’ Her eyes dart down to the water. ‘They’re not used to having a man around. I’ve never introduced them to a boyfriend before. Hell, I’ve never had a boyfriend since I had them. I’d hate for them to get used to the idea of you being around and then for you to disappear.’
‘Savannah, I’m not going anywhere.’ I stand up, the water rolling across my torso in thick, ticklish drips. Taking herhands in mine, I press them against my chest. She springs up, her hips pushing forwards to rest against mine.
‘I know nothing about the twins’ father or the circumstances, but I know you’ve been let down in the worst possible way. Look at me when I tell you this.’ I cup her chin and force her eyes up to mine. ‘I’m not him. I won’t let you down. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted you. I’m not going to mess it up now, trust me.’
‘I think I might actually love you.’ Her tone is teasing as her palms roam over my torso.
‘I don’t think I love you.’ My voice is thick with emotion as I wrap my arms around her waist. ‘I know I do.’
My lips crash against hers.
I’ve said it now. There’s no going back.
Chapter Thirty-Three
SAVANNAH
He loves me.
He loves me.
He said he fucking loves me.
Those three tiny words that have enormous consequences. No man has ever said them to me before. Well, apart from my dads, but that doesn’t count.
Then he kissed me and continued our lesson, like it was the most natural thing in the world. I’m trying not to freak out, but it’s nearly impossible. Butterflies swirl and soar in my stomach at a dizzying rate. My heart is in my mouth and I’m not sure if it’s elation, excitement, or down right panic.
Ronan Rivers loves me.
I barely remember getting ready for the event, let alone arriving at the wine bar and cutting the ribbon. I have no idea what I said in my speech.
All I can think about is getting to Ronan’s mother’s house. Getting to him and to my girls.
I didn’t tell him I loved him back. I couldn’t say it out loud, but I do love him. I love him so much my heart might burst.
But what I’m going to do about it is another matter entirely.
I hate sneaking around. I hate that we can’t just date like a normal couple, but I have the girls to think about, and my brand, of course.
If I’m not Single Sav anymore, then who the hell am I?
Where do I go from here?
