I start with a gentle press of our lips. It’s more of a cherishing gesture. I’ve always cherished this woman, from the time she offered me her ice cream cone after my older brother knocked mine to the ground and everyone else laughed about it.
She hadn’t licked it yet and her cone was the last one. It had been hot out and I was all sweaty. I wouldn’t take it, but she hadinsisted, going as far as shoving it in my face and saying I had to take it because I licked it.
Which I hadn’t. Not only did she keep me and Logan from getting into a fight, but she also brought a smile to my face. I had been so angry that day. Oland had made it known he didn’t like that Deja had tagged along with us for the weekend.
That shit pissed me off. Deja was Kate’s best friend and like a little sister to the rest of us. I became super overprotective of her after that day.
When she presses her soft lips back against mine, I begin to tease the seam of her mouth with my tongue. She releases a gasp, and I stick my tongue into her mouth.
I groan as she wraps her arms around my neck. Stepping in closer, I move my arms around her and pull her body into mine. Her soft body melts right into mine.
I deepen the kiss and palm her big ass. My heart swells with pride as I note that my woman isn’t a twig I can snap. I’m a big guy and DJ has all the right curves to handle me.
“Wait,” she pants as she turns her head to break the kiss.
“Don’t ya think we’ve waited long enough? It was only supposed to be two weeks. Two weeks turned into eleven years.”
“What?”
“Yer da had planned to bring ya to New York as a surprise. When I left, I thought I would see ya in two weeks. I planned to tell ya how I felt when ya arrived, but ya never made it.”
She takes a step back, shaking her head as if to clear it. I watch her closely as she reaches to touch her lips. I tilt my head to the side and fold my arms across my chest.
“If we were going to New York, why didn’t I know about it?”
“It was a surprise birthday gift from Angus. Ireland wasn’t safe for yer family anymore, so he had planned to stay once ye all came over. What happened to yer mum?
“Where is she? She can confirm what I’m telling ya,” I say.
“Ya should go,” she bites out as the shutters come down. Her facial expression goes completely blank.
“DJ,” I call as she storms away.
“I can’t do this, Cole. Just leave. If ya care anything for me, go.”
This time, I allow her to go. I can tell I’ve said something that has struck a chord. This isn’t going to be as easy as I thought it would be.
CHAPTER 13
Still Here
Deja
I’m lyingin bed staring up at the ceiling. Normally, I would be getting ready for my shift at the pub in the village. The uncles ownPints. I’ve been working there since I was nineteen.
I practically run the place. Everyone knows my uncles own it and wouldn’t dare step out of line. Anyone who doesn’t know learns pretty fast—there isn’t anyone in the village who would allow anyone to disrespect me.
However, I still keep a baseball bat behind the bar with me at all times. Guys still flirt, and when alcohol is involved, things tend to get out of hand. I can’t help wondering if Cole is gone.
I bet if he were around all the time, I wouldn’t need Patrick at all. Yes, I named my bat, and it’s named after the man I haven’t been able to get my mind off of.
Cole Patrick O’Brien has been on my mind all night long. I’ve spent the entire night thinking about that kiss. I’ve never kissed anyone before.
I didn’t know a single kiss could awaken my entire body. Cole kissed me like I belonged to him, but isn’t that what he said I am?His. I groan and pinch my eyes closed.
“Stop it, Deja. Ya’re going to get yerself hurt,” I mutter.
I sigh and sit up. For the millionth time, I think of taking the night off. Bevie will be here to spend the night with Gran soon.
