“So…” he steps dangerously close to me. “What is it that makes you so sexy?”
I immediately flush bright red.
“I don’t think I’m sexy.”
“You’re really fucking sexy,” he murmurs into my ear, sending all my senses into overdrive.
He stayed over last night. He didn’t try to get between my legs even once – and I was actually a little disappointed – but he needed something else, and I was there to give it to him. We kissed literally all night, lying next to each other in my bed. We laughed, joked, relaxed – it was justnice. I know that there are still loads of things that he isn’t ready to share with me just yet – he isn’t ready to completely let himself go – but the sweetness of his unexpected speech moved me. I don’t want to think about the other stuff right now.
We walk side-by-side down the high street, heading towards Santry’s only shopping centre, where I’m leading him to a kids’ supply shop to get something for the baby.
“Riley’s organised this baby shower. It’s just for women, but I felt like I had to get her something anyway.”
“Sure, that’s a nice idea.”
“And I didn’t want to ask my mum, or the others would’ve teased me for weeks.”
“It’s no problem, Ryan. I’m happy to help.”
We go into the shop and I can see right away that Ryan is uncomfortable. He looks around, lost, shocked and on-edge. I realise that babies really aren’t for him, and his mood turns immediately sour. I try to choose something, so that we can just get out of there as quickly as possible without making a scene.
I grab a onesie, with a matching hat and booties, and pay at the till. We step out into the fresh air.
“Better?” I ask, as soon as the air brings some colour back to his cheeks.
“Thanks.”
I smile at him.
“I felt so uncomfortable in there.”
“It’s okay, we were quick.”
“Luckily.”
“Did you want to get something for Riley, too?”
He looks at me, a terrified expression on his face, and I start to laugh.
“Maybe some flowers? What do you think?”
“Yeah, flowers. I can do that.”
We head towards the flower shop back on the high street, a few shops down from my café. I help him pick out a beautiful bunch of purple tulips, and we step once again onto the street.
“All good?” I ask. I can see that he’s still agitated, and I don’t understand why.
Ryan sighs, stopping still in the middle of the street, when he grabs my arm and pushes me against a wall.
He leans in and takes my lips between his.
He kisses me.
Ryan O’Connor is kissing me in the middle of the street.
And it isn’t just any kiss. His mouth is making love to mine, a cocktail of sweetness, seductiveness and desire that makes my legs tremble. I could almost fall into his arms.
He pulls away from me and smiles, satisfied.
