Finding Ronan’s Heart by Melanie Moreland

Chapter Five

Ronan

Tuesday took forever to arrive.

Twice, I drove past the diner on Saturday, but I didn’t stop. I saw Beth through the windows. The first time, the place was busy, and I saw three other servers, all rushed off their feet. The second time, it was slower, but there were only two of them then, and I knew she wouldn’t have time to talk to me. Feeling like a stalker, I drove out to Port Albany. I walked around my finished house, knowing I needed to buy some more furniture and make the decision to move permanently. The kitchen was well equipped, but the only things I had in the house were a bed and a large chair in the living room. It sat in front of the huge bay window overlooking the water. I loved to sit and watch the changing skies, the way the waves hit the shore, and how the color of the water altered with the light. Clouds fascinated me, and I often watched them moving across the sky, sometimes puffs of white, other times dark and stormy. Watching the weather change over the water was something I never got bored of, no matter the season. I liked being here. The offices of ABC would open here soon, and I really didn’t want to make the commute daily.

Except suddenly, I wasn’t as anxious to move. Dark eyes and wild curls the color of sunlit sand came to mind, and I had to shake my head at the ridiculousness of those thoughts.

I didn’t even know her.

“That’s what Tuesday is for,” the voice in my head whispered.

I heard the light tap on the front door, and my mom walked in, holding a plate.

“I saw your car. I thought you might be hungry,” she said with a smile.

My mother, Cami Callaghan, was an elegant, talented woman. Always dressed to impress, yet somehow never over the top, she was astounding. Having given birth to five kids in three years, she was simply extraordinary the way she handled all of us and our father. He was a handful just on his own.

He adored my mother, and she was equally as passionate about him. They were great parents, loving and demonstrative. He nurtured our bodies and taught us to respect them. She nurtured our souls, encouraging us to love art, music, and learning. Growing up, we took as many trips to the museums and concerts as we did trips to the gym and wrestling matches. Neither of my parents had experienced good childhoods, so they made sure we did. Between them and the extended family they created with BAM, growing up here had been nothing short of magical.

I hoped one day to give that to my own kids.

“Aren’t I always?” I replied, bending to kiss her cheek. Her green eyes were tender as she cupped my face, her dark hair shot with silver and highlighted with purple—something she still did “for fun”—hanging to her shoulders. She was beautiful, and I loved my mother.

But I had a feeling there was a hidden agenda behind the plate of fried chicken she had brought with her.

“Aunt Dee been cooking?”

She laughed. The one thing my mother didn’t do overly well was cook. Her meals were simple, but my aunt Dee, her sister, was great in the kitchen, and they often cooked together.

“Yes. She, Emmy, and I made a whole pile of fried chicken today. Brunch tomorrow, you know.”

I reached for a piece. “I’ll be there.”

“So, you’re staying overnight?”

I nodded around a mouthful of the crispy treat. “Thought I’d unpack the TV I bought and set it up. Maybe wire up the sound system.” I paused. “Damn, this is good.”

She laughed. “I know. We taste-tested it earlier.”

I chewed and swallowed. “I think there’s a new piece of equipment Dad mentioned at the Hub I might try.”

“Your brothers in town tonight?” she asked.

I smiled at her obvious attempt to be innocuous.

“Yes, Mom, they are. And yes, I know they are bringing Kim and Diane out to meet you tomorrow.” I set down the chicken, wiping my fingers. “And yes, I’m fine with it. I met them. I liked them.”

“It’s just…” She trailed off, and I patted her hand.

I hated seeing the worried look on her face. The way the frown pulled her mouth down.

“Mom, it’s okay.” I hastened to assure her. “Things are changing. You didn’t really think we’d all fall in love at the same time and set up house together or anything, did you? You knew we’d all find different paths eventually.”

“I know.” She sighed, looking at me as if I were crazy. “Of course I know that. But they’ve both done it at the same time, meaning you’re alone. That must leave you with some residual negative feelings.”

Part of me wanted to tell her, yes, it did. But I knew it would only upset her more. So, I opted for what people expected of me. I joked around.

“Mom, have you been watching a lot of Dr. Phil lately or something? Residual negative feelings? What are you reading these days?” I lifted my hands. “The boys are seeing a couple of great girls. I’m with them every day at work and still some evenings,” I fibbed a little. “I’m fine, they’re fine. Everyone is fine. Stop worrying.”

She stood, crossing her arms and tapping her foot. Instantly, I knew she wasn’t buying it. Not for a second. The toe-tapping was a dead giveaway when she was upset.

“It’s my prerogative to worry. I’m your mother. And if you think I can’t see through you, Ronan Adam Callaghan, you are sadly mistaken. I know you’re hurting. I know you’re lonely. Of the three of you, you have always felt things more intensely. Worried more. I’m not sure if it comes with being the firstborn of triplets or if it is simply part of your DNA, but you are different from Paul and Jeremy.” She patted her chest. “Inside. You are different.”

I blinked at her lecture.

“I’m fine,” I repeated, thinking if I said it enough, it would be true. That I wouldn’t feel slighted or ignored. Lost. I had no reason to feel that way. What I said was true. I liked the girls, and Paul and Jeremy seemed happy. We were still connected and saw one another every day.

I ignored the little voice that reminded me they saw each other way more often, but I was no longer included in those moments.

Mom slapped her hand on the table. “If everything were fine, you would not be sitting alone in an empty house on a Saturday night, eating fried chicken and setting up a TV.”

“I’m not alone. You’re here.”

She stalked to the door and spun on her heel. “When you are ready to be open with me, you know where I am. Until then, enjoy your chicken.” She paused. “And it’s not Dr. Phil. It’s a new book I got at the library on channeling your inner therapist. Obviously, I struck a chord, and you’re using sarcasm to push me away.”

She flounced out, the door slamming behind her. I blinked at her anger. Then the door opened and she raced in, flinging her arms around me.

“I love you, Ronan. Come over later and have dessert.”

Then she was gone.

I tried not to laugh. Mom never could stay mad at any of us. Especially Dad. He did the stupidest stuff, and she forgave him. Like the time he snuck into Ava’s graduation dance to check on her, and he got caught when he stumbled and fell through the curtains covering the gymnasium walls and landed on the dance floor, in a pile of rented fabric. He embarrassed Ava in front of her whole class, and when he tried to make a joke, she kicked his feet out from under him again, leaving him lying in the fabric once more. Mom had to go pick him up at the school and she was furious, but by the next morning, she was more amused than angry. Ava, on the other hand, didn’t talk to him for a week. It was epic. Bentley and Maddox still teased him about it.

I didn’t want her to worry about me. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. It was my job to worry about my brothers. The tug of loneliness, the feeling of being cut off from them, would fade. I was certain about it.

I wondered why I hadn’t mentioned my date with Beth. I munched on another piece of chicken as I mulled it over, realizing, for the first time, I was doing something completely on my own. I had a date with a girl who knew nothing about my family, and about whom they knew nothing. Beth was just for me, and I didn’t have to share. She was all mine.

I kinda liked that feeling.

* * *

Tuesday night, I pulled up in front of a small, neat bungalow. The lawn was freshly cut, and some flowers were planted in the front, giving it a cheerful look. It was an older house, but well kept up. I smoothed a hand over my head, feeling decidedly nervous. It was just tacos, I reminded myself. Tacos with a pretty girl. Only the two of us.

Sunday had been loud and crazy. Brunch became drinks and games at the Hub. Some of the family that was around came to meet Kim and Diane. They clustered around, laughing and talking. The girls seemed fine with it all, not the least bit worried about the crush of strangers or how they fit in. Paul and Jeremy never strayed far from their sides. There were moments I felt invisible and alone, which was weird when I was in a roomful of people I loved and who loved me. But usually when the family was together, we three boys were a unit. We sat together, ate together, teased the group from our spot. We entertained and made everyone laugh. It was always the same.

Except, today, it was the four of them, and I sat to the side, talking to Jaxson or Dad most of the time, trying not to feel left out—and failing. Still, I smiled and covered up my unease.

I wandered down to the beach, needing to escape for a while. Gracie had followed not long after, linking her free arm with mine. We were quiet for a minute before she spoke.

“You okay?” she asked.

“I’m good.”

“Too much back there?”

I sighed and was honest. “At times. It’s a freaking circus.”

She laughed quietly and squeezed my arm. “I know. I feel the same sometimes. Paul and Jeremy seem happy.”

“Yep.”

Gracie was never one to mince words. “Are you feeling left out?”

“I’m not sure how I’m feeling. I’m happy for them, though.”

“You’ll find the right girl. And you’ll want her to be part of the circus.”

“Maybe.”

“You will,” she insisted. “You need to find your person. The one who loves Ronan. It makes a world of difference.”

“Like Jaxson is for you?”

Her smile was wide and happy. “Yes. I belong to him, and he is mine. When we’re with the family, it’s fun and great, but our life is together and separate in many ways. Right now, the family is the focus for you. Being part of it. You need to find your life outside it and build a world that includes it, but that isn’t the entire focus.” She huffed. “You share your life with the family, but your world is the person you love. If that makes any sense.”

“It does.”

“Good. You’ll find her, Ronan. I know it. And she’ll be awesome.”

I was tempted to tell her about my date with Beth, but I refrained. I still didn’t want to share her with anyone. I had no idea if anything would come of it. If there would be a second date. If it would lead to anything.

I sighed and climbed out of the car. There was only one way to find out.

I rang the doorbell and stood back. Beth opened the door, and my breath caught in my throat. Her hair was shiny, the curls wild around her face. She was wearing a pretty green blouse and a skirt that flowed around her knees. She smiled and accepted the small bunch of flowers I had picked up. I didn’t know her favorite kind, so I let the lady at the shop make a bouquet.

“These are lovely!” Beth exclaimed and leaned up to kiss my cheek.

I grinned. “So are you.”

Her cheeks darkened, and she indicated for me to come in. I met three sets of eyes as I entered the living room.

A pretty woman with dark hair and blue eyes stood.

“This is Paige, my roommate,” Beth introduced us.

I shook Paige’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

She put her hand on the little girl’s shoulder. “This is my daughter, Lucy.”

I crouched down, trying not to look so tall. “Hi, Lucy. I’m Ronan.”

Hesitant hazel eyes met my green. “You’re big.”

“I am.”

“Are you scary?”

I laughed. “I try not to be.”

She held out her left hand, and I was surprised to see the artificial limb on her right. I switched hands and shook hers gently, then stood and faced the young boy who was staring at me.

Beth smiled. “This is my brother, Evan. Evan, this is Ronan.”

He looked at me, his curiosity evident. He studied me for a moment. I took in the metal crutches he leaned on. The way he favored his right side. The obvious lean. He’d been injured badly at some point and never recovered.

“Hey, Evan. Good to meet you.”

He was silent, then pursed his lips. “Are you a body builder?”

“Nah. I just like to work out.”

Beth cleared her throat. “He works at a gym.”

I opened my mouth to correct her, but Evan spoke.

“Cool. So, you know how to work all the machines and everything?”

I let it go, deciding I would address my job with Beth later. “Yeah, I do.”

“Wicked. My school has some, but I don’t use them.”

I stepped closer. “Why?”

He indicated his leg. “I don’t know how, and the other kids…” He stopped talking and shrugged.

Instantly I understood. “Maybe I can help you there.”

His eyes widened. “Really?”

“If it’s okay with your sister.” I met her gaze, which seemed overly bright right now.

“I’m going to go put these in water. Evan, we’ll talk about it later.” She turned and hurried away, and Evan’s shoulders slumped.

“That probably means no.”

I met Paige’s eyes, suspecting why Beth was hesitant. I smiled and patted Evan’s shoulder. “I can be persuasive.”

A tugging on my pants made me look down. I met the wide gaze of Lucy. She was adorable as she grinned at me, a couple of her teeth missing. “Me too?”

Chuckling, I bent and scooped her up into my arms. “I think you’re too little, Lucy. But I could use you instead of pumping iron.” I pretended to do arm curls with her, careful to hold her tight so she didn’t fall. She shrieked in laughter, the sound making me grin. Evan chuckled, and Paige smiled as I teased Lucy.

“You’re the perfect size for this. No more growing, or you’ll get too big.”

“Good luck,” Paige laughed. “She grows every day.”

I sighed dramatically and put Lucy down. “Shame.”

“Maybe you grow too,” Lucy said.

It was my turn to laugh, and I ruffled her hair. “Maybe.”

* * *

In the car, Beth smiled. “You were very good with them.”

“I like kids.”

“I think they liked you.”

“Lucy…” I let my voice trail off.

She sighed, knowing what I was asking. “She was born with one arm not formed. We hope once she’s older she can get one of those prosthetics that work with your brain. She has an artificial one now that has to be changed as she grows, but it’s more for looks than anything. She doesn’t really like it, and she does very well without it.”

“She is adorable. Her father not around?”

“He walked out when he found out she had a defect.”

The way she snarled the word, I knew it wasn’t the way she saw Lucy.

“Asshole, I assume?”

“That’s being polite.”

We pulled up to the restaurant, and Beth looked around the parking lot. “Looks busy.”

“They know me here. I have a table reserved,” I assured her. “And they’ll have extra tacos ready with no lettuce for me.”

She laughed. “Oh boy. This I gotta see.”

* * *

Over margaritas, I discovered Beth was exactly what I thought her to be. Witty, smart, and fun. Her laughter was low and sultry. She was well-read and knowledgeable.

“You mentioned school. University, I assume.”

She nodded.

“You must have just finished exams?”

“Yes, thank goodness. My last one was two days ago. Now, I’m starting some intersession courses next week.”

“No summer school?”

“No. I work during the summer.”

I had a feeling I knew why, so I didn’t push the subject. “What are you taking?” I asked as I lifted a heavy nacho, already anticipating the bite of the jalapenos and the crunch of the chip and peppers on my tongue.

“Science. I’m specializing in meteorology.”

I chewed and swallowed. “Are you shitting me? Like clouds and storms?”

She smiled and nodded around her mouthful, pausing to sip her drink before answering. “Yes. Clouds and storms.”

“How freaking cool is that?” I breathed out. “I love watching clouds.” I leaned forward. “So, you know the names of all of them?”

She looked startled. “Yes.”

“Hit me with a few.”

“Um, well, there is cumulus. The stereotypical puffy cloud you probably drew a lot of when you were a kid, they are dense, individual clouds that are bright white on top and gray underneath. They typically appear earlier in the day when it’s sunny.”

I nodded. “I know that one. What is a storm one called?”

“Well, cumulonimbus are the classic ‘thunderstorm clouds.’ Seeing them is a sign that a storm is likely on its way. Or there are nimbostratus. Those clouds form a thick, dark layer across the sky, often blotting out the sun. Like cumulonimbus, they’re associated with rain, but you can’t pick out individual nimbostratus clouds.”

I leaned back and looked at her.

“Gotta be honest. I am totally turned on right now.”

Her sudden loud peal of laughter made me grin. If I thought her low chuckles were sexy, this had ten times the effect. Her curls bobbed, her mouth turned up in a sexy smirk, and the color on her cheeks was a light pink. Her dark eyes danced in mirth.

“No one has ever said that to me before. Not about clouds.”

“It’s not just the clouds. It’s you talking about them. How many years do you have left in your degree?”

A flash of pain crossed her face. “I had to stop going to school, so I’m behind. I have another year left, then I want to get my masters, so that is another two.”

“And you’re twenty, ah…?” I paused, waiting for her to fill in the number.

“Twenty-five.”

She was younger than me but very mature for her age. I had a feeling it was due to her responsibilities and her personality. She had an old soul, much like a lot of the women in my family—wiser than their years.

“What do you want to do with your degree? Not a weather girl on TV, I’m assuming.”

“I want to work behind the scenes. Research. I want to study weather trends and their effects on plants, animals, humans, and the world’s oceans. Research can also study historical atmospheric data to find clues that help the scientific community understand how weather events shape the earth’s ecosystems. I want to be part of that.”

I sat back, admiring her. “I just came in my pants,” I deadpanned. “Beautiful and smart? Poke me with a fork, because I am done.”

That got me another burst of laughter. A little more color in her pretty cheeks. I wondered if her skin would be warm if I kissed her right now. It took all I had in me not to lean across the table and find out.

“I have to finish school first and find a job.”

I had a feeling she could do anything she put her mind to.

“You will,” I assured her. “I have no doubt.”

“You hardly know me. How can you be so sure?”

“I’m a great judge of character.”

She shook her head, but I saw her smile.

And I liked it.

* * *

Beth regarded the large platter of tacos in front of us.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got an assortment,” I offered. “You told me you weren’t a vegetarian, but I wasn’t sure if you liked beef. So, there’s pork, chicken, and shrimp too.”

“Not even you can possibly eat this many tacos,” she said, lifting her gaze to mine. “Can you?”

“Not an issue.”

“Wow,” she breathed out.

“I gotta keep up my strength. Make sure I’m ready to battle anything out there to keep you safe.”

She lifted one eyebrow. It was sexy. “Is a ninja attack imminent?”

“You never know.” I lifted a taco. “Better safe than sorry. You’re my responsibility until I kiss you goodnight and make sure you’re safely inside.”

“Who says you’re getting a good-night kiss?”

I grinned. “Hopeful.”

She took a taco, shaking her head. But she was still smiling. She bit and chewed, then moaned low in her throat. “Oh my God, these are so good. I hope you got enough.”

I threw back my head in laughter, grateful for her humor. The sound of her low moan had made my cock twitch. We both wanted to hear it again. Hopefully while my mouth was on hers.

We were quiet for a few moments, concentrating on the food. I filled her glass from the jug, and she regarded me wryly.

“Trying to get me drunk, Ronan?”

I laughed. “No. They make these special for me. Less than half the alcohol. Then I can drink two of them and be fine to drive. Two at full blast, I would be wasted.”

She pursed her lips. “You come here a lot, I assume.”

“Yep. Have for years. It’s long been a family favorite. My dad used to bring my mom here.”

“I see. I guess you work it off with all the exercise you get being a trainer.”

I cleared my throat, not able to look her in her eye as I kept lying. “I’m not a trainer at that gym. I just go there because I like it. It’s small and well equipped. Great classes.”

She didn’t seem to notice my unease. “Oh, you train elsewhere but use those facilities?”

I hesitated, not wanting to tell her yet. I squirmed in the booth a little, feeling guilt trickle down my spine. I was enjoying being Ronan. Just a guy. No huge family, no triplets, no expectations. “Something like that. I have another job elsewhere. I help out on occasion if John needs it. Otherwise, I’m just another customer.”

She frowned, but she seemed to understand. “Ah.”

I changed the subject, grateful she didn’t push. “I know a place. It’s great to watch clouds. See the water and have a picnic. Maybe on a Sunday?”

“I usually spend Sundays with Evan. I hardly get to see him during the week.”

I quickly went over the area I was thinking about in my mind. It was on the very edge of the BAM property, behind the woods, and no one ever went there but me. “He could come along. The path is pretty level.”

“He’d like that.”

“What about his sister? Would she like that?”

She picked up another taco. “Yes.”

“Great. We’ll figure out a day when we know there will be some clouds around. You can show me.”

“All right.”

I ate another taco. “Was it an accident?” I asked. “The reason for the crutches?”

She swallowed, setting down the taco she was eating. She took a sip of her drink, not meeting my eyes. “Yes.”

“I don’t want to pry or upset you.”

She lifted her gaze to mine, and the pain in her eyes was prevalent.

Without thinking, I reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anything.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s fine. There was an accident. A drunk driver. He plowed into a crowd. He killed my parents and left Evan badly injured. They weren’t sure he would walk again.”

“But he did.”

“Yes. He needs the crutches, though.”

“Does he have trouble at school getting around?”

She sighed and wiped her fingers. “He does okay. It’s a pretty small school. I think he gets picked on a lot, though. He refuses to tell me, and I know he ignores a lot of it, but…”

“You hate it.”

“Yes.”

“He seems like a great kid. He’s a lot younger than you.”

She smiled. “He’s twelve. He was a whoops baby. My parents had tried for years after me and gave up. I was in my teens when they had him. I adored him from the moment he was born.”

“So, you’re very close.”

She met my gaze. “Yes. He is a huge part of my life.”

I knew what she was saying. Evan came first. She had responsibilities. Lots of them, I was discovering. It didn’t faze me, though, or make me want to get to know her any less. If anything, I only admired her more. Wanted to spend more time with her.

“So, you said you were close to your family?” she asked.

“Yes. We’re pretty tight,” I admitted.

She smiled, picking up her taco again. I decided to keep the rest of the night light. I had a feeling she didn’t get enough light.

“Enough about families,” I announced. “Tell me about Beth.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything. Your favorite color, food, movie, book, season. Anything you are willing to tell me, I want to hear.”

“You’re a great date, Ronan.”

“Just getting started, Beth. Trust me.”

* * *

After churros, we took a short drive and ended up at the waterfront. We strolled around, got ice cream, and walked along the water’s edge. It was getting later, the sun disappearing fast and not many people around. It wasn’t even close to being as nice as Port Albany, but for Toronto, it was okay. She sighed as she looked over the water.

“You like that?” I asked. “Water, I mean?”

“Yes. I love to swim.”

I thought of the Hub. The pool. The lake. The exercise room I could help out Evan in. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her. But then the whole family thing, the triplet angle, all of it would come up. I decided to stay silent until I was sure there was something ahead of us besides tonight.

When I was ready to share.

“There’s a pool in my condo building,” I offered.

“Maybe,” she replied. “I might take you up on that.”

I nodded, looking out over the water. The desire to kiss her was predominant. She stood close to me, her head barely grazing my shoulder. I could feel her warmth. Smell the scent of her light perfume. Flowery, pretty. Unique—like her. She finished her ice cream, wiping her lips, the action bringing my gaze to her mouth. Her lips were full. Pink. Would they be as soft as they looked? Would she taste of the cherry ice cream, the cinnamon of the churros? Both?

I wanted to know more than I had wanted anything in a long time. She turned her head, her eyes meeting mine. Slowly, everything around us faded. All I could see was her. Wild hair, dark eyes that beckoned. A full mouth I wanted to claim. Her lush curves that invited my hands to sculpt over them, pull her to me.

She blinked, her long lashes fluttering. “What are you thinking?” she whispered.

The atmosphere was heavy. Serious. Too serious.

I gazed into her dark eyes. “I was wondering if I should switch my home and auto insurance to Geico,” I deadpanned.

For a moment, there was no reaction. Then she laughed. The loud peals I found so enticing. And suddenly, she was in my arms and our mouths fused together, her amusement shared only between us. I kissed her deeply, her lips parting for me right away. I tasted the ice cream. The cinnamon. Her. She delved her hands into my hair, pulling me closer. We both groaned. I bent, lifting her into my arms so I could kiss her longer. Harder. She was perfect in my embrace. Soft. Warm. Melting into me as if she belonged there. Nothing existed outside this moment. I slanted my head, kissing her deeper, taking everything she gave me and wanting more. Every nerve in my body lit up as if on fire. My heart pounded a fast rhythm in my chest, her name echoing with every beat. She whimpered as I dragged my lips across her cheek to her ear.

“Beth,” I moaned. “You are so sweet.”

“More,” she replied. “Kiss me more.”

I was happy to comply, capturing her mouth with mine.

I knew right then there was no going back. I was all in. No matter her limited time, no matter her responsibilities, I wanted to be a part of them. Part of her life.

I kissed her until she was breathless. Until I was dizzy with desire and want. Until I knew I had to stop or I would drag her back to my car and have her in the back seat. Or the hood. I wasn’t picky. Neither was my cock. Hard as a rock, aching and pressed between us, he would take her any way he could.

And it was too soon for that. She deserved better.

I lowered her to her feet, cupping her face as I kissed her one last time. I drew back, already missing the feel of her mouth underneath mine.

I pressed light kisses to her cheeks, eyes, then the end of her nose. She opened her eyes, the dark eclipsed by her pupils, her expression one of soft protest. “You stopped.”

I wrapped her in my arms. “I had to, or I wouldn’t be responsible for what would happen next.”

“Oh.” She nestled closer. “I might not object.”

I shut my eyes. “Don’t tempt me, Beth. You deserve better. A fast fuck in the car isn’t my style, and I highly doubt it’s yours either.” Opening my eyes, I tilted up her chin and met her gaze. “I’m not in a hurry. We’ll get to know each other, and I promise you—” I lowered my head and kissed her again “—it’ll be worth the wait for us both.”

She sighed. “You’re right. Damn it, Ronan, you messed with my head.”

I stepped back, keeping one arm wrapped around her. “Come on, I’ll take you home. If I keep you out too late, Evan might smack me with one of his crutches.”

She chortled. “He might.”

In the car, I turned on the heater since it was getting cooler and glanced over at her. “I had a really good time tonight.”

“Me too.”

“Could I take you out for coffee after work on Thursday?”

“Oh, that’s cake night.”

“Cake night?”

“The night I bake the cakes at the diner.”

“You bake those cakes?”

“Yes. I get a cut on every slice they sell.”

I promptly decided I would call and order some cakes in the morning. The office would love it.

“I could help.”

She frowned. “Not much fun for you.”

“If you’re there, I’m good.”

“Really?” she asked, sounding unconvinced.

“Really.”

“Okay, then. I’d love the company.”

“Great.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I’m prepared for you, Ronan.”

I grinned.

She hadn’t seen anything yet.