Declan (5 page)

He leaned forward and kissed her. “I’m not going to hurt you again.” He leaned back. “I can’t promise that I’ll always do the right thing, or say the right words, but I’m willing to try….for you.”  

Chapter 9

Every five minutes for the last half-hour, Olivia had glanced at the clock as her nerves played havoc with her mind. Checking the mirror again, she added another coat of lip gloss to her lips. She didn’t have a clue where he was taking her or if her sundress was acceptable attire. He’d called to tell her to dress casually, but that was it. Nothing about where they were going or what they were going to do. Anticipation coursed through her veins. She felt like a teen going on her first date. She held her gaze in the mirror and took a deep, relaxing breath.

“It’s only, Declan. You know him,” she said reassuringly.

She spotted the reflection of the night stand in the mirror and hurried to grab some condoms and shove them in her purse. Turning off her bedroom light, she moved into the living room and paced across the floor, too nervous to sit down. She’d shifted the curtains to peer outside when she spotted his SUV pull in her driveway. She let the curtains fall back into place.

He knocked, and she counted to ten before opening, not wanting to seem too eager, even though she’d been waiting for what seemed an eternity.

Declan was standing at her door wearing a pair of jeans that hung low on his hips with a black tee-shirt stretched across his chest. The stubble of his five o’clock shadow had been shaved.

“These are for you.” He held out a bouquet of daisies, her favorite flower, and she grinned.

“Thank you.” She took them and kissed his cheek. “I never pegged you for a flower type of guy.”

“I’m not,” he replied.

She turned, leaving him to follow her into the kitchen. “I’m just going to put these in water.”

She pulled the wilting roses from her date with the male escort out of the vase and tossed them in the garbage, replacing them with Declan’s daisies. Declan silently watched her without question.

“So where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.” He moved to stand behind her and pressed his lips to her neck. “You shouldn’t have worn a dress.” His palms landed on her thighs, and he inched his way up. “This might be too distracting.”

She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “I hear it’s called foreplay.”

A devastating handsome smile split his lips as he took her hand. “Food and talk first.”

Grabbing her purse, she locked the door on the way out. Declan held the passenger door open for her and closed it behind her after she’d climbed in the car. If her nerves had been out of whack before, they were even more so now. This was a new side of Declan she’d never seen, the sweet side without a lot of gruff.

He slipped in the other side and started the engine before running his fingers through hers, resting their hands on her thigh.

She smiled at him. “How is it you’re not working?”

“I’ve taken a long overdue vacation for the wedding.” He lightly squeezed her hand. “And I’m glad I did.”

He lifted their hooked fingers and kissed them.

They continued with nervous banter until he pulled into the marina and they got out of the car.

“What are we doing here?”

“I called in a favor.” He led her down the dock, his large palm on the small of her back toward Luke’s luxury yacht and helped her onboard.

Twinkle lights decorated the bow where a white tablecloth covered a small table. A candle was lit in the middle, and it was decorated with two place settings with crystal glassware. Silver domes covered the plates. Her heart skipped a beat as he pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit.

“Oh, Dec, it’s beautiful.”

He pressed an easy kiss to her neck. “You’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks warmed in response. When he took his seat, she leaned forward. “Does this seem weird to you? I mean don’t get me wrong, but this doesn’t seem like…you.”

Declan cleared his throat before answering. “The guys suggested it. They didn’t like my idea of dinner and a movie.”

She slowly smiled. “Dinner and movie would have been perfect. I’m not high maintenance.”

Declan’s stiff exterior relaxed, helping to diminish her nerves. He lifted his lid and moved it aside, and she followed suit. The Italian aroma of garlic and tomato sauce drifted to her nose. Steam rose from her all-time favorite dish. “Lasagna is my favorite dish.” She met his gaze. “How did you know?”

He popped the top on the wine bottle sitting in ice and poured them both a glass. “I pay attention. It’s the only dish that you’ll clean your plate when my mom makes it for Sunday lunch.”

He’d noticed something so insignificant. All of this time, she wasn’t even sure if he even knew she was at the table. “This looks just like your mom’s.”

“It should. She made it when I explained it was for you for our first date. I swear I heard her squeal with delight.”

She picked up her fork and took a bite. Closing her eyes, she moaned at the flavor, taking her time to enjoy the bite. “I’m surprised you told your mom.”

He paused with a bite lifted to his mouth. “She already knew. Both Sky and Flynn beat me to the punch.”

“How does Flynn know?” Olivia picked up her wine glass and sipped.

Declan’s gaze caressed her face. “I told him we were dating and you were off the market.”

Olivia choked on the wine, using her napkin to swipe away the dribbles from her lips. “You what?”

Declan sat his fork down and rubbed his smooth chin. “Is there a problem being exclusive? Did you still want to date other people?”

Olivia rested her napkin on her lap. “No, but don’t you think we should have discussed it before telling Flynn? This is our first date, and you just assumed…”

Declan held her gaze but remained silent. The delicious food was forgotten.

“I didn’t assume, I hoped. There’s a difference.”

The tension in her body fizzled as she looked into his worried eyes. The emotion was uncharted territory for a man like Declan. He was always self-assured, decisive, and determined. He didn’t know where they stood, and the thought endeared him to her.

“Okay, but next time…don’t assume. I do have an opinion, whether you like it or not.” She picked up her fork and took another bite.

He failed at hiding his smile. “I’ve known that for years.”

She waved her fork in the air. “I know, I know, you’re observant.” She grinned. “Then you also know how I can get when I’m mad.”

“Oh yeah. I’ve seen that too.”  

They finished their meal and retired to the padded seating area, where he took their wine and grabbed a blanket to cover her legs. They talked while stargazing and enjoying the late evening night. When she was in his arms, it felt right and natural, and they both started to relax as though they’d been together forever. She guessed in a way they had.

He drove her home and walked her to the door, stopping her before she walked inside by pulling her into his arms. He pressed his lips to hers, stroking his tongue, taking his time as he held her to his body. When he broke the kiss, his eyes sparkled.

“Thank you for tonight.”

“Don’t you want to come in?” She gestured with her thumb toward the door. “I can make us some coffee.”

He sighed. “Do I want to? Yes. Am I going to? No. We both know what will happen if I go inside.”

“I know.” She grinned and rubbed circles on his bicep.

He ran his fingers through her hair, pushing the loose strands behind her ear. “I don’t want to leave.”

“Then don’t.” She drew him closer and kissed his collarbone.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman, Olivia, and you’re not making it easy.” He rested his palm on her cheek and ran his thumb across her lip.

“Why, when we’ve already…”

“I want to do this right.”

“Uh, Declan, we’re already past that.”

“Olivia.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I want this to be about more than sex. Not just for you, but for me too.” He kissed her once more, and she watched him leave with the promise he’d see her tomorrow.

She went inside and leaned back against the door. Her brows dipped, and her heart fell into her stomach. Dating Declan was one thing, but the man who’d just walked her to the door wasn’t Declan. He was a tame version of the man she wanted to be with. He was fooling himself. And damn it, she wanted the rough, gruff guy that she’d been dreaming of, not the timid, walking-on-eggshells version of the man.

Chapter 10

Sky shoved the hard hat on Olivia’s head as they stared up at their new building. Their building was still in construction on the inside, but at least they now were getting the walls they needed. One step closer to being back in business. “Earth to Olivia.”

Olivia adjusted her hat. “Sorry.”

“How did it go last night?” Sky asked, stepping over a two-by-four laying in the entryway.

“He was sweet,” she answered as they slowly made their way through the construction.

“Sweet? Are you sure you’re talking about my brother?”

“I know, right?” Olivia linked her arm around Sky’s. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, the night was nice, but it wasn’t…”

“Declan.”

“Yeah.” She glanced at Sky. “You know.”

Sky waved her arm. “I don’t know what it is, but men turn weird when they’re trying to impress us. It’s like they grow another head, not realizing that we liked them before they pretended to be something they’re not.”

“Exactly.”

“What are you going to do?”

Olivia shrugged. “What would you do?”

“That’s easy. If it were me, I’d smack Luke on the back of the head…or…give him a reason to revert back to his old self.”

“Seduction?” Olivia’s brows rose.

“Worked the first time for you. I guess it depends on what you want to achieve. If it’s sex, then hell yeah, buy some sexy lingerie and open the door with it on. I guess it depends on what you’re after.”

“I want to date the Declan I know.”

“The mean, gruff, a bit of a pain in the ass, call-you-out guy that you know? It makes sense.”

“Enough about me. What time are we all showing up at the hotel on Saturday to get ready for the wedding?”

“We have all day reservations at the hotel spa. The complete package, hair, nails, massages complete with champagne and lunch since the wedding starts at dusk.”

“Perfect.” She nudged Sky’s shoulder as they made their way out of the building. “I still can’t believe you’re getting married.”

Skylar’s eyes sparkled. “I love him. I can’t imagine my life without him.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“Do you have plans with Declan tonight?”

“Yeah. I offered to cook dinner. Now I’m thinking we’re only going to need some whipped cream.”

“You’re so bad.” Sky chuckled.

“I’m trying,” Olivia answered.

****

Olivia skipped on the lingerie and whipped cream she’d planned. Instead, she intended to face Declan head-on. Their dinner was in the oven to stay warm when he arrived.

“Can I get you something? Beer, wine, water, tea?”

“Tea, please.”

Olivia poured him a tea before picking up her wine. She tilted her head, silently studying him while trying to find the right words. “Can I tell you something without you taking it the wrong way?”

“Sure.” His brows creased.

“I’ve known you most of my life. I’m used to your gruff, don’t-take-any-shit attitude. I’ve watched you pick on your sister in one breath and defend her with your next. You’re loyal, you’re caring, and to the point, I love that about you…” She licked her lips, debating if she should continue. “I liked that man, not the one that has moonlight dinners on a yacht and flowers and leaves me at my door. I’m not comfortable with him.”

Silence lingered between them as he searched her gaze, piercing her and holding her in place. “Is that right?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“Good, I’m glad you think so.” He put his tea down, closed the distance between them, and picked her up, heading for the bedroom. “You deserve better. You know that, right?”

“I want you, Declan, the real you.”

Declan kicked the door closed with his boot before easing her down onto the bed. “Dinner’s going to have to wait. I want my dessert first. You want the real me, sweetheart? You’ve got it.”

He tossed his shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor before reaching for her buttons, making haste to divest her of her clothing. Her heartbeat quickened, and her insides quivered when he touched her as he spent an hour delivering on his promise. He’d driven her to the brink before easing away, over and over again, until she was begging him to send her over the edge, and he’d finally done just that.

Olivia and Declan relaxed with easy banter while they ate their meal. They put in a chick flick and cuddled on the couch well into the night, and each night up until Friday night.

Olivia swallowed around the lump in her throat when Declan knocked on her door. She pulled him in and led him to the couch to sit. “I need to tell you something, and I need you to keep your cool.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” He exhaled a deep breath. “Lay it on me.”

She pressed her lips together and swallowed. “I have a date for the wedding.” She was quick to continue. “He’s just a friend. There’s no chemistry, and he knows it. I asked him the night of Skylar’s party.”

Declan sat forward in the chair and rubbed his hand over his head. “Who?”

She chewed her lip. “Trent. The guy from the restaurant. He’s just a friend.”

Declan jumped to his feet and started pacing the living room. “Can you cancel?”

Olivia’s shoulders dropped. “No. That’s rude.” She walked over to him and pressed her hands on his chest. “I’m with you. You know that, right?”

He nodded and held her gaze. His eyes troubled.

“He knows my heart is yours. He’s just a friend. Someone I trust who was going to help me get through a difficult time when we were on the outs.”

“You’ve only known him two weeks. How can you trust him?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I just do. He’s never made a pass at me, not once. Flynn knows him.”

“That doesn’t help his cause,” Declan grumbled.

She stepped back. “Do you trust me?”

He pulled her into his arms and held her. “Yes.” He glanced down at her. “But you need to tell him that I’ll be tagging along.”

She chuckled. “That’s a great idea. You two can get to know each other.”

“Great.” His reply dripped with sarcasm.

The rest of their evening was just as she’d imagined. Declan no longer tried to impress her. They’d eaten and watched a movie before falling asleep on the couch and waking several hours later. He kissed her and carried her to bed before leaving her house.

The rest of the week was split between last-minute wedding stuff that she helped Sky with and spending time with Declan. His house, hers, and just really getting comfortable in their new situation.

****

Olivia slammed her palm down on the alarm clock and slowly opened her eyes. Today was Skylar’s wedding. Olivia smiled as she rolled out of the bed and headed for the shower.

She turned the water nozzles on and let the water run, wiping the sleep from her eyes in the mirror. She glanced through the reflection at her empty shampoo bottle, remembering to toss it away. She’d opened the sink cabinet to grab another bottle when her heart froze. The package blocking the bottle made her heart drop into her stomach. Her mind raced as she remembered what day it was. Her heart sank as she realized that she’d missed her monthly friend, Flo.

She clenched her eyes and rose without grabbing the shampoo. She moved to sit on the commode and buried her head in her hands. “This isn’t happening. I must have the date wrong.”

She left the bathroom and headed into the kitchen, where she had a calendar hanging on the inside of one of her cabinets. She opened it and stared at the little circle that confirmed she was indeed late. Her feet felt as if they were encased in concrete as she stared at the numbers on the calendar. She rested her hand on her stomach and closed her eyes, shaking the unimaginable thought from her mind.

Her phone rang, startling her back into the present. She answered, resting it against her ear.

“Hello.”

“I didn’t wake you, did I?” Sky asked.

“No…” Her voice trailed off.

“Olivia, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Olivia shook the thoughts from her head. Her best friend didn’t need this on the happiest day of her life. She shut the cabinet door and headed back into her room. “I was just about to get in the shower. Are we still meeting at the spa in an hour?”

“Are you sure you’re okay? Is Declan there?”

“No. He didn’t stay last night. I’m fine, really.” She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Enough about me, what about you? Are you nervous yet?”

“Not nervous at all. Luke and I were meant to be together. We’re just making it official.”

Olivia smiled. “I’m getting in the shower, and I’ll meet you there.”

There was hesitation in Skylar’s voice. “Olivia…are you sure you’re all right?”

“Yeah,” she said, trying to convince herself and Skylar. “I’m good. You’re getting married today,” Olivia squealed into the phone. “I’ll see you in an hour.”

Olivia got Skylar off the phone without any more prodding. Olivia pushed all baby worries to the back of her mind as she showered and hurried through her routine so she wouldn’t be late meeting Skylar.