Page 70 of Bumping into You

She looks at me for a heartbeat, then nods and puts her arm through mine. “Lead the way.”

The dinner at the steakhouse is delicious. Our meal passes with the two of us immersed in conversation that ebbs and flows easily, as if we’ve been going to dinner together for years.

It all seems so easy with Gwen, so right. I’ve been hesitant to bring up last night and what I confessed because I want to give her time to think everything over, but after enjoying the day and this dinner together, my nerves are all but shot.

“So,” I start, then take a sip of water. “Have you given any thought to what I told you last night?”

She eyes me silently for a bit, causing my already quickening heart to beat rapidly. “You don’t have to have an answer,” I say quickly. “I just wanted to know if you’ve thought about it.”

“I’ve been thinking about it,” she says, “but I don’t have an answer quite yet.”

I nod, and surprisingly, we return to normal conversation, no awkwardness lingering between us.

After we’re sufficiently stuffed from the delicious food and dessert, I guide Gwen out of the restaurant. “Would you like to take a walk through the gardens?” I ask.

“That sounds nice,” she says.

We stroll the Royal Gardens, enjoying the cool breeze and the beauty of the inky sky dotted with stars.

Pulling Gwen to a stop, I turn to face her and brush my thumb against her cheek. “My mam always said if you wish on a star, your wish would come true. Close your eyes and make your wish, whatever your heart desires.”

Chapter 29

Gwen

I close my eyes. When was the last time I wished on a star?

Taking a deep breath, I let myself take in the moment. The chill of the air around us, a slight breeze as the ship moves across the ocean. The smell of the restaurants we passed, delicious scents of savory and sweet. The sound of people in the distance chattering, music coming from the pool areas of the ship. The touch of Niall’s hand on my cheek, warm and soft. Comforting.

When was the last time I’d been comforted by someone? When was the last time I let someone take care of me instead of me trying to take care of everyone else?

It’s nice. This, this is what I want. I want someone to take care of me for once who I can be my true self around. I want to be with someone who doesn’t slink away from me but rather digs deeper to get to know me. Someone who, regardless of my to-do lists, my obsession with my business, and my snarky quips, still sees the real me.

I wish for this feeling with Niall to never end. I wish for the courage to try and make something work between us.

Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes to see Niall’s blue eyes staring back at me.

“You make a wish?” asks Niall.

“Yes,” I say softly, not moving back from his touch. Instead I lean into it as Niall puts his other hand on my waist. I can feel the heat of his hand through the fabric of my shirt. Reminded of earlier when his hand briefly brushed my bare skin, I feel ashiver of anticipation jolt through me.

“Good,” he says gruffly.

I’m unable to resist the pull that draws me toward him. I lean forward, wrapping my arms around his neck. I pause just before our lips touch.

Brushing against his lips, I quietly say, “I don’t know when it happened, but I realized I haven’t been pretending either. I want to try . . . us.”

Niall pulls back slightly but only enough that he can look me in the eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m open to trying. I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I have feelings for you too.”

Niall sweeps me up in a hug and kisses me deeply. “That makes me so happy,mo ghrá,” he says. “Those are the best words I’ve ever heard.”

I laugh and kiss him back.

“Because of you,” says Niall, “I’ve been able to keep the promise I made to my mam before she passed away.”

“What promise?” I ask.

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