Page 12 of There is No Try

“I should tell you no.”

“And why’s that?”

Bridget leans in and whispers beside my ear, “Because I doubt you’ll live up to the fantasies.”

My ego and cock are up for the challenge. I slide my hand into her hair and keep her close. “We’re going out tonight, and when we come home, you’ll be wishing I didn’t live up to your fantasies. I’ll make you come so hard you’ll forget your own name.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” She takes out the ring and slips it onto her finger. My heart swells at the sight—she’s mine.

Fuck, is this really happening?Do I really get to marry this incredible woman I’ve wanted for so damn long? To think, I could’ve had her this whole time. We might be getting married for all of the wrong reasons, but I’m going to keep her for all of the right ones.

CHAPTER 6

BRIDGET

As predicted, Ronan is less than happy about my engagement. I don’t blame him, he asked his mate to not sleep with his sister. One could argue what Lucas is doing is far worse. While he and I never had sex, marrying me implies we have or will. Since our father wasn’t around, Ronan’s always been a protective sibling. I don’t have as strong of a relationship with our brother, Jeremy, but he’d likely have the same reaction if I told him I was marrying a sexy as sin rugby player so he can continue playing here. It isn’t that anyone dislikes Lucas, it’s alpha-male protective bullshit.

It doesn’t matter if Ronan agrees or disagrees with the engagement, I believe Lucas when he says he loves me. Why else would he remain here for months when he could’ve been living in a posh flat or a beautiful property like Ronan? And now I’m going to be his wife? The thought of being anything other than friends both terrifies and excites me.

While Gavin packs an overnight bag to stay with his friend, Declan, for the night, I can’t take my eyes off the most gorgeous ring I've ever seen. I had a feeling the boys were up to no goodthis morning, but never in a million years would I have guessed they were picking out an engagement ring. Not only is it unique, it’s absolutely stunning, and I love that Lucas included Gavin in choosing it.

“Almost ready to go?” Lucas’ voice pulls my attention to his bedroom door. He’s wearing an expertly tailored, grey suit, with a crisp navy collared shirt under, looking as if he walked out of a magazine advertisement.

My jaw drops and I can’t help drinking him in. “Where are we going that you need to be dressed like this?” I gesture up and down his body.

“It’s a surprise.” He trimmed his beard, making an adorable dimple on one of his cheeks more prominent.

I glance down at my simple black dress I’ve been wearing all day. It’s pretty, but I’d be severely underdressed for wherever Lucas has planned. “I should change.”

His smile falls as he stalks towards me. “Absolutely not.” When he reaches me, my breath is stolen from me as he snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me to him by the small of my back. “You’re beautiful.”

My cheeks warm at his praise. I’m about to ask again where we’re going when Gavin walks in. Gav drops his bag on the sofa and sits to tie his runners. For a moment, I consider breaking away from Lucas, but we aren’t doing anything inappropriate. I don’t want to hide around my son; it’s important that he sees how women should be properly treated.

Lucas kisses my forehead before releasing me and asks Gavin, “Do you have your backpack for tomorrow?”

“No, one second.” He rushes off the couch and retrieves his bag for school in the morning.

Gavin has spent many nights away from home, but this is the first time butterflies are dancing in my belly in anticipation. If Lucas and I were home alone, a wall separated us. My nervousness takes over when I consider how I could be terrible in bed. Hell, Lucas could be all talk and,fuck, what if he is into things I’m not? I’m supposed to marry this man and know absolutely nothing about his sexual appetite. Talking about it is bloody awkward, but what is my alternative?

Once Gav is ready, we drop him off at his friend’s home and my heart is pounding wildly against my ribcage. Luc slides his palm onto my thigh, making matters worse. I cover his hand with mine, unsure what’s expected now that everything's out in the open. He fills the silence telling me about meeting with his agent this afternoon, and all I can muster is an occasional hum in agreement. I’m only following half of what he’s saying, stuck in my own head. We’ve never had awkward silences, and I’ve never felt nervous around him, but everything has changed in a day. Even if he didn’t need to get married, he admitted he loves me.

He. Loves. Me.

“What do you think?” he asks hopefully.

Fuck! What was he talking about?

I fidget with the hem of my dress and reply, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. I’m a bit distracted.”

Luc squeezes my thigh and laughs. “A bit? You’ve been in your own little world since we dropped Gavin off.”

“I’m sorry,” I sigh and stare out the window.

“Why are you apologising? Talk to me, pup, what’s going on?”

“It’s nothing,” I lie, and he grips my leg tighter. “All right, it’s not nothing. I’m just worried. My last serious relationship was almost thirteen years ago. I was only twenty-one and I’ve hardly dated, except for here and there. And now I’m getting married? Oh, and not to just anyone, toyou?What will the media say?”

A growl escapes him and my fun, sweet Lucas is long gone, replaced with an intense energy I’ve never seen from him. “Are you serious? I don’t give a fuck about what anyone might say. If you’re worried about it, Nora is a sports reporter, and a damn good one. She’ll help change the narrative if necessary. Then there’s her friend, Elle. She is a PR manager for an American football team, well versed in media relations. Do you think for one second she wouldn’t step in if someone dared to speak one negative word about you or Gavin?

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