Page 8 of There is No Try

“Good. Let them hear. I won’t hide or be ashamed about how I feel about you pup.”

CHAPTER 4

BRIDGET

When I suggested we get married, I was only half-serious, assuming he would scoff at the ridiculous idea, and that would be the end of it. In a matter of a few short hours, he somehow convinced me to not only marry him, but to throw all of the rules out the fucking window. I can’t blame it on drinking; I only had two pints. The fantasy of Lucas and I being together was always just that, a fantasy, an indulgence I used for inspiration while touching myself. Lucas is flirtatious, but it’s always been harmless banter. I had no reason to believe he felt anything real for me. I’m certain it’s a dream and I’ll wake up at any moment.

On the drive over to Ronan’s, my stomach is in knots.Are we really going to do this?Get married?We agreed to not say anything to our friends and family until we’ve told Gavin everything. It doesn’t calm my nerves any. If anything, keeping a secret from Ronan makes it worse.

Lucas parks next to Ronan’s car and gets out to open my door. He offers his hand, which I stupidly take. Of course he won’t letgo of it and my heart skips a beat. “Luc, we can’t go in there looking like we’re dating.”

“We’re not dating; we’re engaged,” he corrects. His wide grin meets his eyes and it’s a sin how beautiful his smile is. “Who will be the wiser if I hold your hand until I knock on the door?”

“Are you sure about this?”

“About you and me? Absolutely. We’re not getting married for the right reasons, but I don’t have a single reservation about being with you. We’ll take this slow, no matter how much I want to jump in with two feet.” He releases my hand to knock on Ronan’s door, then stuffs his hands in his trouser pockets. “But it doesn’t mean I’m any less yours.”

“Lucas, I?—”

The door opens and Nora’s beaming. “Bridge, Luc!” She opens it wider for us to come inside.

I begin struggling off my jacket, and Lucas helps me out of it the rest of the way, whispering beside my ear, “We aren’t going to hide like Ronan and Nora did.”

Nora clears her throat and I hope with all of my being she didn’t hear him. “Gavin and Leo are outside playing football, everyone should be here within the hour.”

Gavin adores Lucas and will probably be over the moon the moment we tell him, but he deserves to be the first to know Lucas and I are engaged. Fucking hell, I’m engaged? I never thought I would remarry, and certainly not someone like Lucas.

We make our way out to the small pitch Ronan had put in when he bought the property. The boys are laughing as they play with Ronan. Lucas slings his arm around my shoulder, a gesture he’sdone in the past and I never thought much of it—he’s always friendly and affectionate. We’re spotted by Leo who yells for Lucas to join them. Squeezing once before releasing me, Lucas whispers, “Are you going to cheer me on, pup?” He doesn’t wait for my reply as he jogs over to the boys. They greet him with open arms and my heart is caught in my throat.

“Pup? You’re in so much trouble.” Nora chuckles and I’m unable to keep my eyes off Lucas laughing at something Gavin said to him.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, guilt seeping in.

“Don’t play stupid with me, Bridge. I’ve been saying it for ages: that man is in love with you.”

I blow out a long breath. “If I tell you something, do you promise to not tell Ronan?”

“No,” she laughs. “I don’t keep anything from your brother, but if you’ve been secretly shagging Lucas for months, I’m sure Ronan already knows, or at least suspects it.”

“What?” My squeaky question comes out a bit too loud, getting Lucas’ attention. When he resumes playing, I lower my voice and grit out, “I’m not sleeping with Lucas.”

“Are you serious? Not once?”

“I think I would remember having sex, Nor,” I grumble. “It’s much worse. His agent and lawyers fucked up his visa, and he has to leave Ireland.”

She gasps, hand flying to her mouth. “No!”

“Unfortunately, he’s exhausted all of his options but citizenship.”

“Don’t you have to live and work here for a year?” I don’t reply and she sucks in a breath. “He doesn’t have family here, they are all in Brisbane, aren’t they? Unless he marries… Bridget! Are you going to?—”

“Hush! What is it with everyone loudly sharing incredibly personal information today? Yes, we’re going to have a contract marriage so he can stay, but we’re going to talk to Gavin about it first. I warned Lucas if Gav isn’t on board, I’m out.”

“That beast of a man is okay with marrying you for rugby? There has to be more to it.” Nora may not be buying my explanation, but I’m not ready to share the full truth.

I look out onto the pitch, my heart full of love for all four of them playing. Lucas towers above Ronan and the boys, but height is the least of it. He’s a wall of muscle with his broad shoulders, thick neck, and even thicker thighs. I can’t help wondering if his cock follows the same physical aesthetic.

“He may or may not have heard me fucking myself a few times,” I admit.

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