Page 14 of Only You

She hung up and noticed that Declan was still standing there watching her. “Gotta go.”

“Of course.”

She noticed that his parents were still dancing. “Tell your parents I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry. One thing we understand is duty.”

“Got your wrap,” Rowan said. Another big man who could sneak up on her.

She took it and thanked him. Then she turned to face Declan. “Thank you for the dance.”

“We didn’t finish.”

The way his voice tumbled over those syllables had her heart pounding and her nipples hard. Ugh, how could he do that to her?

“We will finish it.”

It sounded like a promise.

She cocked her head to the side, studying him. “I almost believe that.”

Then she hurried away.

Declan watchedEileen leave his restaurant, her cousin going with her.

“Damn, bro, never thought you would run off the detective,” Connal said beside him.

“Well, you do know how charming he is.” That came from Emmett.

His brothers were annoying. He was frustrated and didn’t want to deal with them. Or anyone. He wanted Eileen back so they could finish that dance.

Declan said nothing as he walked to the bar where one of his other brothers sat.

“What’s up?” Seamus asked.

“He ran off his crush,” Emmett said.

It took all of his power not to smack his brother. He would not make a scene at his parents’ anniversary party.

“Stop messing with him.”

Declan gave Seamus a grateful look. “Thanks.”

“Just because Declan has lost his mojo with women is nothing to mock.”

His fingers turned white as he held onto the edge of the bar. Being one of six siblings, five of them being brothers, they settled their disagreements with physical fights. At least, growing up, they did. Now, it only happened every now and then.

“Declan, come talk to Joey. She’s talking about food, and I know the two of you would love to exchange thoughts on her upcoming family reunion.”

He glanced over his shoulder at his sister—the best of them. She never physically fought them, but she did intervene from time to time.

“Sure.”

He walked with her over to the Santinis’ table. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, with a caveat.”

He stopped a few feet away from the table and waited. There was never any way to rush Kaitlin.

---