Page 33 of Only You

“You didn’t mean it?”

“No, I meant it.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “I thought maybe you were offended.”

“No,” she said as she turned to face him completely. Lifting a hand, she took hold of his. “I wasn’t because it’s the truth.”

There was a long beat of silence. The laughter bubbled up.

“You are one of a kind, Eileen.”

Another blush stole over her cheeks. Adorable. He wanted more…so much more. Declan wasn’t sure where this would go, but he was sure it would be more serious than a casual relationship.

He could tell she was barely awake by the time she finished eating. Declan rose and took the bowls against her protests.

“You cook. I clean.”

He shook his head. “You’re falling asleep as you sit there. Let me do this.”

His mother had always called him a caregiver. It was partially what drove him to cook in the first place. He loved giving nourishment to people he cared about.

They spoke of nothing of much importance as he cleaned off the bowls and put them in her dishwasher. When he was done, he turned to face her, resting his weight against the counter. She was doing the same against the island.

“Thank you,” she said. Drowsiness filled her voice, and he knew it was time to leave. “I’ll have to pay you back for that.”

This was the chance he had waited for. “Go out with me.”

She blinked. “Out?”

“Like on a date.”

Again, she was nibbling on her bottom lip. “You want to go on a date with me?”

She sounded like she didn’t believe him. “Yes.”

“Okay.”

The fast reply had his head almost spinning. “Wednesday night? It’s the one night I’m off this week.”

She nodded. “Although, don’t be surprised if I have to cancel.”

“Already trying to let me off easy.”

Her mouth curved. “There is nothing easy about you. I meant that I sometimes get called in like I did on Saturday night.”

“No problem.”

She sighed.

“What? What did that mean?”

“It’s just…okay, guys always say that but then they get pissed when I have to cancel.”

He stepped forward and took her hand. “I understand. Remember, family of firemen. I’m the one weirdo.”

She shook her head. “Thank God because I wouldn’t date you otherwise.”

He chuckled. “Good to know. You look dead on your feet.”

“Way to romance me, Fitzpatrick.”

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