Page 73 of Returning to Everton

He hangs his head. “You’re right. But in my defense, you were thinking very loud, I couldn’t exactly help it. At first, I was just getting impressions, like whatever you were thinking about wasn’t good. As you followed your train of thought, you were concentrating more, and thus thinking louder. I didn’t mean to Rowen. I swear,” he pleads.

I huff. I know it’s my own damn fault. It’s not like there’s much he can do about it. “Fine. I guess I forgive you. But please don’t tell the guys,” I beg him.

He stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Rowen. No. They need to know. We have to figure out what really happened to you. I’m sorry Rowen, but I can’t agree with this,” he says with finality.

“Damn it Declan, I didn’t mean I would never tell them. Just give me some time, please? I’m trying to put the pieces in my mind together. I don’t need four more guys freaking out on me like you just did.”

He rubs his face and runs his fingers agitatedly through his hair. “Feck! Okay, but you gotta tell them soon Rowen. They need to hear it from you. Don’t make me keep secrets from them, please. We all agreed that in order for this relationship to work we couldn’t keep secrets from each other. And this is a big fecking secret Rowen.” he groans in irritation. I can tell he’s not happy with me from his use of the Irish curse.

Damn it. “Okay, I’ll tell them. But not today. I need to talk to Violet about this relationship we’re all starting first. Then…” I sigh, “I guess we can figure it out together. That’s what a relationship is all about right? Arealrelationship. That’s what I want with you five, not whatever the hell I had with Harris.”

“Good because that’s what we all want with you too.” He opens his arms again, beckoning me for a hug. I go willingly. Declan gives good hugs.

“Thank you, Declan,” I whisper into his chest.

“Anything for you Rowe. Come on, let’s go back inside. The guys will start to worry.”

I nod, then we finally let go and get up. When we get inside, Nate and Hudson are still just sitting in my living room.

“Have a good talk?” Nate asks. “You were out there forever.”

“Just enjoying my porch swing together,” I tease.

“So, Hudson gets a date and Declan gets cuddles on the swing. What do I get?” Nate challenges.

“You get to go home and think about where you’re going to take me onourdate,” I tell him. “Can you please tell Ayden I need a raincheck on dinner tonight? I have to talk to Violet aboutthis,” I wave my hand between the guys and me.

He smiles. “I can do that. You guys ready to go?”

I laugh, “Someone’s suddenly in a hurry to get home.”

“Damn straight. I gotta make sure my date’s better than Hudson’s,” he declares.

I just shake my head. Of course, they’re gonna turn this into a competition. “Our relationship is not a competition,” I snap.

“I know it’s not, but I still have to do better than Hudson,” Nate smirks, then comes over and gives me a quick kiss. Well, I guess he’s forgiven then.

Declan shakes his head at me. “I’ll go get the kids, so we can go. Have fun with that talk Rowen. Try not to put it off too long okay.”

I roll my eyes. “I was not going to put it off thank you very much,” I pout. Although in all honesty, I probably would put it off. But I can’t, it’s important I talk to her before we can move forward with this relationship.

“That’s what I thought. Just get it over with. I’ve got a feeling it’ll turn out better than you think. I have to have a talk with Logan too, if that makes you feel any better.” I smile and nod my head, it really does. He chuckles and gives me a sweet kiss on the lips, then he’s gone.

I quickly kiss Hudson goodbye before the kids come inside. I pull back and look up at him. “Where’d you put my wine? I may need it after this conversation,” I pout.

“You’ll be fine baby. Call me before you go to bed. I’ll be by at four again tomorrow. Expect it to be a busy nosey day, with everyone asking why we were closed today,” he warns me.

“Great. Can’t wait,” I say sarcastically.

The kids come in, and Violet says goodbye to everyone. The guys leave, and I start going over what I’m going to say to Violet in my head. This should be interesting.

28

Rowen

“Hey Bug. Did you have fun today?” I ask Violet once all the guys leave.

“Yeah. Mr. Declan cooked me French toast! Then Logan came over, and we played in my playhouse all day. I really like my playhouse Mommy, and Logan is so much fun to play with,” she exclaims.

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