Page 61 of London, Love, & A Little Something Irish

“I know so.”

“Good, I loved meeting them. They were fun!” she says, brightening.

I help her climb into the van. Her long, thick dark hair catches the light and makes her glow. The heels she’s wearing make her legs look longer.

I walk around to the driver’s side, but the second I sit down, I can’t take it anymore.

I reach for her, my hands finding her neck, sliding up to cup her jaw. I feel her breath hitch. See the anticipation in her eyes.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been thinking about this,” I murmur against her jaw, pressing my lips there.

“I’ve been waiting all night to be kissed.” Her breath catches, and I take my time. Kissing along her jaw, up to the corner of her mouth, hovering.

Apparently,she’sthe impatient one. She grabs the back of my neck and pulls me in.

I chuckle against her lips before tugging at her bottom lip,deepening the kiss. She sighs into me, and it feels so right to have her in my arms again.

Minutes later, I force myself to slow the kiss down. I have to, otherwise I’ll want to do things I shouldn’t.

I pull back, grabbing her hand in mine.

This girl makes me want to give hereverything.

“So, I have a proposition for you.”

“Hit me.” She grins back.

“Tomorrow morning. 7 a.m. Come with me to Northern Ireland.”

I see her eyes widen. I knew this would come on spontaneously and impulsively to her. I love pushing her outside of her comfort zone. And I want her to meet my family. I see some hesitation in her eyes, but she hasn’t said no yet.

“I’m only there for 2 days. Saturday and Sunday, then we’re back on Monday.” I say, to emphasize that it doesn’t have to be a big deal and she’ll be back in no time.

“My dad wouldfreak.” I can see she’s contemplating.

“You can tell your mom,” I say, hoping that makes her feel more at ease.

She pauses and the air feels thick for a second. She’s clearly debating in her mind the pros and cons. I know enough already to know that’s how her mind works. I hope she chooses the pros, because I really want her to come.

“Let’s do it!” She says brightly, though I can sense she’s still nervous about it.

I grin, starting up the van. “This will be the best trip up yet.” Tomorrow morning, she’ll be in this same spot, heading up to Northern Ireland with me. I can’t wait.

25

Nataly

I’m never this impulsive—ever.

And it’s way too early for my brain to function, and I barely got any sleep last night, so I had to throw together thefastestovernight bag of my life. Did I even pack everything I need? More than one top?!

I groan. Oh no. Idefinitelyonly packed one top. I have, at best, one and a half outfits for this trip. What else did I forget? I guess I’ll find out when we arrive at his mom’s house. (His mom’s house!!)

“One and a half outfits. Solid. Peak preparation, Nataly,” I mutter, making my way towards Nathan.

My dad wouldfreakif he knew. Spontaneity isn’t exactly in our family DNA. Or maybe it’s just not in his DNA, and I’ve absorbed it by osmosis? I take after both my parents in different ways.

Dad is systematic, reserved, and a deep thinker. He loves computers. Excellent vocabulary. To the point we question hiswords because they feel colonial. He also—if I had to guess—has a tender heart that’s terrified of being broken, which is probably why he’s bubble-wrapped my life from birth. He doesn’t talk much about his past, but I suspect there’s a reason he is the way he is.

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