Page 35 of Until Ireland

Gathering Ireland into my arms, I pulled the covers over us both, and she cuddled into my chest. I played with her hair, knowing chances were high she was going to at the very least give me a strike or cut my balls off for this mistake. “We should talk.”

Her head jerked back, and her green eyes searched mine. “You know, that’s never a good way to start a conversation. Especially after sex.”

I chuckled, loving her sense of humor. I watched her face intently as I laid it out to her. “This is true, but this conversation is best done right after sex when you realize you forgot to wear a condom.”

Her only reaction was the widening of her eyes. “Last time I looked, it took two to tango, Mack.”

I smiled at her. “Might be true, cupcake, but it’s my job to protect you.”

She snorted and looked at me like I’d said something stupid. “No, it’s not. It’s mine.” She patted my cheek. “I’m on the pill, so you don’t have to worry about knocking me up.”

I smirked. “I wasn’t worried about getting you pregnant, Ireland. Truth be told, I was more worried you’d give me a strike for not wearing a condom.”

That fucking giggle of hers was going to be my undoing. “Relax, big guy. I’m a firm believer we’re equally responsible for practicing safe sex. In this case, we both failed.”

He nodded. “As added reassurance, if you want, I’ll go get tested.”

She cocked a brow at him. “This happens a lot then?” I didn’t miss the look of disappointment in her eyes.

“Fuck no. It’s never happened,” I assured her. “You’re the first.”

She smiled at me, her green eyes sparkling. “Same.”

“I like the idea of being the only guy who’s ever fucked you without protection,” I stated.

She gave me a playful shove. “You would.”

I chuckled softly. “I’m only speaking the truth.”

“Me too,” she said softly with a yawn. “I like being the only one.

I pulled her closer, relaxing into our shared embrace. “Thank you, baby.” I pressed my lips to her forehead. “Get some rest, cupcake.” I glanced down at her, only to realize she had already dozed off. Laying there, staring down at her, I felt a bit more of me settled. I never thought I’d be the one who’d fall in love at first sight, but here I was. If I was supposed to be afraid or anxious, I didn’t feel either emotion. If anything, I was excited by the prospect of spending the rest of my life with this woman.

Now, all I had to do was make her my wife.

Chapter Seven

Ireland

The alarmon my phone roused me from sleep. Today was the day. An excited squeal passed my lips as I stretched out beside Mack. His soft, sleep-addled chuckle warmed my chest as he rolled over and pinned me with a playful look. Ever since the night of Waverly’s birthday party, I’d spent my time at his ranch home or over Flame in his apartment. There were no awkward conversations about living arrangements or anything. We kind of just did it. We’d been inseparable for four weeks.

And today was finally the day.

It had taken longer for our parts distributor—the new one, not the old one—to send out the transmission we needed for the Aston Martin along with the list of replacement parts.

After a more thorough investigation of the clutch, Landon and I concluded someone tightened the clutch to give the illusion of a smooth shift. Once the adjustment had been made, every time I shifted, the gears would grind, leaving me wincing in pain. Then upon further inspection, we both noticed some of the import work hadn’t been done either. There was over two thousand dollars in parts still needing to be put onto the vehicle to make it roadworthy in the states.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” Mack’s rough, sexy voice sent a thrill down my spine. “You’re in a delightful mood.”

I was. Today I’d get my hands dirty with foreign grease. “The truck should be to the shop sometime this morning, and by this afternoon, I can begin fixing your car.” Fixing didn’t sound appropriate enough for an Aston Martin. I should’ve said painstaking surgery instead.

“So, do you have a few extra hours?” He groaned as he stretched.

“Maybe a couple, sure?” I grinned, rolling over into his arms. “What did you have in mind?”

He flipped our positions so that I was below him, his large frame looming over mine. “Something fun and time consuming.” He fit his hips between my thighs. “Something that will make you scream in delight and leave you breathless.”

I hummed in approval. “I like the way you think, sir.”

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