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“Are you relaxed now, love? No longer nervous?”
Oh, sure. My legs were rubber, and now I smelled like sex.
He allowed the fabric of my dress to fall back in place before his hands slid down to my hips.
“I’m so gonna get you back for that,” I teased.
He arched a brow and winked at me. “I’m counting on it.”
I laughed a little, realizing I did feel a little more at ease.
But when we arrived at the center, and I laid eyes on Adam’s parents, my heart lodged back up in my throat, and my palms grew sweaty all over again.
Adam leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Need me to loosen you up again?”
I elbowed him in the ribs and shot him a scathing look. “Your mother is right over there.” My cheeks warmed, embarrassed. “Ugh. Let’s make the pitch.”
I’d met Adam’s parents last weekend at their family estate—which was large enough to rival the White House—and he’d introduced me as his girlfriend. I had been expecting it to be an incredibly awkward meeting, but his parents had been rather nice. Maybe it was because Adam had told them he’d learned the truth about Owen only the day before, and they had no choice but to be sweeter than pie to make amends.
I went to the center of the room and approached the podium, taking note of the guests. Almost all of the kids were there, and some of their parents. Adam’s parents, his sister, Holly, and his brothers Sean and Ethan were milling about the room, talking with the kids and their families. I’d also invited Kate, Rick, Narisa, and Craig. I’d officially stopped working at the company two weeks ago, so Adam had let me in on the secret of which two interns would win company positions. I was so thrilled for Rick and Narisa—I couldn’t wait until they knew, and then we’d all celebrate together.
“I forgot to tell you one thing,” Adam said as he patted me on the back right before I was to address the audience.
“Yeah?” My heart was going to explode in my chest.
“I already presented your idea to the board, and they approved it. This is actually just an announcement for the kids.”
“What?” I gasped.
Adam was beaming at me, and I wasn’t sure what to do or say. “Go ahead. Tell them.”
It took me a minute to gather my thoughts. Adam took a few steps back and shoved his hands into his black slacks pockets, looking as casually sexy as ever.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” I tried to maintain confidence. I was twenty-four, but for the first time, I felt like an adult. I was in the real world, embarking on a new journey with a man at my side—not in front of me, but next to me. It was an entirely new feeling.
Chloe, Conor, Jenna, and the others came up close. Holly bent her head and winked at me—like brother, like sister. I spotted Abby there, as well. Adam had received permission from the rehab facility to escort her for the evening.
“Thank you all for coming to the party tonight. It’s been my honor and privilege to get to know everyone at the center. From the kids and the volunteers to the members of the McGregor Foundation that help make this place possible . . . I was a guest here, but I was never happy about that.” My fingers tapped against my outer thighs as my nerves tangled into knots. “You see,” I said, looking at Chloe, “a guest is temporary.” I smiled. “And I want to be permanent.”
Chloe’s eyes widened, and she took an anxious step forward.
“I’d like to continue working at the McGregor Foundation from here on out. I’ll be taking an active role in community outreach, particularly with this center.” I cleared my throat. “If you’ll have me.”
“So you’re staying in Dublin? Forever?” Chloe shouted.
“Is that okay with you?” I asked.
She nodded and closed the gap between us, flinging her arms around me.
“And we’ll be adding horseback riding to our list of regular activities now, right?” she asked as we pulled away from each other. A smile beamed over her face.
“Of course. I’ve already spoken with Marie at the farm. She’s expecting us all to show up when they open again.”
“Yes!” Chloe shot her arm up in the air.
Adam came up next to me and patted her on the shoulder.
Chloe looked up at Adam. “Thanks for keeping Anna,” she said.
