The dishes were being cleared now, and Dom was setting up after-dinner drinks at the room’s private bar. Bran had obviously remembered some of her favorite music from the pond party a few weeks ago because Dom queued up a perfect playlist.
BannersGot It In Youstarted, and Raven couldn’t help but sway toward Bran as they walked to the living room. He put his arm around her, running his hand down her side, his hand settling at her waist. His thumb brushed back and forth over her ribs, causing her to shiver. He looked down at her, a look of satisfaction at her reaction.
It was a special night. A night, if it went the way she hoped, that would remain one of the most special of her life.
“Thank you for all this, Bran. I would have been happy at a B&B. I never expected this business trip to be one of the happiest of experiences.”
“I admit that this trip was a test.”
“Oh?” Raven could see his hesitancy.
“Not for you. Or not just for you but for us. Would we get along? Would we run out of things to say to each other?”
“And?”
“We both passed.”
Raven could only look at Bran for a moment. The candlelight showed off a few gold streaks in his white-blonde hair. “We have a couple more days together. You never know. Leave the toilet seat up once O’Faolain, and you’ll wish for separate rooms.”
Laughing, he turned to the butler, the only hotel staff remaining. “Thank you, Dom. Tonight was perfect.”
“Oh yes, Dom. Thank you for everything. Today wouldn’t have been as successful without your help and guidance.”
“I have enjoyed serving both of you, though you didn’t require near what I’m used to procuring. I hope you’ll both remember me on your next visit.”
“I’ll keep your number and let you know the moment we make plans,” Bran thoughtfully added.
“And please thank Chef McFadden for us.”
“Of course, Miss Byrne.” Dom turned at the entrance and wished them a good evening.
Once the door closed, Bran pulled Raven into his arms. “Alone at last.”
“Yes, we are. Do you want to grab our drinks and step out onto the balcony? It’ll be cold, but I don’t want to admit to my sisters that we were on the ninth floor of The Fitzwilliam, overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, and didn’t even have a peek.”
Bran released Raven and bent to grab both glasses. Handing her the Bushmills. “Your usual, and Teeling Small Batch for me.”
Taking a sip, they walked to the balcony, leaving the door wide open for a quick retreat if it proved too chilly.
She went to the railing and took a sip of her whiskey. “Dublin is beautiful.” Raven leaned her back against him so he could circle her waist with his free arm.
“I didn’t lie to Dom, you know. I imagine we will be back sooner than later, and I will let him know.”
“The whole private butler thing seemed a bit silly, I admit, but he made today way easier. We had more time for fun because of it. Dom is a wonderful man and probably the most organized person I’ve ever known.”
They remained quiet for a time. Both enjoying the view and the drinks.
Swiveling in Bran’s arms until her chest was pressed to his front, she studied the strong lines of his eyes... mouth... jaw. He searched her face, perhaps hoping to ascertain her thoughts. He might be shocked. Raven’s thoughts made her breathless. Bran’s free hand flexed where it had settled against her side. Still watching him watch her, she quietly said, “I’m cold, Bran.” Her full body shiver had nothing to do with the temperature.
She was committed now, Raven thought. Like coming out of a trance, Bran snatched her empty glass from her hand, making a clinking sound against his. All but tossing them on the dining room table, he reached back, grabbed her hand, and forcefully closed the balcony door behind them. Her nerves settled a bit, amusement bubbling in her chest over the eagerness that rode Bran’s mad dash across the living room and into the master suite.
The bedroom also had balcony windows. The lights of Dublin twinkled over the bed like fairy lights.
Bran stopped in the middle of the room. Facing her, he took her hands. “Are you on birth control? I didn’t think to ask until now. Sex with you is all I’ve thought about for weeks, and I never thought to ask, and now I’m rambling,” he laughed at himself.
“No worries. River and I did a few months ago.”
“That’s good.” That’s all he said. He just continued to watch her. Like she might run if he made any sudden moves.
