“Um, that’s not exactly what I was calling to discuss, but okay, let’s switch subjects. Why do you think that?”
I frown. “Do you think that’s a bad thing?”
“Hey now, that’s not what I said,” Tori protests. “Stop overanalyzing me. I’ve had a hunch this moment was coming for a while, I just want to hear you say it. What’s so special about him? Why is he worth you breaking your rule and falling for a baseball player?”
My frown instantly softens into a smile. “Because he’s so much more than just a baseball player. He’s kind, and caring, and he’s the most amazing dad to a wonderful little girl. He sees me, he gets me, and he respects me. He’s humble and not afraid to admit when he’s wrong. He wants to worship me, Tori, and I want to let him.”
Letting out a low whistle, Tori replies, “You deserve a little worshipping, Wills. And he does seem like a good guy. Have you forgiven him for spilling the beans on your relationship in front of everyone?”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yeah, I think I did almost immediately. He was protecting me, T. That’s all. Besides, it had to come out eventually if we were ever to stay together. Do I wish it hadn’t happened that way? Yes. Of course. I wanted to talk to my uncle myself, not have it play out like a soap opera, with fistfights and public declarations. But he was trying to protect me, and I can’t stay mad at the man I love for that.”
“Have you toldRonanyou love him?”
“Why do you ask the hard questions?” I grouse as a stab of guilt hits me.
“Because I love you, and I know you. And your inability to let people get close to you isn’t new.”
I let that sink in, nodding, even though she can’t see me. “You’re the best, T. Thanks for loving me even when I’m being an idiot.”
“You’re fine, Wills. But I’m not the only one who needs to hear that.”
She’s right, again. “I know.”
We’re both quiet for another minute but my exhaustion has faded. Forget sleep, I want to run through the streets straight to Ronan’s house and tell him how I feel.
“Well, my romance author heart is happy,” Tori finally says. “The sexy single dad and the badass boss babe find their happily ever after. Five stars, would recommend.”
I laugh, flopping back on my bed with a stupid grin on my face that quickly fades when I remember the reality I have waiting for me at work. “Yeah, except with the Maverick situation, this isn’t exactly the best time to tell Ronan how I feel. How long do I have to wait?”
Tori’s giggle isn’t especially comforting. “You’ll survive, Wills.”
“Easy for you to say,” I grumble. “Your hottie firefighter lives with you. You’ve got twenty-four seven access to orgasms and cuddles.”
“Yeah, right, except for the fact that he works insane shifts, and I’ve got my kid to contend with,” Tori fires back with laughter in her voice. “You’ll see. Having a relationship with a single parent, combined with a demanding job? You’re gonna have to get creative at finding moments to be together. But when you do? Those moments are amazing.”
“I want amazing moments,” I whisper into the phone.
After a beat, Tori whispers back, “You’ll get them. I promise.”
And as I go to sleep that night, I rest easier than I expected.
Because she’s right. Ronan and me? Our amazing moments are waiting for us. And I’m ready to experience each and every single one of them, with him and Peyton, together.
Chapter thirty-two
Ronan
You’d think after our recent conversations, Willow and I would be desperate to see each other. And I, for one, am. But that doesn’t mean it’s been simple trying to get a moment alone with my woman. Not with my responsibilities to the team and to my family, and her work obligations.
She’s been working late every day as management figures out how to handle the mess Maverick ended up in. I had dinner sent up to her last night, but every time I tried to check on her today, she was on the phone or in a meeting. Now the team is set to leave for another set of away games tomorrow, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna go out of town without seeing her first.
Which is why, instead of heading home tonight after a quick conditioning practice, I texted Mom saying I’d be home late, then hung around under the pretense of needing extra time in the ice bath. I know I need to just tell her about Willow, especially since Peyton’s already mentioned her a few times in front of Mom. So far, she hasn’t questioned me, just given me a few raised eyebrows.
The stadium is cleared out except for the janitors, and when I make my way up to the executive floor, it’s also empty. Except for one light — in Willow’s office. When I get to her door, I stop and just watch her for a moment. The soft glow from the table lamp illuminates her, making the dark hair piled on top of her head glow. She looks tired, and I want nothing more than to take her home, feed her, put her in a hot bath, then curl up around her in bed for the night.
We’ve still never had an entire night together, and I long to feel the sensation of waking up in the morning with her in my arms.
“Ronan?” Her voice breaks through my fantasies, and I blink to see her looking at me, confused. “What are you doing here so late?”
