My words spilled out, rushed and disjointed. “I don’t even know how to… how to take it all in.”
He cupped my hands, his grip tender but firm, as if grounding me in the moment. His eyes searched mine with such intensity my heart stumbled over itself. “Let me make it right,” he said, the sincerity in his tone undeniable. “I want to see that look in your eyes… the way they turn into dark pools of molten chocolate when you’re truly happy. I want to be the one who makes you feel treasured, who shows you how much you mean to me.”
I stood there, utterly overwhelmed. His gesture wasn’t only about a business; it was about a part of me I had nearly forgotten how to dream of. The boutique wasn’t just a store—it was a reflection of how he felt about me, how deeply he cared.
“Ronan, I…” My voice cracked as tears welled up, threatening to spill over.
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, his touch both soothing and grounding. “Let me do this for you,” he whispered. “Let me be the one to make you feel seen, valued, and adored.”
His love wasn’t only something he said; it was something he lived, something he demonstrated with every action, every thoughtful move.
I took a deep breath, feeling the magnitude of his gesture settling over me. My heart was so full, I couldn’t contain it. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed him again.
The kiss was tender but fierce, a wordless conversation. His lips were warm and inviting, and the way he held me—his touch as soft as it was sure—spoke more than words ever could. I could feel the weight of his promises… of a thousand fixed promises.
The kiss felt like it paused time, a perfect moment that seemed to stretch on forever. It lingered, sweet and intimate, creating a connection far deeper than any words could express.
When we finally parted, I hesitated for a moment, my thoughts swirling. “What about the tickets you sent?”
Ronan raised an eyebrow, a playful twinkle in his eye. “What about them?”
“There are two tickets,” I said, my curiosity piqued. “Just two.”
He nodded. “One for you and Inaye.”
I smiled, correcting him gently. “Her name is Inaya.”
He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I’m not interested in remembering any woman’s name except yours.”
His tone softened then, and he hesitated before adding, “Iwasn’t sure if you wanted me there.”
The vulnerability in his voice tugged at my heart, and I took his hands in mine, squeezing gently. “I’ll always want you there, even when I think I don’t.”
The relief that washed over his face was palpable, his expression softening with affection. “That means everything to me.”
Chapter Forty-six
NINA
Present Day
NEW YORK CITY
The Eminence deal was closed, and the partnership was solid. It felt like a weight had been lifted, a sense of accomplishment and relief settling over me. But even amidst that achievement, my mind kept circling back to him.
He built me a boutique.
A boutique of my dreams.
Oh my gosh.
Days have passed, but I couldn’t shake it.
I marveled at how everything had come together so quickly, how fast everything was moving. Project after project, meetingafter meeting, but despite the whirlwind, I was grateful.Grateful for everything and everyone.
Sitting in the luxurious jet Ronan had insisted we use—despite my many protests—I glanced out the window as the plane prepared for takeoff. The city lights of New York faded into the distance, and with them, the chaotic swirl of recent events seemed to drift away.
But my thoughts were anchored in him. My love for him wasn’t only about the grand gestures or the sweeping declarations. It was in the gentle moments, the laughter we shared, the care he showed when he thought I wasn’t looking.
