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"Your ass?" I ask with a grin, and he nods. It’s crazy how quickly we became comfortable with each other. I have no idea how I ever kept up the ice-queen charade, because the smile he’s shooting me? Would have melted the ice walls within minutes.

"Left side this time."

"And you didn't call me over so I could ogle your ass?" I also lean over the counter, arrogantly arching an eyebrow, so close his breath feathering over my lips.

"Well, funny story. Nic and Lauren kind of cornered me at Evan's, so he got to witness the whole thing. And don't worry." He shoots me a wink. "These two are not interested in my ass."

"I'd better hope so. Because, you know..." My gaze darts from his lips to his eyes. "I might be really interested in it."

"Once the tattoo is done, it's all yours." He grins. "Hell, ask Evan to show you how to tattoo and put your initials on it. I don't care."

"Kieran." I shake my head at him. "We aren't even official yet, and you want my initials on your ass already?" He’s crazy.

"You're right. I'm sorry." He pauses and then asks something I don’t expect. "Can we make it official?"

My heart beats in my throat, a giggle tickles the back of my throat. "That depends. We haven't even been on a date yet."

"We went Christmas shopping," he points out with a pout. "That's about as date as it gets."

"Please. A grocery run is hardly a date."

"Anything can be a date if you declare it a date. But fine." His smile widens. "Brooke, will you let me take you on a date?"

"Sure." But I decide I can't wait that long. So, I hook my finger in the collar of his shirt and pull him over the counter until his lips crash against mine.

He smiles, and then his fingers disappear into my hair, and he cups my face. I hold on to his wrists as he kisses me like he really, really means it. And I kiss him back the exact same way.

"You know, I thought the day couldn't get any more perfect," he whispers against my lips, then slowly draws back. "You have a habit of proving me wrong."

"I'll take it." I grin and bite my lower lip to keep it somewhat decent.

"Anyway, break is over. Off I am to get this torture over with."

"Well, have fun, you two." And then he disappears, waving over his shoulder as he leaves.

"Is it safe to come in?" Kylie asks playfully, pointedly covering her eyes as she returns from the hallway.

"Yes, Kieran's gone. I’m so sorry about that."

"Oh, don't apologize." She waves me off. "Trust me, girl, I know all about the honeymoon phase. Now, back to social media."

Chapter 27

Brooke

"Sorry, we're closed.” I glance up to see who came in and promptly freeze ins surprise. “Oh, Mrs. Bernard." I almost didn’t recognize her.

“Brooke!” Her face lights up and buffers the door as it falls closed. “How are you doing?"

"Good." I round the counter, not too sure what to do with myself. "I should be asking you that. How have you been?" I want to ask about the divorce, God do I want to ask, but contrary to my brothers, I have manners.

"Oh..." She makes a vague gesture through the air. "You know, it's going."

She has a whole different air about her. No tidy hair bun. This is the first time I've seen her long, gray hair cascade down her shoulders in soft waves. Instead of the usual tailored suit with a knee-length skirt, she's wearing... pants? I don't think I've ever seen her wear pants, along with what I'd assume to be a cashmere sweatshirt under her thick winter coat.

"And it's still Marjorie," she scolds me playfully and with a wink to make sure I know she’s not mad.

"I'm sorry." I grin. "It's still ingrained from my library days."