“You can thank her in July. My parents are flying over for a week in between work commitments. We’re planning on going to Cork and Kerry, and Mom said to ask you to come.”
“I would love to, provided I can get the time off work. I usually work longer hours during summer break.” She chews on the corner of her lip. “Do you think she’d have time to drop into my house? I think Mum would about die if she got to meet her in the flesh.”
“Mom has a pretty hectic schedule planned, but why don’t we get your mom over here for lunch the day they arrive?”
“That’s a brilliant idea. Message me the date, and I’ll make it happen. It’s a pity they aren’t coming in June. They could’ve come to Shane and Fiona’s wedding with you.” I was pleasantly surprised to receive a wedding invite last week. I can’t wait to experience an Irish wedding; I’ve heard they can be pretty wild. Ash said the hotel they are getting married at is in County Wexford and it’s gorgeous.
Ash glances at her cell, hopping up. “Shit. I need to get a move on, or I’ll miss the bus. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“Positive. Tell everyone I said hi.” I grab my purse from my bedside table, rummaging through the contents. “Hang on a sec,” I call out. Finding my keys, I throw them to her. “Take my rental. Mom’s assistant got you added to the insurance. Just don’t wreck it. I know Dil isn’t the only O’Donoghue with a reckless streak.”
She squeals, racing across the room and yanking me into a fierce hug.
“Can’t breathe,” I croak, only half-joking.
“You are the most thoughtful, generous person I know. How did you even manage this?” She takes pity on me, letting me go.
“I snuck a copy of your driver’s license and sent it Moira. She did the rest.”
“Seriously, thank you for organizing this. It sure beats the smelly bus.”
After Ash leaves, I take a long soak in the tub, trying to quiet my hyperactive mind, but it’s no use. I wish I was the kind of girl who took everything in stride. But I’m the kind to overthink everything, and I just want it to stop.
I like Dillon.
A lot.
Even more so after yesterday.
He opened up to me, and I saw a different side to him. A side I want to explore. Yet I’m freaking terrified too. Terrified of getting my heart trampled on again. He’s a moody prick at times, and I have no experience dealing with that. I get the sense he’s hiding something, and that concerns me. What if I place my trust in him and he lets me down too?
“Ugh.” I scrub my hands down my face before dunking my head under the water. When I come up for air, I’m still stewing over everything. Are my fears founded? Or am I letting the past cloud my perspective? Is this what I’m going to be like with every new relationship going forward? Will I doubt every guy because Reeve betrayed my trust? Will I think every guy is hiding something from me if he doesn’t immediately open his heart and spill every vulnerable secret? Is that in any way fair to the guy?
My brain churns these thoughts, over and over, round and round in circles, and I get out of the cold bath, shivering and annoyed at my inability to just go with the flow. As I dry myself, I decide it’s not fair to hold Reeve’s sins and my past over Dillon’s head. I’ve got to give him the benefit of the doubt unless he does something, or says something, that justifies concern. It doesn’t mean I have to trust him out of the gate. No one should be trusted until they’ve proven themselves, but that doesn’t mean I should automatically distrust every guy I meet either.
Wearing fresh pajamas, with my damp hair in a messy topknot, I’m scrolling through the movie options on my TV when the doorbell chimes. I pad along the hallway in my bare feet, startled to see Dillon’s gorgeous face staring back at me through the peephole. He sticks his tongue out, and I’m smiling as I open the door. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m hoping you’re up for some company,” he says, lifting the plastic bag in his hand. “I come bearing gifts. Ice cream, chocolate, and wine.” He waggles his brows, piercing me with that infamous cocky grin.
My heart melts a little, and tears prick the backs of my eyes. Fuck, I’m a hot mess these days, and I’ve got to get a grip.
“Hey.” The grin slides off his mouth as he steps closer. “Don’t be upset.”
Acting on instinct, I fling my arms around him, hugging him tight. “I’m happy you’re here.”
“Does that mean you’re going to invite me in?” His flirtatious tone and cheeky grin papers over the fractures in my heart, and I grab his hand, pulling him into the apartment.
“Won’t your mom be mad if you don’t arrive for dinner?” I inquire, guiding him to the kitchen.
“Nah. She’ll be grand. Especially when she discovers I’m keeping her new favorite person company.”
I bend down to grab a couple of bowls from the cupboard, and when I straighten up, I catch Dillon staring at me with his mouth slightly open. Setting the bowls down on the counter, I cross my arms and fix him with a knowing look. “Were you just checking out my ass?”
“I was,” he readily admits, slowly dragging his eyes up my body. “Don’t blame me. You were wiggling it right in my face.”
I snort out a laugh. “You’re incorrigible.” I reach overhead to grab some wine glasses, and my top lifts a little, exposing a sliver of skin.
“Damn, Hollywood. Those pajamas should be illegal.”