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The music drifted from the speaker perched on the sideboard. Felicity glanced toward it. “Chris Stapleton?”
“I know. Real shocking.” Ronan shrugged as he crossed the floor to the small table set up in the middle of the living area.
It was the last night before leaving for New York, and they were having dinner at his place. He cooked. Herb-crusted beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a simple green salad.
They’d eaten every bite.
Her mind, apparently determined to be dramatic, dubbed it her last supper.
The packed suitcases waiting by the front door didn’t help.
Neither did the fact that, before leaving Galina’s house, she’d wandered through each room one final time.
Funny how life worked out.
A house she’d never intended to own.
A town she’d never intended to stay in.
A life she’d never intended to build.
Yet somehow, it had become home.
For the first time in her life, she felt like she truly belonged somewhere.
And she was walking away from it.
Because some debts had to be paid.
The dogs had followed her from room to room, and when the sitter arrived, she’d crouched beside them and scratched behind Millie’s ears. “Look after Ronan for me.” Maisie had licked her hand. Maggie had sneezed in her face.
Felicity had laughed, blinked suspiciously hard, and stood.
Then she’d grabbed her suitcase and walked out before she could change her mind. She had driven to Ronan’s and carried her bag inside.
Only to walk into a room set for romance.
Candles flickering across the living room. Soft music drifting from the speaker on the sideboard. A table for two placed before the mural, dressed with linen napkins, good plates, and a bottle of wine.
Ronan stopped beside her chair and held out a hand. “Dance with me.”
Her stomach tightened. Not because she didn’t want to. Because she did. Too much. “Ronan—”
“One dance, Lissy-love.” His voice was gentle. “No expectations. No grand declarations. No hidden agenda.”
She lifted her brows. They both knew the night would end in his bed.
“Well, maybe a tiny agenda.”
She laughed despite herself.
His entire face brightened. “There she is.”
Slowly, she placed her hand in his.
His fingers closed around hers.
