Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 72(@200wpm)___ 58(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 72(@200wpm)___ 58(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
I love who I am when I’m with him.
We’re at one of the bars Ronan owns, and he’s in the back with his brother discussing business stuff, while I lean against the bar and chat to the girl finishing stacking glasses and restocking the bar for the grand reopening in a few days. Her name is Rhona and she’s taken me under her wing since Ronan introduced me to her a few days ago.
She might just be the closest thing to a real friend I’ve ever had.
“I’m nearly done then we’ll be all set for the opening,” she tells me as she wipes her hands on a towel.
“So exciting,” I say, smiling wide. The place looks amazing, with all sparkling black surfaces and luxurious leather booths. I can already imagine it packed, music playing, drinks flowing, and people partying. I want to be in the middle of it, by Ronan’s side, experiencing everything life has to offer.
“You should come work here with us,” Rhona says, raising a brow at me.
I blink, considering it. “I’d probably be shit at bartending,” I say with a shrug. “Besides, I’m sure Ronan wants actual trained, skilled workers, not people whose closest qualification is managing to pour a glass of wine without spilling it everywhere.”
Rhona laughs, shaking her head at me. “You could ask that man for the moon and he’d find a way to lasso it down from the sky for you,” she says in a stage-whisper voice, leaning across the bar. “Besides, I could train you. I like you, Roxie. Come work with me and save me from being bored all shift.” She winks at me conspiratorially, and I realize she’s being deadly serious.
Ronan mentioned briefly that there was space for me in his businesses if I wanted it, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be any good. I don’t want to ruin anything for him. But Rhona’s right, she could train me. I’m a quick learner, and I’m used to basic customer service.
“You want to work here? Job’s yours, sunflower,” Ronan interrupts, surprising me. I was so caught up in my own thoughts I didn’t even realize he was done with his meeting.
“Really?” I ask, smiling as Rhona looks at me with a told you so expression in her brown eyes.
“Of course,” Ronan says, like it’s obvious. “I’ll schedule a training shift if you’re okay with it, Rhona, and you can learn the ropes.”
Rhona agrees enthusiastically, looking very pleased with herself, as she tidies the last things away before waving goodbye.
“Where’s your brother?” I ask Ronan, realizing we’re alone in the bar.
“We’re done for the day. He’s off home,” Ronan explains, waving his hand through the air as if dismissing the thought of other people completely. “But there’s something I wanted to show you before we go, sunflower.”
“What is it?” I ask, confused. I’ve already explored every inch of this space, or so I thought.
Ronan smirks at me, saying nothing as he holds out his hand in invitation. I take it without hesitation, letting him lead me around the back of the bar to a door I hadn’t noticed before.
Curiosity and eagerness fill me as he unlocks the door. A narrow staircase leads up, and Ronan keeps his hand on my waist, following me up the stairs in case I lose my balance. He’s always doing things like that, walking on the side of the sidewalk closest to the cars so his body is between me and the road, opening doors from me, pulling out my chairs for me to sit down. He might be an ex-con and not afraid to throw a punch, but he’s also a total gentleman at heart.
Basically, he’s perfect.
At the top of the stairs, Ronan reaches around me to open another metal door. I gasp as we step outside, late afternoon sunlight flooding my sight.
It takes me a second to take in where we are.
“The roof,” I breathe, turning in a circle to look around. The rooftop has been set out as another private bar area. Plush sofas and chairs are peppered around the space, a small bar in the center of it all, large plants and greenery mixing with the shiny black color scheme and giving the area a wild feel. “It’s beautiful.”
The view is just as stunning. Like in our apartment, I can see the whole city from up here. I stroll to the edge, where there’s tall fencing stopping anybody from slipping right off the side, and grip the barrier as I look down on the city. The sun is just beginning to set, the sky painted in streaks of deep blue, bright pink, and orange, casting the whole city in a rosy glow.
I sigh happily as Ronan’s arms circle my waist and he pulls my back flush against his chest, joining me at the edge of the roof. He leans down, kissing the crook of my throat and shoulder and making me shiver as sparks slide over my skin.