CHAPTER 3

MAYA

It had been three weeks since I'd messed up Johnny's night. The man seemed to take it as a challenge or something. I wasn't sure what he was up to, but it was driving me nuts. While I'd not seen hide nor hair of him, he'd certainly made sure I'd not forget him. Liam had made it a point to tell me that Johnny had been called away on a family emergency to Ireland but that he'd be back as soon as it was sorted.

It had been a strange conversation; Liam, while nice enough, was quiet and only spoke when he had something to say, much the same as Adam. Johnny, it seemed, was a totally different kettle of fish.

Parking my car, I checked the clock on the dashboard, it had just gone past eight in the morning. I'd dropped the children off at nursery and it was time to get my cleaning game on. As usual, I was dressed for comfort in leggings, a long T-shirt, and trainers with my hair up in a high ponytail.

Getting out of the car, I opened up the back door, walked in, and switched the alarm off. I stopped for a second and looked around, wondering what awaited me this morning.

Every morning for the last three weeks, I'd found breakfast in a cooler waiting for me on the bar, along with a thermos of hot coffee and a note from Johnny.

Morning milseán,

Make sure you stop for breakfast.

I hope you have a good day.

Johnny xxx

They varied slightly every day but almost all wished me a good day.

They brightened my day. Not that I'd told anyone that. I cleaned, then sat in his office to have the breakfast he left me before going to the nightclubs to clean them.

For some reason, this morning was different. There was no breakfast smell to greet me as soon as I walked in the back door. The first thing I did was hurry to the bar, but there was no cooler waiting for me. A little surprised by the small stab of hurt and disappointment that filled me. I guess he must have gotten bored; I mean, I hadn't seen him for weeks.

Blinking back the slight sting of tears, I took a deep breath, pulled my shoulders back, and started my job; taking all my frustrations out on my cleaning, I dusted, wiped, hoovered and mopped until the place was gleaming.

The last room I had to do was his office. Bracing myself for the smell of him that permeated the office even though he'd been gone for weeks. I don't know what aftershave he wore, but damn, it smelt good.

Opening the door, I came to a sudden stop at the familiar cooler sitting on his desk with a note and thermos next to it, along with a burgundy garment bag that was hanging over the back of a chair.

The relief that hit me had me wondering what was wrong with me. I wasn't an indecisive person, and I'd long ago made up my mind that men were more work than I had in me to be bothered with, but there was something about Johnny. I'd never felt this way about anyone, including my children's father. Johnny and I'd hardly spoken other than that first night and then the notes he'd left me. We didn't even have each other's telephone numbers, although I'm sure I could have got his if I'd asked either of his brothers. Picking up the note that was leaning against the cooler with my name on it, I started to read.

Morning milseán,

I'm sorry that I haven't seen you in person for so long. Unfortunately, things took longer than I'd like to sort in Ireland. But I'm back now.

Hope you enjoy your breakfast and the dress. I'll be at yours to pick you up at seven tonight.

And before you say you can't go, I've arranged babysitters for Jackson and Emy. Carly, Bren, and Bella will look after them for us tonight. I've also booked you in at the Crow beauty place this afternoon for the works.

Stop frowning.

Instantly I looked up to see if there were cameras watching me because I'd been frowning at his high-handedness.

Not seeing anything, I went back to the note.

You deserve a night out and to be spoilt. I want to be the one to do that. I'm looking forward to spending time with you.

My number is on a card with your dress. Call me whenever you want. Just NOT to cancel.

I'll be thinking of you today, mo ghrá. Until tonight.

Johnny

xxx

It seemed that things were about to change. And he'd thrown another Irish word into the mix that I was going to have to look up to see what it meant.

I'd found out that milseán meant sweetheart. Placing the letter down on the desk, I wiped my damp palms on my leggings and let out a deep breath as I reached for the zipper on the garment bag and pulled it down to reveal a dress in midnight blue. Taking it out of the bag, I held it up against me, turning towards the large mirror on the far wall to have a look.

The colour was gorgeous against my lightly tanned skin and made my eyes appear bluer than they normally were. The dress was long with a loose flowing skirt and a slit up the left leg, it was nipped in at the waist and had a crossover bodice, giving way to thick straps, each embellished with tiny sequins and black pearls to match the bodice. With no sleeves, it would leave my arms bare, which would be bliss in the summer heat. It was breathtaking and much sexier than anything I would have chosen for myself.

Biting my lower lip, I wondered if I should take the chance. And it would be a chance because I knew how my heart worked. As much as I'd been determined not to get involved with another man, I knew that if I went there with Johnny, my heart would get involved and I'm not sure I could take it if he broke it. Plus, I had to think of my children, they'd already been through so much.

Jackson was so suspicious of every male he came across and Emy, my poor Emy, was so confused that she called every male she came across daddy. Luckily, the men of the Crows were good men, and they humoured her, knowing she didn't know what it meant, but it hurt my heart every time she uttered those words.

Sighing, I put the dress away and sat down at the desk, still undecided. Taking my phone from my pocket, I scroll down my contacts until I get to Avy. Out of all the women other than Noni, she's known the O'Sheas the longest, and I know if I ask her, she'll be honest about whether or not I'd be making a mistake by allowing him into our lives.

Putting the phone to my ear, I wait nervously as it rings. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for her to answer.

"Hi Maya."

"Hi Avy," I hesitate, finally letting out a deep breath. "Can I ask you something, but it has to stay between us?"

"Of course you can," she assures me.

"What do you know of Johnny O'Shea?"

There's no hesitation from Avy, "He's a good guy, loves his brothers, adored Noni, and he's never made it a secret that he's looking for a woman to make his. Why?"

"He wants to take me out tonight."

Avy lets out a little squeal and I grin. I've loved having these women in my life.

"Where are you? I want to know everything."

"I'm at The Lounge, eating the breakfast he left me."

"Aww, be still my heart. Go, Johnny!!! I love that for you. Stay there. Julia, Cally, and I are coming."

With that, she abruptly ends the call, leaving me hanging. I still have to clean the clubs but decide that I can take an hour to enjoy the breakfast and wait on the girls so I can spill my guts and see what they have to say.

It only takes them twenty minutes before they are all gathered in the office, looking at me expectantly. I tell them everything from how we met and what I'd done, the breakfasts and notes he'd left me while he'd been away, and then today's note, which I passed to them to read.

They laughed when I told them about the night we met and how I pretended that he was cheating and how bad I felt that he got slapped because of my lies.

"Oh, Johnny," Julia sighed dreamily. "This is just perfect."

"She's right," Cally agreed. "Yes, he's played the field, but he's also never made it a secret that as soon as he finds his one that he'll put her first. You're a lucky lady. The O'Shea brothers are hot and from the looks of this, they know how to spoil their ladies. And Maya," Cally takes hold of my hand, squeezing it, "if anyone deserves to be spoilt, it's you. I say you go for it."

"I agree," Avy says, "and if you find there's nothing there, then that's fine. I promise he's not the type to push, although I have my fingers crossed for you because you deserve all the good stuff after what you put up with from your shithead ex."

Feeling relieved that they all agreed that Johnny was a good guy and that I'd have a good time tonight, I made a decision.

"Okay, I'll go out with him tonight."

The girls throw up their hands cheering, "Yes," making me laugh.

"Well, come on, show us the dress," Cally demanded. Standing up from the desk, I again open the garment bag and take out the dress, holding it against me.

"Oh, wow, that's beautiful and will suit you down to the ground. What about shoes?" Julia asks as she runs a finger over the pearls and sequins.

"I have a strappy pair of silver heels that will look good with this," I assure her.

"It really is gorgeous. What about the size? Will it fit? "

I nod, "Yeah, it's one of the first things I checked."

Avy clapped, bouncing on her heels excitedly, "Come on, we'll help you clean the clubs so you can get to the salon. I've booked us all in for manicures with you. I'm so fricken excited for you."

Laughing at her, I sputter out, "I can't ask you to help me clean. It's my job."

"Sure you can, and you didn't ask, I offered; it's my prerogative as part owner," Avy grinned at me.

Shaking my head, I pack up my dress, leaving the cooler on the desk but not before I write my reply on the note. I'd been brushing up on my Irish endearments. I hope that I spelt it correctly though.

I'll be ready, dathúil.

Maya

xxx

Walking out of the office with a bounce in my step, I followed the girls out, locking up behind us.

It was the most fun I'd ever had at work. The three of them had me laughing so much that it didn't feel like work. Before long, we were finished, and I was at the salon getting the works, which not only consisted of my hair and manicure but also a massage and pedicure. The man sure knew how to spoil a woman.

Bren and Carly had come over at six to collect the children and take them to the big house where they said they were having movie night and sleeping in the main lounge.

Both Jackson and Emy had been more than happy to leave with them, having done sleepovers like this a time or two since we'd lived here.

"Have fun tonight," Carly smiled at me as she gathered them up and hurried them out the door.

"I will, and thank you for doing this."

"It's our pleasure. We made bank today as most of the parents are going out," Bren grinned happily.

Laughing, I waved as they walked away towards the main house. Shutting the door, I hurried to my bedroom to shower and get ready. Seven o'clock came along quickly and before I knew it, there was a knock on the door.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my nerves. I knew I looked good, but this was the first time I'd been out on a date in nearly six years.

Grasping the doorknob, I turned it and opened the door. "Oh wow," I whispered, my eyes wide, and arousal flashed through me at the man standing on my front porch in a dark suit wearing a white shirt and a tie matching the colour of my dress perfectly.

"Oh, wow is right, milseán ," Johnny rumbled as his heated eyes perused me from head to toe. "You look gorgeous. Fuck me, I'm going to get into a fight before the night is out with you looking like that."

A giggle burbled up before I could stop it.

"You think I'm joking, a stór ."

"A little," I reply, "but you've made me feel beautiful, so thank you."

"You're more than beautiful, milseán . You're gorgeous. Come on, let's get you to dinner before I forget I'm trying to be a gentleman."

Smiling so wide my cheeks hurt, my stomach fluttering and not with nerves, I pick up my clutch and shut the door behind us, taking hold of Johnny's arm for the short walk to the garage where we parked the cars .

Only to come to a stop at seeing all the men from the Crow MC milling around as if they were waiting for us. The kitchen door opens, and Avy steps out arms crossed as she frowns at the men, the rest of the Old Ladies follow her out not looking very happy with their men either.

"Ah, all your brothers are here to make sure I know that I better treat you with respect tonight," Johnny grins down at me, not in the least bit perturbed by the show of the brotherhood.

"What? Why?" I ask, confused.

"They love you, milseán , and they want to make sure that I know that they'll beat my arse if I don't treat you right. I'm guessing the Old Ladies are here to make sure they don't ruin our date."

Tears gathered on my lashes. I'd never in all my life had this. That they would try and intimidate my date just to ensure that he knew I had back up if I needed hit me, so deep I felt it in my soul.

Slipping my arm from Johnny's, I walked up to Reaper, wrapping my arms around him, I squeeze him tight.

"Thank you," I whisper.

He sighs but returns my embrace, "Dammit, Maya, we were trying to be intimidating. "

Laughing softly, I let him go, tilting my head back so that I could look at him.

"You are, and I love that you feel like you had to make sure Johnny knows that he has to behave. I've never had this, so thank you."

"Johnny's a good guy," Reaper assures me. "Have a good time, but know if you need us, we're here."

"I will," I agree, turning back to Johnny to find him looking at me with a soft look. Tipping his chin at Reaper, he takes my hand and leads me to a black four-by-four. Opening the passenger door, he helps me in, then leans across, pulling the seat belt he straps me in.

"You ready, milseán ,"

Smiling, I run a finger across his cheek, "Yeah, I am."

Taking my hand, he presses a kiss to the palm before closing the door and waving his hand at whatever the guys are heckling him about. I laugh as Cally slaps at Dragon and Draco but they're all laughing as is Johnny when he gets in the car. We drive out and onto the road.

"Where are we going?"

"I've booked us a table at ‘Mio Dolce', then we'll have a nightcap at The Lounge, maybe dance a little and then I'll bring you home."

"Sounds amazing," I sigh, a little dreamily. "Thank you for spoiling me today and for my beautiful dress."

"You're welcome, a stór . You deserve to be spoilt."

Gah, my heart. This man was going to obliterate it if I wasn't careful. He would be so easy to fall for.