14. Ronan

CHAPTER 14

RONAN

ONE MONTH LATER

“ R onan, can you tell us how everything is going with the woman you mentioned a couple of months ago?” Vicky asks, adjusting her glasses.

I’ve been so distracted whilst browsing properties near Leo’s school that I almost missed the question. “Grand. We’re still hiding our relationship, but I’ve spoken to my agent, and I’m retiring this year; looking into coaching positions.”

Lucas’ eyes are wide. “Why? You’re at the top of your game, mate!”

My phone lights up with an email, catching my attention. I click on it, and it’s from a property management company with available times to tour a home similar to the house I owned before my current flat. It has four bedrooms, enough for visitors and space to expand Nora’s book collection.

“Ronan?” Vicky asks, startling me.

“Sorry, I just saw an important email.” I rake a hand through my hair, blowing out a long breath. “I know I could play for a few years but I have more money from endorsements than I’ll ever be able to spend in a lifetime. When I quit, I can openly be with her. And it isn’t as if I wouldn’t be working; I can secure a new job coaching. They’ve already approached me about it for when I retire.”

“The sex must be amazing! Does her pussy shoot out glitter and rainbows, or something?” Will snickers. “What woman would be worth throwing your career away for?”

“I’m in love with her, you feckin’ eejit .”

Vicky reminds us of our language and I go on to explain that I have spent nearly every day for the past year obsessed with this woman. Will isn’t wrong, the sex is fucking incredible, but it isn’t purely physical for me. I have a connection with Nora that I’ve never felt with anyone before. She’s it, the one I’m supposed to spend forever loving.

The remainder of the call, Russ goes through his usual denial, Will complains about his media relations coordinator, and Lucas sits quietly until called upon. Even when he shares, he keeps his secrets guarded. When we hang up, I sneak back into bed, sliding in behind Nora and wrapping her in my arms. She lets out a light hum as I kiss her shoulder—the sweetest damn sound other than her crying out my name as she comes.

“Hey, darlin’.”

Nora turns to face me, pressing a chaste kiss to my lips, “Hey, early bird. How was your call?”

“Grand,” I sigh, closing my eyes and willing myself to sleep.

We spend the next few hours legs tangled and bodies flush. I’m half asleep when her soft voice carries in the quiet room. “Don’t quit football.”

“You heard that?”

“You growled and called someone a ‘feckin eejit ’; told them you’re in love with me. It was an interesting way to wake up.” I’m about to confirm what she heard when she adds, “I love you, Ronan, but you have years left ahead of you before you retire.”

“You and Leo mean more to me. I’m tired of hiding at your flat or mine. Every time I have a game away, I miss you. There’s more to life than footie.”

“My father would have told you otherwise,” she chuckles. “But I’m serious, I wouldn’t quit my dream job for you, so you can’t quit yours because of me.”

“I’m not quitting because of you. I have maybe a year or two left in me before I’ll be replaced by a younger, faster striker. I’ll be forced into retirement. We still have eight or so months left of the season, I can’t go another two years without you on top of that. I’ll miss Leo and Gavin’s matches, and I want to be able to take you to dinner, celebrate after a Cork win… hold your hand without fear that there will be problems with your job. Let me put you and Leo first.” She sniffs, and I press soft kisses to her wet eyes. “Why are you crying, darlin’?”

“I don’t know,” she sobs quietly and I hold her closer, wanting to protect her from whatever has her hurting.

When her breathing slows, I check that my alarm is set for her to pick up Leo from my sister’s, then let sleep claim me.