CHAPTER 10

LANA

The look of utter relief and love on Colm’s face when he saw Tommy standing in the doorway had made my heart happy. But it also made me wonder if now that he was back home with his family, if he’d still want to spend time with me.

I hoped so but also knew that he’d need time to acclimate himself back into the family and find his place with them again. I’d been happy to shut myself up in the dining room so that Tommy could update Colm with everything that he needed to. I wasn’t an idiot—I knew that whatever Tommy had been doing wasn’t strictly legal. Not that I needed to know what it was, though. It didn’t matter to me because, in my soul, I knew he was a good man.

It was only an hour or so later that Tommy walked into the dining room. I caught him watching me in the reflection in the window. If I happened to put a bit of an extra swing into my hips while I was dancing, what did it matter. It got me what I wanted. No! What I needed… his lips on mine.

Deciding not to hold back, I had to tell him how I felt, even if it had only been three days. That he felt the same way was the cherry on top of my already fantastic Christmas break.

The teasing from Colm had made us laugh. Colm had never made it a secret that he’d hoped I’d end up with one of his sons, but there was nothing there with Adam and Liam.

I liked them well enough, and we laughed and teased each other more like siblings would when I’d been in their company for any length of time. There had never been a spark between any of us, though. I think the fact that Tommy and I’d obviously connected thrilled him no end.

They’d all piled in to help with the painting and when Colm had insisted that we sleep at his home, I’d recognised it for what it was—he wanted all of us under his roof. I think now that he’d seen Tommy, he was worried he’d disappear on them again. I’d made it easier for everyone by asking if we could spend a couple of nights so that we could get the flooring done.

Colm hadn’t said anything, but I’d read the relief in his gaze. It was no hardship for me to spend time with his family, especially as I hoped they’d be mine one day. Packing hadn’t taken any time; I’d emptied the fridge of perishables to take with us. I’m sure between Maya and me we’d use them up.

I liked Maya and we’d always got on well. We’d met when she’d started cleaning for the Crows and then the O’Sheas, although she didn’t clean anymore as Johnny had her working in the office at The Lounge, and I know that she helped Liam and Adam out with the administrative side of their businesses too.

We’d made short work of getting dinner on the table. We’d been amused listening to the teasing at the table from the guys. As the day had gone on, they’d slowly fallen into a more relaxed rhythm, more than likely similar to what they’d been like growing up. I’d sat down next to Tommy and his hand had settled on my thigh and stayed there all evening while plans had been made for the coming week.

Resting my head against Tommy’s shoulder, I’d let it all flow over me. It seemed that I’d have help at the house for the next few days and by the looks of it, I’d be all moved in before the new year.

I was happy with that. New year, new beginnings as it should be.