My Forever

Chapter 15

Again I found myself blushing.

“Thank you.”

He put his arm out for me to take as we made our way to the elevator. The elevator opened and standing inside were the two women from the pool. I can’t say they had much more clothing on.

Upon seeing them, I tried to pull my arm from Declan but he tightened his grip as we stepped into the elevator. Once inside, he released my arm only to wrap his arm around my waist and pull me closer to him.

“Hello ladies.” He cordially said.

They smiled and said hi back while looking at me.

I couldn’t help but smile when Declan looked down at me.

“Have you thought about what you want to eat?”

I’m not sure why such a simple question made me smile. He completely ignored the two women that made me feel so self-conscious.

As soon as the elevator doors opened in the lobby, the woman quickly moved away from us as we made our way to the restaurant.

After ordering, Declan reached across the table and took my hands into his. “Those women have nothing on you.”

I felt my mouth go dry.

“Wwhaat?” I whispered. Where did this side of Declan come from?

“Those two from the elevator are not nearly as smart and beautiful as you, Harper.”

“Thank you.” I couldn’t stop myself from blushing.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t make you feel that way last night.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about?” I asked, my face beyond red.

Thankfully, he didn’t push the topic, but inside I felt warm and fuzzy.

The rest of lunch was relaxing and I enjoyed every moment with Declan. I knew I needed to be strong and not fall for Declan when knew deep down, he had only seen me as a child.

On the way back to our room I could feel Declan watching me.

“Feel like watching a movie and having dinner in the room so we can have an early night?” He asked hopefully.

“Sure.”

“I just want to get an early start in the morning. It’s going to take just over 3 hours to get to my family home.”

“Sounds good.”

We managed to watch multiple movies and enjoyed a simple dinner in our room. After dinner, we crawled into our PJ’s and crawled into bed. Declan put on another movie and I found myself moving closer to him. It was almost like there was a pull.

As if he could sense me fighting the pull, he reached over and put his arm around me. My heart jumped into my throat. I know it was a simple gesture, but to me it was the most cared about in years.

Being in Declan’s arms made me feel like I was made to be in his arms. I know this thought process was crazy, but it’s how I felt. Everything with him felt right. I allowed these thoughts to fill my mind as I closed my eyes and fell into a comfortable sleep.

The following morning, Declan’s alarm woke us up bright and early as he promised. I woke to find myself wrapped in his arms and, I would have done anything to stay in his arms.

“Good Morning.” He grumbled in my ear, causing goose bumps.

“Good Morning.” I whispered back.

After grabbing breakfast, we made our way to his family's home. I was nervous and excited about meeting his family.

Three hours felt like minutes and before I knew it, we were driving down a dirt road. Small homes littered the road. At the end of the dirt road stood a mansion. It was beautiful and huge. It almost looked like a small town was located behind a large mansion.

We drove past the mansion to a large house located next to the mansion. Declan parked the car and smiled over at me.

“Ready?”

All I could do was shake my head yes.

We walked into the house and before Declan could put down our bags the most stunning woman walked into the room and rushed over to us.

“Oh I am so excited you are here.” She said, pulling me into a hug.

Declan chuckled. “ OK Ciara, don’t break her. You are going to scare her away.”

“OH Hush Dec.” She said, pulling away.

I realized she must be related to Declan. She shared the same blue eyes, but instead of jet black hair she had the most beautiful red hair I had ever seen. She also had beautiful porcelain skin in comparison to Declan’s darker undertones.

“Harper meet my sister Ciara. Ciara, this is my…..umm Harper.”

“Nice to meet you.” I said, reaching my hand out to shake hers. Laughing, she pulled me into another warm hug.

“Son, we are glad to see you made it home safe.” A tall, broad man stood before us. He was without a doubt Declan’s father. They shared most of the same features, but he had auburn hair and piercing green eyes.

“Thanks Dad. This is Harper.”

I put my hand out to shake. He took my hand, shaking it firmly. “It’s nice to meet you sir,” I said.

“Call me Conner.” He said with a warm smile. He turned back to Declan.

“Your Mother is in the kitchen fixing lunch. Best make your way to the kitchen. I will have your bags put in your rooms.” He said, smiling.

Declan took my hand and led me into the kitchen. Standing in front of the stove was a slender woman. She had long straight black hair and when she turned around she had the same dark blue eyes as her children.

She was beautiful and didn’t look old enough to have a son Declan’s age. As soon as we stepped into the kitchen she rushed to us, wrapping Declan in a hug and quickly turning to me.

“You must be Harper.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Oh call me Ava.”

“You two must be starving. Come have a seat.”

To say lunch was delicious would be an understatement. I felt like I had a small taste of heaven.

No sooner had we finished lunch when the back door banged open. In stepped a man that looked exactly like Declan’s father.

“Brother! Thank goodness you are home. I need your help now.”

“Finn… meet Harper.” Declan calmly said.

He glanced over at me and smiled. He quickly grabbed my hand and kissed the top of my hand. “I am so excited to meet you. I am Declan’s older, more attractive brother.”

I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Older by 6 minutes does not make you my older brother.”