Anna's four-year relationship with her boyfriend, Jeremy, abruptly ends, and Anna is convinced by her best friend Libby to try her luck on a dating app called 'Swiper'. An Anna/Declan story. No relation to the events of the movie Leap Year (2010), just using the characters for an alternate universe story.

NOTE: I will be changing up the POV's in this story and to make it clear when that POV changes, they will be separated by this: ~ISR~?~ISR~ (The person's POV will be the name of that character in place of the ?)

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters, just borrowing them from the 2010 Movie, "Leap Year". Starring Matthew Goode and Amy Adams.


I Swiped Right

CHAPTER SEVEN

~ISR~

Anna was out shopping with Libby, and Declan had grabbed a coffee and headed to his office to go over the inventory that Alec so generously offered to input last night. So far, everything seemed to match up, but it was important to double check it.

Alec was behind the bar once again, knowing Declan would be doing kitchen duties that evening with Anna and their dinner guests. They'd reserved a booth at the back of the restaurant for privacy.

Declan came across a small discrepancy that he couldn't quite put his finger on and he found himself leaning back in his chair and going over his hand written log, a blue pen in his mouth as he twisted it between his lips. He finally saw the mistake and adjusted it accordingly, the blue pen finding its way back into his mouth.

~ISR~Anna~ISR~

There were a few people waiting to be seated when I walked into the pub and some were being a little rude when I tried to politely ask for a way through. Actually, it was one rude woman.

"Wait your turn! You little tart!" A tall busty woman called in anger. She appeared to be around the same age as me but with her obvious plastic surgery enhancements, it was hard to tell.

"Excuse me, I have an appointment with the owner, I'm not taking a table away from you." I tried to explain.

The woman seemed to back down and if I may say, she acted a little ashamed at her previous comment. Gripping my overnight bag, I was allowed to pass and saw Alec wave me over to the bar.

"Hey, Alec!" I greeted.

"Hi, Anna." He replied with a smile. "Decco's in his office, double checking my work from last night." He offered.

"Never hurts to be certain." I stated. He seemed put off that Declan was checking his work. He nodded in understanding and I headed left, down the hall.

The door stood open and I watched him for a moment as he twirled and bit at the blue pen in his mouth. My first thought was, 'if only I could be that pen'. Smiling to myself I spoke up.

"Working hard, or hardly working?" I teased. His head shot up and he smiled.

"Hi, darlin', how was shopping with Libby?" He posed, leaning back in his chair.

"Good. Bought a new dress." I explained, dropping my overnight bag and slipping off my coat.

"That new?" He mumbled around the pen as it fell from his lips, hitting his desk.

"Yes? Why, does it look bad?" I asked in worry.

"Not. At. All. God ye're beautiful. Come 'ere." He called. I giggled in reply but closed and the locked the door first before rounding his desk.

I sat sideways on his lap as his arms came around me. "You like it then?" I smiled, as my arms came around his shoulders. "Dec?" I urged when he didn't reply.

"Fucking, love it. What's this here?" He asked, signalling to the tie at my side that kept the dress from opening. He tugged at it gently.

"Why don't I show you?" I offered, standing from his lap and moving in front of the desk. He grabbed his blue pen and put it between his lips again, biting gently and leaning back in his chair, as I pulled at the tie.

The dress slipped open slightly and I pulled the two sides apart revealing the fact that I wasn't wearing a bra and only wearing a pair of black lace boy-short style panties. Similar to the red lace ones I'd left over his computer keyboard. The pen between his lips dropped to the desk once more as he stood from his chair. Rounding the desk, he grabbed the two sides of the dress and tugged me towards him as he leaned against the front of his desk.

~ISR~

Declan pushed the dress from her body and fastened his lips to hers as Anna fumbled with his belt. When they 'd finally rid each other of their clothes, Anna went to take off her heels.

"No, leave 'em on." He smirked at her as he lay his blue V-neck cashmere sweater over his desk before setting her on it, and pushing against her as their lips met in a heated kiss.

"Dec," She cried out as his lips moved to her neck. He helped lay her back, setting her heeled feet on the edge of the desk, before kneeling in front of her and sucking her clit into his mouth.

Her body arched off the desk as his mouth moved lower and he slipped his tongue between her folds. Anna's hands moved to his head, pushing and pulling as he brought her closer to her release. Moving his hands up her legs and over her thighs, he brought her legs over his shoulders as he licked harder, nipping at her clit as his tongue ran through her once more. Anna lifted one leg off his shoulder and he used that opportunity to slip two fingers inside her, thrusting gently as he moved his lips back over her clit. She could feel her orgasm approaching when he pulled away suddenly.

"Don't stop!" She cried, but before she could reach for him, he'd thrust his cock inside her.

"Come for me, darlin'." He crooned, as his hands held firm on her hips as he thrust frantically. Seconds later he felt her convulse around him, but his movements didn't stop.

"Oh, yes. I'm coming." She panted as he sped up, thrusting harder but long and slow.

"Come 'ere." He panted, pulling her up and fastening his lips to hers as their pelvis' met in erratic thrusts. Slipping a hand down, he lifted her slightly, his hand finding purchase on her ass and squeezing gently before she lay back down again.

"I'm so close, again." She moaned, as he lifted her legs and placed her high-heeled feet over his shoulders.

"Touch yerself, Love. I wanna watch ya." He posed, as his eyes found hers. She seemed confused at first so he took her hand and moved her fingers over her clit, helping her bring herself to another orgasm.

Declan stiffened for a moment before he released inside her and Anna climaxed immediately after for the second time.

"Atta, girl." He crooned, half laying over her, after releasing her ankles, and kissing her sweetly.

"I really just wanted to show you my new dress." She smiled cheekily. He threw his head back in laughter.

"Well. It looks amazing on you, darlin'."

"Thank you." She smiled.

"But it looks even better on the floor." He added with a smirk.

~ISR~Declan~ISR~

After our impromptu love making on the desk, I'd presented Anna with her own key to the apartment. The only difference is, she'd have to use it from the outside entrance and not the front door to the pub.

"So, the alley?" She confirmed.

"Yes, and I do hate it, so if I know yer coming, I'll meet ya, at least at night. Daytime is better as it's not so dark. I just don't trust that someone won't try and hurt ya, darlin'." He expressed.

"You haven't even seen my apartment!" She challenged.

"About tha', I thought after dinner tonight with Libby and Ron, we'd head to yer place for the night." He suggested.

"Really?" She replied, smiling large.

"Yes, for two reasons."

"Only two?" She teased.

I smiled at her sweetly. "One, I think it would be important for yer building security to know me if I come by, and two, no one to interrupt us!" I confirmed.

"I like that plan." She added.

"Diddley-eye." I mumbled, kissing her cheek.

After taking Anna's bag up to the apartment, I headed back down and led her into the kitchen, her hand firmly in mine.

"Hey Decco!" The kitchen staff greeted in chorus. I waved in reply and introduced Anna.

"Hi Anna!" They chorused once more and she giggled at that.

"You ready to make some Coq Au Vin?" I queried, squeezing her hand gently.

She nodded but still seemed unsure. After handing her an apron, I helped her tie it and had to shorten the length around her neck.

"Ye're such a petite thing!" I expressed, kissing the back of her exposed neck, causing her to giggle.

"And I'm wearing heels!" She replied.

"Ye're perfect, Love. I can stand right behind you and still see everything in front of us just fine." I reassured, stepping up behind her and pressing her against the counter to make my point.

I started by explaining what we would be doing first. Last night I combined the chicken pieces with the herbs, and wine so it could marinate.

~ISR~Anna~ISR~

Watching Declan braise the meat and brown it in the skillet was hot. His forearms flexed as he grabbed the skillet handle and shook it over the heat and this one vein in his arm stood out. I suddenly wanted to lick it. To stop myself from being X-rated in the kitchen, I grabbed the open bottle of wine and took a swig and Declan looked at me in surprise.

"Good girl," He praised, a sweet smile on his lips, taking a swig himself. He helped direct me on how and when to add things to the sauce, stirring periodically before it was all put together in a pan. He led me to the oven and I placed the dish in where it would take about thirty minutes to finish.

Libby and Ron were meeting us for 8:00PM and it was almost 7:45PM. Declan directed Eoghan to have it delivered to our table when it was ready, and he nodded in acquiescence. We left the kitchen and met Alec at the bar where he handed Declan a bottle of red wine and two glasses. I held onto the back of Declan's sweater as he weaved us through the crowd to the back booth where a reserved sign sat.

"Slide in, darlin'," Declan directed after he set the bottle on the table. He slid in beside me and shuffled in more as it was horse shoe shaped booth.

"Are ya worried about what he's gonna say?" Declan prodded, pouring us each a glass of Pinot Noir. I nodded as he set the bottle down and rested his hand on my thigh. His legs were spread slightly, so I lifted my legs, hooking them over his right leg. His arm came around my waist, tugging me closer as his head bent down as his lips met mine in a sensual kiss. I hugged his torso and the soft cashmere of his sweater felt hot against my skin. He slipped his hand under my dress and up the inside of my thigh. His fingers toying at the lace of my panties and I moaned into his mouth as his fingers made contact.

~ISR~Libby~ISR~

Ron and I were running late. There was more traffic than we'd expected and our cab was stuck in the middle of it.

"So, this guy, Declan?" he began and I nodded for him to continue. "You say he's really good for Anna?" He posed as we nudged a little further along.

"She's in love with him, Ron. More than I ever saw her with Jeremy." I clarified.

"As long as she's happy and he's not controlling her." He spat.

"Look Ron, please. I know you are good friends with Jeremy and whatever news it is you have yet to share with me, I know it has upset you, but it's not Declan's fault, or Anna's. Her and Jeremy were split for five months before she finally met him." I exercised. "Plus, he was the one who was cheating on her, so don't you dare begrudge her, her happiness!" I admonished.

"I don't mean to. It's just, it's not going to be the four of us anymore." He complained.

"I get that Ron, and it's not like you can't be friends with Jeremy. But don't talk to him about Anna and Declan. It's none of his business and has no right. He let go of her and he fucked up." I retaliated in anger.

"I'm sorry Libby. I'm just worried about him." He apologized.

"I know you are."

"He really treats her well?" He posed.

"Just wait until you see her and how she is with him. She's a different person." I clarified. "And! Ohmigod, I forgot but you cannot tell Jeremy I mean it Ron!" I urged.

"Okay, what?"

"They're engaged."

"But he doesn't have a lot of money does he, how'd he afford that?"

"His mother's Claddagh ring. It does have a diamond that his father added."

"She likes it?"

"It's not the size of the diamond for her Ron, it's the person that gave it to her. Jeremy is the one that thinks she wants the hope diamond."

~ISR~Ron~ISR~

Listening to Libby talk about Anna and her new take on life did surprise me. But when she shared Anna's revelation about not actually being the one in control but being controlled, I have to admit that I thought the same thing. I just never knew how to bring it up. They came across like they were happy.

I was brought out of my musings when we finally arrived at the pub. We paid the cab driver and made our way inside. Libby made a point of telling me to not judge too harshly as she led me to the bar where she spoke to the barman.

"They're at a back table, far wall by the pool tables." I heard him holler.

"Thanks Alec!" Libby replied, pulling me along.

She stopped short in front of me and I looked ahead to see Anna giggling. I hadn't seen her like that in a long time. In fact, I don't remember ever seeing her giggle like that with Jeremy. It was then that I realized my wanting Jeremy better for him and Anna to reunite was completely selfish. It was only a means to an end; in that it would allow for Libby's best friend and mine to keep our little group whole. I smiled to myself as I saw, who I could only assume was Declan, kiss Anna sweetly before pulling back. The look in his eyes as he smiled at her said all I needed to know and suddenly Libby pulled me along, her own smile on her face at my revelation.

"Anna!" Libby greeted.

~ISR~

Libby and Ron joined Anna and Declan at the table, but Anna and Declan remained cuddled together. That was the first thing Ron noticed. That Declan was not afraid of showing his affection for Anna whereas Jeremy was not one for public displays and often would admonish Anna for such things.

Colin delivered the Coq Au Vin and both Ron and Libby looked on in astonishment.

"I can't believe you made this; it looks fantastic." She praised.

They didn't dive into the Jeremy talk just yet. They had small talk and Ron got to know about Declan, his move from Ireland and how he and Anna had met. Once they finished their dinner, Colin cleared away their plates and took any drink orders.

"Should we get into it then?" Anna began, looking to Ron.

"Okay, so before I tell you all the details, I just want to start by saying that Jeremy is okay and is getting the help he needs." Ron explained.

"So, he is sick then?" Declan posed, taking a sip from his whiskey.

"Yes. It happened a few days ago and he's been in hospital since."

Anna tensed at that news. She disliked what Jeremy had been doing but hearing he's in hospital did scare her a little.

"What's wrong with him?" Anna mumbled. Declan reached over and took her hand in his. She squeezed back in thanks for his comfort.

Ron took a deep breath before beginning. "Please don't interrupt, and save questions until the end?" He began and everyone nodded before he continued. "A few days ago, Jeremy was leaving my office after we'd had lunch and a subsequent talk about you, Anna." He directed. "He was only a few steps away when he suddenly collapsed."

Declan heard Anna whimper in fear. "It's okay, Love. Remember, he said he's okay." He comforted.

Ron continued. "He was taken to hospital of course, but they couldn't find anything wrong with him. But I insisted and one doctor listened." He explained, running his hand through his hair. "We started explaining to the doctor how lately, Jeremy's been obsessed with giving things away, money to charities, or anyone that asked and that included bombarding you, Anna, with more than forty bouquets. He kept saying they weren't enough and I know it was more than just trying to win you, there was something else wrong."

"You got over forty bouquets?" Libby mumbled before Ron shushed her.

"If I may?" he posed. Libby realized this was hard for him but she was only trying to lighten the mood. "Sorry." She added, signalling for him to go on.

"Anyway, they did multiple tests, ultrasounds, and he did seem to do better after he'd had some fluids and the other tests had come back with nothing. So, we wanted to test his reasoning as that what seems to be clouded."

"Ya mean his wanting to give things away, that part of his reasoning?" Declan interjected.

"Exactly. I got this idea because the other person next to him in emergency at that time was told they needed a kidney transplant and Jeremy piped up, 'take one of mine'. That concerned me, but with the doctor listening I said to Jeremy, 'Well that's all well and good, but I need a new kidney too, what are we going to do about that?', and the ass says, 'take my other one, I can just go on dialysis, and when I die I can save more lives by giving away more organs'." He concluded.

"Oh, that's definitely not normal, especially for a doctor like him." Declan added.

"Which is what had me worried. Thankfully the doctor agreed that something was going on that regular tests were not finding and it was affecting his brain. So, the doctor tries one more 'test' in regards to his altruism, and Jeremy says he'll give $1 million to the hospital, but a few hours later. Things got worse when Jeremy agreed to another doctor to give away his kidney. He was on the verge of signing paperwork, but we stopped it. He didn't donate it by the way, it was stopped and they thought by then that his altruism was a symptom of what was really going on." Ron took a break.

"I'm sorry you've been dealing with this Ron, but thank you." Anna added.

He nodded before finishing. "They finally discovered after an iodine test, and a bad reaction to it that it was his thyroid and in fact Plummer's Disease. But it wouldn't show up on regular thyroid function tests, and would explain his brain issues with generosity. He had a small nodule that needed to be removed and now that it has been, he's in recovery."

"But this is why he was gifting me all these things, thinking I needed luxury items I didn't want or need?" Anna piped up.

"From what the doctor said, yes. It was affecting his brain, but it will be okay now. It was a confluence of different things. His thyroid, and the Plummer's disease which produced the goiter or nodule that needed removal." Ron expressed in exasperation.

Once all the minor questions were answered and everyone left, Declan led Anna up to his apartment after informing Alec that they were leaving the building for the rest of the night. He packed a few things for her place and he led her out by the apartment door that led down to the street.

~ISR~Anna~ISR~

We were seated in a cab on the way to my apartment but my mind was on Jeremy. I did feel bad for him, for going through what he was, but I wasn't sure how I should deal with it.

"How are ya doin'? After all that information?" Declan posed. My head rested against his shoulder; our hands entwined as the city lights lit up the night sky outside.

"I'm glad he's okay, and that he's not actually having a break but I don't know if…"

"If what love?"

"Do I go see him? I mean, now that we know he wasn't doing it to hurt me."

"I can't answer that for you, sweetheart. It's your choice, and I'm not going to stop you." He added.

"If I did." I began. "If I did," I repeated, ", would you go with me?" I asked, lifting my head to look up at him.

"Course I would, darlin'." He replied as we arrived at my building.

Declan paid the driver and grabbed both our bags in one hand and my hand in the other.

"This is nice, Love." He praised, an adorable smile on his face as he took in the edifice before him.

"Thank you."

Walking into the lobby, the night security officer was on duty and I introduced him to Declan and let him know to tell the others that he was allowed access at any time. Leading him to the elevator bank, we headed up to the eighth floor and I fumbled in my purse for my key. As we walked down the hall, my annoying neighbour, Ashlynn was just leaving hers.

"ANNA!" She hollered annoyingly.

"Ashlynn. Heading out I see?" I commented trying and failing to get my key in the damn lock.

"Yes, and I can see you were already. Nice choice for the night." She stated in a conspiratorial whisper.

"I'm not a one-night stand. I'm her fiancé." Declan announced in annoyance, taking my key and opening the door in two-seconds flat and leaving me with Ashlynn.

"I didn't mean…" Ashlynn stumbled.

"It's fine, it's just, he kind of feels insulted when he thinks someone is disrespecting our relationship, or me, even if unintentional." I tried to alleviate.

"Right. Sorry. You're lucky then." She finished.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, most men wouldn't defend their relationship, they'd keep quiet and let another woman assume they were available." She informed. "Then they'd hook up with said woman." She pointed out.

"I'd better go." I stated and she finally headed to the elevators.

Finally ensconced in my apartment, alone with Declan. I found him in my bedroom, laying back on the bed.

"Your little friend gone?" He queried and I nodded as I walked over, kicking off my heels in the process before lying beside him on the bed.

"So…" I started.

"So…" he echoed. "I wanted to ask you something." He added.

"Well, it can't be to marry you, cuz you've already asked me that." I smiled and he laughed in reply.

"True. But it's related." He clarified, sitting up and pulling me with him.

"Ya know I don't have to live at the pub, right?"

"What are you saying?"

"I hope that ya'll take on the job of re-doing the rooms for me and then I can hire some caretakers for the B&B side of things and then…" He trailed off. "And then, I would really love it if we could move in together." He finished, cupping my cheek sweetly and locking his eyes with mine.

"Here?" I posed.

"We can, or we can find somewhere else but I know ya just moved in here." He stated. I looked down before meeting his eyes again.

"Dec?" I posed and he nodded at me to continue. "Will you move in with me? Here?"

His response was to fuse his lips to mine in a hungry kiss.

"Of course, I will, Love."