Later I was in the kitchen brewing up a fresh batch of coffee wearing one of Murphy's sweaters and a pair of his boxers. I had pulled my hair back and my glasses were sitting on the end of my nose. The radio was playing and I was doing my impression of an Irish jig as I waited for the coffee to heat up.

"Maggie, what are ya doing?"

I spun around to find Murphy leaning against the door in only his jeans, he hadn't zipped or buttoned them so they hung low and loose on his hips. I tilted my head and smiled. He followed my gaze to his jeans. "Don't even think about it woman, ya worn me out already." I rolled my eyes. "Now answer the question."

"I'm doing a jig."

"A jig."

"Yes."

He stepped into the kitchen sat down at the table. "That is without a doubt the worst jig I have ever seen."

I set a mug down in front of him and grabbing the coffee off the stove poured him a cup. "Well, we can't all be Irish now can we?" I placed the pot back on the stove.

"Come here." I took Murphy's offered hand and he pulled me into his lap. The sweater I was wearing slipped off one shoulder and he took great joy in kissing the exposed skin. I was quite content to let him do so. "I love ya Maggie Dane."

"I love you Murphy McManus."

It was at that moment that the front door opened signifying the return of Connor and Da. Connor took one look at us, mumbled something about an apartment with two bedrooms before walking past us and pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Da walked over and cupped my chin in his hands. I felt Murphy's arm around my waist tighten. Da looked me in the eye and asked, "ya sure lass?"

I looked at Murphy and then up at Da. "Never been surer."

"Ya take of her Murphy, understand me?"

Murphy nodded his face serious.

"Right then, I'll see ya boys later." Da gave me a pat on the shoulder. "He gives ya any trouble ya let me know."

"Yes sir."

As soon as the front door closed behind him Connor dropped his mug into the sink with a clang and pointed his finger at Murphy and I. "The two of ya are sleeping on the couch tonight. And tomorrow, we," he directed his gaze at Murphy, "are gonna go search for an apartment with two bedrooms."

I gave Connor my most innocent look. "Whatever are you going on about?"

He gave me a pointed look. "Ya know, I liked ya better when pretended not to like him."

"I think Murphy was right. You need to get fucked." The look on Connor's face was priceless. Murphy buried his face in my neck to muffle his laughter.

"Christ Maggie, ya used to be innocent."

"Yes, but then I got screwed." I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I couldn't help it. Murphy just laughed even harder.

Connor closed his eyes. "Lord, have mercy."

THE END!