Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
He grinned and winked at me. “See something you like, my Una?”
“Maybe.”
He chuckled and sipped his coffee, turning serious. “What happens when we get home?”
I placed my cup on the table. “We get back to life, I suppose.”
“And our lives—they’re entwined now, yes?”
“Yes.”
“You’re certain?”
I rubbed my forehead. “I’m not fighting it anymore, Finn. I realized how much I was hurting us both by denying what we felt. Do I wish you were an accountant or a teacher—something easier, safer? Yes. But you’re not, and I have accepted that.”
He scoffed. “I’d be a bloody awful accountant. And I have zero patience for teaching.”
I laughed. “Just examples of regular jobs. But you’re not, and I know now it doesn’t matter. Telling myself all these years I would never fall for a syndicate man was just noise. The moment I met you, you owned me. I simply didn’t know it yet.”
He nodded slowly. “I did. That was why I stayed away. Gave you a chance to grow up and find a different life, but somehow I always knew you’d be mine.”
He scrubbed his face. “I know you wanted something different, Una.” He leaned back again, regarding me. “But frankly, mo chroí, a regular man would bore you to tears. You hate some aspects of my world, but you love others.” He indicated the room with a wave of his hand. “An accountant couldn’t give you this. Or a place to sing.”
“I know, but those aren’t the reasons I love you.”
His smile was wide. “That’s what makes it all that much sweeter.” Then he winked. “I could act like an accountant for you. Wear an ill-fitting suit and have a pencil tucked behind my ear. Carry a pocket calculator. Talk taxes and budgets.”
I began to laugh, picturing Finn trying to look like an accountant.
“No, I’m good.”
He drained his coffee and stood, holding out his hand.
“Dance with me, Una.”
He wrapped me in his arms, and I nestled against him. It felt so right being in his embrace. His heartbeat was steady under my ear, his scent wrapping around me. We danced well together.
“See how well we fit?” he murmured. “We were made for each other.”
“Hmm,” I agreed.
“I wish we had more time here,” he said regretfully. “But we’ll come back for a longer stay. A happier one, I hope.”
I lifted my head. “Roisin is doing well. She’ll recover. We’ll come spend some time with her and a few nights here.”
He trailed a finger down my cheek. “I hope so.”
“I know so. She is resilient and strong. You and Niall will get her the best care, and she’ll be fine.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Coming. Being with me. Caring for her. Being my light.”
I smiled. “I love you, Finn.”
He lowered his head, pressing a soft kiss to my mouth. “I love you.”
I beamed up at him, drowning in the look on his face. His gaze was tender, his emotions open. His shoulders looked so broad in his tight shirt, and I loved seeing him so relaxed. It was a good look on him. “You are so sexy,” I informed him.
He tipped his chin. “Not half as sexy as you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please. You are muscle and brawn. Hard and fit.” I glanced down. “I’m…” I trailed off. “I’m not.”
“Thank God for that,” he grumbled. “You’re perfect. I love how you feel against me. Soft and welcoming.”
“I’ve always wanted to be tall and willowy,” I confessed. “Slim and elegant. Not short and padded.”
He frowned. “You’re beautiful. I love you exactly the way you are. I don’t want you taller or slimmer. There is so much I love. Your hair, your eyes. Your breasts. And don’t even get me started on your ass.” He tapped the swell of my butt, giving it a quick squeeze. “I love every single thing about you, Una. And you are sexy. So beautiful it makes my chest ache at times.”
I smiled because he believed what he was saying. He thought me beautiful and captivating. “You see me with love,” I said.
“I see you exactly how you are.”
“Thank you.”
I hummed, enjoying the moment. I snuggled closer, smiling as he pressed his lips to my crown. The music drifted into another song, and we didn’t speak, simply moving together to the slow rhythm. As the song ended, he stepped back, looking determined. He lifted my hand and kissed it. “I want you to do something for me.”
“Okay.”
“In the bedroom, there’s something on the bed. I want you to put it on for me.”
“Now?”
He nodded. “Now.”
Mystified, I went down the hall. On the bed was a pink bag—one I recognized from the lingerie shop. I opened it, the tissue paper crinkling as I unveiled Finn’s surprise. I gasped as I saw the pale pink set I had admired earlier. Remembering how Finn had stared at it, I should have known he would purchase it. He had bought more than the items I had chosen, the bags containing many surprises.