Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I accepted the cup, taking a long, appreciative sip. I had read his texts and emails on the train last night, chuckling at his horror and questions if I had even made it as far as Lachlan.
I sat back, shaking my head. “Actually, you deserve a raise. I made it there and had a great weekend.”
Dramatically, he sighed and threw himself into the chair across from me. “Thank God.”
I laughed, both of us knowing I would never fire him. He was far too efficient and did his job well.
He lifted one eyebrow. “How big a raise are we talking?”
“Enough to buy you lunch at your favorite takeaway.” I paused. “And I’ll have combo two.”
He laughed. “I’ll take it. But seriously, everything was okay?”
“Yes. Nothing to do but, ah, relax,” I fibbed lightly. “I ate a lot, slept, and shoveled more snow than I recall seeing in years.”
“Well, you look good. A bit tired, but not exhausted the way you looked when you left. I knew you needed a break.”
There was a reason I looked tired, and her name was Autumn. But I was keeping that information to myself. “And you were right.”
“Always am.”
I waved my hand, dismissing him. “I need more information on these files.” I handed him two folders. “As much background as you can find.”
“On it.”
My phone rang, and I chuckled. It hadn’t taken Bonnie long to ring me. Lloyd stood.
“I’ll get on these right away.”
“Great.”
“I’ll order lunch for twelve. I’m getting extra spring rolls. We can go through your week while we eat.”
“Good plan.”
I picked up my phone. “Bonnie. How’s my favorite cousin?”
“Good God, man, do you ever answer your phone? I’ve been calling all weekend.”
“I left it at the office,” I fibbed. “I got all your messages today. I was going to call as soon as I cleared my desk a little.”
She snorted. “As if you weren’t there on the weekend and probably by six this morning.”
It was odd that I noticed her accent this morning. Heavily Scottish, mixed at times with a touch of Irish. Autumn’s voice was quieter, with a lilt, her accent softer, gentler than either of our brogues.
“I took some time off, actually. Relaxed a bit.”
“Well, thanks to God you didn’t travel. I had a friend at the cottage.”
“I heard that message.”
“Good thing. Lunch? We’ll catch up.”
“Booked already. How about drinks tonight? Say six?”
“Sounds good.”
“Maybe a bite of supper after.”
“I like the sound of that. The Goat?” she asked, choosing our favorite pub.
“Perfect. I’ll see you there.”
She hung up without saying goodbye, which was her usual fashion.
I stared at the phone, then sent a quick text to Autumn.
Meeting Bonnie for drinks at six. Care to join for dinner after if she doesn’t kill me?
Also, you looked far too sexy this morning. I had a hard time leaving and not waking you first.
She replied a moment later.
What if she asks directly? I don’t want to lie to her.
I doubt she will, but if so, then I trust you to tell her what you are comfortable with. Otherwise, I will tell her tonight.
Okay. How will I know if you’re alive?
I laughed.
I’ll let you know when the smoke clears.
I waited as she typed.
Send me info, and I’ll be there. I was so exhausted I didn’t even hear you leave. I love my flower, though.
Good.
And you’re damn sexy yourself, Mr. Black. I wouldn’t have minded being woken up by you.
I’ll remember that.
You do.
Later, mo fhiadh beag.
xx
I stared at the two little kisses for a moment. I couldn’t recall the last time I had used texting to flirt or tease someone. I knew without a doubt the last few women I’d dated never ended a text with x’s. Or were so easygoing by telling me they would meet me somewhere. In fact, the last woman I dated wanted a car service to pick her up every time, even if I was able to drive myself. She liked being chauffeured around. And a pub wouldn’t do—her idea of a casual date was no tuxedos on the waiters. She drained me fast, and we didn’t last long. Autumn was a breath of fresh air for me.
And I had to admit, I was already obsessed.
AUTUMN
I glanced over at the paper flower on my desk. Why I had brought it with me, I didn’t know, but I liked seeing it there. Waking up with Sully gone made me wistful, which seemed strange since we were so new. But somehow, in a few short days, I had gotten used to him being beside me when I woke.
I had sat up in bed, realizing I needed to get ready to head into the office, and noticed the little flower. I picked it up, amazed at the sweet offering, knowing Sully must have made it before he left. It was a romantic, fanciful gesture, and it made my heart flutter. As did the short note he added.