Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
“Funny, I think you just described yourself.”
She turns to me with a half smile. “How long have you owned it?”
“About ten years. I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep it.”
“Why?”
“I’m never here. I haven’t been here in months. If I do come to Manhattan, there are four resorts, with another on the way, that I own and can stay in.”
She nods slowly, and I move to the dining table.
“This is your new computer,” I inform her.
“Wait. What?” Billie marches over and opens the laptop, then spins to pin me with a shocked stare when it’s exactly as her old one was. “How did you do that?”
Gliding my hand around her waist, I tug her to me. “You’re cute.”
“Seriously, Connor, how did you get me a new computer and get it already set up for me? We’ve been asleep on an airplane.”
“I know people, bumble. Now, are you hungry?”
“Holy shit,” she whispers, her fingertips ghosting over the gleaming keys. “Yeah, I’m hungry.”
“What would you like? The fridge and pantry are stocked, but we can also order something in if you want.”
“After midnight?”
I grin at her again.
“We’re not in Montana anymore,” she says.
“No, we’re not. We can get food any hour of the day. What’ll it be? There’s a good pizza place around the corner.”
“That sounds good,” she says, kicking off her shoes. My shoulders relax. If Billie’s kicking off her shoes, that means she’s comfortable. “I need a shower and comfies. I’m stealing your clothes tonight.”
“Come, I’ll show you the primary suite, and then I’ll order while you’re getting cozy.” With her hand in mine, I point out the kitchen, a laundry space, my office, a media room, two guest rooms, and then we make it to the stairway.
“Jesus, billionaire, I’m going to need a map for this place.”
“It’s not that big.”
She snorts and hangs on to the bottom of my shirt as I climb the stairs ahead of her.
“Another guest room is up here as well as the primary suite.”
When I lead her into the bedroom, she gasps.
“Holy shit, the view.” She crosses to the windows that look out onto Manhattan. “This is incredible, Connor.”
“It was that view that sold me on it,” I agree. “I like seeing you here, in this spot, mo rúnsearc.”
She turns to look at me. “How many—”
“None.” I saunter to her and drag my thumb over her lower lip. “Just you. You’re the only woman, besides my sister and the housekeeper, who’ve been here.”
“I shouldn’t have asked.”
Closing the gap between us, I palm the back of her neck and lower my lips to hers, brushing them back and forth twice. “You can ask anything.”
She swallows, watching my gaze.
“Connor?”
“Aye, Billie.”
“How did you get that computer here like that?”
“I have a security and tech specialist in the building, and they handled it. Former CIA.”
She blinks twice, then leans her forehead against my sternum.
“I think I ask too many questions.”
“Never.” I kiss her forehead and lead her to the en suite. “Everything you need is in here.”
“Why did I bother bringing my bathroom stuff if you already had it brought in for me?”
“You didn’t ask me if you should pack it,” I remind her. “I have no idea what’s in your many suitcases.”
Her favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even the razor she prefers are in my walk-in shower.
“Do you have elves?” she asks, then gasps when she opens a drawer at the vanity and discovers her skin care regimen, all waiting for her. Another drawer reveals the makeup she uses the most. “Jesus, Connor.”
“What? Did they get the wrong thing?”
“No.” With her eyes wide, she turns to stare at me. “This cost a fortune.”
I boost her up onto the vanity and lean my palms on the marble, stepping between her legs so I can crowd her.
“It’s nothing to me.”
“It’s not nothing to me,” she whispers and glides her fingers up my chest to my face. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll find the same setup in Ireland.”
She frowns. “Connor—”
“No arguing.” I kiss her lips softly, still not touching her. “I need you to be at home. I need you to be comfortable.”
“Why?” she whispers against my lips.
Because I love you, and you’ve become my world, mo rúnsearc.
But given she’s overwhelmed by the largesse of my life, I’m waiting to tell her that.
“Because I need you with me.” After one more kiss, I back away. “Have your shower. Fresh towels are over there on the warming rack. I’ll set some clothes on the bed for you.”
“Thank you.”
Before I can leave the room, she hops down and rushes over to wrap her arms around me.
“Thank you,” she says again, and I plant my lips on her head.
“You’re more than welcome. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
“I think you already thought of everything.”
“That was the goal. Get cozy, and I’ll order some food.”