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)
“That you did, love.”
She grinned, and I glanced over at the clock. It was barely past five. I lifted an eyebrow with a small smirk. “I have another thirty minutes, mo fhiadh beag. Whatever will we do with the extra time?”
“Coffee?” she said, sounding hopeful.
I rolled her over so she was pinned under me. “How about a quick snack, then I’ll make you coffee before I get ready?” I murmured, kissing my way down her neck to her breasts. I took a stiff nipple in my mouth and sucked.
My name from her mouth was a long, slow breath of air. “Sully.”
I took that as a yes.
I looked up as Lloyd came into the office, sliding a coffee onto my desk and handing me a stack of file folders.
“More work. Thanks,” I said sarcastically.
He chuckled. “That’s what happens when you’re the top dog. Everyone wants you.”
I waved him away. “Enough of your blarney.”
He began to leave, and I stopped him. “What is the name of that florist you ordered Bonnie’s flowers from for her birthday?”
“Bows and Petals,” he replied. “But it’s not until May.” He frowned. “You need me to order something?”
“I’ll do it myself.”
He returned to the desk and sat in one of the chairs across from me. “Spill.”
“I need some flowers,” I said. “Go back to work.”
He held up his hand. “First off, I’ve been holding back. Second, you get Agatha in here and don’t tell me why. Third, you’ve been smiling. For no reason. I think I heard you hum yesterday. And fourth, all the lines on your forehead are gone. And now you want the name of a florist. So either you have met someone who has blown your arse out of the water with her fabulousness, or you’re leaving the country and you’re thanking Agatha for helping. And, boss man, it better be number one, ’cause I ain’t working for anyone else in this place.”
With that, he crossed his legs, swinging his foot in vexation.
I studied him. “You list shite off like that to Frank?” I asked, knowing he did. Frank was the calm one in their relationship. Lloyd was all mouthy and demanding. Two things that made me like him even more.
“Yes. And he responds. As you will.” He paused. “Tell me you’re not leaving.”
“I’m not leaving.”
He bent forward, excitement dancing in his eyes. “How fabulous is she, then?”
“So fabulous, I plan on keeping her the rest of my life.”
He slow-blinked. Stood. Sat back down. “When?”
“At the cottage.” I gave a fast, PG version of our meeting.
“And she is going to stay?”
“I think so.”
He smiled. “I’m happy for you.”
“And?” I asked suspiciously. That response was far too tame for Lloyd. Especially given my news.
He stood. “And I wish you every happiness.”
He headed to the door, stopping as he grabbed the handle. “And I know you’ll remember it was me who sent you to the cottage where you met the love of your freaking life. And I also know you’ll remember that the rest of your life and will always be grateful to me for insisting you go. You’ll probably buy me lots of presents to say thank you. Like iPads and new motor scooters and things. And I especially know you’re going to remember that when it’s bonus time and you try to put a price on the fact that I helped create your eternal happiness.”
With that dramatic speech, he exited, leaving me laughing. New scooters. He was obsessed with motor scooters. Then he opened the door again. “And you’ll be only too thrilled to approve extra spring rolls with lunch later. Remember—eternal happiness.” His eyes widened. “Now I have to call Frank with the news! He’ll be thrilled too.”
I stared at the door, amusement making it impossible to get back to the task at hand. I picked up the phone to call the florist.
My eternal happiness had started my day off with a bang. Two, actually, once we were done.
That deserved flowers. Then I had presents to think about. New motor scooters to research. And a bonus.
Apparently, a big one.
AUTUMN
I peered at the forms, filling in the boxes as I read them. There were a lot of questions. I paused, once again thinking of what a huge step this would be.
Giving up my life, the places I knew, that I was familiar with, for a brand-new home. Having to relearn everything. Where to shop. Directions. A new doctor, dentist, coffee shop. The best yoga studio. My favorite pizza spot. Chinese takeaway. How to drive on the opposite side of the road.
I didn’t have a lot of friends, but I was close to a few other women. We met for drinks, dinner. The occasional girls’ weekend. I had office friends too. Friday night drinks. Lunches. Office parties where we hung out as a group.
I would be leaving all of them behind. I would miss them. Miss the familiarity of my life.