Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
I heard her moving around, and she joined me at the table. Her hair was damp and pulled back from her face, highlighting the delicate line of her throat.
She was unlike any other woman I had ever been with. My mum always called herself a “hearty Irish woman.” She was fairly tall and sturdy. Her hair was a dark brown, her eyes a verdant green. All the women I had ever dated were much the same. Dark-haired. Taller, curvy. Sure of themselves and capable.
Anna was the exact opposite. Light-haired, dark-eyed, and short. She was quieter. Almost timid at times, although last night, she had shown me a flash of anger I hadn’t expected.
I found myself marveling at how tiny she was, yet how well matched we had been last night. She fit me perfectly, her height and weight not an issue as I had wondered. I had enjoyed discovering every inch of her. And I wanted to explore her even more.
I shook my head at the odd thoughts.
“Morning,” I greeted her, trying not to stare.
“Hello,” she replied, sounding almost bashful.
“I got you tea.”
“Thank you.”
I studied her, making sure she didn’t appear in pain. “How are you?” I asked quietly.
She looked up, our eyes meeting. Her gaze was shy, sweet, but calm. Peaceful. I saw no regret there, and I sighed in relief.
“I’m good.”
Unable to resist, I lifted her hand and kissed it. “You’re more than good.” I nipped the end of a finger. “You were, are, incredible.”
Her cheeks colored a little, but her gaze didn’t falter. “Same to you.”
I indicated the food on the table. “You should eat.”
She pushed up the sleeve of her sweater before reaching for some toast. The top was a pretty pink color. She wore it over a flowered blouse and a pair of ivory pants. I frowned as I ate my eggs, searching my memory. She had never worn that outfit before. I glanced at her feet, seeing shoes that were definitely new.
“You look very pretty today. Did Una loan you some clothes?” I asked.
She looked down, swallowing her bite of toast. “No.”
“Where did they come from?”
“The boutique downstairs. Apparently Finn insisted Una take me to get a few things.”
I gripped my mug with more force than needed, some of the hot liquid sloshing over the top.
“Finn bought you that outfit?”
“I suppose. He and Una. She helped me pick it out. I said no, but she said Finn wanted to do it.” She pinched the hem of the sweater between her fingers. “It’s so soft. And she was right. I needed another outfit. I borrowed the dress I wore to the funeral, and otherwise, I only had the leggings and shirts you’d bought me. She told me I get a uniform once I start next week, so that helps.”
I stood, flinging my napkin to the table, the conversation I planned on having with her no longer important. “I’ll be right back. Finish your breakfast, and then we’re going out.”
“Out?” She frowned. “I was going to go visit with Una again. Where?”
“Shopping,” I said as I walked out the door.
I found Finn in the office. He looked up as I walked in.
“You need me for the next while?” I asked through tight lips.
He sat back in his chair, an amused expression on his face. “I can do without you for a few hours. Why?”
I leaned on the desk, meeting his gaze, speaking slowly. “If Anna needs clothes, I will buy them.”
He waved his hand. “It was a thank-you. Una mentioned she had loaned Anna a dress, and I realized how little she must have.”
“And I will take care of it. Charge my card for the items you bought her yesterday.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Charge. My. Card.”
His lips twitched. “Am I allowed to offer you the same discount, or will you punch me out for it?” He indicated my fisted hand on his desk. “You wanna take a swing at me anyway?”
I narrowed my gaze. He was amused. His eyes were dancing, and he was relaxed.
“I don’t care. But I pay for them.”
“Noted.” His grin became wider. “Una has decided she wants to sing this weekend. I’m inviting Roman, Aldo, and Luca, plus their better halves, to join us. And you and Anna.” He paused. “You might want a new dress for her.”
“I’ll add it to the list.”
“And I asked Una to marry me. I was hoping you would stand up for me.”
I straightened. “What?”
He nodded, his good mood explained. “You heard me.”
“She said yes?” I asked jokingly.
He laughed. “Surprisingly, there were no objections.”
“Congratulations.”
“You might want a new tux for the occasion. I think Una is going to ask Anna to stand up for her. She’ll need a dress for that.” He paused. “And we, as a couple, would like to purchase those items, as our thank-you.”
I sat down and my shoulders slumped. “I apologize, Finn.”