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)
“Oh, thank you!” Then she stuck out her hand. “I’m Heidi.”
Una hesitated, then shook her hand. “Una.”
“What a cool name.”
She turned to me, holding her hand out again. “And you are?”
“Anna.”
She sat back, looking delighted. “Una and Anna! What a great set of names for best friends!”
I tilted my head. “How do you know we’re best friends?”
Heidi laughed. “I could see that immediately. You two are sympatico!” She blew a kiss into the air. The theatrical gesture made me laugh.
“How long are you staying?” Una asked, interested.
“Another ten days or so. I looked around with an agent yesterday to decide on the area. I love the waterfront. Queens Quay, I think it was called?”
“Yes. So, a condo?”
“Oh yes. I’m not into outdoor work, and neither is my husband. He is always too busy, so when he’s home, we like to spend the time having fun, not cutting the grass. And he has always wanted a boat. So, it would be perfect.” She stood.
“I’m starving.” She paused. “I don’t suppose I can persuade you ladies to come with me? I miss my husband, and I hate eating alone. My treat!”
We shook our heads. “Sorry, but we have plans.”
She looked disappointed. “Another day, then.”
Una nodded. “Sounds nice.”
Heidi smiled and waved. “Okay, I’m off. I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you.” She called over her shoulder. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow!”
Una waved, and Heidi left, sailing through the front doors as if she owned the place.
“I wish I had that sort of confidence,” I murmured.
“She is very sure of herself.”
“I wonder what her husband does. She’s about our age. Condos on Queen’s Quay are pricey.”
“They are. I’m sure she’ll tell us all about it when we see her next time.”
“No doubt.”
Una laughed. “She is very friendly.”
“She is,” I mused. “Exotic-looking. And her voice is, ah, different.”
Una giggled. “A bit of a ballbuster, I think.”
“I think you’re right. Lonely too,” I added.
“I wonder if we’ll run into her again,” she murmured.
“I guess we’ll see.”
“Now, enough about her. Let’s spend more of Finn’s money.”
I laughed. “Now there’s a plan.”
The next morning, I sat at the fireplace alone. Una would be joining me soon, but she was trying on some dresses for her show. Niall walked me to the spot, ensured I had some tea, and lingered until I rolled my eyes.
“I’m fine.”
He bent and pressed a kiss to my head. “I know. Indulge me a little.”
“I indulged you plenty last night.”
He lifted my chin and kissed me. “You did.”
I shivered as I thought about us last night. On the sofa, then against the wall. Finally, in his big bed. Everything he did, I liked. Every touch. Every caress. Every angle. Even when he gripped me, I felt his care. It was never too tight. Never too much. And I knew if I ever felt scared, he would stop.
But I was certain that would never happen.
I hadn’t asked him about the Irish term of endearment he used, or that Una had told me what it meant. Instead, my chest warmed a little more every time he uttered it.
“Call me if you need me,” he instructed, kissing me one more time. I watched him stride across the lobby, chatting with a few people, then disappeared around the corner, heading to the elevator. I smiled to myself, wondering how long it would take him to check the monitor.
“Hi again!”
I glanced up, seeing the woman from yesterday. “Hello, Heidi.”
“Oh, you remember me!” She looked pleased as she sat down across from me. Today, her hair was pulled back in a long ponytail, and once again, she was dressed to perfection and slightly intimidating. But her smile was friendly, and she seemed happy to see me.
“Of course.”
She beamed. “My first friend here. Lovely!” Again, I noticed her odd voice. But I chuckled. She was very enthused.
“I wanted to say thanks to you. Joyful was incredible.”
“Good. But it was Una who suggested it. She knows the area well.”
“Oh. Does she live around here?”
“She works here,” I said shortly, not wanting to divulge any more.
“Oh cool. This is a lovely hotel.” She looked around. “Such a warm atmosphere.”
“It is.”
“Do you work here too? Is that how you know each other?”
I hesitated, not wanting to say too much. She was a little forward. “Yes.”
“Work friends are the best. I met my bestie at work. I’m going to miss her.”
“Where are you moving from?” I asked.
“Calgary.”
“Ah.”
A server arrived with a tray of tea for me. I smiled in thanks. Heidi eyed it with longing. “I love tea.”
It felt wrong to pour myself a cup and not offer her one. I did, and she took it, settling back in her chair. I searched for something to say.
“How was your condo hunting yesterday?”
“I saw a couple of places I liked. But my husband is particular. I sent him some pictures.”