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)
“Maybe the chatting will stop now that they are working.”
Finn nodded, frowning over a set of numbers. Then he flipped the screen and rubbed his eyes. “Roman and Luca want to meet to talk about a few things.”
“When?”
“Friday.”
“Okay. Anything in particular?”
“Just an update, I think. It’s been a while since we talked about the regular things.” He stood and clapped me on the shoulder. “It’ll feel good to be back to normal. I’m starving. Let’s get a sandwich.”
I glanced at the screen one more time. “Sure.”
ANNA
Una was a good teacher, and I caught on to the system easily. I observed her and George handle some checkouts and an early arriving guest, and then I stepped in and soon felt comfortable. George went into the office to do some reports, and Una showed me the phone system, how to print reports. She also did some work at the concierge area, leaving me alone at the front desk, and I was proud of myself for remaining calm and handling a few guests on my own. More than once, I glanced at the camera pointed my way, feeling better knowing that Niall was probably watching me.
“Hi!” the familiar singsong voice greeted me.
I glanced up from the manual I was studying, meeting Heidi’s eyes.
“Hi,” I replied.
“How’s your day going?”
“Good. Yours?”
Una came back, smiling at her. “Hello, Heidi.”
She grinned at Una. “Our offer was accepted, so we got the condo.” She smiled. “You’ll be rid of me soon.”
“I’m happy for you,” I murmured, while Una offered her congrats.
“Any chance of an early lunch?”
I shook my head. “We only get half an hour,” I fibbed. I simply couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the hotel for lunch and a walk later. It was simply too much.
A strange look crossed her face, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of anger, but she only shrugged. “Okay. I’m going to grab something and head to the lawyer to sign some paperwork.”
She waved as she walked away. Una looked at me. “We get an hour.”
“I know. It was too much today, and besides, you don’t like her.”
“I don’t dislike her. I don’t know her.”
I shrugged. “Tea and a sandwich by the fire is what I want.”
“Oh, me too.”
“Can we go together?”
“Yes. George and William help each other. Then you and I will do the same.”
“Okay.”
We finished at the front desk and went upstairs and changed. I tugged on my sleeves, trying to fight down my nerves. Niall would be there. So would Finn. No doubt a couple of men behind them. Or in front.
Maybe both.
I shook my head at my nerves. Juan was dead. I was safe.
I simply needed my imagination to remember those facts.
Niall came in, offering me a smile. He cupped my face and kissed me. “I hear you were a star today.”
I smiled and nestled into his chest. “You always smell so good.”
He laughed. “Are you trying to distract me?”
“No, just saying you smell good.” It was true. He wore a cologne that had hints of fresh-cut grass and citrus—it was clean and rich and suited him.
He smiled and kissed me again. “Was it okay?”
“It was good.”
“Ready for the next part?”
I paused. He leaned down, pulling a face. “A short walk. Then, I’ll buy coffee. The fancy, foamy shite you like.”
I started to laugh.
I pressed a kiss to his mouth. “Eegit.”
He laughed. “Ah, the Irish is taking hold. I’ll dose you up again later.”
I moved away. “You’ll have to catch me first.”
His eyes gleamed. “Challenge accepted.”
Niall’s hand tightened on mine as we stepped out of the hotel. It was a nice day, although a bit cool. Perfect for a walk. I felt a tremor run through me as I stepped off the curb and crossed the street. Finn and Una were in front of us, their fingers entwined, walking at a good pace.
I drew in a deep breath as we entered the park. The air felt good on my face, crisp as I took it in. My hand was warm in Niall’s. Around me were the sounds of nature. Birds chirping, the leaves rustling in the breeze. I could hear the muted noises of traffic around the park, but as we walked, it became more distant. I felt my shoulders relaxing, my tension easing away.
I was outside. I had always loved the outdoors, growing up the way I did, surrounded by nature. Working daily in the campground. I had forgotten how much I missed it.
Niall looked down at me. “All right, then?”
I beamed up at him, hugging his arm. “Great.”
He wrapped his arm around my waist, tugging me close. “Great,” he repeated.
We stopped for coffee, Una and I waiting at the table. I wasn’t anxious or nervous, which surprised me, except I could see Tom not far away, and Niall was only steps from my vision.