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)
“This is good,” I said to Una.
“It is.” She squeezed my fingers. “You have color in your cheeks, and your eyes are happy. I like seeing that.”
“I forgot how much I like it outside.”
“I’ll help you remember.”
“You’re a good friend, Una.”
“Back at you.”
Niall sat beside me, sliding a coffee my way. “I added a shot of caramel.”
I sipped it, enjoying the sweet treat.
We talked about the wedding, their trip, and their plans after. I knew they were staying in the hotel for the time being, and Una planned on learning even more about the business.
“What about after?” I asked.
“After?” she said.
“When it’s time for kids. I know you said you wanted a family. Will you live in the hotel?”
Finn answered. “No. When we’re ready, Una can have the house of her dreams.” He paused. “Or the hotel of her dreams. I’ll stay home and look after the wee ones.”
She stared at him. “What?”
He shrugged. “Whatever you want, Una. If you’re happy, I’m happy. You’ve always wanted your own hotel. If you still do, I’ll make it happen.”
She frowned. “And O’Reilly’s?”
He looked at Niall. “I know the man to run it.”
Niall stiffened beside me.
“Your, ah…” Una hesitated.
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “One day, we’ll discuss all of it. What to leave, what to keep. What works with our life. Like Roman and Luca, there will come a day when we want to walk. To have a different life.”
She gazed up at him. “Really?” she whispered.
“For you. For us. Really.”
She buried her face in his chest, and he pressed a kiss to her head. I felt as if I had just witnessed an incredibly intimate promise between them. Niall tucked me closer, not saying anything, but I could sense his shock at Finn’s words.
After a while, we got up and strolled back to the hotel. There was no rush, no great speed. We stopped on a footbridge, gazing into the water. Finn and Niall were looking up, discussing a huge nest in a tree, and I sidled up beside Una.
“Wow,” I whispered.
She gazed back at me. “Wow is right.”
“Did you know he was thinking that way?”
“Not a clue.” Her gaze skittered toward the men. “Neither, I think, did Niall.”
“You caught that too.” I paused. “They need to talk.”
“They will. They always do, in their own time. They have great respect for each other.”
I nodded.
I had a feeling I needed to talk to Niall.
But we had to be alone.
I was already used to Niall and his comings and goings. I knew my life would never consist of a businessman leaving at eight and coming home at six. The suite always felt empty when he was gone, but I was comforted by the fact that he was in the building handling something. He had promised me to always let me know if he was doing anything else, and I trusted him to keep that promise.
I yawned and glanced up at the clock, seeing it was past ten. He’d been gone longer than usual this time, and I was tired. I got ready for bed, choosing one of Niall’s shirts to wear since it smelled like him and made me feel better. I slid under the soft sheets, opening my book, deciding I would read for a bit.
Except, I woke up two hours later, still alone, my book beside me and the lamp on.
Worried, I slid from bed, hurrying to the living room to get my phone. I stopped in the low light, shocked to see Niall there, sitting in the chair, a glass of whiskey in his hands. He was hunched forward, his head bowed, looking as if the weight of the world were on his shoulders.
I rushed to him, dropping to my knees in front of him. “Niall, are you all right?” I whispered, my throat thick. “I waited and waited, but I fell asleep. What’s wrong?”
He looked up, studying me. He reached out, running a finger down my cheek. “I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.”
“As long as you’re okay, it’s fine.” I cupped his cheek, and he leaned into my touch with a long sigh.
“Are you okay?”
He pressed his glass to my lips, and I took a small sip. I tried not to grimace as the dark whiskey slid down my throat. I wasn’t much of a drinker, and he liked it neat. I found it strong, although I enjoyed its flavor when he pressed his tongue to mine.
He smiled and tossed back the rest of the whiskey, setting down his glass. He bent, wrapping his hands around my waist and lifting me to his lap. I straddled him, noting he seemed calm but upset. Or anxious? I wasn’t sure. I cradled his face between my palms. “What is it, Niall?”
“I’ve kept you waiting in a different way. I’ve been holding back.”