Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“Talk to me, baby. What’s wrong? What do you need?”
I tip my forehead against his sternum and close my eyes. What do you need? This man is incredible. “I don’t know why I’m anxious, other than I haven’t traveled since I moved here last year, and you’re going to meet my family, and what if you don’t like them?”
“What if they don’t like me?”
I tip my head back and frown up at him as if that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. “Well, that’s ridiculous. They’re going to love you.”
“Then there’s no problem.” He smiles and frames my face in those big hands before sealing his lips to mine again, and I whimper against his mouth. “I wish we had time for me to bend you over that bed.”
“You were inside me less than an hour ago.”
“Too long.” He rubs his nose against mine as he trails his hands down my back, sending a shiver through me. “What else are you worried about, baby?”
“Riley.” I bite my lip and glance over at the dog, who’s watching us. “My mother’s assistant is joining us, and during the fundraiser itself, she’ll stay at the hotel with Riley, but I hate leaving him with a stranger.”
“He’s going to be great, Irish. But if you freak out, he will, too. You know that. I have no doubt he’ll be just fine with your mom’s assistant. If it bothers you that much to leave him, we’ll take him to dinner with us.”
I frown and shake my head. “No, he’ll stay back. It’s too many people for him, but I love that you suggested it. Thank you.”
Beck’s hands and his deep voice have soothed me, and I take a deep breath, then let it out slowly.
“Okay, you’re right. I have everything I need. Ma’s bringing my fancy dress with her, so I don’t have anything else to pack.”
“Good.” He zips up my suitcase and carries it to the front door just as Miller pulls to a stop in the driveway. “He has the code to your gate?”
“He does, aye. Connor comes and goes from here as he pleases, and Miller is his driver and personal security.”
Beckett nods and opens the door, then carries our suitcases out to Miller, who’s already standing at the back of the vehicle, ready to load our things. The two men shake hands and nod at each other. Miller’s a massive man—bigger than Beckett—and that’s saying a lot, given how tall and broad my man is. Miller can be intimidating, which is the whole point, I suppose, but he’s always been kind to me, and I feel safe with him.
After grabbing Riley’s things, I lock the house, set the alarm, and we all pile into the giant SUV.
“How are you, Miller?” I ask as he pulls away from the house.
“I’m fine, miss. And yourself?”
“I’m well, thank you. How is my family? Everyone okay, then?”
Miller glances over at me. I’m in the passenger seat, and my two big boys are in the back.
“Everyone seems to be just fine.”
Beckett leans forward, and his hand is suddenly on my shoulder, grounding me. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m so out of sorts today. I want to see my family, and I’m content with introducing them to Beckett. I think they’ll like each other. So that’s not what’s bothering me about this trip.
I’m not a nervous flier. And although I don’t love that Riley will be alone with a stranger for part of tonight, I know he’ll be safe with Sally, Ma’s assistant. I like her very much.
There’s no good reason for my anxiety, but I can’t seem to calm myself down.
Miller drives onto a back road at the airport, then onto the tarmac, where the family jet awaits us with the door open.
“I’ll get your things,” Miller says with a nod, and before we get onto the plane, I join Beckett and Riley at the front of the car.
Beck holds his hand out, and I slide my palm into his.
“It’s going to be great,” he says with an encouraging smile, and I lead him to the steps that Riley’s already taken onto the plane.
“Good boy,” Connor says as I step inside. My eyes scan everyone, and the anxiety is already lifting as I see my family. Then my gaze lands on a smiling, smug face that makes my heart explode.
“Mik!” I run into my partner’s arms, and he lifts me off the ground, turning a circle as he hugs me close. “You’re here! What are you doing here? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming along?”
“Surprise, malishka,” he says into my ear as my eyes fill with happy tears. “It has been too many months.”
“And who is this, then?” Ma asks, and I pull away from Mik to introduce everyone to Beckett. “It’s a handsome guest you have here, a stór.”