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)
“It partially is,” I counter. “Because you’d typically spend time in New York to see my shows and check in on me. Because you’re really old, and you still think of me as a baby.”
His eyes narrow, and his lips quirk up into a smile he can’t fight off, making me laugh. Making my big brother smile is my favorite thing.
“I’m not fecking old. I also have four resorts in that city,” he reminds me. “So you’re not the only reason to go there.”
I shrug. “You’re right. But now, instead of going home, you come here to check on me. Hey, what’s the investment opportunity you mentioned on the phone?”
My brother shakes his head. “I don’t want to discuss it until I know with certainty that it will happen. I should know soon.”
“So mysterious.” I set my bowl in the sink, and Riley raises his head from his bed in the corner of the room.
I’m not going to tell Connor about Riley’s escapade the other night at the pub. It’ll only make him angry, and he’ll remind me that I should have chosen a different dog.
“Where are you staying? Here? My guest room’s ready for you.”
“I have a place.”
I frown at him. “Where? The resort burned down.” My eyes widen. “Hey, are you going to rebuild the resort? Oh, you absolutely should. That would be bloody brilliant, Connor!”
The ski resort burned down last Thanksgiving, and it’s been empty ever since. The old owners didn’t want to rebuild, so it would make sense that my brother would take on that project. Something like this is what he’s most passionate about. He would rock it.
“I didn’t say I was going to do any of that.”
“I’m not an idiot, you know.”
“I bought a house,” he says, not commenting on my idiot claim.
“You bought a house? Connor Gallagher, you’re going to rebuild that resort, and you’re going to live here while you do it. Just admit it.”
“I love you, a stór.” He kisses me on the head. “I’ll take you out for breakfast in the morning.”
“We’re not done talking about this.”
“Aye, we are. For now.” He winks at me as he grabs his jacket to leave.
“Do you want to take some stew for Miller and anyone else you have with you?”
“They’ve been fed,” he states as he walks through my house. “Sleep well. Change the alarm code.”
“Yes, sir,” I call back after him, and I can hear him chuckle as he closes the door.
Chapter Four
LEWIS
A.K.A. “The Arsehole”
I’ve been out of the country for the better part of a year. It couldn’t be avoided, and I hated every minute that I couldn’t be near my tiny dancer.
My sweet little dancer.
But I’m home now, so I’ll make it up to her. She’ll be so excited to see me. I can picture the way her gorgeous face will light up as she enfolds me into her arms and holds on tight. I can almost feel her delicate fingers in my hair.
I sent flowers this morning to let her know I’m home and will see her soon. Pink roses are her favorite.
I’ll send them to her every day.
Our home will be stuffed with the fragrant, delicate blooms, reminding her how much I adore her.
How perfect she is.
The phone at my elbow vibrates with an incoming call, and I accept.
“Hello, sir, this is Molly at Blooms in Manhattan. I’m sorry to have to tell you that we tried to deliver your order, but we were told that Miss Gallagher is no longer with the New York City Ballet. Would you like us to try to deliver somewhere else?”
I sit back in my desk chair and frown at the windows of my office that look out onto Wall Street. “There must be some mistake.”
“No, sir. I went myself and asked to speak with a manager. I was told the same thing.”
“You keep the flowers for your trouble,” I tell her, then hang up and make a call to the ballet myself.
“New York City Ballet, how can I direct your call?” a woman answers.
“Hello, I was wondering if I could interrupt Skyla Gallagher’s rehearsal for a family emergency?”
“I’m sorry, Skyla hasn’t danced here in quite a while now. God, I hope her family’s okay.”
“Yes, they will be. I just need to reach her. Has she gone to a different dance company in the city?”
She must have switched to a more prominent company. What a brilliant woman my tiny dancer is. I’m so proud of her.
“You know, I’m not sure. I lost touch with her, to be honest. It’s just been really busy around here, you know?”
“I understand completely. Thank you for your help.”
After hanging up, I stand and walk to the windows, shove my hands in my pockets, and frown.
Where is my girl?
She needs me. She couldn’t have coped well without me all this time.